Muse and Mint

Chapter 6: PEEP-OF-DAWN

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

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.

PEEP-OF-DAWN

The tallyho of slumber’s on

The last relay of dreams;

Posthaste it rides with ribbons drawn

O’er curvetting gray teams.

The wayside house just left behind

Was Where-the-Cock-Crew Inn;

The road ahead with rose is lined

And known as Work-to-Win.

Intoxicated senses sink

In visions of delight;

And Venus’ eye begins to wink

Where it outrides the night.

Sly fingers lift the window-shades,

But ere espied are gone;

And on the drowsy milking-maids

Tiptoes the Peep-of-Dawn.

Dame Nature in abandon lies

With skirts in disarray,

And overtaken with surprise

Is kissed by stealthy Day;

The coverts rub their eyes and wake,

And dreaming Love anon

Goes forth on Rosy Road to make

A tryst with Peep-of-Dawn.