Poetry,

Tuapeka Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1682, 12 April 1890, Page 3 (Supplement)

Poetry,

The Last Memory.

The windows are darkened, and dim is my sight In the gathering twilight of age ; And now I can scarce read the story aright That is written on memory's page ; Though all of life's visions are vanishing fast, One shines like a star in its place ; In the gloom that the present throws over the past, I remember my mother's sweet face. I pray that my sad heart this treasure may save Till my soul is released from its strife ; Each year comoth on like a conquering wave, Sweeping over the waters of life. Resistless and mighty, from deep unto deep Eternity's flood moves apace ; ' - Tnough its tide hurries all to oblivion's sleep, , % I remember my mother's sweet face. Be patient. God knoweth what ripens the grain And when it is ready to reap ;' D >wn into my heart mercy falleth like rain To quicken the seeda that are deep. The lessons of patience, the stories, the prayers That I learned in my mother's embrace, Would long since have grown to a harvest of tares Had I failed to remember her face. I listen and wait in the shadows that fall - O'er the deep on eternity's shore. But out of the stillness I hear a voice call That sounds like an echo of yore. Through the watches of night I shall not be alone, Nor afraid of the dawning of grace : Though all else I loved into darkness has flown, I remember my mother's sweet face.