A FLAME went flitting through the wood; Here was a marvel of their kind; Against the tender green outlined, The glory passed from bough to bough - The vision flitted to and fro. A thousand tanagers will glow. MY LITTLE NEIGHBOR My little neighbor's table 's set, And slyly he comes down the tree, His feet firm in each tiny fret The bark has fashioned cunningly. He pauses on a favorite knot; He keeps his whiskers trim and neat, He has the latest stripe in furs, When there are chestnuts to be found. I watch his home and guard his store, A cozy hollow in a tree; He often sits within his door And chatters wondrous things to me. I MADE a song for my dear love's delight; I wrought with all sweet words my heart could lend To longing lips, and thrilled with joy to send The message only love could read aright. He came; and while I trembled in his sight, He kissed my hands and said, "To what sweet end, Unknowing, hast thou wrought, O gentle friend? Singing thy song, I learned to woo, despite My loved one's frown; and now she is my own." Blessing me then, he went his happy way. The whole world sings my song, and I alone Am silent; yet through tears I sometimes Let me still dream the ships I gave to thee All golden-freighted in fair harbors rest; Let me believe each sparkling wave's white Two shall be born the whole wide world apart; And speak in different tongues, and have no thought Each of the other's being, and no heed; And these o'er unknown seas to unknown lands Shall cross, escaping wreck, defying death, That, one day, out of darkness, they shall meet And read life's meaning in each other's eyes. |