Muse and Mint

Chapter 32: TWO FRAMES

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About This Book

A varied collection of short lyrical poems that observes nature and rural life, using seasonal imagery—sap, snow, rivers, cherries—and simple domestic scenes to reflect on change, beauty, and small joys. Sections shift between fireside recollections, sentimental and philosophical meditations, homiletic and religious pieces, and light humor, blending devotional songlike verses with moral aphorisms and affectionate memory. The voice moves between wistful and buoyant moods, finding consolation and ethical insight in commonplace experiences, while concise stanzas and vivid images emphasize mood and moral reflection rather than a continuous narrative.

TWO FRAMES

In the gallery of remembrance

Down on Unforgotten Street

Hangs a picture of two lovers

After they the vows repeat;

Lovely—handsome—picture—lovers—

Golden-framed against the wall,

Love in rich and stately setting—

Revenue and manor-hall.

And beside it hangs another,

Limned again with lovers’ pose,

Just as lovely on the canvas

Till the golden in it glows;

But ’tis framed in white enamel

Whereon lilies intertwine—

Love in sweet and simple setting—

Virtue and a cottage-vine.

Love-in-woman stands before them

With reflected gold and grace

But with struggling decision

On her dew-and-flower face;

Eyes are drawn to frame of yellow,

Heart to canvas set in white:

Rich man, poor man? Love-in-woman

Chose and lilies turned to light.