Near Or Far

I love you best when you are near,

     And I can touch your hand;

When I can listen to your voice,

     And grant each sweet command.

When you expel the gloomy hours

     With laughter, song and jest,

And bring but sunshine to my heart

     Is when I love you best.

I love you best when far away

     And you I cannot see;

When voice and touch and sweet caress

     Is but a memory.

I love you bet when you are near,

     And best when you’re afar;

Which means I love you all the time,

     No matter where you are.

Feb. 15, 1904

Sent to B. Globe,

Feb. 15, 1904