Skip to content
1849–1916

III

James Whitcomb Riley

I lean back, in my own boudoir — The door is fast, the sash ajar; And in the dark, I smiling stare At one wide window over there,

Where some one, smoking, pinks the gloom, The darling darkness of his room! I push my shutters wider yet, And lo! I light a cigarette;

And gleam for gleam, and glow for glow, Each pulse of light a word we know, We talk of love that still will burn While cigarettes to ashes turn.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
III · James Whitcomb Riley · Poetry Cove