A Freeze Out

She sat before the glowing grate,

     A sweet and charming study;

My heart vied with the glowing coals,

     So fierce and warm and ruddy.

“Would I could sit the whole night through,

     Beside you, darling creature,”

Said I. She sighed, and sadness shone

     Upon her every feature.

“I’m sorry, Tom, indeed, I am,

     It’s nice here by the fire;

But pas says nine instead of two,

     Since coal is going higher.”

Dec. 8, 1894

  Pub. in Boston

Courier, Feb. 10,

       1895