Poems (Helen Jenkins)/To Vernon

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TO VERNON. On the eve of his departure for Poughkeepsie.
Dost know, my boy, how sad will beMy heart, when thou art gone from me?How, day and night, I'll think of thee?
How I shall miss thee, everywhere!And every thought will be a prayerThat God will keep thee in His care.
His love alone surpasseth mine,All-holy, infinite, divine,—A treasure which is always thine.
O, think of this, where'er you go,—The Father's love doth overflowAll bounds and barriers here below.
Then firmly grasp His loving hand.Whate'er betide thee, firmly stand;To do the right, is brave and grand.
O God. Thou knowest all our need!The path of life is rough, indeed;And oft our wayworn feet must bleed.
Watch over him, our precious boy!O, never may his hand destroyLife's brightest hopes, earth's sweetest joy!
Thy hand alone canst safely guideHis barque upon life's ocean wide,Now launching on a sunlit tide.
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