Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882). Complete Poetical Works. 1893.
The Seaside and the FiresideBy the Fireside. The Open Window
T
Stood silent in the shade,
And on the gravelled pathway
The light and shadow played.
Wide open to the air;
But the faces of the children,
They were no longer there.
Was standing by the door;
He looked for his little playmates,
Who would return no more.
They played not in the hall;
But shadow, and silence, and sadness
Were hanging over all.
With sweet, familiar tone;
But the voices of the children
Will be heard in dreams alone!
He could not understand
Why closer in mine, ah! closer,
I pressed his warm, soft hand!