Upon the Vine

Just see them hanging low and fair,

      Of masterly design,

Adorn dame nature’s arbor there,

      The grapes upon the vine.

Long purple clusters, weighted down

      With juices rich and fine;

Fairer than fashioned stately crown,

      The grapes upon the vine.

“Eat all ye may,” the vineyard calls

     “I have them and to spare;

They cover arbor fence and walls,

      Eat freely, have no care.”

Ah! Luscious then the cluster rare

      Of masterful design;

‘Tis good to have them, and to spare,

      The grapes upon the vine.

Transformed the scene, o the cluster dies;

      Crushed to a bleeding mess,

It trickles to the tub that lies

      Beneath the power press.

Long rows of bottles tinted rare,

      The vineyards end, alas!

Drink sparingly, friend have a care,

      The grapes within the glass!

Sept. 16, 1910

For Wed. the 21, ‘10

Sept.