Pictures In The Fire

PICTURES IN THE FIRE
Eugene C Dolson
4867

WHEN day is done, and twilight shadows fall
Athwart the parlor wall-
When flickering lights around our hearthstone flit,
Before the lamps are lit
The children gather round in eager glee
To tell what there they see

What various fancies fill each little mind,
And how unlike they find
Those images reflected in the fire
Each her own heart’s desire,

One little would-be wanderer, miles from home,
Beholds the spire and dome
Of some great city, wondrous grand and fair,
Far off, she knows not where

One sees a stately mansion, bright and gay,
Where crystal fountains play,
And in that wide and richly frescoed hall
Herself-the Queen of all

And one, who loves in Elfland life to look,
Through fancy’s mystic book,
Can see a fairy bringing gifts of grace-
One sees an angel face

And listening to them there, a sudden thought
Unto my mind is brought,
How it were well, when all vain dreams are done

If, like this little one,
Within our hearts the vision we could see
Might some good angel be