Volume Ii Part 48 (1/2)

When, ”Hark!” you said,--”Was that a bell Or a bubbling spring we heard?”

But I was wise and closed my eyes And listened to a bird;

For as summer leaves are bent and shake With singers pa.s.sing through, So moves in me continually The winged breath of you.

You tasted from a single vine And took from that your fill-- But I inclined to every kind, All seven on one hill.

Witter Bynner [1881-

”I AM THE WIND”

I am the wind that wavers, You are the certain land; I am the shadow that pa.s.ses Over the sand.

I am the leaf that quivers, You the unshaken tree; You are the stars that are steadfast, I am the sea.

You are the light eternal, Like a torch I shall die...

You are the surge of deep music, I--but a cry!

Zoe Akins [1886-

”I LOVE MY LIFE, BUT NOT TOO WELL”

I love my life, but not too well To give it to thee like a flower, So it may pleasure thee to dwell Deep in its perfume but an hour.

I love my life, but not too well.

I love my life, but not too well To sing it note by note away, So to thy soul the song may tell The beauty of the desolate day.

I love my life, but not too well.

I love my life, but not too well To cast it like a cloak on thine, Against the storms that sound and swell Between thy lonely heart and mine.

I love my life, but not too well.

Harriet Monroe [1860-1936]

”THIS IS MY LOVE FOR YOU”

I have brought the wine And the folded raiment fine, Pilgrim staff and shoe-- This is my love for you.

I will smooth your bed, Lay away your coverlid, Sing the whole day through.