Joseph Warren Beach

From “Dry Points”

I OVERTOOK her on the bridge

Loitering in the morning gray,

And straight she told me all her heart

In her direct and childish way.

“Helen was sick for long,” she said,

And slipped a trustful hand in mine.

“She never had to go to school,

And she had oranges … and wine!…

“When Helen died, you should have seen

The flowers, so many and so bright—

Red roses all about her face …

And Helen’s face so very white!”