Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.
By Frank LebbyStanton1288 The Graveyard Rabbit
I
He halfway gallops among the graves—
A tiny ghost in the gloom and gleam,
Content to dwell where the dead men dream,
For they plot him ill;
For the graveyard rabbit hath a charm
(May God defend us!) to shield from harm.
Every grave in the dark he knows;
But his nest is hidden from human eye
Where headstones broken on old graves lie.
For they plot him ill;
For the graveyard rabbit, though sceptics scoff,
Charmeth the witch and the wizard off!
Fearful, still, on the track of him;
Or fleetly follows the way he runs,
For he heals the hurts of the conjured ones.
For they plot him ill;
The soul’s bewitched that would find release,—
To the graveyard rabbit go for peace!
Where winds moan wild in the dark o’ the moon;
And gold shall glitter and love smile sweet
To whoever shall sever his furry feet!
For they plot him ill;
For the graveyard rabbit hath a charm
(May God defend us!) to shield from harm.