第1章
Hedoesbutdragarumblingwain，Cheeredbythecoupledbellsofrhyme。"
CoventryPatmoreToMyMotherGentlestofcritics，doesyourmemoryhold(Iknowitdoes)arecordofthedaysWhenI，aschoolboy，earnedyourgenerouspraiseForhaltingverseandstoriescrudelytold？
Overthesechildishscrawlstheyearshaverolled，Theymightnotknowtheworld"sunfriendlygaze；
Butstillyoursmileshinesdownfamiliarways，Touchesmywordsandturnstheirdrosstogold。
Moredearto-daythaninthatvanishedtimeComesyournighpraisetomakemeproudandstrong。
InmypoornotesyouhearLove"ssplendidchime，Sountoyoudoesthis，myworkbelong。
Take，then，alittlegiftoffragilerhyme:
Yourheartwillchangeittoauthenticsong。
ContentsTheTwelve-Forty-FivePenniesTreesStarsOldPoetsDelicatessenServantGirlandGrocer"sBoyWealthMartinTheApartmentHouseAsWindsThatBlowAgainstAStarSt。LaurenceToAYoungPoetWhoKilledHimselfMemorialDayTheRosaryVisionToCertainPoetsLove"sLanternSt。AlexisFollyMadnessPoetsCitizenoftheWorldToaBlackbirdandHisMateWhoDiedintheSpringTheFourthShepherdEasterMountHouvenkopfTheHousewithNobodyinItDaveLillyAlarmClocksWaverleyTreesandOtherPoemsTheTwelve-Forty-Five(ForEdwardJ。Wheeler)
WithintheJerseyCityshedTheenginecoughsandshakesitshead，Thesmoke，aplumeofredandwhite，Wavesmadlyinthefaceofnight。
AndnowthegraveincuriousstarsGleamonthegroaninghurryingcars。
AgainstthekindandawfulreignOfdarkness，thisourangrytrain，Anoisylittlerebel，poutsItsbriefdefiance，flamesandshouts——
Andpasseson，andleavesnotrace。
Fordarknessholdsitsancientplace，Sereneandabsolute，thekingUnchanged，ofeverylivingthing。
ThehouseslieobscureandstillInRutherfordandCarltonHill。
OurlampsintensifythedarkOfslumberingPassaicPark。
AndquietholdsthewearyfeetThatdailytrampthroughProspectStreet。
WhatthoughweclangandclankandroarThroughallPassaic"sstreets？NodoorWillopen，notaneyewillseeWhothisloudvagabondmaybe。
Uponmycrimsoncushionedseat，Inmanufacturedlightandheat，Ifeelunnaturalandmean。
Outsidethetownsarecoolandclean；
CurtainedawhilefromsoundandsightTheytakeGod"sgraciousgiftofnight。
Thestarsarewatchfuloverthem。
OnCliftonasonBethlehemTheangels，leaningdownthesky，Shedpeaceandgentledreams。AndI——
Iride，IblasphemouslyrideThroughallthesilentcountryside。
Theengine"sshriek，theheadlight"sglare，Pollutethestillnocturnalair。
ThecottagesofLakeViewsighAndsleeping，frownaswepassby。
Why，evenstridentPatersonRestsquietlyasanynun。
HerfoolishwarringchildrenkeepThegratefularmisticeofsleep。
Forwhattremendouserrand"ssakeArewesoblatantlyawake？
Whatprecioussecretisourfreight？
Whatkingmustbeabroadsolate？
PerhapsDeathroamsthehillsto-nightAndwerushforthtogivehimfight。
Orelse，perhaps，wespeedhiswayTosomeremoteunthinkingprey。
PerhapsawomanwrithesinpainAndlistens——listensforthetrain!
Thetrain，thatlikeanangelsings，Thetrain，withhealingonitswings。
Now"Hawthorne!"theconductorcries。
Myneighborstartsandrubshiseyes。
HehurriesyawningthroughthecarAndstepsoutwherethehousesare。
Thisisthereasonofourquest!
NotwantonlywebreaktherestOftownandvillage，nordoweLightlyprofanenight"ssanctity。
WhatLovecommandsthetrainfulfills，AndbeautifuluponthehillsAretheseourfeetofburnishedsteel。
SubtlyandcertainlyIfeelThatGlenRockwelcomesustoherAndsilentRidgewoodseemstostirAndsmile，becausesheknowsthetrainHasbroughtherchildrenbackagain。
Wecarrypeoplehome——andsoGodspeedsus，wheresoe"erwego。
Hohokus，Waldwick，AllendaleLiftsleepyheadstogiveushail。
InRamsey，Mahwah，SuffernstandHousesthatwistfullydemandAfather——son——somehumanthingThatthis，themidnighttrain，maybring。
ThetrainsthattravelinthedayTheyhurryfolkstoworkorplay。
ThemidnighttrainisslowandoldButofitletthisthingbetold，ToitshighhonorbeitsaidItcarriespeoplehometobed。
Mycottagelampshineswhiteandclear。
Godblessthetrainthatbroughtmehere。
PenniesAfewlong-hoardedpenniesinhishandBeholdhimstand；
AkiltedHedonist，perplexedandsad。
Thejoythatoncehehad，Thefirstdelightofownershipisfled。
Hebowshislittlehead。
Ah，cruelTime，tokillThatsplendidthrill!
