AS we would touch with soft caress the brow

      Of one who dreams, the spell of sleep to break,

      Across the yellowed keys I sweep my hand,

      The old, remembered music to awake;

      But something drops from out those melodies —

      There are some silent keys.

      So is it when I call to those I loved,

      Who blessed my life with tender care and fond:

      So is it with those early dreams and hopes,

      Some voices answer and some notes respond,

      But in the chords that I would strike, like these,

      There are some silent keys.

      Heart, dost thou hear not in those pauses fall

      A still, small voice that speaks to thee of peace?

      What though some hopes may fail, some dreams be lost,

      Though sometimes happy music break and cease.

      We might miss part of heaven's minstrelsies

      But for these silent keys.