Two Old Men
Reading edition
Sit-by-the-Fire:
Men travel far and far away To come home on a happy day; And even they whom the roads call Who never know a home at all, They dream, I think, of roads that end At four walls with a fire and friend!
Foot-loose:
I’ve never seen a hill but I Have dreamed a hill behind it, Nor ever watched a falling star Without the hope I’d find it, And all the islands of the sea Have known my name and called to me!
Sit-by-the-Fire:
I have planted apple trees And eaten at my pleasure, My house is full of memories For an old man to treasure. This I have and that I have, And you may see them standing, Silver in the dining room, An old clock on the landing!
Foot-loose:
I have neither house nor tree, Nor heirs alert and knowing, The four roads of eternity Are ways I would be going. Vagabonding in the skies I will not ask for Paradise!
Louise Driscoll