BEYOND.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 6, 6 February 1892, Page 130

BEYOND.

Look at that dear old lady, In kerchief and in cap, Her snow-white hair just peeping out, Her glasses in her lap ; A far-off look in her dim blue eyes After her morning nap. * Yes, I’m ninety, sir, just ninety,’ She says in her childish glee. • I hope your folks at home are well. Where’er your home may be ; I think I’ve seen your face before ; Do you remember me ?’ ‘ Yes, mother—don’t you know me, Your boy, the last but one? My home is just across the way, Facing the setting sun ; And I’ve seen you ev’ry day, mother, Almost, since life begun. The dear old face looks doubtful, The aged lips move slow— A faint spark lights the dim, blue eyes, L’nder the hair of snow. ‘ If you are John, my second son, Pray tell me where is Joe ?’ ‘ Dead, mother—dead and buried This many and many a year. You know that you were his nurse, mother, And would have no stranger near ? We used to talk of his kind deeds In the twilight, mother, dear.’ ‘No.’ Feeble mem’ry flickers, Then dies, and in its place There comes a glow—not of this world — Into the dear old face. The light of ]>eace—eternal, sure, Born of a life long grace.