Poem by Charles Mackay

A Lover's Fancies

"What sounds like pewter?" said my Rose, in play —
"The fall of earth upon a coffin lid."
"Like tin?" — "The cock-crow heralding the day,
Or infant wailing that its mother chid."
" Like steel?" — "The quick sharp twitter on the spray
Of numerous sparrows in the foliage hid."
"Like gold?" — "The strong wind over forests borne,
Or full-bass singer chanting prayer and creed."
"Like brass?" — "The neighing of a frightened steed,
Or roar of people clamoring for corn."
"Like iron?" — "Thunder-claps suddenly woken,
Startling the city in the summer night."
"Like silver?" — "Thy sweet voice that speaks delight,
And breathes Love's promise, never to be broken."

1. Old Opinions
2. The Poor Man's Bird
3. The Young Earth
4. The Light in the Window
5. Unknown Romances

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