Poems (White)/Ruth the Gleaner

by Jeannie Copes White

RUTH THE GLEANER

Ruth, dear Ruth, with your burden of wheat,
Ruth, wise Ruth, with your treasure of grace,
Where can we find a woman so sweet,
Coupled with such a beautiful face?

Ruth, true Ruth, on great loyalty bent,
Ruth, wise Ruth, you are so stanch and firm,
Happy and faithful and well content
To live with his folks on any term.

Ruth, sweet Ruth, you are so docile and mild,
Ruth, wise Ruth, all patient, wise and good,
Meek and faithful, and sweet as a child,
Loving to do whatever you could.

Ruth, fine Ruth, to be sure that we know
How loving to mother-in-law you,
Traveling with her mile and mile so,
To his God and people to be true.

His mother, in love with her ward,
Planned and completed a woman's scheme,
That from such duty should come reward,—
She whispers you the drift of her theme.

So now, little Ruth, we see, we see,
That goodness will not ever be lost.
Your life's a lesson, 'twill ever be
This duty, and calm faith in the past.

You're the emblem of loyalty true.
All these virtues on you we call.
Courage and patience all the way through,
Maiden so tenderly mild withall.