Page:What Katy Did.djvu/11



of us once, my darlings, played together
 * Beneath green boughs, which faded long ago,

Made merry in the golden summer weather,
 * Pelted each other with new-fallen snow.

Did the sun always shine? I can't remember
 * A single cloud that dimmed the happy blue,—

A single lightning-bolt or peal of thunder,
 * To daunt our bright, unfearing lives: can you?

We quarrelled often, but made peace as quickly,
 * Shed many tears, but laughed the while they fell,

Had our small woes, our childish bumps and bruises,
 * But Mother always "kissed and made them well."

Is it long since?—it seems a moment only:
 * Yet here we are in bonnets and tail-coats,

Grave men of business, members of committees,
 * Our play-time ended: even Baby votes!

And star-eyed children, in whose innocent faces
 * Kindles the gladness which was once our own,

Crowd round our knees, with sweet and coaxing voices,
 * Asking for stories of that old-time home.

Rh