In Twos

William Channing Gannett (1840–1923)

SOMEWHERE in the world there hide

Garden-gates that no one sees

Save they come in happy twos,—

Not in one, nor yet in threes.

But from every maiden’s door

Leads a pathway straight and true;

Map and survey know it not,—

He who finds, finds room for two!

Then they see the garden-gates!

Never skies so blue as theirs,

Never flowers so many-sweet,

As for those who come in pairs.

Round and round the alleys wind:

Now a cradle bars the way,

Now a little mound, behind,—

So the two go through the day.

When no nook in all the lanes

But has heard a song or sigh,

Lo! another garden-gate

Opens as the two go by.

In they wander, knowing not;

“Five and twenty!” fills the air

With a silvery echo low,

All about the startled pair.

Happier yet these garden-walks:

Closer, heart to heart, they lean;

Stiller, softer, falls the light;

Few the twos, and far between.

Till, at last, as on they pass

Down the paths so well they know,

Once again at hidden gates

Stand the two: they enter slow.

Golden Gates of “Fifty Years,”

May our two your latchet press!

Garden of the Sunset Land,

Hold their dearest happiness!

Then a quiet walk again:

Then a wicket in the wall:

Then one, stepping on alone,—

Then two at the Heart of All!