Two Schools
by
I put my heart to school
In the world, where men grow wise,
“Go out,” I said, “and learn the rule;
“Come back when you win a prize.”
My heart came back again:
“Now where is the prize?” I cried.–
“The rule was false, and the prize was pain,
“And the teacher’s name was Pride.”
I put my heart to school
In the woods, where veeries sing,
And brooks run cool and clear;
In the fields, where wild flowers spring,
And the blue of heaven bends near.
“Go out,” I said: “you are half a fool,
“But perhaps they can teach you here.”
“And why do you stay so long,
“My heart, and where do you roam?”
The answer came with a laugh and a song,–
“I find this school is home.”
April, 1901.