Just Folks

Departed Friends

          The dead friends live and always will;
          Their presence hovers round us still.
          It seems to me they come to share
          Each joy or sorrow that we bear.
          Among the living I can feel
          The sweet departed spirits steal,
          And whether it be weal or woe,
          I walk with those I used to know.
          I can recall them to my side
          Whenever I am struggle-tried;
          I've but to wish for them, and they
          Come trooping gayly down the way,
          And I can tell to them my grief
          And from their presence find relief.
          In sacred memories below
          Still live the friends of long ago.