THE PATH THROUGH THE CLOVER.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 42, 17 October 1891, Page 485

THE PATH THROUGH THE CLOVER.

We strayed together where the path Goes winding through the clover, And ’cross the soft, sweet orchard grass Where apple boughs hang over. We watched the waving of the hay, All ready for the mowing, And saw the blueness of the sky, And felt the fresh winds blowing, And to our light, free hearts the day Was glad as glad could be, And nothing lacked of fair or bright For Margaret and me. But at the brook our ways diverged, Mine up the hillside leading, And hers across the gentle slopes Where peaceful flocks are feeding. In slight uncertainty we stood, We thought not of dividing, While each the other’s doubting steps Rebuked with playful chiding, In mood half vexed, half laughing, we Could never quite agree If I should cross the fields with her, Or she its hills with me. At last we took our separate ways, Our hearts with anger burning ; Each longed to call the other back. But scorned to think of turning. Air, me, had we but read aright The omen clear before us. We bad less lightly held the faith No future can restore us ; Nor sigh to think how better far For both of us ’twould be, If I had crossed the fields with her. Or she its hills with me.J

Kate Tucker Goode.