Walla Walla Statesman

By-and-Bye.
Was the parting very bitter ?
Was the hand-clasp very tight?
In a storm of tear-drops falling
From a face all sad and white!
Think not of it, in the future
Calmer, fairer days are nigh;
Gaze not backward, but look onward
For a sunny "bye-and-bye."
Were fond whispered words too cherished:
Was the touch of lips too sweet ?
Are two souls once linked together
Never, never more to meet!
Never here, earth's poor, vain passion
Slowly simmering out must die,
But its ashes shall return you
Something purer—"bye-and-bye."
Was the priceless love you lavished
Sought for, played with, and then slain
Were its echoes and quiv'ring remnants
Calmly thrown you back again !
Calmly, too, the remnants gather,
Bring them home without a sigh,
Sweet returns they yet shall bring you
In a coming "bye-and-bye."
Is your frail boat tempest-battered,
With its sails all torn and wet,
Crossing o'er a waste of waters,
O'er which your sun has set?
To the shore all calm and sunlit.
To the smooth and warm and dry?
Faith shall bear your shattered vessel
Safely, surely, "bye-and-bye."
Are the eyelids very weary,
Does the tired heart long for rest;
Are the temples hot and throbbing.
And the hands together pressed
Hope shall lay you on her bosom.
Cool the fevered lips, parched and dry.
And shall whisper, "Rest is coming,
Rest forever, bye-and-bye."
And when calmed, and cheered, and freshened,
By her soul-inspiring voice.
Then look up, the Heavens are brightening,
Cease your wailing and rejoice;
Cry not out for days departed,
None will hear you. none reply;
But look on where light is breaking
O'er a brighter "bye-and-bye."