The Hearth
Who has not seen the magic Of firelight change a room From just a pleasant shelter To friendliness and home? No house is quite so lovely That it survives the blight Of an idle fireplace On cheerless day or night.
No heart can be so empty Embittered by false blame, That does not build new courage Beside a cheerful flame. Dreary would this old world be Without the countless dreams That soar up sooted chimneys In clear, untarnished reams!
Love's flame fights a chilly wind? Things superficial, vain Are lost in gentle shadows When hearts are warmed again. To bridge misunderstanding, Disclose a true desire, Not many words are needed When flames speak in a fire!
They who keep the hearthstones cold Know not what joys they miss— Would forfeit, for a bit of dust, A lover's tender kiss . . . Rich the man whose childhood holds Memories of silver rain That drenched his dreams while firelight Danced on the window pane.
Some day I'll have a fireplace Please God! one deep and wide My heart shall fold its beating wings And rest there at your side. And I shall have the curtains— Not closed against the night— But wide apart; those passing by Shall share the warming light.