I've dreamed of such a being,
With just such glorious eyes,
Where a shoreless sea of meaning
Forever hidden lies.
I have dreamed of such a forehead,
So broad, and marble fair,
With just such loving tresses
Of clinging, clustering hair.
And when I've dreamed of angels,
The bright, and the divine,
I've seen the sweet expression,
And a smile like unto thine.
But as I gaze so sadly
Upon each pictured grace,
I feel that I'm not dreaming
When looking on thy face.
You came to us in beauty,
Our frail and cherished flower,
Just lingered till we loved thee--
Then died in autumn's hour.
But still the gentle presence
That we fondly called our own,
Is loved and wept as sadly
As when she first went home.
