The Open Window

The old house by the lindens

Stood silent in the shade,

And on the gravelled pathway

The light and shadow played.

I saw the nursery windows

Wide open to the air;

But the faces of the children,

They were no longer there.

The large Newfoundland house-dog

Was standing by the door;

He looked for his little playmates,

Who would return no more.

They walked not under the lindens,

They played not in the hall;

But shadow, and silence, and sadness

Were hanging over all.

The birds sang in the branches,

With sweet, familiar tone;

But the voices of the children

Will be heard in dreams alone!

And the boy that walked beside me,

He could not understand

Why closer in mine, ah! closer,

I pressed his warm, soft hand!