Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Martha GilbertDickinson

1564 Reality

THESE are my scales to weigh reality,—

A dream, a chord, a longing, love of Thee.

Real as the violets of April days,

Or those soft-hid in unfrequented ways;

Real as the noiseless tune to which we tread

The measure we by life’s old song are led;

Real as man’s wonder what his soul may be,—

A guest for time or for eternity.

Real as the ocean, seen, alas! no more,

Whose tide still beats along my heart’s inshore.

These are my scales to weigh reality,—

A chord, a dream, a longing, love of Thee!