Alone

by James Nack

Nay, ask not of the secret grief
That burns my heart away,
For what admits of no relief --
'T is useless to betray;
One cause for gloom might well appear,
Were all the rest unknown --
Where'er I am, whoe'er be near,
I am alone! -- alone!

At times I seek some festive place,
Where gay companions throng,
While pleasure brightens every face
With laugh, and jest, and song;
But lost to me the cheerful sound,
Unheard the kindly tone,
And with a thousand friends around
I am alone! -- alone!

Yet there is one who had a charm
My sadness to dispel,
When round me twined her gentle arm,
With love no words could tell, --
A love that seemed to have no will
Or wish except my own --
Oh, Clara! might I meet thee still,
I should not feel alone!

Young, beautiful, and innocent,
Her very sight could bless!
Her looks, than words more eloquent,
Did all her thoughts express;
And then I did not feel the curse
That on my lot is thrown;
For soul with soul did we converse,
And I was not alone!

But Youth is still a thing of light
And joy. -- Why should I doom
A cherub GOD has made so bright,
To share my lonely gloom?
Though all the comfort thou couldst lend,
That may to me be known,
Go, Clara! seek some happier friend,
And leave me all alone!