Rosa Vertner Jeffrey

“ Our hearts have been, should ever be.
"Let sharp steel cleave that circling rind,
No art its severed strength could bind;
Should anger part thy love from mine,
Holds earth another heart for thine?" ”

“ The light of Daisy's lost love made
[32] The past fall back in deepest shade.
Strong natures suffer more than those
Who, bowing down, parade their woes
For a brief season, and then rise:
The brave heart uncomplaining dies. ”

“ A stranger one—one Allen Gray,—
No braver hero ever died
Than he whose love she lost through pride.
Unselfish, earnest, daring, brave,
All but himself he tried to save;
Heedless of death and danger—why? ”

“ Bridging a gulf toward mem'ries green,
With one regret—"it might have been."
Oh, why, when life is in its June
Of fruity fragrance, perfect tune,
Does passion's stormy pride destroy
Youths' heritage of love and joy? ”

“ And never anchored since that hour
When each defied the other's power.
"The stately creole by my side
Is my young sister—not my bride;
Earth holds one mate alone for me,
[46] One bride—say, Daisy, shall it be?" ”

“ To steal the kindling-wood;
Into the cupboard peeping,
[53] To hunt for "somesin' dood."
The dogs they tease to snarling,
The chickens know no rest,
Yet the old cook calls them "darling,"
And loves each one "the best." ”

“ Apart—yet wedded by the sun,
[35] As severed hearts through love made one.
Where air as an elixir fine
Exhilarates like sparkling wine;
Where mere existence brings a joy
Life's trifling ills cannot destroy ”