The Poetry Corner

Divided

By Nora Pembroke (Margaret Moran Dixon McDougall)

We came to the dividing line, Then he passed over and I am here, Sad and sore is this heart of mine That has no power to shed a tear, For, like one who rises and walks in sleep, I am lost in a dream--I cannot weep. Yet he was good and fair to see I know in my heart he loved me well, What separated him from me, I cannot tell, oh! I cannot tell, For the blow came sudden, and sharp, and sore, And I am alone now for evermore. I thought to walk through all our time Together, linked to a lofty aim; With sudden wrench I'm left behind-- My heart is slain! oh, my heart is slain! And the ghost of my heart within me cries, Why, alas! was I made a sacrifice? My royal eagle ordained to soar-- Breast to the storm, and eyes to the sun-- Up be thy flight! and think no more Of one the life of whose life is done; While I, stunned and sick with a dumb despair, Still mourn by the grave of a hope so fair.