If not from the mind, may the gift have a charm
At least from the heart, of the giver;
Who, if he could shield, as he loves thee, from harm,
Would render thy "peace as a river: "*
A river whose waters all tranquilly flow,
Just sparkling with heaven-wrought motion,
Until, with transition both gentle and slow,
They expand in the fathomless ocean.
But the giver is feeble for this as the gift!
As feeble as when thou didst bless him,
Embraced in that arm which so loved to uplift,
And fondle, and soothe, and caress him :
But O! there is One who is mighty to keep,
And tender and kind as none other,
May He guard thee, till, peacefully falling asleep,
Thou awakest in heaven-my Mother!