ECHOES OF CHEERByJOHN KENDRICK BANGSINSPIRATIONWHEN Phyllis lets me gaze into her eyes. It fills my soul with ever fresh surprise To note a figure small deep-set in each, As though a thousand leagues beyond my reach. No larger than the tiniest woodland elf — Each one the perfect portrait of myself. The perfect portrait? Nay! I would 'twere so, Rejoicing in that soft and heavenly glow That hedges them about ! What utter bliss To live, and be, in such a home as this, And looking out from it each day to see The world as Phyllis thinks the world to be! Ah, well — let it be mine to choose my way. Year after year, through every passing day. So well, in truth, that as this world appears To her, unsullied, void of evil fears. So may it be as far as in me lies To keep it as it seems to Phyllis' eyes!