THE RIDE OF THE SHADOWS

Behind the pines, when sunset gleams,

The white gates of the Land of Dreams

Stand open wide,

And all adown the golden road

That leads from that most blest abode

The shadows ride,

Who in the light of common day

May now no more abide.

They leave their meads of asphodel,

The starry spaces where they dwell,

Where quiet lies:

They leave their windless, glassy sea,

The angel songs and melody

Of Paradise,

To walk again the old-time way

Once dear to mortal eyes.

With beating heart I watch them ride

Across the gathering shades that hide

That country bright;

The faces that I loved of yore,

Eyes that shall smile on me no more

With mortal light;

Shadows of all good things and fair

Come from the past to-night.

So, when the dying sunset gleams

Behind the hills, the Gate of Dreams

Stands open wide;

And all along the golden road

From those fair mansions of their God

Where they abide —

Dear memories of the days that were —

I see the shadows ride.