Page:The Poets and Poetry of the West.djvu/630

SARAH E. WALLACE. Sarah E. Wallace, daughter of J. C. Elston, one of the early and influential settlers of Indiana, was born at Crawfordsville, in that State, in the year 1830. In 1852 she was married to Lewis Wallace of Indianapolis. Her poems are character- ized by sweet womanly feeling and fancy, and poetic grace of expression. They ap- peared originally in the Cincinnati Gazette, and, their author avoiding rather than seeking reputation, were submitted to the editor without name or date. THE PATTER OF LITTLE FEET. Up with the sun at morning Away to the garden he hies, To see if the sleepy blossoms Have begun to open their eyes ; Running a race with the wind, His step as hght and fleet, Under my window I hear The patter of little feet. Anon to the brook he wanders In swift and noiseless flight. Splashing the sparkling ripples Like a fairy water-sprite. No sand under fabled river Has gleams like his golden hair ; No pearly sea-shell is fairer Than his slender ankles bare ; Nor the rosiest stem of coral, That blushes in Ocean's bed. Is sweet as the flush that follows Our darling's airy tread. From a broad window my neighbor Looks down on our little cot. And watches the "poor man's blessing;" I cannot envy his lot. He has pictures, books, and music. Bright fountains, and noble trees, Flowers that blossom in vases. Birds from beyond the seas ; But never does childish laughter His homeward footstep greet, His stately halls ne'er echo The tread of innocent feet. This child is our " speaking picture," A birdling that chatters and sings, Sometimes a " sleeping cherub " (Our other one has wings) ; His heart is a charmed casket. Full of all that's cunning and sweet. And no harpstrings hold such music As follows his twinkling feet. When the glory of sunset opens The highway by angels trod, And seems to unbar the City Whose Builder and Maker is God, Close to the crystal portal, I see by the gates of pearl, The eyes of our other angel — A twin-born little girl. And I ask to be taught and directed To guide his footsteps aright. So that I be accounted worthy To walk in sandals of light ; And hear amid songs of welcome. From messengers trusty and fleet. On the starry floor of Heaven The patter of little feet. (6U)