He told a homely tale

He told a homely tale

And spotted it with tears --

Upon his infant face was set

The Cicatrice of years --

All crumpled was the cheek

No other kiss had known

Than flake of snow, divided with

The Redbreast of the Barn --

If Mother -- in the Grave --

Or Father -- on the Sea --

Or Father in the Firmament --

Or Brethren, had he --

If Commonwealth below,

Or Commonwealth above

Have missed a Barefoot Citizen --

I've ransomed it -- alive --