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THE OLD HOUSE AND THE APPLETREE, by                    
First Line: Somewhat back from the broad highway
Last Line: Wrapped in blossoms and memory.
Subject(s): Absence; Separation; Isolation


Somewhat back from the broad highway
An old house stands, deserted and gray;
O'er its rafters crumbled and low,
Gnarled apple branches finger slow.

Gone are the laughter and the noise,
Gone are the happy girls and boys;
No more is heard the whoop and din
Of happy voices from within.

Scattered are they o'er vale and hill;
Ah, some of them are lying still; --
Old tree like a guardsman stands
And reach forth his mighty hands.

Weeds have grown 'round the open door;
Dust lies thick on the oaken floor.
Faithful, the old tree guards it still,
And mosses gray creep o'er the sill.

Somewhat back from the broad highway,
The old house stands deserted and gray,
Sheltered now by the appletree,
Wrapped in blossoms and memory.





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