The Poetry Corner

My Queen

By John Hartley

Annie - Oh! what a weary while It seems since that sad day; When whispering a fond "good bye," I tore myself away. And yet, 'tis only two short years; How has it seemed to thee? To me, those lonesome years appear Like an eternity. We loved, - Ah, me! how much we loved; How happy passed the day When pouring forth enraptured vows, The charmed hours passed away. In every leaf we beauty saw, - In every song and sound, Some sweet entrancing melody, To soothe our hearts we found. And now it haunts me as a dream, - A thing that could not be! - That one so pure and beautiful Could ever care for me. But I still have the nut-brown curl, Which tells me it is true; And in my fancy I can see The brow where once it grew. Those eyes, whose pensive, loving light, Did thrill me through and through: Still follow me by day and night, As they were wont to do. Thy smile still haunts me, and thy voice, At times I seem to hear; And when the scented zephyrs pass I fancy thou art near. 'Twill not be long, dear heart, (although It will seem long to me;) Until I clasp thee once again; To part no more from thee. Though storms may roar, and oceans rage And furies vent their spleen; - There's naught shall keep me from my love; My beautiful; - my queen!