A SAINT'S HOURS
HER LAUDS |
In the still cold before the sun Her brothers and her sisters small She woke, and washed and dressed each one. |
PRIME |
And through the morning hours all, Singing above her broom, she stood And swept the house from hall to hall. |
TERCE |
At noon she ran with tidings good Across the field and down the lane To share them with the neighborhood. |
SEXT |
Four miles she walked and home again, To sit through half the afternoon And hear a feeble crone complain; |
NONES |
But when she saw the frosty moon And lakes of shadow on the hill Her maiden dreams grew bright as noon. |
VESPERS |
She threw her pitying apron frill Over a little trembling mouse When the sleek cat yawned on the sill, |
COMPLINE |
In the late hours and drowsy house. At last, too tired, beside her bed She fell asleep.... her prayers half said. |
