Recollection

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IN our store of recollection, in our book of life's short day,
     We may find sonic fond remembrance growing sweeter
     down the way;
Some fond face, some cheerful study, lifting every cloud of
     gloom ;
Radiance, the cherished motto, framed and part of every
     room ;
But about that picture hover, leaves to wither and repose,
But the rainbow kisses gently, dewdrops on each earth-born
     rose;
Dewdrops from a sky of crystal, studded with the gems of
     light
Beam at dawn when from the shadow they have vanished
     with the night.

Heart as lovely as the flowers touched with heaven's sweetest
     dews,
Variegated as the rainbow, which we know by changeless
     hues;
With a beam which lifts the shadow, cheerful, morning, noon
      or night
Constant as the sun at noonday in the principles of right;
Such an one was our good fortune years agone to gladly meet;
Such an one has crossed the river, to her sweet and peaceful
     sleep;
Well she served her short probation, true she won the crown-
     ing prize
And upon Life's sands her footprints ever are before our eyes.

Cheerful heart, we hear the echo of your voice so sweet and
     free;

Even as the birds in spring-time, drifting in where'er we be,
And their echo carries thither, accents vivid from the scroll,
Aye the phonograph, dispensing cheerful thoughts from
     happy soul--
They are from our good friend Jennie, just across the Great
     Divide,
Yet we hear her quite as clearly, as if closely at our side.
Loving thoughts and sweet remembrance, as the years go
     rushing by.
Hopeful life, your day soon ended, just a transient sad good-
     by.
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