IN AN ATTIC.
99
The day comes earlier here. At morn I see
Along the roofs the eldest sunbeam peep;
I live in daylight, limitless and free,
While you are lost in sleep.
Along the roofs the eldest sunbeam peep;
I live in daylight, limitless and free,
While you are lost in sleep.
I catch the rustle of the maple-leaves,
I see the breathing branches rise and fall,
And hear, from their high perch along the eaves,
The bright-necked pigeons call.
I see the breathing branches rise and fall,
And hear, from their high perch along the eaves,
The bright-necked pigeons call.
Far from the parlors with their garrulous crowds
I dwell alone, with little need of words;
I have mute friendships with the stars and clouds,
And love-trysts with the birds.
I dwell alone, with little need of words;
I have mute friendships with the stars and clouds,
And love-trysts with the birds.
So all who walk steep ways, in grief and night,
Where every step is full of toil and pain,
May see, when they have gained the sharpest height,
It has not been in vain,
Where every step is full of toil and pain,
May see, when they have gained the sharpest height,
It has not been in vain,
Since they have left behind the noise and heat;
And, though their eyes drop tears, their sight is clear:
The air is purer, and the breeze is sweet,
And the blue heaven more near.
And, though their eyes drop tears, their sight is clear:
The air is purer, and the breeze is sweet,
And the blue heaven more near.
