She Is Just Away

I cannot say, and I will not say
That she is dead, she is just away!
With a Cheery Smile and a wave of the hand
She has wandered into an unknown land.

And left us dreaming how very fair
It needs must be since she lingers there,
And you - oh you, who the wildest yearn
For the old-time step and the glad return.

Think of her fairing on, as dear
In the love of there, as the love of here,
Think of her still as the same, I say.
she is not dead - she is just away.

- James Whiteomb Riley