Gratitude
Long years ago you planted in my
heart,1
By quiet kindly acts of yours, a germ,2
Which lay there dormant but a little term3
E’er many tender shoots began to start :4
These, growing with the years, have formed a tree—5
A full-leaved tree of lasting Gratitude,6
Within whose branches sings a goodly brood7
Of pleasant thoughts, all hymning unto thee.8
There gentle Memory doth ever live,9
Carving upon the tablets of my mind10
These words “ Forget not, he was ever kind,11
And thou hast only barren thanks to give.”12
So hast thou in my heart abiding place,13
Which Time, nor Change, nor Death can e’er efface.14