"God Bless You"

"God Bless You"

I've listened to the cold farewell,

The careless, short good bye,

When not a tear of sadness fell,

Or tributary sigh.

I've felt the pressure of the hand

At parting, 'gainst mine own, -

The serving of a happy band

That long on love had grown:

But never did they wake the thought
Thy sweet 'God bless you' fondly brought

It asketh for a mightier Power,

To guard the loved one here,

When, in the dreary tempest hour,

Thou art not nigh to cheer;

A firm reliance on his care

Who rules above the sky;

A trustingness that looks to share

The watching of his eye;

A hope that they who love thee well
May in his favor brightly dwell.

'God bless you!' in long after years

I'll hold it to my heart,

And check the quick and bitter tears

That from its fountains start.

I'll merit, with a soul-breathed prayer,

In trusting fervor given,

That great, almighty, watchful care,

Which thou hast called from heaven;

And, as I breathe it to the skies,
Thy sweet 'God bless you' shall arise.

C.H. Waterman (Catherine H. Waterman)

New Series 2:10, p. 40

1841.05.08