Departed Friends

The dead friends live and always will;

Their presence hovers round us still.

It seems to me they come to share

Each joy or sorrow that we bear.

Among the living I can feel

The sweet departed spirits steal,

And whether it be weal or woe,

I walk with those I used to know.

I can recall them to my side

Whenever I am struggle-tried;

I've but to wish for them, and they

Come trooping gayly down the way,

And I can tell to them my grief

And from their presence find relief.

In sacred memories below

Still live the friends of long ago.