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 SILLY SQUIRREL

MOUNTAIN MAN WILD ANIMAL RESCUE

BRYNN HALE
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 CONTENTS

1. Jodi
2. Cain
3. Jodi
4. Cain
5. Jodi
6. Cain
7. Jodi
Epilogue

Boone: Diamond Ridge Mountain Men 1

Daisy

Also by Brynn Hale

About the Author
1
 JODI

B eing a single parent is hard . A lthough , I doubt I have to tell

anyone that. The sympathizing looks I get in a grocery store of a
small town are visual proof. It’s been almost four years since
Franklin’s passing, and Mrs. Hollins still gives me her “there-there,
honey” pitying looks whenever I encounter her in aisle seven. Why
she’s always there is beyond me, but our paths cross far too often
for my comfort.
It’s both a blessing and a curse that our son, Kolter, was so
young when his father passed. At six, he didn’t quite understand the
concept of death and I was too much of a balling mess to really
know how to explain the truth myself. It’s been a lonely few years,
just Kolter and I. We don’t try to keep to ourselves but in an already
small town, spread out over a mountain landscape with the bare
necessities in town it happens naturally. Thankfully, the town’s large
enough for schooling for Kolter that I don’t need to homeschool him.
God knows how terrible I’d be at that.
I have my hands full as it is running the single pharmacy in town.
I was a technician before we moved, and after I became a single
parent, I needed a bigger income. So I’m the only pharmacist and
work closely with the only two doctors in town—the human one and
the veterinarian one. Animals get human drugs, too, sometimes.
But it seems when towns are this size you only need one of
everything.
 Aside from Rangers.
We have a handful of those. They’re practically our only law
enforcement too. They act out many roles. Sometimes they pull
people from ditches when winter’s get nasty. Sometimes they run
groceries to Mrs. Hollins when she’s down with her sciatica. And
sometimes they just check in to make sure you’re doing okay, but I
think in my instance that’s because of my Franklin.
Franklin had been a mountain ranger. The whole reason we’d
moved from Iowa was for him getting stationed out here in the
middle of nowhere Montana. After he passed, I thought surely I’d
move back home, be closer to my parents...but I stayed. I’d grown
to love the rural town and my job.
But it was more than that…
My phone rings and on the third collection of tinny notes I pick
up. “Hello?” I multitask, finishing off a pill count before I lose track.
“Mrs. Duggy?” It’s Cain, I don’t correct him that it’s Ms. now, he
knows.
“Speaking.”
“This is Ranger Stroll—”
“Cain, I know it’s you.”
Cain Stroll knew my husband. He wasn’t Franklin’s favorite, but
they worked together. At the time Cain had been a colleague but
now he runs the local station as Director. He was there in the end.
“Eh, sorry, Jodi, feels like I should be formal sometimes.
Especially when it’s a business matter.”
“A business matter? Do you guys need something from the
pharmacy?” Now the call has me both worried and curious.
“No, Jodi. Uh, business for me, personal for you. We have Kolter
here—”
“Oh my, what’s he up to now?!”
I wish I could say this is the first time a Ranger or concerned—
A.K.A. nosey—citizen has called me about Kolter’s misbehaving.
Mischief really. He’s not a bad kid but he does lack...control, I admit
to myself.
Definitely takes after Franklin there. He was a risk taker.
 Cain chuckles over the line and it fills me with relief. It can’t be
as bad as trying to plant Venus fly traps in the neighbor’s yard again.
“He’s alright, Jodi. He’s just been getting too close to wildlife.”
“Is he there?”
“Yes, ma’am.” I can hear him shift in his seat. “He’s sipping on
some hot chocolate as we speak.”
“I’ll be there in thirty, is that okay?” I glance at the order I’m
preparing.
“Take your time. He’s all set here.”
“Thank you, Cain.” Bless him for his patience and care.
I quickly finish up, tell my technician, Cameron, where I’ll be, and
let her know I won’t be too long. She’s can’t do the script-filling but
she’s smart, fresh out of high school, with a bright future…
Like I once had.
My backs stiffens at the dark thought. They come and go at
times. I still have a future. I get to watch Kolter grow up to be an
amazing young man, even if he gets into trouble from time to time.
I pull up to the Ranger Station 21 to see my son Kolter sitting on
a bench. He has my dark hair, and grey eyes, and a small part of me
is thankful he doesn’t look too much like Franklin as much as he acts
like him. He’s a good blend of our best traits. And he’s already tall
for a ten-year-old, all limbs and goofy smile, like his father once was.
He’s wearing his winter coat, which is odd since it’s only fall, and his
jeans are torn up around the knees. He’s been climbing and falling
from trees again.
I climb out of the car.
Only a matter of time before he breaks a bone.
Kolter is showing off his artwork while drawing. The sketchbook
was a gift from Deryn, Franklin’s partner when they were Rangers,
after he learned Kolter was in love with the beauty of nature as he
was. Cain sits beside my son. They’re nearly touching foreheads as
Kolter shows him his latest wildlife sketches.
I appreciate the moment for longer than I probably should.
Cain’s outfitted in dark greens. A wide brimmed tan hat hides
coppery hair, while his sharp features are softened with a rust-
colored thickening five o’clock shadow. He fills out the uniform a
little too well. His jacket can’t hide the built form of his arms,
bursting at the seams. And his quads stretch the synthetic material
over the shape of the defined muscles of his legs. He sits with his
legs splayed open. One hand slackened at his inner thigh as the
other points out details of my son’s drawings.
There’s a bristle of heat that brushes through me as the cool
mountain wind whips at my form. I don’t recognize the warmth right
away. It’s been awhile since I’ve felt that nature made zing and zip.
Put away your libido, Ms. Duggy. Your son’s in trouble.
I shake the feeling though a residual tingle scintillates without
my permission and I curse my womanly parts. I need my wits about
me. Furrowing my brow in a parental disappointment stare, I square
my shoulders and approach the pair.
Cain sees me first, deep blue eyes flickering over me. He’s quick
to his feet, his smile makes my parental gaze falter and I return the
gesture, smiling.
The heat rises like the sun cresting the mountains once more.
Now I might be the one in trouble...
2
 CAIN

