Shapes and Shadows — A Catch

A CATCH.

When roads are mired with ice and snow, And the air of morn is crisp with rime;

When the holly hangs by the mistletoe, And bells ring in the CHRISTMAS time:-- It's--Saddle, my Heart, and ride away, To the sweet-faced girl with the eyes of gray!

Who waits with a smile for the gifts you bring-- A man's strong love and a wedding-ring-- It's--Saddle, my Heart, and ride!

When vanes veer North and storm-winds blow, And the sun of noon is a blur o'erhead;

When the holly hangs by the mistletoe, And the CHRISTMAS service is sung and said:-- It's--Come, O my Heart, and wait awhile, Where the organ peals, in the altar aisle, For the gifts that the church now gives to you-- A woman's hand and a heart that's true.

It's--Come, O my Heart, and wait!

When rooms gleam warm with the fire's glow, And the sleet raps sharp on the window-pane;

When the holly hangs by the mistletoe, And CHRISTMAS revels begin again:-- It's--Home, O my Heart, and love, at last!

And her happy breast to your own held fast;

A song to sing and a tale to tell, A good-night kiss, and all is well.

It's--Home, O my Heart, and love!

THE NEW YEAR.