The Change

The blue sky arching overhead, The green turf 'neath my daily tread, All glorified by freedom's light, Grow fair and lovely to my sight.

The very winds that sweep along Seemed burdened with a lovely song, Nor shrieks nor groans of grief or fear, Float on their wings and pain my ear.

No more with dull and aching breast, Roused by the horn—I rise from rest. Content and cheerful with my lot, I greet the sun and leave my cot.

For darling child and loving wife I toil with newly waken'd life; The light that lingers round her smile The shadows from my soul beguile.

The prattle of my darling boy Fills my old heart with untold joy; Before his laughter, mirth and song Fade out long scores of grief and wrong.

Oh, never did the world appear So lovely to my eye and ear, 'Till Freedom came, with Joy and Peace, And bade my hateful bondage cease!