Augustin S. Macdonald, comp. A Collection of Verse by California Poets. 1914.
By Stephen C. MassettTo My Mother
M
From the far-off fields of light—
Canst thou in spirit come again,
And bless me with thy sight?
Oh! I can see thee, when these eyes
Are closed in balmy sleep;
And reveling in happy dreams
We sweet communion keep!
Has been but as a dream,
Yet often have I yearned for thee,
As sailing down its stream,
Fond memory brings thee back again,
As thou wert once to me:
When nestled in thy arms I lay,
Or crept upon thy knee!
From which there is no waking,
And felt as I then gazed on thee
My very heart was breaking;
Oh! can it be, that in that land,
Where there is no more pain,
We may once more united be,
Never to part again?
And be as we have been—
And shall I see thee on me smile,
As I have sometimes seen?
Oh God! if this it is to meet
In Heaven’s own land of light,
Illume my path—direct my feet,
And guide my steps aright!