J odi must have forgotten her coat in the rush of getting over to the
station. There’s no way that white lab coat of hers along with her
wide-legged slacks and silky blouse are keeping her warm. Her
cheeks have a youthful blush to them, no doubt bitten by the chill of
the wind, and her raven dark hair is cut short just tickling the edge
of her chin. Before Franklin passed it was long and always pulled up
in a tangle on the crest of her head. But the short hair suits her,
showing off her long neck.
Kissable neck.
Which is something I need to not be thinking.
She returns my smile and folds her arms over her chest, too
stubborn to shiver even as I can see the goose pimples rise across
the skin visible below the hollow of her throat. I could think of a
number of ways of warming her up and nearly all of them are not
PG enough with Kolter around.
“What’d he do, Cain?” she asks with a little clip in her voice.
“Let’s talk inside,” I motion my hat covered head with the invite. I
hold the door open for them both and bite my lip as I glimpse the
pleasant roundness of her ass through her work clothes as she
passes by.
Once we’re in the warm confines of the lobby, I remember where
I am and get my ranger hat firmly secured on my head. “Coffee,
tea?”
 “I’m fine, thanks.” She ruffles Kolter’s hair subconsciously as she
waits for my delivery of bad news.
“It isn’t the end of the world, Jodi. Just a concern,” I begin,
trying to keep a smile on my face. Kolter’s not a bad kid, he’s just
tackling some boundary issues. I see it often and I know she’s doing
a great job.
“It’s not like anyone got bit,” Kolter scoffs and scuffs a tennis
shoe across the linoleum floor.
“You’ll get your turn. Let Ranger Stroll talk,” Jodi reprimands and
Kolter rolls his eyes.
“He’s been feeding the wildlife, which isn’t against any laws but
when it comes to leaving out raw meat—”
“Kolter Franklin Duggy! You did not take the steaks I had for
dinner out!” Jodi hisses in surprise and fury.
Kolter flinches at the full reveal of his name and the gravity of his
situation sits in.
“It’s not like an actual mountain lion showed up,” he tries to
excuse. “Would have been cool if one did.”
Jodi rocks her head back and when her gaze comes back to
Kolter, I see a mother’s love combined with a mother’s frustration in
them. “It doesn't matter, honey. Not only is dinner gone but you
could have seriously been hurt.” She crouches to his level as she
speaks.
The boy will be tall one day, Jodi’s a few inches shorter than me
and I recall Franklin towering over me. And with her height comes a
wonderful curviness that my head keeps getting stuck on like a
record on a record player skipping.
“He was also feeding rabbits and squirrels...in…his…hands,” I
slowly deliver and much quieter.
Jodi’s eyes light up and she snatches the sketchbook from Kolter,
then quickly grabs his hands and turns them over and backward,
looking for bites in much the same way I had when I found him.
He’s the male equivalent of Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping
Beauty when it comes to attracting wildlife, but now one’s going to
sing about this one. It’s just too dangerous.
“Not a scratch on him. Um…the animals seem to like him.”
 “Kolter, you’re going to be the death of me,” she adds a swear
under her breath. “We will talk about this when we get home.”
“I’m concerned about rabies,” I address Jodi directly. “And then
the carnivores or even snakes if he’s tempting them with meat.”
“Bears too!” The boy pipes up, and unfortunately, he just isn’t
helping his case.
“Go sit down,” she points to an old, ratty cushioned chair by the
vending machine, and he stalks off, grumpily.
“You don’t understand. I just want to be a—”
“I said go. We’ll talk about this at home. If Ranger Stroll will let
you go.”
“Oh, he’s free to go. As long as he promises to stop the wildlife
food fest.”
“Thank you, Cain.” She swivels to face me, now flushed with the
care and exasperation only a mother could manage. “I can assure
you that he will not be feeding wild animals anymore.” She says it
loud enough that Kolter huffs.
“Fine. I won’t do it again,” he mumbles.
Shamefully, I have more thoughts on how flushed I could get her,
how her cheeks might turn red and her eyes roll back if I had my
way. She surely could use some relaxing after working all day and
being a single mother has got to take a toll.
“Just doing my job.” I go the humble route rather than speak the
racy thoughts I’m currently thinking.
There’s an unwritten rule of the rangerhood. Don’t covet another
ranger’s partner. But Franklin’s been gone…how long is it now? Two
years…no three…almost four. Is it okay now? Will it ever be proper
to make my move? Plus, how do you make a move on a widow
when she has a human shadow at her side?
You follow your gut. Just like you always do.
“Still, it’s very appreciated, Cain. It’s hard with work. He’s old
enough to almost mind himself but not enough to keep out of
trouble it seems. Most of the boys in town go home and play video
games, and I’m thankful he’s not into that. But to hear what he’s
into…” She huffs and runs her fingers through her hair and I
sympathize with a smile. “Well, I think I’m going to have get
someone to watch him.”
“I don’t need a babysitter!”
“Hey, buddy. She said ‘think’. That means there’s room for
understanding. But your mom gets to do what she thinks is right for
you first and foremost. Don’t go proving that you need one with call-
outs like that.”
“Okay…” he sulks back in the seat. “I just like animals.”
“I like them, too. But a safe distance is important.”
“I know. But this one…it had a hurt leg and I just wanted to help
it.”
Her eyes soften. “He has his father’s heart, cares a lot.”
“Not a bad trait.” I swallow down those questions that ramble
along like a tumbleweed in my head. “Did I hear right that your
dinner was ruined?” I wouldn’t call this a move other than a kind
gesture. “I’m about to head home myself. Not a chef, but I have a
big pot of stew ready to go back on the stove, got more than
enough for all of us if you two would like to join me.”
Jodi’s warmed up from the cold by now being inside the station,
and the reddening of her cheeks is clearly from my offer. I’m proud
of the blush I bring out of her. I think it means something.
“I hate to impose, Cain.” She nibbles on her bottom lip, truly
contemplating my offer. Knowing that the grocer twenty minutes
away is closing in ten minutes…
So close to the chance I’ve been wanting I push, reaching out to
rest my hand on her shoulder, a gentle encouraging touch. “I insist.
Let me help.”
3
 JODI

H ow I ended up here is beyond me .

After returning to work, I had Kolter sit in the lobby while I
closed shop, profusely thanking Cameron for her help. She gave my
son a hug before heading home and until that moment Kolter was
brooding, per usual when he’s in trouble.
“You’re a great guy, Kolter. Just don’t give your mom a heart
attack again, okay?”
But a hug from a pretty young woman seems to have changed
some of his attitude.
“’Kay. I won’t.” The sweetest creak comes out in his voice and
Cameron smile.
Not a chance buddy.
I leave my lab coat at the office and tug on a more comfortable
and warmer thermal jacket that hangs down to my knees. I wonder
if there’s room for Cain in here. I wiggle into the sleeping bag like a
jacket.
It’s just a polite dinner...a pity dinner. All anyone does is pity the
widowed wife/mother. Cain is just another concerned citizen who
probably doesn’t think I can do this.
I wonder if he’s right. If they’re all right.
But as I sit in his living room, sipping on mulled cider, watching
Kolter draw on his pad while lying on his stomach on the floor...it
doesn’t feel like a pity invitation.
 Cain’s home is rustic to its core, quite literally a log cabin. There’s
one bedroom, and a spacious loft with its own bathroom upstairs. A
wood stove burns in the corner of the living room, modestly
furnished with the brightest feature being the large flat screen TV.
While not on, the TV might as well be a mirror, which I catch myself
glancing at often to check my appearance and to steal glances at the
hospitable Ranger behind me working magic in his open galley-style
kitchen.
Since we saw him last, he’s changed, sporting jeans and a
sweater, looking just as amazing as he had been in uniform.
“How do you like it?” he asks me, sitting beside me on the couch,
his own steaming mug in hand.
“Quite good, I don’t normally like whiskey, but the cider takes
away the burn.” He grins at the comment.
“Dinner won’t take long. Stew just needs another half hour to
soak in the flavors and warm to a nice temp.”
“I didn’t know you could cook,” I state plainly, trying not to be
offensive. I’m actually thoroughly impressed.
“You live alone for a long time in a small town, you get really
tired of frozen meals. Also out in the woods, you get tired of just
meat or fish grilled or pan seared. Need to mix it up, so I learned
herbs are the spice of life.” He winks at me and the blustering heat
from before takes a swipe between my legs. And it isn’t my
beverage causing the warmth, that’s for sure.
I distract myself by spying on Kolter, concentrating heavily on the
drawing of a squirrel. It doesn’t surprise me. They seem to be his
favorite. After the incident this afternoon, I emptied his pockets to
find nuts of all kinds from both our yard and our pantry.
Not sure pistachios are the way to a squirrel’s heart, but bless his
for trying.
I have to remember that he’s learning his way in life and I can’t
take away his passions. I had passions a long time ago. Painting,
pottery, skiing, and reading, but after Franklin’s death, I seemed to
think that they didn’t have a place in my heart, or life. Maybe
because I didn’t want to do them if I couldn’t do them with him.
 Cain draws my attention back to him, his fingers brushing my
knee. “How have you been faring lately?”
“Good. Pharmacy is doing well. Kolter does well in school, and
despite his episodes of mischief with the woodland fauna, he’s a
great blessing to me.”
Kolter on cue adds, “It’s not my fault Mrs. Hollins is allergic to
nuts and thinks stepping on one will cause faniballatic shock—
whatever that is!”
“Anaphylactic shock. And she has a right to be concerned when
you’re bating animals to her porch, my son.”
He mutters something under his breath resembling “Whatever,”
and I decide to choose my battles, so I blow out a long breath to
release the pent-up concern. But it does little to stem the tension in
my body.
I glance to Cain, his chiseled jaw covered with a carpet of black
beard, probably just rough enough to cause my skin to redden if he
brushed it across.
Come back to reality. He’s just doing what all the rangers
promised each other—take care of the ones left if one leaves.
Cain does his best not to chuckle too loudly and clears his throat.
His voice softens, so Kolter can’t hear. “But how are you doing?”
The raw honesty and simplicity of the question catches me off
guard. I blink, it isn’t something I dare ask myself too often. If I can
put on a strong front, even then my inner gremlins can’t ruin a good
time.
I shrug off the question and change the topic. “I can smell those
carrots and potatoes. Smells delicious. I think that stew is ready.”
Cain stands, going to check on dinner rather than pushing the
topic. I’m beginning to appreciate his quiet caring ways directed me.
I’ve only been around Cain more recently, after Franklin’s ranger
partner Deryn finally forgave himself for what happened and has
been coming around. I know Dr. Clemens, Deryn’s girlfriend, I help
her with her medicinal orders for her animals, especially since her
customer service skills are…how do I put this nicely…in serious need
of an upgrade. But Deryn and the brash veterinarian make a good
pair, they balance each other. And I’ve appreciated the times Deryn
has come by to check in on Kolter as Kolter adores him.
“You were right,” Cain interrupts my thoughts, popping his back
in. “Soups on!”
Kolter scrambles to his feet, beelining for the table and Cain pulls
out a chair for me. We eat quietly, Kolter talks the most in between
mouthfuls of a great homemade sourdough bread that I’d gladly
take a second helping of, and a hearty stew that makes my mouth
water for more. I’m impressed as Cain asks questions, proving he’s
paying attention.
Wow, he does care.
Cain’s always been known as kind of broody. Almost like a bull
ready to charge at any minute. But right now, I see the softer side of
him. I see the kitten behind the mountain lion.
I smile to myself and let Kolter excuse himself to return to his
drawings of squirrels playing football, leaving the adults alone.
“He’s a good kid,” Cain informs me, grinning.
“He’s behaving because he’s already been in trouble once today.”
The ranger shakes his head. “I think it’s a testament to his
mother.”
My face flushes and squirm under his gaze. “That he behaves or
misbehaves?”
“Oh the only misbehaving I think you do, I would like.” The
flirtatious remark makes us both blush, but Cain doesn’t apologize
and instead fills his mouth with bread and a long drink of cold beer.
“I got to hand it to you, Cain, this is delicious.” I’m good at
changing subjects and not being honest. It’s been my go-to for
almost four years now. Protecting a heart takes effort.
He sets down his spoon and leans toward me. “I don’t know if I
should be offended or not that you’re so impressed with my
cooking.”
I snort. “Being a ranger doesn’t make you a masterful wildness
chef. Franklin was a terrible cook…” I stop myself, biting my lip and
looking at the plaid print of the bargain tablecloth across his kitchen
table for four. There’s still folded lines in it, as if he brought the
fabric out just for us…for me. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring him
up.”
Before I have a change to wonder what’s happening, he’s holding
my hand, and the warmth of his touch blooms in my chest. “I don’t
mind, Jodi. You can talk about Franklin. I knew him, he was a good
ranger…and a good man. I’m sure a good father too.”
I smile and nod. “He was. He often threw Kolter a little too high
for my liking, but he always caught him and Kolter would shriek
these giggles that made me know how happy he was.”
His thumb runs gently over the top of my hand. It’s a soothing
and encouraging touch. But Cain’s touch isn’t just sweet it’s a
reminder to how lonely I’ve been.
4
 CAIN

