To Almon Keefer

INSCRIBED IN "TALES OF THE OCEAN"      This first book that I ever knew      Was read aloud to me by you -      Friend of my boyhood, therefore take      It back from me, for old times' sake -      The selfsame "Tales" first read to me,      Under "the old sweet apple tree,"      Ere I myself could read such great      Big words, - but listening all elate,      At your interpreting, until      Brain, heart and soul were all athrill      With wonder, awe, and sheer excess      Of wildest childish happiness.      So take the book again - forget      All else, - long years, lost hopes, regret;      Sighs for the joys we ne'er attain,      Prayers we have lifted all in vain;      Tears for the faces seen no more,      Once as the roses at the door!      Take the enchanted book - And lo,      On grassy swards of long ago,      Sprawl out again, beneath the shade      The breezy old-home orchard made,      The veriest barefoot boy indeed -      And I will listen as you read.