Page:All quiet along the Potomac and other poems.djvu/88

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Yet I ll trust to Him the morning, Life and love and sense to spare, Drop the curtain at the doorway And pin it with a childish prayer.





HICH shall it be? which shall it be?" I looked at John—John looked at me (Dear patient John, who loves me yet As well as tho my locks were jet); And when I found that I must speak, My voice seemed strangely low and weak: "Tell me again what Robert said" And then I, list'ning, bent my head. "This is his letter: 'I will give A house and land while you shall live, If, in return, from out your seven One child to me for aye is given.'"

I looked at John's old garments worn, I thought of all that John had borne Of poverty and work and care, Which I, though willing, could not share; I thought of seven mouths to feed, Of seven little children's need, And then of this. "Come, John," said I, "We ll choose among them as they lie 