Gangs
In suits of gray
Worked upon the highway
In a Southern State.
Stones
Were their companions,
Coarse food
Their nourishment.
Cruelty
Met often with Greed
And Fear
Lived with Hatred,
When Love
Sought entrance
On a night
In June,
Trying
All the entrances
Unavailingly,
And tiring at last.
Kindness came
And whispering
In Love’s ear
Said:
“Down the road
You will find open several houses.
Better go!
I will watch here.”
Love
Gave thanks,
And with bounding steps
Went gayly to the Highway.
The sun
Was hot
And the stones were sharp,
But the time for rest was near,
And a little ripple
Was running along the highway,—
A tiny little wave
Of Joy.
Love
Seeing this,
Danced with glee
And began to sing:
“Come with me
Where the flowers bloom
And birds make music
All the noon.
“Sunshine
Dances,
Girls give glances
To the moon.
“Friends
Take chances,
Gay their fancies,
Come with me.”
Startled
Glances went down the line,
And Love swept on
To the end,
Seeking
Entrance in each heart
And sending thrills
With delight,
Until
To each one
Passed the word
“Love is here!”
Backs
Grew straighter,
Faces brighter,
Down the line.
God
Crept nearer
Saying:
“Come with me!
Take
No chances
With the sleepers—
Come with me!”
And down
The highway
Swept the summons,
“Come with me!”
Gray garments
Changed
To gold,
And only
Hatred
And Fear
Were left uncalled
From their sleep.