A CHANGELING GRATEFUL

Peabody Josephine Preston


A CHANGELING GRATEFUL

Here they give me greeting, House me warm within, Break their bread and share it With the heart of kin.

Here the ruddy hearth-light
Singes not a moth, Gives a summer welcome As a red rose doth.
I would leave a gift here If I might: not I!-- Like a homeless laughter, Vagrant wind gone by.

But while I am a glow-worm I will shine and stay: When I am a shadow… I will creep away.

Peabody Josephine Preston