A Song.

By Annie Fellows Johnston

THERE will be distant journeyings enough

To reach that Land beyond the ether's sea,

To satisfy the veriest roaming heart,—

Let me stay home with thee!

There will be new companionships enough

In that bright spirit-life. Why should we flee

So soon to alien hearts and stranger scenes?

I would stay home with thee.

The heart grows homesick, thinking of the change

When these familiar things no more shall be;

When e'en the thought of them, perchance, shall fade,—

Let me stay home with thee.

I would imprint upon my mind each scene,

Each meadow path, and stream, and orchard-tree,

Beloved since childhood, holy with our hopes,

Sweet with the thoughts of thee.

And each dear household place, let me learn all

By heart, where I am wont thy form to see.

Who knows what things shall pass? If I may share

A hearth in heaven with thee?