BETA

Coming Home.

There’s a valley in the west world, and a river rippling
free,1
Ever singing in the sunlight as it hurries to the
sea ;2
And I think of it with longing, I remember it with
tears,3
For the echo of its music brings me back the vanished
years.4
Sing thy song, O running river !  I am coming home to
thee,5
To the valley in the west world where you watch and
wait for me ;6
Fast as rushing winds can bring me and a ship can
cross the sea,7
O my river in the west world !  I am coming home to
thee.8
There’s a cottage in the west world, with its jasmine-
hidden door9
Ever open, as if waiting for my step to come once
more.10
I can see it in my dreaming, though I’m far across the
foam ;11
For the heart finds many dwellings, but there’s only
one is Home !12
Open wide, dear cottage doorway !  I am coming home
to thee,13
To a threshold in the west world that is waiting yet
for me.14
Fast as rushing winds can bring me and a ship can
cross the sea,15
O my cottage in the west world! I am coming home to
thee.16
There’s a true heart in the west world that is beating
still for me,17
Ever praying in the twilight once again my face to
see.18
Oh !  the world is good and gladsome, with its love both
east and west ;19
But there’s ever one love only that is still the first and
best !20
Pray for me, true heart and loving ; I am coming home
to thee,21
To my old home in the west world, and the place that
waits for me;22
Fast as rushing winds can bring me and a ship can
cross the sea,23
O my true heart in the west world !  I am coming home
to thee.24
Clifton Bingham.