LOVE the beautiful evening And the swallows homeward come; When the horses cease their labors, And the cows come home. When the supper's almost ready, And I beside the cradle My pleasant vigil keep: Sitting beside the window Watching for "Pa" to come. While the soft bells gently tinkle As the cows come home. When the sunset and the twilight In mingling hues are blent, I can sit and watch the shadows I see their shadows lengthen As they slowly cross the field, And I know the food is wholesome Which their generous udders yield. More than the tropic's fruitage, Than marble hall or dome, Are the blessings that surround me When the cows come home. MARY E. NEALEY. |