Poems (Helen Jenkins)/To Vernon
TO VERNON.On the eve of his departure for Poughkeepsie.
Dost know, my boy, how sad will be
My heart, when thou art gone from me?
How, day and night, I'll think of thee?
My heart, when thou art gone from me?
How, day and night, I'll think of thee?
How I shall miss thee, everywhere!
And every thought will be a prayer
That God will keep thee in His care.
And every thought will be a prayer
That God will keep thee in His care.
His love alone surpasseth mine,
All-holy, infinite, divine,—
A treasure which is always thine.
All-holy, infinite, divine,—
A treasure which is always thine.
O, think of this, where'er you go,—
The Father's love doth overflow
All bounds and barriers here below.
The Father's love doth overflow
All bounds and barriers here below.
Then firmly grasp His loving hand.
Whate'er betide thee, firmly stand;
To do the right, is brave and grand.
Whate'er betide thee, firmly stand;
To do the right, is brave and grand.
O God. Thou knowest all our need!
The path of life is rough, indeed;
And oft our wayworn feet must bleed.
The path of life is rough, indeed;
And oft our wayworn feet must bleed.
Watch over him, our precious boy!
O, never may his hand destroy
Life's brightest hopes, earth's sweetest joy!
O, never may his hand destroy
Life's brightest hopes, earth's sweetest joy!
Thy hand alone canst safely guide
His barque upon life's ocean wide,
Now launching on a sunlit tide.
His barque upon life's ocean wide,
Now launching on a sunlit tide.