Wish And Item
Written to the Editor of the Item, Lynn, Mass.
I hope the heart that's hungry
For things above the floor,
Will find within its portals [5]
An item rich in store;
That melancholy mortals
Will count their mercies o'er,
And learn that Truth and wisdom
Have many items more; [10]
That when a wrong is done us,
It stirs no thought of strife;
And Love becomes the substance,
As item, of our life;
That every ragged urchin, [15]
With bare feet soiled or sore,
Share God's most tender mercies,—
Find items at our door.
Then if we've done to others
Some good ne'er told before, [20]
When angels shall repeat it,
'T will be an item more.