62
POEMS BY CLARA A. MERRILL
At length, when I attained manhood, The crowning joy came to my life; And never was husband more happy Than I, with my sweet little wife.
And she loved me so fondly and truly, It made all my toil seem like play; I was working for her, and for baby— Baby Charlie I call him alway. Well, I got a snug home for my loved ones, And a good sum of money to spare; 'Twould have been like the Garden of Eden Had the Serpent not gained entrance there.
But I had a dear friend—Jim Daley, The chum of my boyhood and youth; And true, like a brother I loved him— For I thought him the ideal of Truth. At school we were always together. E'er shared with each other our joy; And only God knows how I loved him— This handsome, and proud, winsome boy.
And I trusted him, friend, I trusted him With all that was sacred and dear To my heart, Yes, I trusted him fully— Nor dreamed I could have aught to fear.
