
A warm, lyrical journey unfolds as the poet turns his mind toward the tender moments of youthful romance and the quiet nostalgia of years gone by. Through gentle verses that mingle the scent of pipe‑smoke with the glow of lamplight, he recalls an “old sweetheart” whose smile, lilac sunbonnet, and soft hands linger like a fragrant memory. The language is simple yet musical, inviting listeners to drift into a garden of roses, summer skies, and the soft rustle of youthful promises.
Interspersed with delicate illustrations, the collection captures the bittersweet blend of joy and longing that defines love’s early chapters. Each poem feels like a modest song, a whispered confession that balances tenderness with a hint of melancholy. Listeners will find comfort in the familiar cadence of reminiscence, as the verses celebrate love’s first bloom while gently reminding us of the inevitable passage of time.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (65K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Suzanne Lybarger, Brian Janes, Diane Monico, and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2005-11-04
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1849–1916
Best known as the "Hoosier Poet," this Indiana writer won a huge popular audience with warm, musical verse in regional dialect and with beloved poems for children like "Little Orphant Annie" and "The Raggedy Man." His work mixes humor, homespun storytelling, and nostalgia in a way that still feels lively when read aloud.
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