Stanzas

Written on a Wyoming mountain top

How still is the hour!
As numbingly the shades of darkness creep,
Passionlessly upon each nodding flower
The night-dews weep.

The lone breeze that wanders
Now fondles the forlorn clouds in the sky,
Now teases at the tree-tops, as it ponders
Its course, ere it die.

My heart on thy breast
Will wander with thee, passing evening breeze!
Until thou tire out, and take thy rest
In southern seas:

Ah! there it will be,
Till it be treasured in a softer breast; –
Oahu! all my heart has gone to thee,
Isle of the blest.

Be pleasant to her, –
The loveliest and dearest on thy shore:
Care fondly for my darling Jennifer,
Whom I adore.

Remember me here,
And know my heart and hopes are with thee, Jen:
I trust the heart that one time held me dear
Will change again;

When hearts have once loved,
Love cannot be forever left unsaid;
Through storms of doubt it will remain unmoved,
When God has led:

So Joy! shed thy graces
Upon each jutting crag and modest cove;
Embrace the dear, dear isle that embraces
Her whom I love.

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