Toward the end of my grandmother Louise Smith’s life, one of my relatives came across this poem written by my grandfather, Nevin, in the front of one of her books. I’m told he composed it shortly after they were married.
The One
There’s one who keeps my heart attune
Celestial lyres above,
And lulls my soul to paradise
Where life and all is love.Whose every thought, a precious jewel
Inlaid in hours of gold,
That shine with glorious spectral rays
When nights are dark and cold.It’s to this one, I give my love
Which ne’er can be expressed,
By words, or tones, or earthly means
Although I do my best.
Many years later—and with handwriting far less fluid than before—he finished the poem on the next page.
2/14/1967
How time has flown since first I wrote
Of love to you, dear wife,
We’ve lived for years mid toil and tears
And ups and downs of life.God blessed our home with children dear
And love enough to give,
As each one magnifies your traits
And each for others live.It’s for you dear I give my thanks
Which I cannot convey
To God for you dear wife of mine,
In little words I say.