Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.
By James WhitcombRiley1143 Honey Dripping from the Comb
H
Upon the dead sea of the Past!—A view—
Sometimes an odor—or a rooster lifting
A far-off “Ooh! ooh-ooh!”
In some wood’s-pasture of the Long Ago,—
Or idly dream again upon a day
Of rest we used to know.
A wilted apple that the worm had spurned,—
Yet hidden in the taste were happy hints
Of good old days returned.
Tinkles a tune so tender and complete,
God’s blessing must be resting on the fruit—
So bitter, yet so sweet!