Theninhistear-dimmedeyesNewlightsarise。
Hedropshistreasuredpenniesontheground，TheyrollandboundAndscattered，rest。
NowwithwhatzestHerunstofindhiserrantwealthagain!
SountomenDothGod，deprivingthatHemaybestow。
Fame，healthandmoneygo，Butthattheymay，newfound，benewlysweet。
Yea，atHisfeetSit，waitingus，totheirconcealmentbid，Allthey，ourlovers，whomHisLovehathhid。
Lo，comfortbloomsonpain，andpeaceonstrife，Andgainonloss。
WhatisthekeytoEverlastingLife？
Ablood-stainedCross。
Trees(ForMrs。HenryMillsAlden)
IthinkthatIshallneverseeApoemlovelyasatree。
AtreewhosehungrymouthisprestAgainsttheearth"ssweetflowingbreast；
AtreethatlooksatGodallday，Andliftsherleafyarmstopray；
AtreethatmayinSummerwearAnestofrobinsinherhair；
Uponwhosebosomsnowhaslain；
Whointimatelyliveswithrain。
Poemsaremadebyfoolslikeme，ButonlyGodcanmakeatree。
Stars(FortheRev。JamesJ。Daly，S。J。)
Brightstars，yellowstars，flashingthroughtheair，AreyouerrantstrandsofLadyMary"shair？
Assheslitsthecloudyveilandbendsdownthrough，Doyoufallacrosshercheeksandoverheaventoo？
Gaystars，littlestars，youarelittleeyes，Eyesofbabyangelsplayingintheskies。
NowandthenawingedchildturnshismerryfaceDowntowardthespinningworld——whatafunnyplace!
JesusChristcamefromtheCross(Christreceivemysoul!)
Ineachperfecthandandfoottherewasabloodyhole。
Fourgreatironspikestherewere，redandneverdry，MichaelpluckedthemfromtheCrossandsettheminthesky。
Christ"sTroop，Mary"sGuard，God"sownmen，DrawyourswordsandstrikeatHellandstrikeagain。
Everysteel-bornsparkthatflieswhereGod"sbattlesare，FlashespastthefaceofGod，andisastar。
OldPoets(ForRobertCortezHolliday)
IfIshouldliveinaforestAndsleepunderneathatree，NogroveofimpudentsaplingsWouldmakeahomeforme。
I"dgowheretheoldoaksgather，Sereneandgoodandstrong，AndtheywouldnotsighandtrembleAndvexmewithasong。
ThepleasantestsortofpoetIsthepoetwho"soldandwise，WithanoldwhitebeardandwrinklesAbouthiskindoldeyes。
FortheseyoungflippertigibbetsA-rhymingtheirhoursawayTheywon"tbestilllikehonestmenAndlistentowhatyousay。
TheyoungpoetscreamsforeverAbouthissexandhissoul；
Buttheoldmanlistens，andsmokeshispipe，Andpolishesitsbowl。
ThereshouldbeaclubforpoetsWhohavecometoseventyyear。
TheyshouldsitinagreathalldrinkingRedwineandgoldenbeer。
Theywouldshuffleinofanevening，Eachonetohiscushionedseat，AndtherewouldbemellowtalkingAndsilencerichandsweet。
ThereisnopeacetobetakenWithpoetswhoareyoung，FortheyworryaboutthewarstobefoughtAndthesongsthatmustbesung。
Buttheoldmanknowsthathe"sinhischairAndthatGod"sonHisthroneinthesky。
SohesitsbythefireincomfortAndheletstheworldspinby。
DelicatessenWhyisthatwantongossipFameSodumbaboutthisman"saffairs？
WhydowetitterathisnameWhocometobuyhiscuriouswares？
Hereisashopofwonderment。
Fromeverylandhascomeaprize；
RichspicesfromtheOrient，AndfruitthatknewItalianskies，AndfigsthatripenedbytheseaInSmyrna，nutsfromhotBrazil，StrangepungentmeatsfromGermany，AndcurrantsfromaGrecianhill。
HeisthelordofgoodlythingsThatmakethepoorman"stablegay，YetofhisworthnominstrelsingsAndonhistombthereisnobay。
Perhapshelivesanddiesunpraised，Thistraffickerinhumblesweets，BecausehislittleshopsareraisedBythousandsinthecitystreets。
Yetstarsingreaternumbersshine，Andvioletsinmillionsgrow，AndtheyinmanyagoldenlineAresung，aseverychildmustknow。
PerhapsFamethinkshisworriedeyes，Hiswrinkled，shrewd，patheticface，Hisshop，andallhesellsandbuysAredesperatelycommonplace。
Well，itistruehehasnoswordTodangleathisbootedknees。
Heleansacrossaslabofboard，Anddrawshisknifeandslicescheese。
Heneverheardofchivalry，Helongsfornoheroictimes；
Hethinksofpickles，olives，tea，Anddollars，nickles，centsanddimes。
Hisworldhasnarrowwalls，itseems；
Bycountersishissoulconfined；
Hiswaresareallhishopesanddreams，Theyarethefabricofhismind。
Yet——inaroomabovethestoreThereisawoman——andachildPatteredjustnowacrossthefloor；
Theshopmanlookedathimandsmiled。
For，oncehethrilledwithhighromanceAndtunedtolovehiseagervoice。
LikeanycavalierofFranceHewooedthemaidenofhischoice。
AndnowdeepinhiswearyheartAresacredflamesthatwhitelyburn。
HehasofHeaven"sgraceapartWholoves，whoisbelovedinturn。
Andwhenthelongday"sworkisdone，(Howslowtheleadenminutesran!)
