Gentle Is Many Things

(Harold Goddard Rugg, 1883-1957)

Gentle is many things.

The spring rise of hepaticas Irresistible through ice, A fern root working deep Into New Hampshire stone.

Gentle is the fierce, secret hunt For truth and words that keep it In a house of books, A bold seeking over earth For wonder and warmth of heart.

It is a garden on Hanover Plain Cultivated to know a self Formed of Vermont Across the river.

Gentle, being the foremost grace, Has dominion.

Gentle is many things. Sometimes it is a man.

Mr. McDill, a close friend of the late Harold Rugg 'O6, formerly taught at Yale University, of which he is a 1927 graduate. He now lives in Woodstock, Vt.