(rare verse:  time is a healer,
but it cannot heal my heart.
my mind says i've forgotten you,
and then i feel my heart.
the miles lie between us,
but your fingers touch my own.
you're nearer, far away from me,
for you're too much my own.)

you're nearer than my head is 
to the pillow.
nearer than the wind is
to the willow.
dearer than the rain is
to the earth below,
precious as the sun
to the things that grow.
you're nearer than the ivy
to the wall is,
nearer than the winter
to the fall is.
leave me --
but when you're away
you'll know
you're nearer,
for i love you so.