PAEANS

Oh! I will hold fast to Joy!

I will not let him depart —

He shall close his beautiful rainbow wings

And sing his song in my heart.

And I will live with Delight!

I will know what the children know

When they dance along with the April wind

To find where the catkins grow!

I will dream the old, old dreams,

And look for pixie and fay

In shadowy woods — and out on the hills —

As we did but yesterday.

Love I will keep in my soul —

Ay! even by lock and key!

There is nothing to fear in all of the world

If Love will but stay with me.

No, I will not let Faith go!

I will say with my latest breath —

I know there's a new and radiant road

On the other side of Death.