Poems (Chitwood)/Observations at a Party

by Mary Louisa Chitwood

OBSERVATIONS AT A PARTY.

I know there seems a halo
 Around her golden curls,
That they sparkle with the splendor
 Of diamonds and of pearls;
I know her lips are smiling,
 And her brow is wondrous fair;
But I know, at heart, a canker
 Corrodes each pleasure there.

For at times her eyes are downcast,
 Half shadowed with her tears;
And her lips conceal their quiver
 By the smile that soon appears.
I see her snowy fingers
 Close clasp'd upon her brow:
I tell you, she remembers
 Her first love, even now.

I heard her sweetly singing
 A well remembered song;
Her lips began to falter
 Amid the merry throng;
And I know upon her spirit
 There nestled, like a dove,
The face, the form and features
 Of her young heart's dearest love.

Yes, yes she does remember
 Her first love, even now;
She would take a wreath of roses
 For the jewels on her brow;
And exchange that splendid mansion,
 And costly robes, to be
Attired in simple muslin,
 In a cabin-home with thee.

Do you notice what a scorning
 On her red lip seems to play
When she speaks to him whose jewels
 Made her throw her heart away?
She is trying to be happy—
 She is trying to forget;
But, I tell you, she remembers
 Her first love, even yet.