S ome men might not like conversations like this — reminiscing about
old flames. But I’m not so insecure to know when something is
important to remember. Not to mention Franklin isn’t just some ex-
boyfriend or random one-night hook up. He’s a husband who
passed. He still demands and earns my respect. Even more so
having lost his life in duty.
So I sit and listen to her talk about Kolter’s father. She needs to
remember and get a handle on her past so hopefully…she might
have a future.
With me.
“Wow, I’m sorry. I don’t usually go on like that,” Jodi runs her
free hand through her hair, brushing back the dark hair from her
face and uncovering her beautiful cheekbones, soft and rounded.
I give her hand a small squeeze. “Don’t apologize.”
Her eyes shift from grey to silver as they light up. “I don’t get to
talk like this. Or rather, I usually keep to myself.”
“How come?”
“It’s been years. No one wants to hear the widow whine and
drone on and on.”
“Says who? Jodi, doesn’t matter how long ago Franklin’s death
was. People are a part of our lives forever. They share a tattoo of
themselves on our hearts, and like the real thing, it’s permanent. We
just have to find room for new tattoos.”
 “That’s really sweet,” she softly remarks.
“I lost my parents when I was a teenager. Went and lived with
my grandparents after. It’s something my grandma always told me
and it still rings true to me.”
She squeeze my hand the care zings through my body. We have
a lot in common. We share the pain that we both hope no one
knows. “Oh, my…I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you. Yours couldn’t have been easy, too. I’m sorry you’ve
had to face so much alone.” I bring her knuckles to my lips and place
a light kiss. Her hands are so soft, surprising for a woman who lives
in the damn near middle of nowhere. What else is soft to the
touch…your heart…your thighs. I lean closer to her. “Life isn’t fair
sometimes, but maybe the Universe has a different plan for both of
us.”
My stomach rocks with a long wave of something I’ll equate to
hope, but mostly hope it’s not food poisoning. As much as I love to
cook, my skills are an emerging talent, not perfected.
We sit in silence. My fingers stroke her hand then her wrist and
climb up slowly her arm. It’s all soft and smooth, until the
goosebumps rise up and the coolness of her skin warms under my
fingers. I stand up and position myself behind her.
“What are you…oooh,” she groans, biting her lip as my hands
knead into her shoulders. Her eyes flutter shut, and she melts into
my touch. “You don’t need to do that,” she politely tells me, but she
doesn’t stop me nor does she move an inch other than to slacken
further in her chair.
If this is what just rubbing her shoulders does, what else can
make Jodi purr for me?
I grin, as my lips touch the tip of her ear, whispering, “But I need
to do it.”
Her ear turns warm and red against my lips as I risk nipping it
playfully. A primal need rocks through me. I’ve always been
restrained, holding back, being polite...probably how I missed out on
impressing Sable Clemons and many a high school sweetheart. With
Jodi, it’s as though I can’t hold back, and I don’t want to in the
slightest.
 My hands crawl up from her shoulders to the back of neck. The
burning ache to do something, anything, overwhelms me. I palm the
back of her head and fist her cute black bob of hair and tilt her head
back to face me.
She gasps and I capture her surprise with my mouth. I kiss her
with all the ferocity I didn’t even know I held in me. To my delight
she responds, lips working with mine and tongue sliding across
mine. My whole body shudders and I’m consumed with a kiss.
I look to the living room and see Kolter passed out on the couch.
An afternoon of communing with his creatures took it out of him.
And probably getting caught.
Although Mrs. Hollins could stand to look the other way
occasionally, this time, I’m thankful she didn’t.
I kneel down beside her to trail my lips in kisses to her throat. I
nip and lick there, conscious enough to try to not leave any trail of
my efforts on the grown woman. Her dulcet moans make my cock
throb and her soft hands grip my shoulders, not pushing me away
but pulling me closer to her.
Grasping her face, I pull her from her chair on top of me and we
collapse onto the kitchen floor.
Jodi giggles and straddles me, enrapturing us both in fervent
kisses. I could die happily here on this floor with this beautiful
woman on top of me. But from my hard length felt by both of us,
I’m nowhere close to death.
Very alive and kicking.
“Cain,” Jodi half gasps half moans my name as she slides down
my length.
I want nothing more than to hear her scream the syllables to the
world while rocked with pleasure. And I have half a mind to make
her scream my name now, here in my kitchen, but when a noise
sounds from the other room, we both go still.
Shit.
“Mom?” Kolter’s voice is sleepy and rightfully curious. “Where…
are you?”
Jodi cusses softly and climbs off me, popping her head up.
Thankfully the tablecloth had been hiding us, but there’s no hiding
some of what happened behind here. I curl into the fetal position
just in case he rounds the table.
“Hey baby,” she coos, quickly moving away.
“What are you doing?” he asks, yawning widely.
I close my eyes tightly, willing my boner to nonexistence, even as
I gaze up at the blushing and disheveled appearance of Jodi and I
fight a reemergence. She’s gorgeous and glowing. She wasn’t
glowing like this earlier. I think every non-sexual thing I can.
Two hundred seventy divided by sixteen, drop the two down…
She looks down at me and smiles sheepishly, offering a wink as
she answers. “I was helping Ranger Stroll with his floor. You know
how I love fixing up a house.”
“What’s wrong with the floor?” Kolter looks around.
“Just some dirt. I was showing him a good way to clean it and
make it look like new.”
I realize I should be getting up, but I stay laying on the floor,
absentmindedly stroking her calf and lusting after this woman in full
mother-recovery mode.
“I’m tired. Can we go home?” he asks, yawning again.
“Oh sweetheart, of course. Mommy lost track of time.” She
squeaks a little as I sit up, still hiding behind the table and kiss the
back of her clothed thighs. She stops breathing and I grin and nuzzle
higher and higher. “Ummm. Kolt…er,” she struggles to speak
coherently. “Kolter, go pack your bag, make sure you have all your
pencils and head to the car, and I’ll be right there,” she rushes.
I wait to hear him leave the house to yank her back into her
seat.
“What are you doing?” she hisses, flushed as a candy red hot.
I offer her a wicked grin. “I have to be quick.”
“Quick?” Her eyebrows shoot up as I plunge my hand down her
slacks. She gasps as my fingers find the sweet spot. The confusion
shifts to yearning and she nods. “Yes, quick, please. Oh, God,
please.”
She’s soaking wet, so easily riled up from even our mild tryst on
the floor. I relish in the heat and wetness as I press my palm into
her clit and tease her entrance with my long fingers. Jodi bucks into
my hand and clings to my shoulders.
“Oh, fuck…”
Her silver eyes close, taking in the moment. I’m only watching
and enjoying having my way with her desirable body.
I plunge my fingers in and moan in unison with her. Hot and
perfect, I want her around my throbbing erection. But another time.
This time is for her, she needs this more than me. She needs to feel
again. To know she’s wanted. To know she’s ready.
“I’m so close,” she whispers, kissing me as I drive her closer and
closer.
“Then come for me Jodi,” I egg her on, biting her shoulder
playfully.
“Fuck,” she groans lowly, grinding into my palm and her legs
grow tense.
Her whole body riddles with electricity as the brink breaks her
tension. She shudders and collapses in the chair, panting and
glowing brighter than the sun.
Pulling my hand free, I bring it to my lips, licking them clean and
smirking. “I think you needed that.”
“How…and why…” She tries to gather herself, physically and
mentally. “I can’t even see straight.”
I chuckle. “Then I’ve done my job.”
Jodi stands on shaky legs before straightening up and going from
rocked sex-kitten world to diligent mom mode in seconds. Her ability
to focus is sexy and I imagine taking her camping in the woods,
where she could go from a puddled mess to an attentive one woman
in the wilderness. The release of nature in nature.
“Thank you?” she adds with an uptick of her voice at the end,
unsure how to react post orgasm.
“My pleasure,” I stand up, wash my hands, and return to her to
give her a gingerly kiss on the lips. “I’d like to see you again, on a
real date.”
She’s hesitant but nods slowly. “I’ll think about it.”
“And I’ll be thinking about you.”
She wrangles on her coat and grabs their things.
 We find Kolter sitting in the car, asleep.
“Do you need me to follow you and carry him inside your place?”
“Nah, he’ll wake up enough to shuffle to his room.”
“Thank you for dinner, and for looking out for Kolter. He’s a good
kid, I promise.”
“I know he is. He takes after his mom.” The air is crisp and the
warmth we shared is leaving our bodies quickly. “And Jodi…I meant
it, I want to see you again for a proper date. I’ve already impressed
you twice.”
“Oh, have you?” she taunts.
I lean down to her ear. “The scent of you on my fingers and my
food in your belly tells me I did.” She bites her lip and nods. “Call
me.” I leave no room for misunderstanding.
She nods again.
As she drives away, it’s as if my heart is leaving with her.
But as sure as the sunrises, that woman is mine.
All mine.
5
 JODI

