Page:Howells, Stops of Various Quills, 1895 003.jpg

This page has been validated.

MIDWAY

SO blithe the birds sang in the trees,
The trees sang in the wind,
I winged me with the morning breeze,
And left Care far behind.

But now both birds and trees are mute
In the hot hush of noon;
And I must up and on afoot,
Or Care will catch me soon.