"The Evergreens" by J. S. H. (1846)

The Evergreens.

        Written by a young Lady from Mr. MILLS' school at South Williamstown, Mass., who recently visited our Cemetery Grounds:—

        When I die I would be laid,

        In Mount Evergreen's solemn shade;

        That I may hear above my head

        The wind's low whispering to the dead.

        When Autumn leaves look brown and sear,

        And Winter's storms howl dark and drear,

        That still the name may seem to bear

        The thought of flowers and summer fair.

        I would not ask to lie in state,

        'Neath marbled dome or iron gate;

        Nor would I ask my grave made known,

        Save by the hand of friendship shown.

        Oh, bear me there to some lone dell,

        Where stranger's eye may never tell,

        Or number mine among the home

        Of those who dwell in grassy dome.

        Ye need not plant a cypress tree—

        A dark and frowning type 'twould be;

        I still would have the sun's bright ray

        Kiss the wild flowers round where I lay.

        This Evergreen shade is where I'd be,

        When this spirit has left all free;

        This is the boon I'd ask of thee,

        To bury me there 'neath the Evergreen tree.

        Oh, bury me there, that as I lay

        The softly breathing winds may say,

        She is not here, she has gone to rest,

        In that bright land where all are blest.                J. S. H.

Albany Evening Journal. June 17, 1846: 2 col 8.