Echoes of Cheer

ECHOES OF CHEER

By

JOHN KENDRICK BANGS

INSPIRATION

WHEN Phyllis lets me gaze into her eyes.

It fills my soul with ever fresh surprise

To note a figure small deep-set in each,

As though a thousand leagues beyond my reach.

No larger than the tiniest woodland elf -

Each one the perfect portrait of myself.

The perfect portrait? Nay! I would 'twere so,

Rejoicing in that soft and heavenly glow

That hedges them about ! What utter bliss

To live, and be, in such a home as this,

And looking out from it each day to see

The world as Phyllis thinks the world to be!

Ah, well - let it be mine to choose my way.

Year after year, through every passing day.

So well, in truth, that as this world appears

To her, unsullied, void of evil fears.

So may it be as far as in me lies

To keep it as it seems to Phyllis' eyes!


Genre: Literary Fiction