Here you will find the Poem Absence of poet Charles Harpur
NIGHTLY I watch the moon with silvery sheen Flaking the city house-tops, till I feel Thy memory, Rosa, like a presence, steal Down in her light: for ever in her mien Thy soul?s similitude my soul hath seen! And as she seemeth now a guardian seal On Heaven?s far bliss, upon my future weal Even such thy truth is?radiantly serene! But long my fancy may not entertain These bright resemblances?for, lo, a cloud Blots her away, and in my breast the pain Of absent love, recurring, pines aloud! When shall I look in thy sweet eyes again,? Rosa, when cheer thee with like sadness bowed? Wherever in some wildwood bower There blooms a honey-yielding flower, There too dwells a bird to sup Out of its delicious cup, And sing betimes, lest it should be O?erfed into satiety: So wherever Loveliness Dwells retired?dwells to bless, Not dazzle: there some destin?d spirit, Feeding on its luscious merit, Can at peace with Passion be Only through sweet Poesy.
