KISSES.

Otago Witness, Issue 1190, 19 September 1874, Page 21

KISSES.

"Are kisses spirits, mother?" Little Walter asks, Raising- great dark earnest eyes To others, blue as summer's skies, That brighten for her eager boy, Through her life of hope and joy, And tender woman tasks. Fearless little questioner, What knows he of kisses ? Save caresses soft and sweet, Each fresh hour of life to greet ; Blessing kiss of sire and mother, Clasp of sister, hug of brother ; • Thanks for baby blisses. Happy cherished darling, He nor knows nor cares, Of passionate lips that press In vain On those that cannot glow again ; Of wild despairing kisses pressed On damp sods where our idols rest, 'Mid sad unanswered prayers. Cnn true-hearted childhood Guess such things can be, As kiss 'tween secret foe and foe, As hands that clasp o'er gulfs below, As kisses with no loving leaven, Coldly taken, idly given, In customary courtesy ? Can frank-hearted childhood Dream that kindred lips, Lips that have met a thousand times, Warm and true as poets' rhymes, May for each other learn to frame Scorn or hatred, mock or blame, Love's unwarned eclipse 1 Dim not childhood's golden faith, With such lore as this is ; Let him trust the gladness round, Trust the love as birthright found ; Soon, too soon, the world will teach, Stings may lurk in honeyed speech, Treason hide in kisses.