Page:Poems Crandall.djvu/11

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Fair Chautaugua
Chautauqua, Chautauqus, dear friend of my youth,
Chautauqua, I love thee, indeed and in truth;
I love thee, I love thee, In sunshine and storm.
The heart for thee ever beats faithful and warm.

We picnicked in Summer along thy fair shore;
Green branches above and blue waters before;
How glad were the echoes by child voices made,
While happy young lovers in fond couples strayed.

Thou hast listened to many a low whispered word,
By none but the loved one and thee ever heard;
Thou hast witnessed full many a passionate vow;
When broken—when kept—dost thou ne'er wonder now?

With gay shouts of pleasure we bent to the oar,
Till faces were sunburned and hands blistered sore.
We sped o'er the bright waves, we thought not of rest,
We gathered sweet blossoms that slept on thy breast.
Didst miss them Chautauqua? Did sighing winds mourn
The babes from thy bosom so ruthlessly torn

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