I took up the burden of life anew When she, the pure-hearted, died; When the golden cord was rent in twain, And she faded from my side. When the eyes grew dim that were wont to glow With the holy light of love, And the spirit, freed from earthly care, Sped to its rest above.
Oh, the dreary days! Oh, the weary nights! Oh, the anguish, who can tell? When the light of my life went swiftly out, And the shadow athwart me fell. For the wound was deep, and the woe was great, And its poignancy will blight All the onward course of my future years, Till my faith be turned to sight.