“When Katie Waits”

When Katie waits for me at night,   The world is full of sweetness, And crooning breezes in the trees   Sing low of love's completeness, The air is heavy with the scent   Of grape and balsam nodding, While homeward go the lowing cows   By winding pathways, plodding. When Katie waits for me at night,   My heart is gay with gladness; The air is filled with dulcet sound,   With not a note of sadness! The dew upon the glinting grass   Is shedding diamond luster, And I, with fervent soughs of bliss,   My failing courage muster! When Katie waits for me at night,   I go with spirits flushing To meet the woman of my heart   Beside the gateway, blushing. But when I see her wond'rous eyes   I dare not tell my story Nor trust my feet to tread the paths   That lead away to glory! But sometime there shall come a way   To banish all my doubting And win from her a whispered yes   From off those red lips, pouting. Ah, sometime she will wait for me   With shy, surrendered sweetness As waits a woman for the man   Who brings her life's completeness! Then I shall tread the jeweled way   Where myrtle banks are growing And all the world is filled with love   And fond affection glowing. And every path shall lead to her,   To love and home and glory, With only peace and sweet content—   When I have told my story!