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1849–1916

II

James Whitcomb Riley

When my dreams come true — I shall bide among the sheaves Of happy harvest meadows; and the grasses and the leaves Shall lift and lean between me and the splendor of the sun, Till the moon swoons into twilight, and the gleaners’ work is done —

Save that yet an arm shall bind me, even as the reapers do The meanest sheaf of harvest — when my dreams come true. When my dreams come true! when my dreams come true! True love in all simplicity is fresh and pure as dew;

The blossom in the blackest mold is kindlier to the eye Than any lily born of pride that looms against the sky: And so it is I know my heart will gladly welcome you, My lowliest of lovers, when my dreams come true.

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II · James Whitcomb Riley · Poetry Cove