O ver the weekend , I scarcely think of anything else but C ain S troll .
His kindness to Kolter, his divine cooking skills, and then further
proof to just how skillful his hands are…
I inhale slowly and clear my thoughts, sitting out on our lawn as
I try to meditate in the cool spring air waiting for Kolter’s friend
Dixon to show up to take him for a sleepover. I’m bundled up while
Kolter runs around the yard, doing God only knows what his
imagination inspires him to do.
The yoga mat beneath me feels too thin, like the blades of the
grass might penetrate it and my leggings and thus my skin and
burrow deep. Deep into me just like how Cain got under my skin. I
keep my internal cussing to myself to protect Kolter’s ears.
Is it so bad to be so drawn to Cain? Why am I giving myself such
a hard time for it? It’s been almost four years, isn’t that long
enough? But more importantly, am I just lonely or do I really like
Cain? I have too much on the line to have flings with the eligible
bachelors around the mountain. That’d really get some looks from
Mrs. Hollins.
“Speak of the devil,” I grumble as a dark green truck pulls up.
Though a part of me instantly responds with a bodyquake at the
sight, and as much turmoil as he’s giving me emotionally, I’m
delighted to see him. Genuinely and completely pleased.
 “Howdy,” he greets, agile as he hops our picket fence into the
yard.
“Good afternoon, Ranger,” I respond coolly, hoisting myself up to
a sitting position but remaining on my mat. I’m only wearing socks
and prefer to stand on my synthetic island than to get grass stains.
He saves me the trouble and meets me on the edge of the grass,
all smiles. The gesture is infectious, and I return the joyful
expression. There’s an unspoken moment between us, a knowing of
what has happened, and maybe a hope for what might happen.
“Looking lovely as always, Jodi,” he purrs before Kolter bounds
over to us. “Hey kiddo,” Cain greats, ruffling his hair and pulling him
into a side hug.
Kolter scrunches his face and smooths back his hair, correcting it.
I notice a few non-local and shelled nuts fall from his hands as he
does, landing right next to Cain’s feet. Cain takes note too, his
eyebrows peaking like fireworks have been lit inside them.
“Kolter, why do you have people food in your hand?” I ask, semi-
pleased with the distraction from Cain.
“Uh…I…well…” He stumbles for an excuse and I look to a tree to
see not a family but a single squirrel standing at the base on a
protruding root.
“Kolter! Stop feeding the squirrels! You’re going to get bit!” I huff,
closing my eyes and pinching the bridge of my nose.
“I did stop! Sort of,” he mumbles. “All of them but one. His
name’s Franky and he’s fat and happy because I feed him,” Kolter
explains rapidly, taking honesty rather than an excuse route.
Cain crouches to his eye level and picks up the stray nuts. “You’re
a sweet kid, Kolter. But it’s more than just a danger to you to feed
the animals but them as well. They become reliant on us for their
food source, they forget how to hunt and gather because they can
just come to you. It’s how domestication of dogs and cats started.
We don’t want to domesticate squirrels. They’re wild—”
The look on Cain's face twists suddenly. His blue eyes widen with
surprise, and he yelps, jumping up.
“Holy shit!”
 Kolter face breaks into a grin and quickly he’s laughing, and I feel
I’ve missed the joke. Cain dances around sporadically, shaking his
legs and shedding layers, including his belt.
“What the hell are you doing?!” I clasp my hand over Kolter’s
eyes as Cain strips off his pants, running away from them like he’s
been possessed by some forest spirit.
Then I see Franky, the fat and ultimately so happy of a squirrel,
popping its head up from the inside the pant leg of Cain’s quickly
shedded uniform. It chirps and snatches a nut in the clothes pile,
feeding itself.
Free of the intruder in his pants, Cain returns.
Kolter runs off towards the discarded clothes, to find the silly
squirrel that caused the ruckus.
Cain pants a red flush cover his upper half and his lower half only
hidden by boxer briefs. “Sorry, but I couldn’t risk my own nuts for
public decency.”
It must have been in shock but it’s only as he walks up to us, half
in uniform, that I burst out laughing. I laugh till I shed tears like he
shed his clothes. The utmost shedding of emotion is overwhelming
and relieving. Any tension in my body or apprehension of seeing him
again gone.
“Kolter,” I gasp through stifled giggles. “Don’t get bit!”
He shouts something affirming back and I wipe the hysterical
tears from my eyes.
“I should’ve found a career in entertainment it would seem,” Cain
jokes.
I nod in agreement, finally catching my breath. “Are you cold?”
“It’s a bit brisk without pants.” I lead him inside, off the porch
and into my kitchen. We can see Kolter through the large bay
windows chasing his squirrel and waving around the ranger’s pants
like the flag on the moon.
Cain accepts my offering of warm coffee and takes me in as he
sips the dark and hot liquid. His gaze feels like the grass, tickling me
despite my layer of clothes. I fidget, playing with the hem of my
work-out wear, the leggings complimented by a crop-top that I
normally don’t wear in public and soft heather blue sweatshirt-
material sweater, dropping off one shoulder. I blush under his
roaming stare and clear my throat to initiate conversation.
“So, I thought I’d stop in since we haven’t spoken in a couple
days.” Bless him for starting the conversation, even if it’s one I want
to avoid.
He’s been on my mind since but the actual ability to act on my
thoughts was always met with a barrier. I couldn’t call him, text him,
see him...not when it felt like I was being selfish. He lets the silence
linger, and I’m just about ready to find words when I see a black
SUV pull up outside.
“If you can wait just a minute, Kolter’s going to Dixon Bradley’s
for the night.”
His eyes widen and a cocky smirk settles to one side.
Don’t get ahead of yourself, Ranger.
“I have all the time in the world for you, Jodi.”
I make my way outside, grabbing Cain’s pants and rolling them
into a tiny ball shoved under my arm. Kolter and Dixon play in the
yard, spinning and spinning until they fall down into a pile of leaves
he raked this morning. He is a good boy. He’s part of the reason why
I worry about being selfish. I already work full time, if I try to date,
how much more time do I take away from him? Or...does he benefit
with a father figure like Cain?
Does Cain even want to be a father figure?
I explain Kolter’s fascination with four-legged friends and Mrs.
Bradley chuckles and says it’s a phase that Dixon explored too. It’s
both good to know we’re in the same boat, and yet I feel like
commiserating with her. She pats my shoulder and reassures me
that I’m doing everything right. And this is what parenting is, not
knowing if you’re doing right or wrong, but hoping the right
outweighs the wrong by a large margin. We try to listen to our
brains, but we often have to allow our steadfast hearts to lead the
way.
I give Kolter a kiss on his forehead and in a minute the SUV pulls
away, my heart beats in a different way looking back toward the
house.
 Inside is a man who I can’t stop thinking about. And now I don’t
have to think. I can see. More of him than I thought I would, but
still…he’s here.
Inside, I throw his pants back at him and walk into the kitchen to
grab a glass of water, suddenly parched seeing those tight, sinewy
muscled thighs in all their glory. But he doesn’t put the pants back
on. It’s like he’s daring me. Tempting me. There’s a wild look in his
eyes. Something I don’t ever remember seeing before.
“Dinner was lovely,” I start innocently.
Cain snorts a laugh and sets his cup of coffee down. He crosses
the room in four sure steps and his giant hands find my hips and he
pulls me in sharply to meet his body. Despite the chill of his bare
legs, he’s solid and warm, and I could fall into him for hours.
“Just dinner? Did you forget about dessert?” His question makes
my ears burn. He nips the red tip and whispers further in my ear. “I
can give you seconds, if you like.”
I’m brought back to focus on him as he kisses the hollow of my
throat, the tip of his nose cold against my flesh while his mouth is
hot from the coffee.
“Cain,” I moan softly.
“Jodi,” he purrs against my skin.
“Did you mean it? A real date?”
He pulls back to search my face and smiles, cupping my cheek.
“Of course. Can I keep you up late since it isn’t a school night?”
I swat his arm playfully and nod. “Ranger Stroll, you’re going to
get me in trouble with the principal.”
“I’d gladly sit in detention with you, Jodi.”
My heart beats like a 100-piece drum corp is inside. It’s both
deafening and thrilling.
“Dinner. Tonight. At six.” He leaves no room for disagreement,
and I shiver at his take-charge ways.
I nod and he swoops in to steal a kiss.
I close my eyes and relax into him. Without my realizing a simple
kiss turns feverish, with roaming hands and laborious panting. I
moan his name and I feel his erection press into my stomach.
 “Here in the kitchen. Now.” The words pour out before I can stop
myself before I can overthink my way out of the moment.
Cain breaks away from me, surprise giving way to eagerness. He
spins me and presses me into the kitchen counter. I kick off my
leggings with his assistance and he pulls out his glorious cock. I get
a glimpse over my shoulder at its heated length and in a moment, I
feel the broad girth. My body blooms with ache and need like never
before... and I fight thinking about how this might feel as good, if
not better than it ever did with Franklin. I won’t sully his memory
that way, but in the recesses, I know that this is different.
My shoulders roll back and I clutch at the bundles of my sweater
pooling on the counter with my breasts.
Cain swears and praises all in one string of incoherent ramblings
as he fills me. He grips my hips tightly and kisses the back of my
neck.
“Jodi,” he groans. “You’re so beautiful. And so damn hot.” He
plunges in and out of me, filling me to the brim before leaving me
nearly empty to repeat the process.
My hot cheek presses to the cool counter to find relief as I fear I
might combust from the friction and chemistry between us.
He pauses, balls deep in me as he growls, “I’m close, sweetheart.
Tell me where you are.”
“Close,” I moan the word as I squirm, pushing my ass back into
him. “Don’t stop. Please, I need this.” Just how I had needed the
sweet release he’d given me after dinner.
The man knows what I need and he’s here for me. It’s both
freeing and scary.
He delivers hard impactful thrusts. My knees buckle but his keeps
me pinned there. I cry out his name, biting down as I fall over the
edge into a pile of molten female. And a few rapid thrusts later, he
plants deep and grunts through his own release.
We pant and slowly pull ourselves together. Warm bodies and
fast breaths settling into a more normal range.
Cain kisses my forehead and then finds my lips, pressing our
sweaty brows together. “I should get my pants.”
 I laugh. “Yeah, a ranger without those might just get himself
arrested.”
“I don’t think Ranger Blevins would like that. I’ll see you at six.
Evelyn’s Eatery in town.”
“Okay. Bye.”
“Later, sweetheart.”
But as he kisses me a final good-bye peck, cold feet settle into
my warm body.
I’m finally back to me, but I’m not sure I can make it back to a
we…
6
 CAIN

