Part 6 (1/2)

Far off I see them bow, advance, Swing partners and retreat, As though some slow, old-fas.h.i.+oned dance Had claimed their tripping feet.

Or hand to hand they wave, and so, With dip and bend and swing, Through ”tag” and ”hide” and ”touch and go”

They flutter, frolicking.

But when I run to join the play, I find my search is vain.

Always they see me on the way, And change to pines again.

ELIZABETH THORNTON TURNER.

THE STUDENTS

I say to Tommy every day, ”Now let us read awhile,”

But Tommy doesn't like to read, He'd rather be a prancing steed, And have me drive him many a mile, And often run away.

I like to do as grown folks do.

Our house is full of books.

My sisters gather every night About the cheery study light.

I often think how wise it looks, And wish I could stay, too.

So I coax Tommy every day To read a little while.

I know my M's and N's and P's And everything, 'way down to Z's.

When Tommy reads I have to smile, For Tommy just knows A!

HANNAH G. FERNALD.

THE LADY MOON

There's a lady in the moon, With a floating gown of white; You can see her very soon, When mamma turns out the light.

Tis a lady and she smiles Through my narrow window way, As she sails on miles and miles, Making night as fair as day.

ALICE TURNER CURTIS.

THE JOURNEY

Whither away shall the baby ride?

How many miles shall he fare?

Under the trees whose arms spread wide, Out to the meadow there.