78
POEMS BY CLARA A. MERRILL
"The mill! The mill is burning!" At last, as if from sleep They wakened to the danger,— Beheld a bright flame leap!—
Ascending and expanding. Columns of smoke arose As from volcanic crater Where molten lava flows.—
Again the cry resounded:— "The mill is all on fire!"—And catching up the tidings The bells 'neath every spire
Tolled franticly the warning.— With clanging, vibrant tongue They sent abroad the message The village folk among!
Lo! Turner's happy village— That peaceful, pleasant scene Transformed in one brief moment To one of sorrow keen.—
