Page:The complete poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar.pdf/49

  When we'd wander to the orchard So's no listenin' ones could hear As I whispered sugared nonsense
 * Into her little willin' ear.

Now my gray old wife is Hallie,
 * An' I'm grayer still than she,

But I'll not forget our courtin'
 * 'Neath the old apple-tree.

Life for us ain't all been summer,
 * But I guess we've had our share

Of its flittin' joys an' pleasures,
 * An' a sprinklin' of its care.

Oft the skies have smiled upon us;
 * Then again we've seen 'em frown,

Though our load was ne'er so heavy
 * That we longed to lay it down.

But when death does come a-callin',
 * This my last request shall be,—

That they'll bury me an' Hallie
 * 'Neath the old apple tree.

 

, the hard-won miles
 * Have worn my stumbling feet:

Oh, soothe me with thy smiles,
 * And make my life complete.

The thorns were thick and keen
 * Where'er I trembling trod;

The way was long between
 * My wounded feet and God.

Where healing waters flow
 * Do thou my footsteps lead.

My heart is aching so;
 * Thy gracious balm I need.

 

wept and, as a comforter, Came one who cried, "I love thee," and he seized Her in his arms and kissed her with hot breath, That dried the tears upon her flaming cheeks. While evermore his boldly blazing eye Burned into hers; but she uncomforted Shrank from his arms and only wept the more.

Then one came and gazed mutely in her face With wide and wistful eyes; but still aloof He held himself; as with a reverent fear, As one who knows some sacred presence nigh, And as she wept he mingled tear with tear, That cheered her soul like dew a dusty flower,— Until she smiled, approached, and touched his hand! 