The Corner Cupboard by J. R. Eastwood

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 9, 1903

The Corner Cupboard

By J. R. Eastwood

The corner cupboard long ago Was in a nook I used to know, A farmhouse kitchen, neat and clean, Upon whose window-sill were seen— Fragrant in memory to-day— Some pots of fuschias gay.

That cupboard still remains to me A landmark in my history! For in my childhood, many a time, Upon my high chair I would climb, And, opening the door with care, Survey the household treasures there!

In an old teapot there was hid, Although I dare not lift the lid, A precious hoard,— a sum no doubt To my young mind past finding out,— Which, I have heard my mother say, Was kept against a rainy day.

Here, too, a Dresden shepherdess With dainty grace held back her dress, So full of pride she could not choose But gaze on her fine buckled shoes, Regardless of her shepherd swain Whose lofty look concealed his pain.

Mirrored upon a polished urn, It was a marvel to discern Two cheeks, a nose, a pair of eyes, Now dwindled, now of monstrous size, Yet big or little, faint or clear, My only portrait many a year!

The plates and saucers here displayed, The cups in shining rows arrayed, Tinted with leaf and blossom, told In pageantry of blue and gold Of state occasions, birthday joys, And tables packed with girls and boys!

Those hours long since have passed away, Yet in my memory they stay! And in the kitchen, neat and clean, Upon his chair a child is seen, Still pleased and eager as of yore The corner cupboard to explore!

— J. R. Eastwood.