Home，withhiswifeandlittleson，Heisnohuckster，butaman!
Andtherearethosewhograsphishand，Whodrinkwithhimandwishhimwell。
OinnodrearandlonelylandShallhewhohonorsfriendshipdwell。
Andinhislittleshop，whoknowsWhatbittergamesofwarareplayed？
Why，dailyoneachcornergrowsAfoetorobhimofhistrade。
Hefights，andforhisfireside"ssake；
Hefightsforclothingandforbread:
ThelancesofhisfoemenmakeAsteelyhaloroundhishead。
Hedeckshiswindowartfully，Hehagglesoverpaltrysums。
InthisstrangefieldhiswarmustbeAndbysuchblowshistriumphcomes。
WhatifnotrumpetsoundstocallHisarmedlegionstohisside？
Whatif，tonoancestralhallHecomesinallavictor"spride？
Thesceneshallneverfitthedeed。
Grotesquelywonderscometopass。
ThefoolshallmountanArabsteedAndJesusrideuponanass。
ThismanhashomeandchildandwifeAndbattlesetforeveryday。
ThismanhasGodandloveandlife；
Thesestand，allelseshallpassaway。
OCarpenterofNazareth，Whosemotherwasavillagemaid，Shallwe，Thychildren，blowourbreathInscornonanyhumbletrade？
HavepityonourfoolishnessAndgiveuseyes，thatwemayseeBeneaththeshopman"sclumsydressThesplendorofhumanity!
ServantGirlandGrocer"sBoyHerlips"remarkwas:"Oh，youkid!"
Hersoulspokethus(Iknowitdid):
"Okingofrealmsofendlessjoy，Myown，mygoldengrocer"sboy，IamaprincessforcedtodwellWithinalonelykitchencell，WhileyougodashingthroughthelandWithlovelinessoneveryhand。
YourwhistlestrikesmyeagerearsLikemusicofthechoiringspheres。
ThemightyearthgrowsfaintandreelsBeneathyourthunderingwagonwheels。
Howkeenly，perilouslysweetToclinguponthatswayingseat!
HowhappyshewhobyyoursideMaysharethesplendorsofthatride!
Ah，ifyouwillnottakemyhandAndbearmeoffacrosstheland，Then，travellerfromArcady，Remainawhileandcomfortme。
WhatothermaidencanyoufindSoyounganddelicateandkind？"
Herlips"remarkwas:"Oh，youkid!"