I check the time on my phone , then my watch , and then back to my

phone, and finally I crane my neck to stare at the large clock
hanging above the diner’s neon sign.
Messing with my rolled-up sleeves, for the eighth time,
something feels way off. It’s a diner, not a fancy joint. But I still
dressed clean. Jeans without holes, and a flannel I would wear to
Thanksgiving dinner. I even tried that product in my hair Ashe
offered me at the station, it keeps his hair in place. I used a lot less
than him, just enough that the spring wind would make me look like
a mess.
I daydreamed all day how Jodi would look...a dress? Maybe
something warmer, I rarely saw her in anything but her work
clothes.
Excluding this morning.
But as the clock strikes six-thirty p.m., I’m beginning to think that
I’ll only ever see Jodi in my dreams. She’s a single parent, it’s
probably not uncommon to run late, but with Kolter off at the
Bradley’s, there’s little excuse there. I know she knows my number
and a call would do just fine. Anything but this glaring radio silence.
But I also tamp down those feelings with concern. The
mountains can be an unforgiving place and with how much baiting
of animals Kolter’s been doing, I can imagine a plethora of wild
animals making her place a regular haunt.
 I text.
Cain: I’m at the diner. You coming?
I consider asking one of the rangers to do a drive-by but that
would raise a whole lot of questions that I’m not ready to deal with.
By 6:45 and with not a peep, I give up and order something. I'm
taking up a booth on a weekend night, it’s a hot commodity. My
waitress, Susan Hollins, one of town’s oldest members, gives me a
pitying look.
She slides into the booth, sitting opposite me, jotting my order
down.
“It’ll just be me, Susan,” I sigh, handing over my menu.
“No hot date for a good-looking man like you?” She winks at me
and I smile weakly taking the gesture more creepily than she
probably intended.
“I thought I did. I guess I’ve been stood up.”
She cocks her head to the side and leans in like she’s expecting
more details. There’d be gossip in town if I let out a peep to her, but
as I looked into those cloudy green eyes, I realize if I lit that fire,
maybe Jodi couldn’t avoid me and she’d be smoked out of hiding. “I
was supposed to see Jodi Duggy tonight.”
Her eyes light up with delight. Clapping a hand to her mouth she
muffles her awe. “I worked!”
“What worked?”
“That’s why I called Kolter in last week. He’s not doing anything
wrong, but I knew…I just knew you two would be right for each
other. She needs someone strong like you and Kolter needs a dad.”
As much as I want to agree with her. I can’t help but want to
stand up for her. “Jodi’s doing damn well on her own and Kolter
doesn’t need anything but her love.”
“Oh, I know. And I’m sorry for doing it, but Cain, you need
someone, too.”
She’s right. And no one likes to admit that Susan Hollins is right.
The end of the world may be near.
“I don’t know what I’m doing wrong, Susan. I’m trying to be a
gentleman, give her space, and when I’m with her, she seems
interested but if I try to get her to come to me...I might as well be
fishing for rocks with the bait I’ve got.”
The elderly waitress purses her lips. “Jodi’s been through a lot,
and you’re right, strong as hell woman. Breaks my heart every time I
see her in the grocery store. Being a mother is hard, it’s hard to find
time or the will to do something for yourself.”
“Even a date?”
“Oh, especially a date! And after a loss like that…well, when Mr.
Hollins passed, last year, I thought my world was gone, all life was
meaningless. It was hard to find joy, to be selfish while you mourn
and have responsibilities. You have to remember her heart’s trying to
protect her son.”
“She thinks a date is selfish?”
“I think she thinks being with you is selfish, Cain. She’s a widow
and a mother. It’s hard to break out of that.”
I rub my jaw slowly and nod. “I change my mind. I’m going to
need to order some more food…and to go.”
Susan smiles widely and nods. “I know her usual if you want
some help.”
“And something for Kolter, just in case. I’ll take all the help I can
get.”
“Good boy.” She pats my cheek.
I’m coming for you Jodi, I’m going to show you a whole new
world.
7
 JODI

