Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1873-02-27
For the Amencan.
The Dear Old Grandmother.

Again, l sit IN The old familiar ROOM
so endeared by many kindly as
sociation-which has SO often echoed
to the sound Of busy footsteps, whicl
will cross the Threshold never more
where shouts Of gay laughter and kind
ly merriment have SO often resounded
and light hearted converse has wiied
away the hours-where dear and vel,
remembered forms, have fitted TO ~
rro-which have long lain mute aH
still.
What has SO changed the dear, OH
home: Whence comes this vague, sn,
feeling of vacancy! This dull, 'eai
sense of loss and desolation! Tire
is the old fashioned paper upon G
walls, with its quaint images-t
wonder and delight Of our childhood
the harmless source of many a sporty,
jest in after years the old fashioned!
picture, and looking glass in their
antiquated frames, the old image Of
the iron-framed Lion, gaunt and grim,
standing guard at the corner Of the
mantle-piece, the history of which
dates far back Of our knowledge, or
recollection-the old fashioned clock.
which has told the flight Of so many
busy hours, now standing mute, as the
desth-stilled hearts of its aged owners :.
Where is the pleasant home atmos-
phere, which once diffused its peace
full influence around? Making the un-
pretentious dwelling. truly home to
those who sought its hospitahle shell
ter. 4 strange, solemn, hush is BROOD
ing everywhere. Scarce a sound is
heard, save the feeble wailing OF a
babe in an adjoining room, newly
awakened 70 the evils of existence,
and the subdued voice of its mother in
her efforts to soOthe 1t into silence. This
is the solemn, icy stiffness of Death !.
1t is the hour before the gathering for
the funeral. A shadowy presence, as
of freed spirit vet lingering amid its
old haunts. seems 70 pervade the
atmosphere. There Is casket upon
the table and it contains something
| dear and precious, the mortal remains
of the dear old grandmother. She
who was the life OF the dear old home
lies mute and cold, the patient, kindly
brown eyes, which ever smiled vel
come for me are sealed in death. Was
ever mortal sluinber, SO profound as
this! | bend over the casket, softly
whispering the dear old name, and
press Il kiss upon the marble brow
half expecting the rigid form to stil
and the ever-ready smile of love, tC
re-appear upon the wrinkled cheek
but there is no sound or motion oh
sad. unsolveable mystery of Death
The worn old hands, which were eveI
busy in kindly offices are folded u
their rest; their work has all beer
faithfully performed the once active
feet will haste no more upon their un
numbered services.
Alone with the dead. Alone for tn
last time. with her We have loved
Sympathizing friends, and neighhor,
will soon gather, to pay their las
respects to one who has long beel
known, and dear to them.
"Che last Offices paid to the dea'
are only useful as lectures to the liv
ing" The simple burial rites viii
soon be over the brief, heartfelt fare
we'll address OF the sympathetic paste
J the sad, wailing notes of the funera
hymn, the earnest, simple prayer-an'
I . solemn procession will wind slowl.
to the village graveyard-to lay th
T mortal remains Of the dear old grand
mother away to their long repose, wit
| some who we're ever dear to her faitl
l al lr~xS Gn~ - fTrR,~~~ la L. uaat