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Poem
September 8, 1875
Smyrna Times
Smyrna, Kent County, Delaware
What is this article about?
A narrative poem about Kitty taking a scenic spring route to church, meeting Tom, walking slowly together, arriving late amid knowing smiles from the congregation, with hints of future marriage.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
VOLUME XXI.—NO. 15
Poetry.
LATE TO CHURCH.
Along the road on either side,
The elder boughs are budding,
The meadow lands a rosy tide
Of clover bloom is flooding:
The sunny landscape is so fair,
So sweet the blossom-scented air,
That when I went to church to-day
I could but choose the longest way.
Loud sang the bobolinks, and round
The milk-weed flowers the bees were humming,
I sauntered on, but soon I found
Behind me there was some one coming.
I did not turn my head to see,
And yet I knew who followed me
Before Tom called me—“Kitty! stay,
And let me share with you the way!”
We did not mind our steps grew slow,
Or notice when the bell stopped ringing,
Or think of being late, but, lo!
When we had reached the church the singing
Was over and the prayer was done,
The sermon fairly was begun!
Should we go in, should we stay out,
Press boldly on, or turn about.
Tom led the way, and up the aisle
I followed—all around were staring—
And here and there I caught a smile;
I tried to think I was not caring;
And yet I blushed, I know, and showed
A face that like a poppy glowed,
For every one seemed saying, “Kate,
We all know why you are so late!”
Another Sunday, come what will,
I mean to be at church in season:
But to regret this morning still,
I trust I never shall have reason:
For should I wear a wedding dress
A year from now, perhaps you’ll guess
What Tom said to me when, to-day,
We walked to church the longest way?
Poetry.
LATE TO CHURCH.
Along the road on either side,
The elder boughs are budding,
The meadow lands a rosy tide
Of clover bloom is flooding:
The sunny landscape is so fair,
So sweet the blossom-scented air,
That when I went to church to-day
I could but choose the longest way.
Loud sang the bobolinks, and round
The milk-weed flowers the bees were humming,
I sauntered on, but soon I found
Behind me there was some one coming.
I did not turn my head to see,
And yet I knew who followed me
Before Tom called me—“Kitty! stay,
And let me share with you the way!”
We did not mind our steps grew slow,
Or notice when the bell stopped ringing,
Or think of being late, but, lo!
When we had reached the church the singing
Was over and the prayer was done,
The sermon fairly was begun!
Should we go in, should we stay out,
Press boldly on, or turn about.
Tom led the way, and up the aisle
I followed—all around were staring—
And here and there I caught a smile;
I tried to think I was not caring;
And yet I blushed, I know, and showed
A face that like a poppy glowed,
For every one seemed saying, “Kate,
We all know why you are so late!”
Another Sunday, come what will,
I mean to be at church in season:
But to regret this morning still,
I trust I never shall have reason:
For should I wear a wedding dress
A year from now, perhaps you’ll guess
What Tom said to me when, to-day,
We walked to church the longest way?
What sub-type of article is it?
Ballad
What themes does it cover?
Love Courtship
Nature Seasons
What keywords are associated?
Late Church
Tom Kitty
Spring Romance
Suitor Walk
Blushing Late
Poem Details
Title
Late To Church.
Subject
Being Late To Church With A Suitor
Form / Style
Rhymed Quatrains
Key Lines
Along The Road On Either Side,
The Elder Boughs Are Budding,
The Meadow Lands A Rosy Tide
Of Clover Bloom Is Flooding:
And Let Me Share With You The Way!”
For Every One Seemed Saying, “Kate,
We All Know Why You Are So Late!”
What Tom Said To Me When, To Day,
We Walked To Church The Longest Way?