The Unconditional Union

My Own Dear Home.
I.
There's a spot on earth I can never forget,
No matter where I may roam;
It is living still in my memory, yet
Its joys may nevermore come
From my mind I'm unable to chase away
Thoughts that to it turn ever;
For in mem'ry they linger the live-long day,
And at night they'll not sever.
II.
I remember the dear old house chestnut trees--
The limbs o'erhanging our door--
Where for many an hour, in the lovely breeze,
I've sported the green grass o'er
From their giant branches the old swing hung,
Where many a day I've played.
And my brothers and sisters often have swung
Underneath their sombre shade.
III.
Do you think I've forgotten the old homestead,
The cottage where I was born?
The comfortable, tiny, nice trundle-bed,
Conceal'd 'neath mother's each morn?
How nicely I slept in that dear, blessed cot,
The sweetest I've found in life,
And I know it will never be quite forgot,
Amid earth's whirlpool of strife.
IV.
I remember the stream that flowed by our door-
Beautiful, sparkling and bright--
My heart grows sad as I think I may ne'ermore
Look on its face with delight.
I seem to see it now as it glides along,
With music so soft and sweet,
And in imagination I hear its song,
As its ripples lave my feet.
V.
Where'er my lot is cast in this weary life,
Whether in weal or in woe,
The memory of that spot will cheer the strife,
As onward, onward I go.
And as life's sad journey draws near to its close
And I've no longer to roam,
I'll remember as I go to my long repose,
My own loved, darling home.
Little Rock, Sept. 14
C.E.L.