University of Virginia Library


140

II.
HEAVEN AND HELL

I woke, having dreamed that I was left alone,
And timidly outstretched a searching hand
And searching eyes,—but felt that I was fanned
By the breath of morning, and a silver tone
Came sweet to reassure me.—Ah! mine own,
What a reaction had God's genius planned!
What an uplifting from the murky land
Into green meadows softly overblown!
And then I knew the difference was this,—
Just this swift difference and nothing more,—
Between hell's horror and the silver shore
Of heaven; even that between the bliss
Of being loved and lips I thought no kiss
Would ever teach to wonder and adore.
1871.