When evening comes and the day’s noise fades, a holy stillness settles over the speaker. Before the lamps are lighted, as shadows flicker from the fire, he senses the lost ones returning—a young man cut down by life’s weariness, meek souls who bore their suffering, and above all, a woman of great beauty who loved him and is now a saint. She comes as a noiseless messenger, takes the chair beside him, and rests her hand in his. Her deep, star-like eyes gaze down with silent understanding. No words pass, but her voiceless prayer breathes both gentle reproach and blessing. Though he often feels lonely and depressed, simply remembering those who have lived and died with such grace quiets all his fears. The mood is one of tender, reverent peace, where loss is transformed into a calm, sacred companionship.
Footsteps of Angels — Summary
When the hours of Day are numbered, And the voices of the Night Wake the better soul, that slumbered, To a holy, calm delight;
Ere the evening lamps are lighted, And, like phantoms grim and tall, Shadows from the fitful firelight Dance upon the parlor wall;
Then the forms of the departed Enter at the open door; The beloved, the true-hearted, Come to visit me once more;
He, the young and strong, who cherished Noble longings for the strife, By the roadside fell and perished, Weary with the march of life!
They, the holy ones and weakly, Who the cross of suffering bore, Folded their pale hands so meekly, Spake with us on earth no more!
And with them the Being Beauteous, Who unto my youth was given, More than all things else to love me, And is now a saint in heaven.
With a slow and noiseless footstep Comes that messenger divine, Takes the vacant chair beside me, Lays her gentle hand in mine.
And she sits and gazes at me With those deep and tender eyes, Like the stars, so still and saint-like, Looking downward from the skies.
Uttered not, yet comprehended, Is the spirit's voiceless prayer, Soft rebukes, in blessings ended, Breathing from her lips of air.
Oh, though oft depressed and lonely, All my fears are laid aside, If I but remember only Such as these have lived and died!