Verse and Reverse (1921)/Work and Play

Oh, for the boon of one long summer day,
My own, my very own!" I said, and sighed.
With happy heart I'd put my work away;
Then, like a child, I'd wander out to play,
And Joy and I would journey far and wide.

"We'd find, perchance, a field of buckwheat flowers,
All honey-sweet and murmurous with bees.
There, 'neath a sky washed blue by twinkling showers,
We'd lie and dream away the fragrant hours
In luxury of indolence and ease.

"Through gates of story-land we'd travel far,
Where noble knight and lovely lady dwells,
Where shining mountains of achievement are,
And vales of quiet 'neath the twilight star,
Where lyric laughter rings like silver bells."

A letter came from far across the sea,
Penned by a faltering hand, once firm and bold;
Its passioned pain of longing startled me—
"Oh! what a joy one good day's work would be,
With strength, a gift more excellent than gold!"

So now, with thankful heart and willing hand
I labor till the golden hours are spent:
For toil has many a gate to fairyland,
And they may enter in who understand
The blessedness of health and sweet content.