A Small Collection of Mid-19th-century Manuscript Mourning Poetry

S. l.: By the authors, 1855. Very good. Manuscripts, 1855 and 1857; pp. [12] altogether; in pencil and brown ink on various sheets of paper; fold lines with mild wear and a few very minor spots; several words in one of the poems traced with later blue pen; in very good or better condition.Characterized by deep grief, enduring memory, and spiritual questioning - the manuscripts present great examples of Victorian mourning poetry. The first group, simply signed "E." consists of a remembrance letter-to-self and a poem, the latter titled: "Two Years Ago Today." The two years actually refer to their wedding day, implying that they have had less than that time together. The letter describes their short-live happiness, followed by the words: "The dear, dear husband of our choice is not here to celebrate the return of this - our nuptial day..." She goes on to write that she believes he would guide and protect her and their "little one" from up in Heavens. The second poem, titled "The Dying Husband," is written from the perspective of the man, who laments the short time he has left to enjoy life with his little one and his wife: "The little pledge that crowned our love, that smiling little elf, dear to my heart because so like thy own sweet self. Ay, bring her near me - let me look my last in her dear face, where all her mother's gentle charms I fondly trace..."The last two - a letter and a poem - are the most heart-breaking, as they speak of the loss of a small child and the grief and unwillingness of a mother to keep on living without her beloved little one: "...Home! Desolate home! Where is your light and joy? An empty crib and rocking chair..."