80
POEMS BY CLARA A. MERRILL
Then stood aghast the people, Astounded, stricken, dazed.—While in that glowing furnace The timbers cracked and blazed.
And, as the smoke ascended In black, dense, billowy waves; Each heart cried out in anguish:— "Oh Father, God who saves
Look down in thy compassion!— The mad flames dart and sway Like ruddy, fork-tongued dragons That swift devour their prey.—
The winds sang a requiem, And many a silent prayer Arose. As smoke and flame illumined The sky with lurid glare.—
Oh! friends and loving kindred— Your hearts in grief must bow; The proprietor of the factory Needs not your pity now!