T he agony probably would have been a lot less if I’ d just taken him up
on the date. I feel two folds guilty now. One round for the kitchen
festivities, and another for now skipping out on the date. How the
hell am I supposed to be giving Kolter his bright future if I let myself
be consumed by Cain every time I’m in his larger-than-life presence?
I groan and pop my head against a kitchen cabinet, trying to
think of what to make for dinner. There’s nuggets in the freezer and
I have an itching to go the easy route. Maybe pizza...but that would
require a trip to the grocery store and I couldn’t bring myself to
leave the house.
And I could run into him…
I walk to the table observing the drawing of a man and a squirrel
in his sketchbook. The man’s face is eerily familiar. Not Franklin’s.
Not Deryn’s.
My stomach plummets.
I know who he’s drawing. His two favorite people. Well, I’m
hoping besides me.
I remember how he was talking to him about his drawings and
Kolter couldn’t stop telling me about the animals Cain meets, stories
of close calls and adventure that made Kolter’s eyes widen. And then
I remember back to when Cain and Deryn came over and played
football with him.
 Tears well up in my eyes and I stare up at the ceiling, trying to
blink them away.
Franklin, what do I do?
There’s a knock at the door, interrupting my silent pleading.
My heart pounds against my ribcage. I walk slowly to the door,
hope in every step.
“Hey…” I say as I open the door and stare into the blue eyes that
dance in the moonlight.
I smooth out my ratty t-shirt, and fidget in the old sweats I wear.
The sweater dress I’d planned to wear to dinner hanging up on the
back of my door in the bedroom. I shake out my hair, imagining the
mess I look.
“Jodi,” he greets me with warmth in his voice, not anger or
disappointment as I expected to hear the next time I see him.
“Dinner is served.” He passes by me and heads straight to the table,
pulling out containers of food from his bag.
“That was nice of you...but you didn’t have to,” I whisper softly,
directing my attention to the man dressed for a date.
He looks so damn good, the way the sleeves show off his strong
forearms and the jeans cling to his upper thighs. His hair sits
perfectly quaffed.
“I figured you would be hungry. I know I am.”
I hesitate but nod, more nervous than if we’d gone on the date.
“How did you know?” I look down at the feast that includes a
meal for Kolter that I can reheat tomorrow, giving me a moment
away from the stove.
“Mrs. Hollins.”
I roll my eyes.
He continues, “Eh, she grows on you.”
“Like fungus on a dead tree,” I mumble and he chuckles while
sitting down.
I take a seat next to him and enjoy my own chicken and waffle,
and Cain helps himself to a Philly cheesesteak. We eat…and it’s like
we’re already a…no, I won’t say it.
Half way into a bite, I can’t fight back the sobs anymore. “I’m
sorry, Cain.”
 “Oh shit…I’ve pushed too far. Mrs. Hollins said this might
happen.” Cain nuzzles my ear, his thumb brushing the tears aside. “I
promise, I’ll back off, Jodi.”
“No, no. I mean, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t...I should have…” I try
to find an excuse, a reason, anything to tell him about standing him
up. “I wanted to meet you, but I got…” My chest hiccups. All the
pain of four years alone winds its way out of me.
He hushes me and finds my trembling lips. He kisses me tenderly
and smiles. “Scared?”
I nod.
He continues. “Don’t be sorry, Jodi. I’ve got tough skin...I once
tried to ask out Dr. Clemens.”
I laugh at that and agree with him, “Whoa, that’s like going up
against Medusa herself.”
I don’t disagree. “But she and Deryn seem happy, and I think
that’s what’s important. At least I do know. Deryn needed someone
to show him happiness just like I think you do.”
“What are you saying?” I ask.
He cradles me against him, stroking my hair. I might fall apart if
he didn’t hold me so.
“I’m saying I’d like to show you some happiness, Jodi. I’d like to
show you...some love. Hell, all my love. I’m practically drowning in
my feelings for you.”
I shudder at his admission and bite my lip. “Love?”
“Love, admiration, affection, whatever name you want to give it,
I’m giving everything…my all… to you.” He takes my hand into his
and licks syrup from my thumb, his blue eyes pouring into mine.
“Let me love you, Jodi?”
But this time he’s asking. He’s asking for permission to be the
most—okay, second most—important person in my life.
“Okay,” the agreement rattles out of me. Trembling, I lean into
him and kiss those soft lips. “But only if you’re okay with me
relearning this whole love thing.”
“I think you have more love in you than you know.”
“And Kolter?” I ask, making sure he’s on board that we’re a
package deal.
 “Think I need to lose the abs and get a dad bod?”
We laugh in the kitchen together and I silently thank Franklin,
like an angel watching over us, for his answer to my prayers.
“Let me try them out a little longer before we make drastic
decisions,” I tease, lifting his shirt and teasing along the muscular
mounds.
“I know there’s a whole lot I want to try with you, Jodi.”
The tears free falling still, but they’re happy tears. The best kind.
I got in trouble, but this mountain man has found his way into
my heart to free me from my worries and guide us into our futures.
Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
kumma kulkija kylältä, mies kapea, kaksijalka, tassut kaikki
taata pitkät!"

Repo kuuli rengin huudon, luuli jo tuhon tulevan, jousen

vaarnalta varasi savuna pihalle saapi: "Seis! Seiso henkesi
uhalla! Mikä mies, mikä asia?"

Sanoi seppo Ilmarinen: "Mikä lienen miehiäni! Liekö sotka

suolle saanut vai rauku vesirajahan, ilves tehnyt iljenelle,
suokurki sulalle maalle; oon emoa etsimässä, taattoa
tavoittamassa."

Repo vastahan remahti: "Ei ole sukua sulla tämän ilman

kannen alla! Min' olen metsän henkiherra, veen riistan verolle
viejä, saukon kummi, mäyrän kuoma, ylikaitsija kanojen;
tunnen kaikki tuulen karjat, maan kävijät, tien tulijat, jalan
neljän juoksevaiset, siiven kahden kantamaiset; kaikki on
kirjoissa minulla, kaikki mulla muistossani — ei siellä sinun
näköistä!"

Selitellä seppo koitti; "Minkäpä minä osannen, kun olen

kerran tänne luotu, syntynyt sysimäelle —!"

"Sin' olet syntynyt luvatta, lurjus, vastoin maan lakia! Kursi

tiehesi, tahikka —!"

Läksi seppo läylimielin kangasta kävelemähän; pilkoin hälle

puut puheli, kukat viittoi vilkusilmin, oravat osoittelivat, linnut
lennosta ivasi angervon avuttomuutta, heimotuutta herjan
lapsen.
 Astui seppo allamielin, itkuvirttä vieritellen, astui päivän
järven päitä toisen vaaroja vaelsi, päivänäpä kolmantena suo
suuri etehen aukes'.

Astui seppo allamielin, orvon virttä vieritellen: "Kun oisin

syntynyt sudeksi taikka karhuksi kasunut, oisi turkki
tuulisäällä, koti ois' kovalla säällä, kodissa korea liesi, liedellä
punainen loimo, emo lieden liepehellä, mie itse emon sylissä
— ja minun sylissä onni!"

Jo väsähti väki sepolta, uupui jo urohon voima, vaipui miesi

maan varahan, tuskissansa turpehelle, otsa suohon, suu
norohon, rinta rimpeä halaten.

Lauloi rauta rahkan alta, soi suosta teräksen soitto: "Kussa

viivyt, maan kuningas, raudan ruhtinas väkevä, joudu joukkos'
johtajaksi, valtasi vapahtajaksi! Tääll' on miehet miekka
vyöllä, sota-orhit ohjaksissa, pyssyt on pamahtamassa, torvet
on torahtamassa, kun vain saapuisi kuningas, sois' käsky
sotien herran!"

Jo tunsi sukunsa seppo, tiesi työnsä työn hakija, kimmahti

kohoksi maasta, viskasi vasaratansa, tuli suihki suonten
päissä, koski rinnassa kohisi, voiton liekki, voiman virta,
kutsumus kuningastöiden.

Kohotti kätensä seppo kohti kuusten korkeutta, vannoi

maalle valan ikuisen, sanan Luojalle lupasi: "Tahdon ma
takoa ilmi luonnon voimat maan lumosta, herättää vesien
henget, ainehet norojen alta; tahdon tehdä maan hyväksi,
manteret hymyäviksi, lehdot leivän kasvaviksi, pelloiksi
petojen korvet; tahdon taivahan takoa yli maani onnellisen,
 taivahalle tähtikehrät, kuut, Otavat, päivät kummat — tahdon
luoda luonnon onnen oman onneni heraksi!"

Näin se vannoi vanhin seppo, vannoi ruhtinasvalansa.

1897.

Hymyilevä Apollo

Hymni (1898.)
I.

Höyhensaaret.

Mitä siitä, jos nuorna ma murrunkin tai taitun ma talvisäihin!

Moni murtunut onpi jo ennemmin ja jäätynyt elämän jäihin.

Kuka vanhana vaappua tahtoiskaan?

Ikinuori on nuoruus laulujen vaan
ja ulpukat lemmen ja unelmien;
ilot kuihtuvat ihmisten.

Mitä siitä, jos en minä sammukaan

kuin rauhainen, riutuva liesi,
jos sammun kuin sammuvat tähdet vaan
ja vaipuvi merillä miesi!

Kas, laulaja tähtiä laulelee, hän meriä suuria seilailee ja

hukkuvi hyrskyhyn, ennen kuin käy purjehin reivatuin.

Mitä siitä, jos en minä saanutkaan, elon aamu min niin

lupas varmaan, kun sain minä toivehet suuret vaan ja
kaihojen kantelon armaan! ja vaikka ma lien vähä lapsi vain,
niin jumalten riemut ma juoda sain ja juoda ne täysin
siemauksin — niin riemut kuin murheetkin.

Ja vaikka ma laps' olen syksyn vaan ja istuja pitkän illan,

sain soittaa ma kielillä kukkivan maan ja hieprukan hivuksilla,
niin mustat, niin mustat ne olivat; ja suurina surut ne tulivat,
mut kaikuos riemu nyt kantelen vielä kertani viimeisen!