Hersoulspokethus(Iknowitdid)。
Wealth(ForAline)
Fromwhatoldballad，orfromwhatrichframeDidyoudescendtoglorifytheearth？
WasitfromChaucer"ssingingbookyoucame？
OrdidWatteau"ssmallbrushesgiveyoubirth？
NothingsoexquisiteasthatslighthandCouldRaphaelorLeonardotrace。
NorcouldthepoetsknowinFairylandThechangingwonderofyourlyricface。
Iwouldpossessahostoflovelythings，ButIampoorandsuchjoysmaynotbe。
SoGodwholiftsthepoorandhumbleskingsSentlovelinessitselftodwellwithme。
MartinWhenIamtiredofearnestmen，Intenseandkeenandsharpandclever，PursuingfamewithbrushorpenOrcountingmetaldisksforever，ThenfromthehallsofShadowlandBeyondthetracklesspurpleseaOldMartin"sghostcomesbacktostandBesidemydeskandtalktome。
StillonhisdelicatepalefaceAquizzicalthinsmileisshowing，Hischeeksarewrinkledlikefinelace，Hiskindblueeyesaregayandglowing。
Hewearsabrilliant-huedcravat，Asuittomatchhissoftgreyhair，Arakishstick，aknowinghat，Amannerblitheanddebonair。
HowgoodthathewhoalwaysknewThatbeinglovelywasaduty，ShouldhavegoldhallstowanderthroughAndshouldhimselfinhabitbeauty。
HowlikehisoldunselfishwayToleavethosehallsofsplendidmirthAndcomfortthosecondemnedtostayUponthedullandsombreearth。
Somepeopleask:"WhatcruelchanceMadeMartin"slifesosadastory？"
Martin？Why，heexhaledromance，Andworeanovercoatofglory。
Afleckofsunlightinthestreet，Ahorse，abook，agirlwhosmiled，SuchvisionsmadeeachmomentsweetForthisreceptiveancientchild。
BecauseitwasoldMartin"slotTobe，notmake，adecoration，Shallwethenscornhim，havingnotHisgeniusofappreciation？
Richjoyandlovehegotandgave；
Hisheartwasmerryashisdress；
PilelaurelwreathsuponhisgraveWhodidnotgain，butwas，success!
TheApartmentHouseSevereagainstthepleasantarcofskyThegreatstoneboxiscruellydisplayed。
Thestreetbecomesmoredrearyfromitsshade，Andvagrantbreezestouchitswallsanddie。
Heresullenconvictsintheirchainsmightlie，Orslavestoildumblyatsomedrearytrade。
HowworsethanfollyistheirlabormadeWhoclefttherocksthatthismightriseonhigh!
Yet，asIlook，Iseeawoman"sfaceGleamfromawindowfarabovethestreet。
Thisisahouseofhomes，asacredplace，Byhumanpassionmadedivinelysweet。
HowallthebuildingthrillswithsuddengraceBeneaththemagicofLove"sgoldenfeet!
AsWindsThatBlowAgainstAStar(ForAline)
NowbywhatwhimofwantonchanceDoradianteyesknowsombredays？
AndfeetthatshodinlightshoulddanceWalkwearyandlaboriousways？
ButraysfromHeaven，whiteandwhole，Maypenetratethegloomofearth；
Andtearsbutnourish，inyoursoul，Thegloryofcelestialmirth。
Thedartsoftoilandsorrow，sentAgainstyourpeacefulbeauty，areAsfoolishandasimpotentAswindsthatblowagainstastar。
St。LaurenceWithinthebrokenVaticanThemurderedPopeislyingdead。
ThesoldiersofValerianTheirevilhandsarewetandred。
Unarmed，unmoved，St。Laurencewaits，Hiscassockishisonlymail。
ThetroopsofHellhaveburstthegates，ButChristisLord，Heshallprevail。
Theyhaveencompassedhimwithsteel，Theyspituponhisgentleface，Hesmilesandbleeds，norwillrevealTheChurch"shiddentreasure-place。
Ah，faithfulsteward，worthyknight，Wellhastthoudone。Beholdthyfee!
SincethouhastfoughtthegoodlyfightAmartyr"sdeathisfixedforthee。
St。Laurence，prayforustobearThefaithwhichglorifiesthyname。
St。Laurence，prayforustoshareThewoundsofLove"sconsumingflame。
ToAYoungPoetWhoKilledHimselfWhenyouhadplayedwithlifeaspaceAndmadeitdrinkandlustandsing，YouflungitbackintoGod"sfaceAndthoughtyoudidanoblething。
"Lo，Ihavelivedandloved，"yousaid，"Andsungtofoolstoodulltohearme。
NowforacoolandgrassybedWithvioletsinblossomnearme。"
Well，restisgoodforwearyfeet，Althoughtheyranfornogreatprize；
Andvioletsareverysweet，Althoughtheirrootsareinyoureyes。
ButharktowhattheearthwormssayWhosharewithyouyourmuddyhaven:
"Thefightwason——youranaway。
Youareacowardandacraven。
"Therugisruinedwhereyoubled；
Itwasadirtywaytodie!
ToputabulletthroughyourheadAndmakeasillywomancry!
