Democratic messenger., 1888-10-13
"osTLER JOE" AMPLlFIEp.
ny MYRA DOU0LAee


Did ne'er memory backward roam!
When her summer friends had left her,
Did she never think of "Joc?"
lie, though humble. loved her ever.
Through the veal and through the woe.
That grand poem does not mention
II he came In time to hear
Tale Of sorrow, prayer Tor pardon,
Or to dry the contrite tear. =
But my fancy paints his coming.
And the wonder In her eyes,
AS she marks his love unaltered,
All her JOY and great surprise.
"Can you, Joe, cen this forgive me,
All I've done to break your heart,
All the years Of cold desertion--
Oh could memory but depart
Len both you and little Joey,
God above knows how ! loved;
But the dream of wealth and splendor
Both my curse and death has proved
"Can you, Joe, In truth forgive me!
Let me lean upon your breart-
All that bosom true rs ever.
There at last my head can rest.
Oh! dear Joe. you'd scarce believe me,
Many times I've longed for this
For your arms so true about me,
And the honest, loving kiss.
II am going, naught can stay me,
Death has on me laid his hand.
And I crave as last petition.
Lay my form In holy land.
Close beside my darling baby.
That you tell me. too, has gone.
Where the birds can warblc DER me
Sweetest songs at mornings dawn.
kiss me Joe. forgive your Annie.
Weak of mind, II fair to see,
Oh IL Time would only backward
All the past restore TO me!
But It's vain the death dcws thickcn,
Auu uiHt uVeo EtoN tc tyci
While about my couch so dark!y
Phantom shapes US shadows fly.
"Joe What? Home so soon for dinner:
Well, II soon you'll ready find,
I'm so tired-so tired and weary,
If It's late you'll never mind.
What is that : The COW for milking:
While the fowls are singing gay.
Tiredg Oh I'm so tired and weary!
I'll do my work another day.
"Ah the roses rare are growing
In the garden. bright and gay;
Some I'll pluck TO deck the altar,
Our dear church TO help array
For a festival we're having.
But oh I'm so tired and worn;
Let me rest little moment
Tired, too tlreu.to self adorn.
WAS thatdit,le Joey calling? -
Our own darling little Joe! 4 y
OH had a fearful dream, loy
That from both blind did 60:
But I'm glad it's almost morning,
When the darkness will be gone:
When the dreams so dark and dismal,
Flee like shadows in the sun.
"Oh the room Is growing darker.
Husband! Joe oh for light
For the shades are closing round me;
Dark and darker grows the night.
Closer comes deaths rolling billow,
While all sight doth leave the eye;
Little Joey calls for mamma!
Joe, my dear, a last goodby."
On his knees he knelt beside her;
"Gone from me, but better so.
Than 10 live wretched wanton,
Clad In silks. but stepped in woe.
Dearest Annie. long.lost treasure. :.
Only love Of my lone life
Mine again 10 claim forever.
Mine alone. my dear, loved Wife"
On the stone that stands above her,
Carved In letters, full and plain,
In his name who still did love her,
Stands It ever to remain.
While vacant spot beside Il,
'Twixt her grave and little Joe.
Waits for him, who weary fingers,
Craving res, In grave so low.
Noble heart, though poor and humble.
Ever steadfast. ever true;
Far beyond the vale Of shadows
May fair Annie wait for you.
Wait with heart refined from evil.
Pure and true ms first bride;
There 10 dwell In realms Of Eden.
Loving ever, side by side.
80. Louis. No.