This gave a charm to the picture
Of especial power to me,
And my vision saw a painting
That none else on earth could see.
I can close my eyes at twilight
Though now many miles away,
And see that lovely horizon
At close of expiring day.
I can see the true formation
Of each rock and tree and field,
In a perfect panorama
That time has not yet concealed.
It is not an idle fancy
For me now to paint the scene,
Since my mother's form has faded
From the place where she has been.
I know it affords me comfort
To recall from day to day,
That scene from the farm-house window,
Since my mother passed away.
MY ROOM IN BOYHOOD'S DAYS.
After forty years.
Sacred these walls wherein I find
Myself inclosed once more;
Here in youth's pride my ardent mind
On nightly tasks would pore.
Sweet were these tasks, for mental power
Comes with each duty done;
And ray of light charmed midnight's hour
When thought its victory won.