Katydid’s Poem

Katydid.

Katydid’s Poems

WITH A LETTER BY
Jno. Aug. Williams.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1887, by
MRS. J. I. McKINNEY (“KATYDID”)
In the Office of the Librarian at Washington.

Printed by the Courier-Journal Job Printing Company.

Dedicated
TO
J. I. McKINNEY.

To him whose every word is one of praise,

Who loves to linger where my thoughts have been,

And who delights in all my rhyming ways,

I offer first these efforts of my pen.

Letter to Katydid.

Dear Katydid:

I am more pleased with your lines than when I first read them; theyare intensely womanly, natural, musical and sweet—they are absolutelyfree from affectation, only the restraint of rhyme and measure seem todeprive your muse of perfect freedom and grace. There is also adelicacy of thought and fancy, and of purity of sentiment thatpervades the whole like the sweetest perfume.

No one can listen to your “Chirpings” and feel like touching the boughfrom which you sing with a rude, critical hand; he would rather listenthrough the live-long night to the end of your song.

I remember well your first attempt at rhyme while a girl here atschool; even then, there was a pleasing promise of a beautiful anduseful pen; and I am glad that you have found time and opportunity toimprove your early gift. I am glad, too, that you have been persuadedto give some of your sweet little poems to the press; the tender, thetrue, and the pure of heart will read them with delight.

Affectionately your friend,

Jno. Aug. Williams

Daughter’s College,

Harrodsburg, Ky.

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