O'er hill, and dale, and distant sea, <br />Through all the miles that stretch between, <br />My thought must fly to rest on thee, <br />And would, though worlds should intervene. <br />Nay, thou art now so dear, methinks <br />The farther we are forced apart, <br />Affection's firm elastic links <br />But bind the closer round the heart. <br />For now we sever each from each, <br />I learned what I have lost in thee; <br />Alas, that nothing else could teach <br />How great indeed my love should be! <br />Farewell! I did not know thy worth; <br />But thou art gone, and now 'tis prized: <br />So angels walk'd unknown on earth, <br />But when they flew were recognized!<br /><br />Thomas Hood<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-an-absentee/