YoucouldnotvexthemerrystarsNormakethemheedyou，deadorliving。
NotallyourpunyangermarsGod"sirresistibleforgiving。
"Yes，Godforgivesandmenforget，Andyou"reforgivenandforgotten。
YoumightbegailysinningyetAndquickandfreshinsteadofrotten。
AndwhenyouthinkofloveandfameAndallthatmighthavecometopass，Thendon"tyoufeelalittleshame？
Anddon"tyouthinkyouwereanass？"
MemorialDay"Dulceetdecorumest"
Thebugleechoesshrillandsweet，Butnotofwaritsingsto-day。
TheroadisrhythmicwiththefeetOfmen-at-armswhocometopray。
TherosesblossomwhiteandredOntombswherewearysoldierslie；
FlagswaveabovethehonoreddeadAndmartialmusiccleavesthesky。
Abovetheirwreath-strewngraveswekneel，Theykeptthefaithandfoughtthefight。
ThroughflyingleadandcrimsonsteelTheyplungedforFreedomandtheRight。
Maywe，theirgratefulchildren，learnTheirstrength，wholiebeneaththissod，WhowentthroughfireanddeathtoearnAtlasttheaccoladeofGod。
InshiningrankonrankarrayedTheymarch，thelegionsoftheLord；
HeistheirCaptainunafraid，ThePrinceofPeace……Whobroughtasword。
TheRosaryNotonthelute，norharpofmanystringsShallallmenpraisetheMasterofallsong。
Ourlifeisbrief，onesaith，andartislong；
Andskilledmustbethelaureatesofkings。
Silent，Olipsthatutterfoolishthings!
Rest，awkwardfingersstrikingallnoteswrong!
Howfromyourtoilshallissue，whiteandstrong，MusiclikethatGod"schosenpoetsings？
Thereisoneharpthatanyhandcanplay，Andfromitsstringswhatharmoniesarise!
Thereisonesongthatanymouthcansay，——
Asongthatlingerswhenallsingingdies。
WhenontheirbeadsourMother"schildrenprayImmortalmusiccharmsthegratefulskies。
Vision(ForAline)
Homer，theytellus，wasblindandcouldnotseethebeautifulfacesLookingupintohisownandreflectingthejoyofhisdream，YetdidheseemGiftedwitheyesthatcouldfollowthegodstotheirholiestplaces。
Ihavenovisionofgods，notofEroswithlove-arrowsladen，JupiterthunderingdeathorofJunohiswhite-breastedqueen，YethaveIseenAllofthejoyoftheworldintheinnocentheartofamaiden。
ToCertainPoetsNowistherhymer"shonesttradeAthingforscornfullaughtermade。
Themerchant"ssneer，theclerk"sdisdain，Thesearetheburdenofourpain。
Becauseofyoudidthisbefall，Youbroughtthisshameuponusall。
YoulittlepoetsmincingthereWithwomen"sheartsandwomen"shair!
HowsickDanChaucer"sghostmustbeTohearyoulispof"Poesie"!
Aheavy-handedblow，Ithink，Wouldmakeyourveinsdripscentedink。
YoustrutandsmirkyourlittlewhileSomildly，delicatelyvile!
YourtinyvoicesmockGod"swrath，YousnailsthatcrawlalongHispath!
Why，whathasGodormantodoWithwet，amorphousthingslikeyou？
Thisthingaloneyouhaveachieved:
Becauseofyou，itisbelievedThatallwhoearntheirbreadbyrhymeArelikeyourselves，exudingslime。
Oh，ceasetowrite，forveryshame，Ereallmenspituponourname!
Takeupyourneedles，dropyourpen，Andleavethepoet"scrafttomen!
Love"sLantern(ForAline)
BecausetheroadwassteepandlongAndthroughadarkandlonelyland，GodsetuponmylipsasongAndputalanterninmyhand。
ThroughmilesonwearymilesofnightThatstretchrelentlessinmywayMylanternburnssereneandwhite，Anunexhaustedcupofday。
Ogoldenlightsandlightslikewine，Howdimyourboastedsplendorsare。
Beholdthislittlelampofmine；
Itismorestarlikethanastar!
St。AlexisPatronofBeggarsWewhobegforbreadaswedailytreadCountrylaneandcitystreet，LetuskneelandprayonthebroadhighwayTothesaintwiththevagrantfeet。
Ouraltarlightisabuttercupbright，Andourshrineisabankofsod，ButstillweshareSt。Alexis"care，TheVagabondofGod。
TheygavehimahomeinpurpleRomeAndaprincessforhisbride，ButherowedawayonhisweddingdayDowntheTiber"srushingtide。
AndhecametolandontheAsianstrandWheretheheathenpeopledwell；
AsabeggarhestrayedandhepreachedandprayedAndhesavedtheirsoulsfromhell。
BowedwithyearsandpainhecamebackagainTohisfather"sdwellingplace。
Therewasnonetoseewhothistrampmightbe，Fortheyknewnothisbeardedface。
Buthisfathersaid，"GivehimdrinkandbreadAndacouchunderneaththestair。"
SoAlexiscrepttohisholeandslept。
Buthemightnotlingerthere。
Forwhennightcamedownontheseven-hilledtown，Andtheemperorhurriedin，Saying，"Lo，IhearthatasaintisnearWhowillcleanseusofoursin，"
Thentheylookedinvainwherethesainthadlain，Forhissoulhadfledafar，FromhisfleshlyhomehehadgonetoroamWherethegold-pavedhighwaysare。
WewhobegforbreadaswedailytreadCountrylaneandcitystreet，LetuskneelandprayonthebroadhighwayTothesaintwiththevagrantfeet。
Ouraltarlightisabuttercupbright，Andourshrineisabankofsod，ButstillweshareSt。Alexis"care，TheVagabondofGod!
