Close by You

Celebrate the beauty of lifelong love with this heartfelt soulmate poem.

The sweetest fate that I can comprehend is that I may stay quiet, somewhere, close by you.

Updated March 7, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

Love is about the little things—moments of quiet, shared memories, and simply being together. Strickland Gillilan's poem, "Close by You," reflects the essence of a soulmate connection. It’s not about grand events or perfect days but about the joy and comfort of sitting side by side, weathering life’s seasons together.

This poem reminds us that true love grows deeper with time, cherishing every moment spent with the one who feels like home.

Close by You

Poet: Strickland Gillilan

Some day beside you on the porch I'll sit
And slowly turn my head as folks go by;
The shadows of the wind-stirred vine may flit
About me there unnoticed of my eye;
I shall be filled with measureless content,
Nor care if skies be overcast or blue;
No restlessness with pleasure will be blent
If I may sit those dear, dear days with you.

There may be roses blooming by the porch;
There may be morning-glories on the wall;
The hollyhock may flaunt his garish torch —
Yet should they not, I'd see and scent them all;
For in the years we've traveled side by side
We've watched and loved these bonny things together;
Their perfume and their color shall abide
Deep in our lives, though wintry be the weather.

Why should I think upon some Heaven that lies
Beyond this life we've known and still shall know?
I want its lovelinesses to surprise
My earth-trained vision, when I homeward go;
The sweetest fate that I can comprehend
Is that, throughout the years that shall ensue
Between life's middle and its mist-veiled end,
I may stay quiet, somewhere, close by you.

Key Messages from this poem:

  • The Beauty of Simple Togetherness
    Love doesn’t need grand gestures to shine; it thrives in the quiet moments of simply being together. This poem beautifully captures the peace and joy found in sharing life’s everyday scenes with someone you cherish.
  • A Love That Endures All Seasons
    True love isn’t swayed by the ups and downs of life. Whether the weather is warm with roses or cold with winter winds, a soulmate brings warmth and color to every season of your life journey.
  • A Forever Bond
    The poem reminds us that the greatest gift is a lifelong connection with someone who feels like home. It’s a love so deep that even the thought of heaven pales in comparison to the joy of staying close by their side.

Conclusion

Close by You reminds us that the deepest love is often found in the quietest moments. It is not built on grand promises alone, but on shared days, lasting devotion, and the comfort of simply being near the one you love. Strickland Gillilan’s words capture the beauty of a bond that grows stronger through time, making this poem a gentle and meaningful tribute to true soulmate love.

I shall be filled with measureless content, nor care if skies be overcast or blue.