The Reward

I heard the little cricket cry Last night in the dull rain--as I Put on my dark, my sombre dress. (I had no ear for happiness!)

And as I braided up my hair I saw the white threads, silvered there, And on my cheeks the mark of tears, My only kisses thro’ the years.

Sudden--that little voice I heard-- Finer than call of cheerful bird. A human--tender--crying sound In the low grasses near the ground.

Just as I said:--“I will take Cheer Instead of Joy!”--Your footsteps, Dear, Fell on the garden walk ... and when I put my candle out,--.... Again

Late in the night I heard it plain The cricket, singing in the rain.