Folly(ForA。K。K。)
WhatdistantmountainsthrillandglowBeneathourLadyFolly"stread？
Whyhassheleftus，wiseinwoe，Shrewd，practical，uncomforted？
Wecannotloveordreamorsing，Wearetoocynicaltopray，ThereisnojoyinanythingSinceLadyFollywentaway。
Manyaknightandgentlemaid，Whosegloryshinesfromyearsgoneby，ThroughignorancewasunafraidAndasafoolknewhowtodie。
SaintFollyrodebesideJehanneAndbroketheranksofHellwithher，AndFolly"ssmileshonebrightlyonChrist"splaything，BrotherJuniper。
OurmindsaretroubledanddefiledBystudyinawearyschool。
Oforthefollyofthechild!
Thereadycourageofthefool!
Lord，crushourknowledgeutterlyAndmakeushumble，simplemen；
Andcleansedofwisdom，letusseeOurLadyFolly"sfaceagain。
Madness(ForSaraTeasdale)
Thelonelyfarm，thecrowdedstreet，Thepalaceandtheslum，GivewelcometomysilentfeetAs，bearinggifts，Icome。
Lastnightabeggarcrouchedalone，Araggedhelplessthing；
Isethimonamoonbeamthrone——
Todayheisaking。
LastnightakinginorbandcrownHeldcourtwithsplendidcheer；
TodayhetearshispurplegownAndmoansandshrieksinfear。
Notironbars，norflashingspears，Notland，norsky，norsea，Norlove"sartilleryoftearsCankeepmineownfromme。
Serene，unchanging，everfair，IsmilewithsecretmirthAndinanetofmineownhairIswingthecaptiveearth。
PoetsVainisthechimingofforgottenbellsThatthewindswaysabovearuinedshrine。
VainerhisvoiceinwhomnolongerdwellsHungerthatcravesimmortalBreadandWine。
LightsongswebreathethatperishwithourbreathOutofourlipsthathavenotkissedtherod。
Theyshallnotlivewhohavenottasteddeath。
TheyonlysingwhoarestruckdumbbyGod。
CitizenoftheWorldNolongerofHimbeitsaid"HehathnoplacetolayHishead。"
IneverylandaconstantlampFlamesbyHissmallandmightycamp。
ThereisnostrangeanddistantplaceThatisnotgladdenedbyHisface。
AndeverynationkneelstohailTheSplendourshiningthroughItsveil。
Cloisteredbesidetheshoutingstreet，Silent，HecallsmetoHisfeet。
ImprisonedforHisloveofmeHemakesmyspiritgreatlyfree。
AndthroughmylipsthatutteredsinTheKingofGloryentersin。
ToaBlackbirdandHisMateWhoDiedintheSpring(ForKenton)
AnironhandhasstilledthethroatsThatthrobbedwithloudandrhythmicgleeAnddammedthefloodofsilvernotesThatdrenchedtheworldinmelody。
TheblosmyappleboughsareyearningFortheirwildchoristers"returning，Butnoswiftwingsflashthroughthetree。
Yethatweregladandfleetandstrong，ShallSilencetakeyouinhernet？
AndshallDeathquellthatradiantsongWhoseechothrillsthemeadowyet？
BurstthefrailwebaboutyouclingingAndcharmDeath"scruelheartwithsingingTillwithstrangetearshiseyesarewet。
ThescentedmorningoftheyearIsoldandstalenowyearegone。
NofriendlysongsthechildrenhearAmongthebushesonthelawn。
Whenbabieswanderouta-MayingWillye，theirbards，afarbestraying？
Unhymnedbyyou，whatisthedawn？
Nay，sinceyelovedyecannotdie。
Abovethestarsissetyournest。
ThroughHeaven"sfieldsyesingandflyAndinthetreesofHeavenrest。
AndlittlechildrenintheirdreamingShallseeyoursoftblackplumagegleamingAndsmile，byyourclearmusicblest。
TheFourthShepherd(ForThomasWalsh)
I
OnnightslikethisthehuddledsheepArelikewhitecloudsuponthegrass，AndmerryherdsmenguardtheirsleepAndchatandwatchthebigstarspass。
ItisapleasantthingtolieUponthemeadowonthehillWithkindlyfellowshipnearbyOfsheepandmenofgentlewill。
IleanuponmybrokencrookAnddreamofsheepandgrassandmen——
OshamefuleyesthatcannotlookOnanyhonestthingagain!
