LAGNIAPPE

You in the quiet garden,

You with the death sweet smile,

Before you speak of love to me

Go out and hate awhile.

The kind devil

Has a tolerant grin.

He flings the golden gates out wide

And lets poor people in.

He warms them in his bosom

And guards their pain.

He shows them hell fields that are bright

And skies gentle with rain.

But up in paradise

The stern Lord is wise,

And Michael with his flaming sword

Puts out the angels’ eyes.