Thoughts At The Communion

By Lydia Howard Sigourney

Where are they, who by our side
Knelt, remembering Jesus died?
Drank with us, the cup he shed?
Shar'd with us, the broken bread?
Taught us, with their radiant eye,
How to live and how to die?

Are they not where none hath seen
Faded lip or mournful mien
Brow with mortal sickness pale,
Locks that bleach, or limbs that fail,
Feet in darken'd paths that stray,
Hearts that yield to sorrow's sway?

List! to music soft and clear,
Angels answer, they are here!
Though we daily weep to miss
Trusting word, or tender kiss;
Though the home no more is bright.
Whence they took their seraph flight;
Father! Thou who know'st our pain,
Still, we bless Thee for their gain.