ABSENCE. 261 
ZINNIA. 
Zinnia Multiflora. 
Language ABSENCE. 
By each dark wave around the vessel sweeping, 
Farther am I from old dear friends removed ; 
Till the lone vigil that I now am keeping, 
I did not know how much you were beloved. 
How many acts of kindness little heeded, 
Kind looks, kind words, rise half reproachful now ! 
Hurried and anxious, my vexed life has speeded, 
And memory wears a soft, accusing brow. 
My friends, my absent friends, 
Do you think of me as I think of you ? 
(Sunshine is ever cheerful, when the morning 
Wakens the world with cloud-dispelling eyes ; 
The spirits mount to glad endeavor, scorning 
What toil upon a path so sunny lies. 
Sunshine and hope are comrades, and their weather 
Calls into life the energies of earth ; 
But memory and moonlight go together, 
Reflected in the light that either brings. 
My friends, my absent friends, 
Do you think of me then ? I think of you. 
li. E. Lakdos. 
^ 
