nellibell49
POEM: TO A LADY, ON HER BIRTHDAY
TO A LADY, ON HER BIRTHDAY
Lady, I wish thee happiness
On this thy natal day;
May peace and calm serenity
Forever with thee stay.
I’ll ask old Time as he steals past,
Relentless though he be,
To touch thee lightly, and to deal
Most tenderly with thee.
I’ll ask the days as they go on
To their eternal rest,
To leave behind them, just for thee,
Those things you love the best.
I’ll ask the hours, as they trip by,
If any gift there be
Among their treasures that is choice,
To leave that gift for thee.
And if there be a secret wish
Close hidden in thy breast,
I’ll ask to have that wish fulfilled,
And given with the rest.
May flowers of grace, and blooms of love
From amaranthine bowers,
Be culled for thee, and on thee fall
In soft ambrosial showers.
Now may that peace which passeth all
We here can comprehend,
Be with thee, and remain with thee,
When all birthdays shall end.
(Illawarra Mercury, April 24, 1884)
