IMPERFECTUS.
I WONDER if ever a song was sung
But the singer's heart sang sweeter!
I wonder if ever a rhyme was rung
But the thought surpassed the meter!
I wonder if ever a sculptor wrought
Till the cold stone echoed his ardent thought!
Or if ever a painter, with light and shade,
The dream of his inmost heart portrayed!
I wonder if ever a rose was found,
And there might not be a fairer!
Or if ever a glittering gem was ground,
And we dreamed not of a rarer!
Ah! Never on earth shall we find the best,
But it waits for us in the Land of Rest;
And a perfect thing we shall never behold
Till we pass the portal of shining gold.
Independent.