ACROSTIC

[Around my lonely hearth to-night]

Around my lonely hearth to-night,

Ghostlike the shadows wander:

Now here, now there, a childish sprite,

Earthborn and yet as angel bright,

Seems near me as I ponder.

Gaily she shouts: the laughing air

Echoes her note of gladness—

Or bends herself with earnest care

Round fairy-fortress to prepare

Grim battlement or turret-stair—

In childhood's merry madness!

New raptures still hath youth in store.

Age may but fondly cherish

Half-faded memories of yore—

Up, craven heart! repine no more!

Love stretches hands from shore to shore:

Love is, and shall not perish!