OnbloodyfeetIclambereddownAndfledthewagesofmysin，Iamtheleavingsofthetown，Andmeanlyserveitsmeanestinn。
Itrampthecourtyardstonesingrief，Whilesleeptakesmanandbeasttoher。
Andeverycloudiscalling"Thief!"
Andeverystarcalls"Murderer!"
II
ThehandofGodissureandstrong，NorshallamanforeverfleeThebitterpunishmentofwrong。
ThewrathofGodisoverme!
WithashenbreadandwineoftearsShallIbesolacedinmypain。
IwearthroughblackandendlessyearsUponmybrowthemarkofCain。
III
Poorvagabond，sooldandmild，Willtheynotkeephimforanight？
AndShe，awomangreatwithchild，Sofrailandpitifulandwhite。
Goodpeople，sincethetaverndoorIsshuttoyou，comehereinstead。
See，IhavecleansedmystablefloorAndpiledfreshhaytomakeabed。
Hereissomemilkandoatencake。
Liedownandsleepandrestyoufair，Norfear，Osimplefolk，totakeThebountyofachildofcare。
IV
Onnightslikethisthehuddledsheep——
Ineversawanightsofair。
Howhugetheskyis，andhowdeep!
Andhowtheplanetsflashandglare!
AtdawnbesidemydrowsyflockWhatwingedmusicIhaveheard!
ButnowthecloudswithsingingrockAsiftheskywereturningbird。
OblindingLight，OblindingLight!
Burnthroughmyheartwithsweetestpain。
OflamingSong，mostloudlybright，Consumeawaymydeadlystain!
V
Thestableglowsagainstthesky，Andwhoarethesethatthrongtheway？
MythreeoldcomradeshastenbyAndshiningangelskneelandpray。
Thedoorswingswide——Icannotgo——
ImustandyetIdarenotsee。
Lord，whoamIthatIshouldknow——
Lord，God，bemercifultome!
VI
OWhiteness，whiterthanthefleeceOfnew-washedsheeponAprilsod!
OBreathofLife，OPrinceofPeace，OLambofGod，OLambofGod!
EasterTheairislikeabutterflyWithfrailbluewings。
ThehappyearthlooksattheskyAndsings。
MountHouvenkopfSerenehestands，withmistserenelycrowned，Anddrawsacloakoftreesabouthisbreast。
ThethunderroarsbutcannotbreakhisrestAndfromhisruggedfacethetempestsbound。
Hedoesnotheedtheangrylightning"swound，Theragingblizzardishisharmlessguest，AndhumanlifeisbutapassingjestTohimwhoseesTimespintheyearsaround。
Butfragilesouls，inskyeyreachesfindHighvantage-pointsandviewhimfromafar。
Howlowheseemstotheascendedmind，Howbriefheseemswhereallthingsendlessare；
ThislittleplaymateofthemightywindThisyoungcompanionofanancientstar。
TheHousewithNobodyinItWheneverIwalktoSuffernalongtheErietrackIgobyapooroldfarmhousewithitsshinglesbrokenandblack。
IsupposeI"vepasseditahundredtimes，butIalwaysstopforaminuteAndlookatthehouse，thetragichouse，thehousewithnobodyinit。
Ineverhaveseenahauntedhouse，butIheartherearesuchthings；
Thattheyholdthetalkofspirits，theirmirthandsorrowings。
Iknowthishouseisn"thaunted，andIwishitwere，Ido；
Foritwouldn"tbesolonelyifithadaghostortwo。
ThishouseontheroadtoSuffernneedsadozenpanesofglass，Andsomebodyoughttoweedthewalkandtakeascythetothegrass。
Itneedsnewpaintandshingles，andthevinesshouldbetrimmedandtied；
Butwhatitneedsthemostofallissomepeoplelivinginside。
IfIhadalotofmoneyandallmydebtswerepaidI"dputagangofmentoworkwithbrushandsawandspade。
I"dbuythatplaceandfixitupthewayitusedtobeAndI"dfindsomepeoplewhowantedahomeandgiveittothemfree。
Now，anewhousestandingempty，withstaringwindowanddoor，Looksidle，perhaps，andfoolish，likeahatonitsblockinthestore。
Butthere"snothingmournfulaboutit；itcannotbesadandloneForthelackofsomethingwithinitthatithasneverknown。
Butahousethathasdonewhatahouseshoulddo，ahousethathasshelteredlife，Thathasputitslovingwoodenarmsaroundamanandhiswife，Ahousethathasechoedababy"slaughandhelduphisstumblingfeet，Isthesaddestsight，whenit"sleftalone，thateveryoureyescouldmeet。
