ON DOORS AND GATES
* * *
Unknown friend,
Come and stay—
Though it’s out
Of your way!
* * *
Come, hillfolk, please knock!
Rest here with assurance!
We’re well. If we’re not,
Your coming shall cure us!
* * *
Don’t knock, don’t rouse the household,
You who pass this way!
If good you bring us, enter!
If mischief, go away!
* * *
Here you’ll find a place to rest.
Your troubles here you’ll mend.
Enter as a welcome guest,
Depart a lasting friend!
* * *
Note, outsider, I’m a rider
And one rule enforce:
If you enter here, remember—
You must praise my horse!
ON TOMBSTONES
* * *
He was no sage,
No superman.
But bow to him:
He was a man.
* * *
Life he enjoyed but for the briefest span;
Address and occupation are unknown.
All that we know is that he was a man
Who, being born, did cry and, dying, moan.
* * *
This horseman drew his sword
To conquer ill,
Which does still walk abroad
While he lies still.
* * *
Hey, coward! By this hero’s grave
Forbear to raise a cheer.
Although bereft of life, he left
His gun and dagger here.
* * *
The hillman lying here below this mound
Amassed no gold, no sheep, nor anything;
Wherever people meet, his songs resound,
Wherever people meet, of him they sing.
* * *
She had to choose, young lady of the house,
Between a gravestone and a grave old spouse.