To My Own Soul

Hold yet a while, Strong Heart,

Not part a lifelong yoke

Though blighted looks the present, future gloom.

And age it seems since you and I began our

March up hill or down. Sailing smooth o'er

Seas that are so rare --

Thou nearer unto me, than oft - times I myself --

Proclaiming mental moves before they were!

Reflector true -- thy pulse so timed to mine,

Thou perfect note of thoughts, however fine --

Shall we now part, Recorder, say?

In thee is friendship, faith,

For thou didst warn when evil thoughts were brewing --

And though, alas, thy warning thrown away,

Went on the same as ever -- good and true.

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