  Then the Lover, sighing like a furnace. two girls walking away from each other pair of girls in three poses In the soft soil of little lives Affection quickly springs and thrives And grows like anything; Its tiny tendrils Love puts out, Not knowing what it's all about, But glad to smile and sing. Perhaps it is a favorite doll, Often the raggedest of all, That bids affection start. Unstinted love is gladly poured Upon the dolly so adored Now love grows very fast, and so The little heart will overflow, And love will run to waste; It must needs fall on this or that,— The dog, the baby or the cat; Quite Catholic its taste. Perhaps a schoolmate gets a share; The little girl with braided hair, That sits next in the class; The one with wide, pathetic eyes, Blue as the warm midsummer skies, A timid little lass. girl with baby doll Then the Lover, sighing like a furnace A bashful glance,—a furtive look,— Some words about a lesson book; And then a smile or two. Then,—"You're the nicest girl I know!" And, "So are you!" "I love you so." And, "So do I love you!" Together arm in arm they walk, They do not care for others' talk, Nor with the others play; In softest whispers they impart The secrets of each little heart, And yet, though fair and sweet the fruits, So fragile are affection's roots, A trifle works them ill; A single hasty word, or curt, The little tendrils oft will hurt; A frown perhaps may kill. "She told me what you said 'bout me!" "I think she's mean as she can be!" "I'm mad at you! So there!" "I'll never speak to you again!" "All right, Miss Meany, don't you then! And then, just as the big tears start, Homeward runs little Broken-heart, And to her own room flies; "Dolly, my darling dolly, pet, You love me, dear, you love me yet!" She whispers with wet eyes. Ah, human love brings but unrest, Once more she catches to her breast The love that cannot fail; The love that makes her heartache cease, The love that brings a soothing peace, Instinctive love, that can't be taught, That giveth all and asketh naught, Reigns in one heart alone. Its own reward it can create, It makes the heart inanimate Responsive to her own. two girls walking away from each other again |
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