MIZPAH

Here is the poem I mentioned in an earlier blog, Mizpah brooches can still be found, they were given in Victorian times, usually by a lover, I have a nice silver/gold one with the words Mizpah on, I was told it was a Biblical word meaning "God keep watch between thyself and myself while we are absent one from another". I found the poem below on a small plaque on the wall of a tea room in Criccieth recently.

Go thou thy way, and I go mine, Apart, yet not afar; 
Only a thin veil hangs between The pathways where we are.

And "God keep watch 'tween thee and me"; This is my prayer;
He looks thy way, He looketh mine, And keeps us near.

I know not where thy road may lie, Or which way mine will be;
If mine will lead thro' parching sands And thine beside the sea;
Yet God keeps watch 'tween thee and me, So never fear; 
He holds thy hands, He claspeth mine, And keeps us near. 

Should wealth and fame perchance be thine, And my lot lowly be,
Or you be sad and sorrowful, And glory be for me, 
Yet God keep watch 'tween thee and me; Both be in His care 
One arm round thee and one round me Will keep us near.

I sigh sometimes to see thy face, But since this may not be,
I'll leave thee to the care of Him Who cares for thee and me. 
"I'll keep you both beneath my wings", This comforts, dear;
One wing o'er thee and one o'er me, Will keep us near. 

And though our paths be separate, And thy way is not mine, 
Yet coming to the Mercy seat, My soul will meet with thine. 
And "God keep watch 'tween thee and me". I'll whisper there.
He blesseth thee, He blesseth me, And we are near. (Julia A Baker).