Reflecting on Farewells and Moving Forward 🌅

Was the parting very bitter? <br />Was the hand clasped very tight? <br />Is a storm of tear-drops falling <br />From a face all sad and white? <br />Think not of it, in the future, <br />Calmer, fairer days are nigh-- <br />Gaze not backward, but look onward <br />For a sunny 'by and by.' <br /> <br />Was the priceless love you lavished, <br />Sought for, played with, and then slain? <br />Were its crushed and quivering remnants <br />Calmly thrown you back again? <br />Calmly, too, those remnants gather, <br />Bring them home without a sigh; <br />Sweet returns they yet shall bring you <br />In the coming 'by and by.' <br /> <br />Are the eyelids very heavy? <br />Does the tired head long for rest? <br />Are the temples hot and throbbing, <br />And the hands together pressed? <br />Hope shall lay you on her bosom, <br />Cool the poor lips parched and dry, <br />And shall whisper, 'Rest is coming-- <br />Rest forever, 'by and by.' <br /> <br />And when calmed and cheered and freshened <br />By her soul-inspiring voice, <br />Then look up, the heavens are brightening-- <br />Cease your wailing and rejoice. <br />Cry not for the days departed, <br />None wil hear you, none reply; <br />But look up where light is breaking <br />O'er a brighter 'by and by.'<br /><br />Anonymous Americas<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/by-and-by-4/