90
POEMS.
Some folks grow strangely still and will not speak,—
Forgive a friend who loved them years ago,—
Not though a blush or teardrop stain the cheek,
They will not see, nor kind forbearance show.
Forgive a friend who loved them years ago,—
Not though a blush or teardrop stain the cheek,
They will not see, nor kind forbearance show.
Not so with you, my faithful dog, you give
A kiss for blow and straightway if you can
Breathe more devotion every day you live,
And this is love, my little black and tan.
A kiss for blow and straightway if you can
Breathe more devotion every day you live,
And this is love, my little black and tan.
My dog and I have trudged these many years—
Together roamed the silent streets at night,—
And sadly mused on man, the world's deep tears,
And turned from them to other scenes more bright;
Together roamed the silent streets at night,—
And sadly mused on man, the world's deep tears,
And turned from them to other scenes more bright;
And in the forest trod the sunny aisles
'Twixt leaf and fretwork of the stately trees,
That 'neath blue heavens basked in radiant smiles,
O'er many lands stemmed in by surging seas.
'Twixt leaf and fretwork of the stately trees,
That 'neath blue heavens basked in radiant smiles,
O'er many lands stemmed in by surging seas.
Match me his equal, any one who will;
His courage, temper, gratitude so deep,
His soft brown eyes that look upon me still
And love me always if I smile or weep.
His courage, temper, gratitude so deep,
His soft brown eyes that look upon me still
And love me always if I smile or weep.
Who was it sat beside me when I lay
Weary and sick upon a lonely bed;
And scarcely moved but watched there night and day
And on my pillow leaned a tireless head?
Weary and sick upon a lonely bed;
And scarcely moved but watched there night and day
And on my pillow leaned a tireless head?
