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.

Letter to Katydid.

Dear Katydid:

I am more pleased with your lines than when I first read them; they are intensely womanly, natural, musical and sweet—they are absolutely free from affectation, only the restraint of rhyme and measure seem to deprive your muse of perfect freedom and grace. There is also a delicacy of thought and fancy, and of purity of sentiment that pervades the whole like the sweetest perfume.

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

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

Affectionately your friend,

Jno. Aug. Williams

Daughter’s College,

Harrodsburg, Ky.

To a Katydid.

Katydid.

[Pg 9]

A Day-Dream.

[Pg 11]

The Old Ravine.

Some Day You’ll Wish for Me. FOR —— ——

To Hallie. WRITTEN FOR ——

I’ve Asked You to Forget Me.

Little Blanche.

[Pg 16]

The Little Front Gate.