Poem by Dora Sigerson Shorter

The Black Horseman

Lift me up from this bed of sickness;
I am going out to meet the summer.
I will run into the arms of Sunshine
And be so comforted, the first new-comer.
“I will lift you up," said the black horseman.

I shall climb over the lone hill-tops,
I shall sail unto the far places,
Eat of wheaten bread and the wild honey,
See the dark eyes of Eastern races.
“You shall come with me," said the black horseman.

Lay me down on my bed of dreaming.
It is best, for am I not too weary
Walking the white wide roads about the world ?
Here night is not too long, nor day too dreary.
“Do you not fear me ?" said the black horseman.

Why should I fear when there are friends before me ?
I grow old who used to roam enraptured,
Yet I am young for even more exploring,
Whose day is o'er and each wild joy is captured.
“I am the best adventure," smiled the black horseman.

1. Unknown Ideal
2. The Fair Little Maiden
3. The Ballad of the Little Black Hound
4. When I Shall Rise
5. Vale

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