A WARM thatched roof, 'neath which peer windows small; A lush green vine, thick clust'ring o'er the wall; And level, flower-gemmed, low-lying meads; A narrow path which to the cornfields leads; The little plain encircled by pine woods, Where it is bliss to rest in dreamy moods; Blithe birds that cheer the heart with roundelay; The peaceful graveyard a few steps away; A glimpse of the blue sky, like azure shrine, -- How small, how poor doth seem this world of mine! Yet as, when vesper bells their summons peal, Returning home I weary, hungry, feel; See from my hut the smoke's light column rise, While in the glowing west day, flaming, dies; My child springs toward me with exulting shout, And from the hearth a cheerful blaze gleams out; When everything breathes evening's sweet repose, And with hand on the bolt my door I close; When in the heav'ns star after star doth shine, -- How grand, how glorious is this world of mine! I envy not the rich man's splendor rare, His marble tables, golden goblets fair, Chimes of sweet bells, the stately steeple's pride, Or the cool flow of ocean's wondrous tide; I know that happiness lies everywhere, Perchance most willingly the cot doth share; The blossom's fragrance is borne on the wind; In narrow confines sweetest fruits we find. Well for me if my home doth God enshrine, For naught then would I change this world of mine! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A GLASS OF BEER by JAMES STEPHENS A SNOWFLAKE by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH CHRISTMAS HYMN by HARRIET AUBER VERSES TO A YOUNG FRIEND by BERNARD BARTON THE WOUNDED VULTURE by ANNE CHARLOTTE LYNCH BOTTA |