And feel her, as we feel, in fine,

The eyes' remembrance of a cloud,

The lips' faint bitterness of brine;

We know her when she passes by,

Whom no one loves or chides or greets—

The woman with the cold, bright eye—

Our sister of the streets.

[48]

[48]

THE EARTHWORM AND THE STAR.

An Earthworm once loved a Star. In the hush of the summer night,

He lay quite close to the ground and gazed on its golden light;

He looked from his house of clay, and dreamed of wonderful things,

Till, lo! (as he thought) his longing brought forth miraculous wings.

The Butterfly soared in the air, straight toward the beckoning spark;

His wings grew weary and chill, but the Star smiled through the dark;

His wings grew heavy and cold, the wings that he dreamed love gave,

And he folded them there in the starlight, and the dust became his grave.

[49]

[49]

 Prev. P 47/90 next