This poem is on a scrap piece of very old newspaper. It was carried by my friend's mother for many years. I would like to surprise my friend with the rest of the poem. It anyone can help - it will be greatly appreciated.

When the spirit, fluttering lingers
On the confines of this life,
Parting from all joyful memories,
And from every sense of strife,
Though the scene is sad and gloomy,
And the body shrinks in fear,
Those dark hours will soon have vanished,
And the glorious morn appeared.

The rest is torn and tattered so that only the last word of three lines can be read.

Thanks, Pat

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/17/2005 03:20AM by StephenFryer.

it is an old, old poem ( circa 1885), I don't know the author, sorry
I am copying from an old newspaper, sorry if any typo ...


Near the dawn

When life's troubles gather darkly
Round the way we follow here,
When no hope the sad heart lightens
No voice speaks a word of cheer,
Then the thought the shadows scatter,
Giving us a cheering ray -
When the night appears the darkest,
Morning is not faw away.

When adversity surrounds us,
And our sunshine friends pass by,
And the dreams so fondly cherished
With our scattered treasures lie,
Then amid such gloomy seasons
This sweet thought can yet be drawn :
When the darkest hour is present
It is always near the dawn.

When the spirit fluttering lingers
On the confines of this life,
Parting from all joyful memories,
And from every scene of strife,
Though the scene is sad and gloomy,
And the body shrinks in fear,
These dark hours will soon be vanished,
And the glorious morn be here.

Pain cannot affect us always,
Brighter days will soon be here,
Sorrow may oppress us often,
Yet a happier time is near,
All along our earthly journey
This reflection lights our way :
Nature's darkest hour is always
Just before the break of day.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/27/2005 10:20AM by ilza.

just in case your friend wonders ...

published
Thursday, February 05, 2022
The Herald And Torch Light
Hagerstown, Maryland

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/27/2005 09:32AM by ilza.

Thank you so very much. I have heard about this poem for years without paying too much attention. Now, my friend is dying from cancer and I want to have it for her. This is incredible! Thank you!
Pat

I am sorry to hear about that.
I am glad she has a friend like you in her life.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/28/2005 06:19AM by ilza.

And incredible that it can be found that way as well. I have been to Hagerstown, and I find it utterly amazing that a small town in the mountains of Maryland would have its 220 year-old newspaper available to be searched via the internet.