Ah, kantelo pitkien kaihojen, sinä aarteeni oma ja ainoo! Me

kaksi, me kuulumme yhtehen, vaikk' kohtalot kuin mua
vainoo. Me kuljemme kylästä kylähän, ohi kylien koirien
räkyttäväin, ja keskellä raition raakuuden sävel soipa on
jumalien.

Me kaksi, me tulemme metsästä, salon suuren me ilmaa

tuomme, me laulamme nuoresta lemmestä ja lempemme
kuvan me luomme, me luomme sen maailman tomusta niin
kuin Jumala ihmisen Eedeniin, ja korvesta kohoitamme me
sen kuin vaskisen käärmehen.

Te ystävät, joiden rinnassa kyyt yön pitkät pistää ja kalvaa,

te, joita jäytävi sydämen syyt ja elämä harmaja halvaa, oi,
helise heille, mun kantelein, oi, helise onnea haavehein ja
unta silmihin unettomiin — mun silmäni, suljit sa niin.

Kas, ylläpä mustien murheiden on kaunihit taivaankaaret ja

kaukana keskellä aaltojen on haaveiden höyhensaaret, ja ken
sinne lapsosen kaarnalla käy, ei hälle ne haavehet yölliset
näy, vaan rinnoin hän uinuvi rauhaisin kuin äitinsä helmoihin.

Mitä siitä, jos valhetta onkin ne vaan ja kestä ei päivän

terää! Uni totta on, siksi kuin valveutaan ja vaivat ne jällehen
herää. Moni nukkui nuorikin toiveisiin ja heräsi hapsihin
hopeisiin: hän katsahti ympäri kummissaan ja uinahti —
uudestaan.

Miks' ihmiset tahtovat, taistelevat ja koettavat korkealle?

Kuin korsi he sentään katkeavat ja murtuvat murheen alle.
Ois' lempeempi, lauhempi kuolevain vain hyviä olla ja hymytä
vain ja katsoa katsehin kirkkain niin vain sielunsa syvyyksiin.

Näät unessa murheet ne unhottuu ja rauhaton rauhan

saapi, näät unessa vankikin vapautuu, sen kahlehet
katkeaapi, moni köyhä on rikas kuin kuningas maan, kevyt
kantaa kruunu on ruhtinaan, ja kaikki, kaikki on veljiä vain —
oi, onnea unelmain!

Oi, onnea uinua uudelleen nuo nuoruuden siintävät sillat, ja

itkeä jällehen yksikseen yöt armaat ja kuutamo-illat; taas
uskoa, että on aamu vaan, kaikk' että voi valjeta uudestaan,
uus' leikki ja lempi ja laulu ja työ — uus' uhata myös sydän-
yö!

Taas uskoa kaikuhun kanteleen, tulilippuhun pilvien linnan,

punaruusuihin, lempehen puhtaaseen taas kahden puhtahan
rinnan, taas uskoa itsensä rikkahaks' ja maailman suureks' ja
avaraks' — ah, tiedä en auvoa armaampaa, kun nuorna sen
uskoa saa!

Ei tiedä hän auvoa armaampaa, joka kaiken sen kadotti

kerran, joka häkistä katseli maailmaa, näki siitä vain vaaksan
verran, haki haavettaan, löys' elämää, löys' maailman
markkinavilinää, näki räyhäävän raakuuden, tyhmyyden —
niit' aikoja unhota en!
 Kun muistelen, kuinka ma kerjännyt olen koirana lempeä
täällä, miten rikasten portailla pyydellyt olen tuiskulla,
tuulisäällä vain lämpöä hiukkasen, hiukkasen vain — ja kun
minä muistelen, mitä ma sain ja mitä ma nielin ja vaikenin, ja
mitä ma ajattelin!

Miten oon minä kulkenut, uskonut, etteivät ne unhoitukaan!

ja sentään ne oon minä unhoittanut kuin unhoittaa voi kukaan.
Ja sentään se nousi, min kohtalot kaas', ja sentään ma
seppona seison taas, taas taivahan kansia taon ja lyön — oi
onnea tähtisen työn!

Ne saapuvat, saapuvat uudestaan mun onneni orhit

valkeet, ne painavat vanhalla voimallaan mun rintani
jättipalkeet, taas kirkas on taivas ja kukkii maa, taas säkenet
suustani suitsuaa, mun ääneni on kuni ukkosen, soi maan yli
jylinä sen.

Mitä siitä, jos haaveeni langat vain lie lankoja hämähäkin!

Mitä siitä, jos auvoni nyt ja ain' ois' laulua laineiden näkin! Sitä
sinne ma seuraan, se minne mun vie, vaikk' oisi mun eessäni
manalan tie ja heräis' en täällä, en sielläkään — unen
laulavan lapseksi jään.

Elon arpani tahdon ma ainoisen, elon onnesta osani kerta!

Olen imenyt rintoja totuuden, mut niistä vaan tuli verta. Siis
tulkaa, te utaret unelmien, minä vaivun valtahan taikuuden,
luon silmäni sielujen kuutamohon — unen loihtu on
loppumaton.

Oi, kauniisti mulle te kaartukaa, mun tahtoni taivaankaaret!

mua hiljaa, hellästi tuudittakaa, — te henkeni höyhensaaret!
 Mua katsokaa: sama lapsi lien kuin aamussa alkavan eloni
tien, samat mullekin olkaa ja antakaa sama mulle taivas ja
maa!

Mua murhe ja vaivat murtelee,

toki tahtois' vielä en kuolla.
Mut kuulkaa, jo äitini huhuilee
Manan aaltojen tuollapuolla.
Oi, odota hetkinen, äityein!
En viel' olis' valmis ma matkallein,
sydän tää on synkeä, syyllinen —
suo, että sen valkaisen!

Suo, että ma ensin huuhdon vaan nämä huonot tunteet ja

aatteet, suo, että ma päälleni ensin saan ne puhtahat, valkeat
vaatteet, jotk' ompeli onneni impyinen, hän, hämärän impeni
ihmeellinen, min kuvaa kannan ma sydämessäin siit' asti kuin
hänet näin.

Me tulemme, äitini armahain!

Oi, katso, meitä on kaksi!
Ah, arvaa, ken mulla on kupeellain!
Niin oisitko rikkahaksi
sinä uskonut koskaan kuopustas?
Ja katso, me pyydämme siunaustas,
sun poikasi synkeä, syyllinen
ja mun impeni puhtoinen.

Kas, kuin hän on kaunis ja valkoinen ja muistuttaa niin sua!

Hän on niin hellä ja herttainen, vaikk' ei hän lemmi mua. Älä
kysele häitä, miks' tänne mun toi, mut usko, se niin oli
parhain, oi, ja usko nyt, ett' olen onnellinen kuin päivinä
lapsuuden!

Älä kysele multa sa laaksoista maan! Ei olleet ne luodut

mulle. Mut jos sinun silmäsi tutkii vaan, voin laulaa ma laulun
sulle kuin lauloin ma lapsen aikoihin — kas, lauluna helkkyy
se helpommin ja kyynelet kuuluvat kantelehen; niit' ilmoita
muuten ma en.
II.

Laulu metsästä.

Voin laulaa ma laulun yhden vaan: "Oli lahden rannalla talo,

ja kauaksi yöhön kaameaan sen vilkkui ikkunan valo. Mut
kaikista, kaikista kauimmaks' sen huonehen kuumotti valoa
kaks,' miss' äiti se valvoi vuoteellaan ja vuotteli kuopustaan.

Tuli kuopus se kerran kotihin. Oli sammunut ikkunan valo.

Oli autio huone se armahin, ja tyhjä, tyhj' oli talo. Mut
kirkkomaall' oli kumpu uus, ja kummulla humisi koivu ja kuus
ja kasvoi kukkaset tuttavat, emon ennen kastelemat.

Ja poika se matkasi maailmaan, ei vilkkunut ikkunan valo.

Oli ympäri huojuvat hongat vaan ja synkkänä huokasi salo.
Kävi yksin kulkea raskahaks', hän löysi kumppanin, löysi
kaks', löys' myöskin maantien mahtavan, tien kullan ja
kunnian.

Oli kylmät ne mieron nuotiot, ei vilkkunut ikkunan valo, Oli

ympäri korvet autiot ja peikkoja vilisi salo. Ja tulilla öisillä
kuulla sai niin paljon, niin paljon pahaa vain ja maailman
markkinarähinää, vain harvoin ystävää.

Ja poika se erosi yksikseen, ei vilkkunut ikkunan valo. Mut

oli kuin korpehen yölliseen ois' kohonnut pikkunen talo. Oli
kuin hän katsellut kaukaa vaan ois' riemuja, murheita mustan
maan ja elellyt pienessä töllissään, yön helmassa, yksinään.

