Randolph County journal. [volume] (Winchester, Randolph County, Ind.) 1855-1862, 1861-02-21

nv Z. n. II.

.he wildwood path that led me TO my childhood's
he me-the old stepping stones, the shady trees
and chrysta springs were there. | find my IA
vorite wildwood path unchanged; the water
triekled down among the stones II was wont
to do Of yore. On. on pass over the old bridge
and up the hill through the gate, each step bring
ing up vivid memories of the past. Nature Is as
beautiful as in my childish days, but I. alas. am
changed. Years have gone by and left their ira
ces on my brow; aud now, with feeble steps and
slow, onward 60 to gaze upon the spot tha,
gave mo birth. No familiar faces greet ne. no
kind hands are stretched TO welcome me. o for
some quiet spot in when to weep the tier, bur
ming tears that well up from the fountain of an
aching heart! What visions crowd upon me
here. Each step take is treading on the past.
Faint shadows Of loved forms glide these halls,
their memory coming to me like pleasant dream
Here, in the old kitchen, 10y the hrcside, ourjoy-
Gus group were won: to gather at eventide. What
pleasing memories linger here. The hours OF
toll and wcariness have fled. and only cheerful
looks and loving words are thought of now. Here
in the paror, day after day, the Holy Word was
read, and the soug OF thanksgiving and the voice
of prayer were heard. There is onr fathers place
and here our mothers chair was wont to stand.
Here, in years gone by, holy VOWS were spoken
and here o. yes j we'll remember rhere the sainted
dead were laid, and mourners gathered round to
weep and take a last sad look. And now come,
a pilgrim and alone, and find each cherished spot
desecrated by strangers tread; and | must wan
der forth and tread my childhood's haunts again, J.,
and breathe the pure fresh air, and drink in
strength TO bear the changes time has wrought
The old seat beneath the shady tree is gone; the
garden spot looks wild ard desolate, wild grass
is tangled through the bushes. and where my
flowers were wont to bloom rank onions grow.
The barn is full of sweet scented hay and clover.
open the little gate and wander on over the
vide fields. and gaze upon the far-off blue hills
that bound my home; there, where the shadows
used to fall, they linger STILL and the deep blue
of the mountains mingles with the cloudy sky.
Those old wood crowned hills, how / have loved
them, when they bounded in my world of hope
and love; and how love them still, and ever
shall till memory fail. But where they, the
loving and beloved, tha: were around me then
wildwood, some on the briny deep, and in prairie
land far. far away; and some of the beloved ones
sleep the sleep that knows no waking. Alone
sit in the old seat in the little meeting house;
and wander through the long weeds that grow
among the tombs-all, all is desolate. Alone,
and with the dead. But even here | NAV not
weep in peace; strange eyes must watch my bitter
/ &C. H. ap1a IL
tie grave to pluck blossom there. But vet
sorrow not as those who have no hope. In the
better land, in my unchanging home, shall find
my lost again. Farewell, my long-loyed home,
| am bidding thee last adieu.
Yes. nv heart is almost breaking,
While last sad leave I'm taking,
How my heart With anguish swells.
While the birds are sweety singing.
And the echoes wildly ringing
Through thy woods and sunny dclls
Where the murmering streamlet Howeth,
And the Wild wind gently boweth
Through the branches Of the trees
There. in days of youth and gadness.
Without fear of grief or sadness,
have listened to the breeze
Listened while it swept around me,
With breath that ever bound me.
Still rejoicing to be glad
Glad the future ever beameth,
With light that brightly gleameth,
How can youth and hope be sad
Hope, bright hope, thou hast departed,
Here wander brok en- hearted
Sad and dreary and alone,
There is not one voice in gladness
Cometh now to break the sadness,
With the music of its tone.
Hope, with all loved and cherished,
From thy dear old haunts has perished,
Aud may not linger here
May not stay to dream of changes
Which the true, :cnd hesrt estranges
From the friends il once held dear.
Why. then, should linger longerl
Even though thy ties were stronger.
must surely break the spell
One last look, ard then leave thee;
Yes. although il deeply grieve me,
must say lasi farewell.
Why may We expect dry times in Wash.