SowheneverIgotoSuffernalongtheErietrackInevergobytheemptyhousewithoutstoppingandlookingback，Yetithurtsmetolookatthecrumblingroofandtheshuttersfallenapart，ForIcan"thelpthinkingthepooroldhouseisahousewithabrokenheart。
DaveLillyThere"sabrookonthesideofGreylockthatusedtobefulloftrout，Butthere"snothingtherenowbutminnows；theysayitisallfishedout。
IfishedtheremanyaSummerdaysometwentyyearsago，AndIneverquitwithoutgettingamessofadozenorso。
Therewasaman，DaveLilly，wholivedontheNorthAdamsroad，Andhespentallhistimefishing，whilehisneighborsreapedandsowed。
HewastheluckiestfishermanintheBerkshirehills，Ithink。
Andwhenhedidn"tgofishinghe"dsitinthetavernanddrink。
Well，Daveisdeadandburiedandnobodycaresverymuch；
TheyhavenouseinGreylockfordrunkardsandloafersandsuch。
ButIalwayslikedDaveLilly，hewaspleasantasyoucouldwish；
Hewasshiftlessandgood-for-nothing，buthecertainlycouldfish。
TheothernightIwaswalkingupthehillfromWilliamstownAndIcametothebrookImentioned，andIstoppedonthebridgeandsatdown。
IlookedattheblackenedwaterwithitslittleflecksofwhiteAndIhearditrippleandwhisperinthestilloftheSummernight。
AndafterI"dbeenthereaminuteitseemedtomeIcouldfeelThepresenceofsomeonenearme，andIheardthehumofareel。
Andthewaterwaschurnedandbroken，andsomethingwasbroughttolandByatwistandflirtofashadowyrodinadeftandshadowyhand。
Iscrambleddowntothebrooksideandhuntedallabout；
Therewasn"tasignofafisherman；therewasn"tasignofatrout。
ButIheardsomebodychucklebehindthehollowoakAndIgotawhiffoftobaccolikeLillyusedtosmoke。
It"sfifteenyears，theytellme，sinceanyonefishedthatbrook；
Andthere"snothinginitbutminnowsthatnibblethebaitoffyourhook。
ButbeforethesunhasrisenandafterthemoonhassetIknowthatit"sfullofghostlytroutforLilly"sghosttoget。
IguessI"llgotothetavernandgetabottleofryeAndleaveitdownbythehollowoak，whereLilly"sghostwentby。
ImeanttogouponthehillsideandtrytofindhisgraveAndputsomeflowersonit——butthiswillbebetterforDave。
AlarmClocksWhenDawnstridesouttowakeadewyfarmAcrossgreenfieldsandyellowhillsofhayThelittletwitteringbirdslaughinhiswayAndpoisetriumphantonhisshiningarm。
HebearsaswordofflamebutnottoharmThewakenedlifethatfeelshisquickeningswayAndbarnyardvoicesshrilling"Itisday!"
Takebyhisgraceanewandaliencharm。
Butinthecity，likeawoundedthingThatlimpstocoverfromtheangrychase，Hestealsdownstreetswheresicklyarc-lightssing，Andwanlymockhisyoungandshamefulface；
AndtinygongswithcruelfervorringInmanyahighanddrearysleepingplace。
Waverley1814-1914
When，onanovel"snewlyprintedpageWefindamaudlineulogyofsin，Andreadofwaysthatharlotswanderin，Andofsicksoulsthatwritheinhelplessrage；
OrwhenRomance，bespectacledandsage，TapsonherdeskandbidstheclassbeginTocontheproblemsthathavealwaysbeenPerplexedmankind"sunhappyheritage；
TheninwhatrobesofhonorhabitedThelaureledwizardoftheNorthappears!
WhoraisedPrinceCharlie"scohortsfromthedead，MadeRose"smirthandFlora"snobletears，AndformedthatshininglegionatwhoseheadRidesWaverley，triumphanto"ertheyears!
[EndofTreesandOtherPoems。]
Thefollowingbiographicalinformationistakenfromthe1917editionofJessieB。Rittenhouse"santhologyofModernVerse。
Kilmer，Joyce。BornatNewBrunswick，NewJersey，December6，1886，andgraduatedatColumbiaUniversityin1908。AfterashortperiodofteachinghebecameassociatedwithFunkandWagnallsCompany，whereheremainedfrom1909to1912，whenheassumedthepositionofliteraryeditorof"TheChurchman"。In1913Mr。Kilmerbecameamemberofthestaffofthe"NewYorkTimes"，apositionwhichhestilloccupies。Hisvolumesofpoetryare:"ASummerofLove"，1911，and"Trees，andOtherPoems"，1914。
KilmerdiedinFrancein1918，andalsopublishedanothervolume，"MainStreetandOtherPoems"，1917，aswellasindividualpoems，essays，etc。