The Wife-Blessed.
By James Whitcomb Riley
I.
In youth he wrought, with eyes ablur,
Lorn-faced and long of hair -
In youth - in youth he painted her
A sister of the air -
Could clasp her not, but felt the stir
Of pinions everywhere.
II.
She lured his gaze, in braver days,
And tranced him sirenwise;
And he did paint her, through a haze
Of sullen paradise,
With scars of kisses on her face
And embers in her eyes.
III.
And now - nor dream nor wild conceit -
Though faltering, as before -
Through tears he paints her, as is meet,
Tracing the dear face o'er
With lilied patience meek and sweet
As Mother Mary wore.