| James and Mary Ford, eds. Every Day in the Year. 1902. | | | | October 9 | | Chicago | | By John Boyle O’Reilly (1844–1890) |
| | | | Partly destroyed by fire, Oct. 9, 1871. |
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GAUNT in the midst of the prairie, | |
| She who was once so fair; | |
| Charred and rent are her garments, | |
| Heavy and dark like cerements; | |
| Silent, but round her the air | 5 |
| Plaintively wails, “Miserere!” | |
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| Proud like a beautiful maiden, | |
| Art-like from forehead to feet, | |
| Was she till pressed like a leman | |
| Close to the breast of the demon, | 10 |
| Lusting for one so sweet, | |
| So were her shoulders laden. | |
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| Friends she had, rich in her treasures: | |
| Shall the old taunt be true,— | |
| Fallen, they turn their cold faces, | 15 |
| Seeking new wealth-gilded places, | |
| Saying we never knew | |
| Aught of her smiles or her pleasures? | |
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| Silent she stands on the prairie, | |
| Wrapped in her fire-scathed sheet: | 20 |
| Around her, thank God, is the Nation, | |
| Weeping for her desolation, | |
| Pouring its gold at her feet, | |
| Answering her “Miserere!” | | | |
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