A Vision From the Fireside

Before the fire at night
When all was quite still,
I had nature’s sweetest dream,
And its beautiful old green hills.

Oh! that lovely photo,
That appeared in the little blue blaze
Showed summer with all its beauty
And how the cattle used to graze.

Then came a sigh,
Though followed by a smile,
For the summer’s balmy breeze
Made me feel like a child.

But dashed against the window
The chilly howling winds
That takes my vision in a snowdrift
And how my heart does pine.