FOOTSTEPS ON THE OTHER SIDE.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 4, Issue 404, 18 June 1880, Page 3

FOOTSTEPS ON THE OTHER SIDE.

BY MARGARET EYTINGE. Sitting in my humble doorway, Usixing out into the nvht, to the stormy tumult With a kind of sad delight— Wait I lor the loved who comes not, One whose step I long to hear ; One who, though he lingers from me, Still is dearest of the dear. Hark ! he conies—now heart exultant In thy joy forget to cliiile ; Ah I 'tis but a stranger's footstep Gone by on the uther side 1 All the night seems filled with weeping, Win Sβ are wailing mournfully, And the rain-tears blent together Journey to the restless sea. I can fancy, sea, you murmur, As they with your waters flow, Like the griefs of single being Making up a nation's woe ! Branches, bid your guests be silent, Hush a .moment, fretful rain, Breeze stop sighing—let me listen Once more—God grant not in vain ; To my cheek the blood is springing • ■ Like the blushee of a biide. Joy!—alas! again the footsteps Pass upon the other side. Ah ! how many wait for ever, For the steps that never come ; Wait until the pitying angels Bear them to a heavenly home. Many in the still of midnight, In the streets have lain and died. While the sound of human footsteps Reached them from the other side. Ears, bo oft you have deceived me, Heart such false alarms you beat, I can scarcely dare to trust you. Yet methinks that up the street Sounds a step I know, now nearer, Faster comes it, till at last, Happy wife! his arms enfold me, And my weary vigil's past. God, give all who wait nn ending To their watch, as sweet as mine ; God, send out of tears arid storm-clouds Smiles to cheer and stars to shine. God. hid drooping hearts be hopeful, Strong in faith whate'er betide ; Trusting that ere long the footsteps Will r.ot pass the other side !