’Tis long since song of mating bird has thrilled
That lonely heart, with tender memories filled,—
Memories still speeding backward to the time
When, brave and beautiful in manhood’s prime,
Her bridegroom more than twenty years ago
Sprang at the bugle call to meet the foe.
Strong men for other women dig the gold,
Tread out the wine, and weave the silken fold;
Her wine of Life in forests dark and dank
The thirsty soil of Mississippi drank;