The Verse-Book of a Homely Woman

The Home Lights

     "In my father's house!" The words
     Bring sweet cadence to my ears.
     Wandering thoughts, like homing birds,
     Fly all swiftly down the years,
     To that wide casement, where I always see
     Bright love-lamps leaning out to welcome
          me.

     Sweet it was, how sweet to go
     To the worn, familiar door.
     No need to stand a while, and wait,
     Outside the well-remembered gate;
     No need to knock;
     The easy lock
     Turned almost of itself, and so
     My spirit was "at home" once more.
     And then, within, how good to find
     The same cool atmosphere of peace,
     Where I, a tired child, might cease
     To grieve, or dread,
     Or toil for bread.
     I could forget
     The dreary fret.
     The strivings after hopes too high,
     I let them every one go by.
     The ills of life, the blows unkind,
     These fearsome things were left behind.

     ENVOY.

       O trembling soul of mine,
       See how God's mercies shine!
       When thou shalt rise,
       And, stripped of earth, shall stand
       Within an Unknown Land;
       Alone, where no familiar thing
       May bring familiar comforting;
       Look up! 'Tis but thy Father's
           House! And, see
       His love-lamps leaning out to welcome
           thee!