Classic Poem

Oh , Alice! can we e'er forget
Our school days glad and bright?—
Do they not leave upon our hearts,
A pure and pleasant light?

Look back upon the past, and say,
Can aught its bliss restore;
Can time with all its power dispel
The charm that once it bore?

How little did we know of care—
For we were young and gay;
Alas! how many precious hours
Were idly thrown away.

Of those who were our schoolmates then,
But few are with us now;
For death has laid its chilling hand
On many a youthful brow.

Some have their homes in distant climes,
And thus we dwell apart;
But absence cannot break the chain
That binds us heart tOheart.

Oh, Alice! deeply hast thou drunk
The bitter cup of woe;—
The pangs thy aching bosom fill,
Alas! too well I know.

Yet in thine hour of dark despair,
Look to thy friend above—
Thy father, merciful and kind,
Whose chastening is love.