Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Grace DenioLitchfield

1021 My Other Me

CHILDREN, do you ever,

In walks by land or sea,

Meet a little maiden

Long time lost to me!

She is gay and gladsome,

Has a laughing face,

And a heart as sunny;

And her name is Grace.

Naught she knows of sorrow,

Naught of doubt or blight;

Heaven is just above her—

All her thoughts are white.

Long time since I lost her,

That other Me of mine;

She crossed into Time’s shadow

Out of Youth’s sunshine.

Now the darkness keeps her;

And, call her as I will,

The years that lie between us

Hide her from me still.

I am dull and pain-worn,

And lonely as can be—

Oh, children, if you meet her,

Send back my other Me!