Sunset Gun/The Gentlest Lady

by Dorothy Parker

Layout 2

The Gentlest Lady

THEY say He was a serious child,
And quiet in his ways;
They say the gentlest lady smiled
To hear the neighbors’ praise.

The coffers of her heart would close
Upon their smallest word.
Yet did they say, “How tall He grows!”
They thought she had not heard.

They say upon His birthday eve
She’d rock Him to His rest
As if she could not have Him leave
The shelter of her breast.

The poor must go in bitter thrift,
The poor must give in pain,
But ever did she set a gift
To greet His day again.

They say she’d kiss the boy awake,
And hail Him gay and clear,
But oh, her heart was like to break
To count another year.