The Reward

I heard the little cricket cry
Last night in the dull rain—as I
Put on my dark, my sombre dress.
(I had no ear for happiness!)

And as I braided up my hair
I saw the white threads, silvered there,
And on my cheeks the mark of tears,
My only kisses thro’ the years.

Sudden—that little voice I heard—
Finer than call of cheerful bird.
A human—tender—crying sound
In the low grasses near the ground.

Just as I said:—“I will take Cheer
Instead of Joy!”—Your footsteps, Dear,
Fell on the garden walk... and when
I put my candle out,—.... Again

Late in the night I heard it plain
The cricket, singing in the rain.