My Dear Old Pal

My Dear Old Pal A Wife's Tribute for the Golden Wedding My dear old pal, You know, I loved you fifty years ago. When life was new, the way untried, You held the rose-hued drapes aside; And through the radiant vista seen Joy danced in robe of purple sheen. My dear old pal, 'Twas true, My dream of love and joy with you. It was not meant our cup should hold No dark alloy amid the gold: So there was sorrow, pain and tears; But always love to meet our fears. My dear old pal, It seems The happiest sequence to my dreams, That in the darkest hour we've known, The tenderest, purest love you've shown. So the unmeasured joy I gain, Becomes my recompense for pain. My dear old pal, I see Love's bower, a lowly cot for me; But so you come at set of sun, Or when the daily toil is done, And as of old you clasp my hand, What matter? I can understand. My dear old pal, You know, The way is clearest where you go, And safest; for the ills I dread All vanish when you go ahead. For love is heaven here below, And heaven is love somewhere, you know, Dear trusted pal, You know. Provo, Utah. ANNIE D. PALMER