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Show THE PARTING WITH A FRIEND In Honor of Joseph A. Wood, perhaps the eldest early pioneer For tho pangs that lie in parting with my friend of many years Could my saddened heart find solace as a woman docs in tears. Could I know thnt in the future ho from want would be secure, And could I feel tlu.t ho had comfort with his absence could endure, Tho' no place so utter cherless as my lonely home has been. He will find a hearty welcome should ho o'er return again. Proud his great undaunted spirit tho' in need courageous stilh Though tho stress of deep misfortune, bearing pain with stoic will. Drivon by perverse conditions moro a chattel than tho slave, To achiove Is his ambition, heedless of the yawning grave, Eighty years of strenuous struggle, struggling still because ho must, Feeble limbed and dim of vision, oh! 'tis cruel and unjust. Shameless oft devoid of pity is our ttcatment of tho brave Tho' their lives woro spent in winning space of which they did not save. You who sleep in fenrlcss slumber, dreaming peaceful when at rest, Think of thoso now few in numbor, aged wanderers distressed, Facing dnngcr in their vigor, quelling hero tho lurking foe Now alone in perfect safety every where your children go. See their mirth and hear their laughter .objects of your love and pride, Children that he, tho' twice wedded, was such happiness denied; Mourning each as death has claimed them, took them to their homo on high. While ho sadly with us lingers and doth often wonder why. Seeming by his friends forsaken now that ho has naught to give, Through no fault Eavo generous goodness; little docs he enro to live. States permitting thoso to suffer who attended at their birth, Surely cannot hopo to prosper thus tho whilo ignoring worth. Tho' monuments rise in mem'ry works of art in bronze or stone Cnn they banish present sorrow or neglect in age atono? Then show him thnt deeds, of valor were not wrought by him in vain By substantial acts of kindness mnko him happy onco ngain. |
