第30章 WHEN I WAS A BOY

Up in the attic where I slept When I was a boy, a little boy, In through the lattice the moonlight crept, Bringing a tide of dreams that swept Over the low, red trundle-bed, Bathing the tangled curly head, While moonbeams played at hide-and-seek With the dimples on the sun-browned cheek - When I was a boy, a little boy!

And, oh! the dreams - the dreams I dreamed!

When I was a boy, a little boy!

For the grace that through the lattice streamed Over my folded eyelids seemed To have the gift of prophecy, And to bring me glimpses of times to be When manhood's clarion seemed to call - Ah! that was the sweetest dream of all, When I was a boy, a little boy!

I'd like to sleep where I used to sleep When I was a boy, a little boy!

For in at the lattice the moon would peep, Bringing her tide of dreams to sweep The crosses and griefs of the years away From the heart that is weary and faint to-day;

And those dreams should give me back again A peace I have never known since then - When I was a boy, a little boy!

AT PLAY

Play that you are mother dear, And play that papa is your beau;

Play that we sit in the corner here, Just as we used to, long ago.

Playing so, we lovers two Are just as happy as we can be, And I'll say "I love you" to you, And you say "I love you" to me!

"I love you" we both shall say, All in earnest and all in play.

Or, play that you are that other one That some time came, and went away;

And play that the light of years agone Stole into my heart again to-day!

Playing that you are the one I knew In the days that never again may be, I'll say "I love you" to you, And you say "I love you" to me!

I love you!" my heart shall say To the ghost of the past come back to-day!

Or, play that you sought this nestling-place For your own sweet self, with that dual guise Of your pretty mother in your face And the look of that other in your eyes!

So the dear old loves shall live anew As I hold my darling on my knee, And I'll say "I love you" to you, And you say "I love you" to me!

Oh, many a strange, true thing we say And do when we pretend to play!

A VALENTINE

Go, Cupid, and my sweetheart tell I love her well.

Yes, though she tramples on my heart And rends that bleeding thing apart;

And though she rolls a scornful eye On doting me when I go by;

And though she scouts at everything As tribute unto her I bring - Apple, banana, caramel - Haste, Cupid, to my love and tell, In spite of all, I love her well!

And further say I have a sled Cushioned in blue and painted red!

The groceryman has promised I Can "hitch" whenever he goes by - Go, tell her that, and, furthermore, Apprise my sweetheart that a score Of other little girls implore The boon of riding on that sled Painted and hitched, as aforesaid; - And tell her, Cupid, only she Shall ride upon that sled with me!

Tell her this all, and further tell I love her well.