Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 August 1916 — James Whitcomb Riley. [ARTICLE]

James Whitcomb Riley.

Oh, the choir is singin’ an’ the stars are swingin’ bright. An, the heavenly bells are ringin’ through the crystal caves o’ night, An’ the littl'e cherub faces are aglow with happy love, 'Cause the angels came from heaven an’ they’re takin’ him above. They are mountin’ with him gladly to the very feet o’ God, While on earth we’re cryin’ sadly o’er a little mound o’ sod; For our Little Orphant Annie is a true ’nough orphan now, An’ the birds what sung for Riley are a-weepin’ on the bough. There’s a lot o’ young hearts thrillin’ to a little song I know; An’ a lot o’ old eyes fillin’ with that tender back’ard glow, An’ the song is one o’ happiness an’ tender thoughts an’ fine— Oh, you’ve choked a bit, \ reckon, o’er “An Old Sweetnfeart of Mine.’’ The years have long been hangin* in the cupboard o’ the past, Yet the old days come a twangin’ on my mem’ry thick an’ fast; An’ they’re happiest at bedtime, when- I’m turnin’ down the light— For I find myself a boy again—an’ “Seein’ Things at Night.” They are mountin’ with him gladly to the very feet of God, While on earth we’re cryin’ sadly o’er a little mound o’ sod; For our Little Orphant Annie is a true ’nough orphan now, An’ the birds what sung for Riley are a-weepin’ on the bough. —New York Times.