LOVING WORDS by L. D. Santee

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 13, 1904

LOVING WORDS.

By L. D. Santee

PLEASANT years we've spent together, Youth was sweet and life was fair, And in sun, or cloudy weather, Childhood days were free from care. Bright the sun in daily splendor, Sweet the carrol of the birds, But the thrill of all most tender Was the thrill of loving words.

So the years rolled by in gladness, And a joy o'er all was shed, Transient was each shade of sadness, Resting on each sunny head; But the heavens seemed the nearest, And the heart was deepest stirred, When through tones we loved the dearest, Came the thrill of loving word.

Care and years have left their traces, Since the days of long ago. Wrinkled the once childish faces, Golden hair becoming snow. Heavens darken slow above me, Hearts grow sick, with hope deferred, But the music still most lovely, Is the thrill of loving word.

Soon will come a time when jaded Heart and brain will sink to rest, And in some low chamber shaded, Still hands cross a pulseless breast. When death's darkness comes before me, Let the music latest heard, As the silence gathers o'er me, Be the kindly, loving word.

Elgin, Ill. L. D. SANTEE.