Have you ever seen the lilies in a still clear pool
Or the sparkling stars against the veiled midnight skies,
And burning candles in church-warmth that never dies? Have you ever heard organ hymns glorifying Yule
Or the rustling of tinted leaves in a cool fall breeze,
And twinkling little bells on family Christmas trees? Now uproot each of those lilies and drain that pool,
And one by one pull down the stars from out that sky!
Cast aside all lights, all bells, and all the songs of Yule;
Yes, whisk away the peace of mass and bid those candles die;
And when you are done, come look!—and dry your eyes if you can,
For you, as I, have just seen the passing of sweet Joanne.