Bereavement

Nay, weep not, dearest, though the child be dead,
He lives again in heaven's unclouded life,
With other angels that have early fled
From these dark scenes of sorrow, sin, and strife;
Nay, weep not, dearest, though thy yearning love
Would fondly keep for earth its fairest flowers,
And e'en deny to brighter realms above
The few that deck this dreary world of ours:
Though much it seems a wonder and a wo
That one so loved should be so early lost —
And hallow'd tears may unforbidden flow,
To mourn the blossom that we cherish'd most —
Yet all is well: God's good design I see,
That where our treasure is, our hearts may be!