Oli pimeä mökki se erakon, ei vilkkunut ikkunan valo. Oli

kolkko se humina hongikon, kuin kuoloa saneli salo. Ei
viihtynyt erakko tuvassaan, hän metsiä hiihti ja harhaili vaan,
ja kylmä kylm' oli mökin lies — ja kylm' oli mökin mies.

Mut kerran kun palas hän töllilleen, kas, vilkkuvi ikkunan

valo! Oli hongikko huolittu hopeiseen ja kullassa kulisi salo. Ja
kun hän astahti mökkihin, oli permanto peitetty kukkihin, oli
lämmin, lämmin nyt mökin lies — ja lämpeni mökin mies.

Ei yksin hän töllissä ollutkaan, siks' vilkkui ikkunan valo,

siks' hongat kaikk' oli hopeissaan, pyhävaatteissa viita ja salo.
Ei olleet ne kultia kunnian, ei helyjä mammonan, maailman,
oli linnunlaulua sydämen — oli riemuja rakkauden.

Mökin lasilla lintunen lauleli Ja vilkkui ikkunan valo! Ja

katso, katto se kohosi, ja mökistä suur' tulitalo. Kas, mökki
laajeni maailmaks', maa itse aavaks' ja ihanaks', oli laulua
täys' koko avaruus ja aurinko oli kuin uus'!

Se lauloi laulua kotoista, miten vilkkuvi ikkunan valo, vaikk'

ympäri korpi on kaamea ja kuoloa sanovi salo. Se lemmen
lämpöä lauleli, oman kodin se onnea ylisti, myös joulua
kuusten ja kynttiläin, ja lapsien leikkiväin
 Se lauloi pienestä kädestä, joka sytytti ikkunan valon, joka
hoiteli liettä lämmintä ja kukkihin kylvi salon, joka kädelle
toiselle tukena ois' ja pyyhkisi otsan ryppyjä pois, kun surut ne
yölliset saapuvat tai aavehet kolkuttavat.

Mut laulu se muuttavi muotoaan,

yhä vilkkuvi ikkunan valo.
Mut erakko mökkiä kiertävi vaan,
jost' tullut suuri on talo.
Ne saapuvat, aavehet yölliset,
ne tunnon tuskat ja pimeydet,
ne pistot syyllisen sydämen —
ja ne pistävät syvällen.

Ja erakko tutkivi itseltään:

"Mulle vilkkuisko ikkunan valo?
Se ei mulle vilkkunut ennenkään.
Munko ois' tämä suuri talo?
Ei, ei, minun mökkini pieni on vain.
Tää lienevi linnoja unelmain!
Mill' oisin ma ansainnut, onneton,
"niin korkean auringon?"

Taas laulu se muuttavi muotoaan,

yhä vilkkuvi ikkunan valo.
Mut erakko metsiä hiihtää vaan
ja synkkänä huojuvi salo.
Hän yksin hiihtää ja harhailee,
hän kanssa peikkojen kamppaelee,
ja kanssa syömmensä syyllisen —
hän kamppaelee katuen.
 Niin suurina surut ne saapuivat, mut vilkkuvi ikkunan valo!
Mökin lasit on suuret ja valoisat ja tölli on suuri talo. Mik' ihme!
Hän katsovi mökkiin päin, jumal'auta! hän aavehet voittaa
näin saa rauhan ja uskoo ja riemuitsee — ja hän saapuvi
mökilleen.

Taas laulu se muuttavi muotoaan, oli valhetta ikkunan valo!

Oli härmää ne honkien hopeat vaan, taas synkkänä huojuvi
salo. Mut erakko yksin hän vuoteellaan vain kattohon katsoo
ja katsoo vaan, ja liettä kylmää hän koettelee ja hymyy ja
hyräelee:

"Mitä siitä, jos minulle ilkkuvi vaan tuon ihanan ikkunan

valo, jos kuuset ne kuurassa olikin vaan ja valhetta jos oli talo!
Toi valhe voiton mun sydämehen. Siis uskon, siis uskon ma
valheeseen, ja suljen jällehen silmät kiin' — taas onneni näen
mä niin."

Ja laulu se muuttavi muotoaan, kas, vilkkuvi ikkunan valo,

taas hongat kaikk' ovat hopeissaan ja kullassa kuultaa salo.
Taas katto kaartuvi taivaihin, mökin permanto peittyy kukkihin,
taas lämmin, lammin on mökin lies — ja lammin on mökin
mies.

Hän uneksii pienestä kädestä, joka sytytti ikkunan valon,

joka hoiteli liettä lämmintä ja kukkihin kylvi salon. Hän uskoo
ja toivoo ja uinuvi vain, ja kiittävi onnea unelmain, kun surut
ne yölliset saapuvat tai aavehet kolkuttavat.

Ja näin hän kiittävi onneaan:

"Oi, vilkkuos ikkunan valo!
Mitä siitä, jos pieni on mökkini vaan,
kun mulle se suuri on talo!
Mitä siitä, jos lieteni kylmä on,
kun mulle se antavi auringon,
ja muut jos ei lintua kuulekaan,
kun mulle se laulavi vaan!"

Hän istuu ja hymyy ja hyräilee,

yhä vilkkuvi valkeen valo.
Mika lie, joka kaukaa humisee?
Vai onko se vaan sinisalo?
Vai onko mökkiä ollenkaan?
Ja onko mökissä istujaa?
Ja onko valhekin olematon?
Ken varma on, vastatkohon!
III.

Aurinkolaulu.

Näin lauloin ma kuolleelle äidillein ja äiti mun ymmärsi heti.

Hän painoi suukkosen otsallein ja sylihinsä mun veti: "Ken
uskovi toteen, ken unelmaan, viis siitä, kun täysin sa uskot
vaan, sun uskos' se suurin on totuutes' — usko, poikani,
unehes'!"

Miten mielelläin, niin mielelläin hänen luoksensa jäänyt

oisin luo Tuonen virtojen viileäin, mut kohtalot päätti toisin.
Vielä kerran viimeisen viittasi hän kuin hän vain viitata tiesi;
taas seisoin ma rannalla elämän, mut nyt olin toinen miesi.

Nyt tulkaa, te murheet ja vastukset niin saatte te kokea

muuta! Nyt raudasta mulla on jänteret, nyt luuni on yhtä luuta.
Kas, Apolloa, joka hymyilee, sitä voita ei Olympo jumalineen,
ei Tartarus, Pluto, ei Poseidon; hymyn voima on voittamaton.

Meri pauhaa ja ukkonen jylisee — Apollo saapuu ja hymyy.

Ja katso! Ukkonen vaikenee, tuul' laantuu, lainehet lymyy.
Hän hymyllä maailman hallitsee, hän laululla valtansa
vallitsee, ja laulunsa korkea, lempeä on; lemmen voima on
voittamaton.

Kun aavehet mieltäni ahdistaa, niin lemmi! ja aavehet

haihtuu. Kun murheet sun sielusi mustaks' saa, niin lemmi! ja
iloks' ne vaihtuu. Ja jos sua häpäisee vihamies, niin lemmellä
katko sen kannan ies, ja katso, hän kasvonsa kääntää pois
kuin itse hän hävennyt ois'.

Kuka taitavi lempeä vastustaa? Ketä voita ei lemmen kieli?

Sitä kuulee taivas ja kuulee maa ja ilma ja ihmismieli. Kas,
povet se aukovi paatuneet, se rungot nostavi maatuneet, taas
kutovi lehtihin, kukkasiin ja uusihin unelmiin.

Paha ei ole kenkään ihminen, vaan toinen on heikompi

toista. On hyvää rinnassa jokaisen, vaikk' aina ei esille loista.
Kas, hymy jo puoli on hyvettä ja itkeä ei voi ilkeä: miss'
ihmiset tuntevat tuntehin, liki liikkuvi Jumalakin.

Oi, antaos, Herra, sa auringon, mulle armosi kultaiset kielet,

niin soittaisin laulua sovinnon, ett' yhtehen sais' eri mielet. Ei
tuomita voi, ken ymmärtää. Sävel selvittää, mikä salahan jää,
näin ihmiset toistansa lähemmä vie sen kautta vie jumalan tie.

Oi, onnellinen, joka herättää noin voimia hyviä voisi! Oi,

ihmiset toistanne ymmärtäkää, niin ette niin kovat oisi! Miks'
emme me yhdessä käydä vois'? Jos murtuis' yks', muut
tukena ois'. Oi, ihmiset, toistanne suvaitkaa!

Niin suuri, suuri on maa. Tääll' on toki tilaa kaikilleni on

ketoja auran kääntää, on lehtoja laulella neitojen ja saloja
sulhojen vääntää. Kas, lempi maailman levittää! Oi, ihmiset,
toistanne lempikää ja laivahan ääriä tavoittakaa!

Niin pieni, pieni on maa. Niin pienet, pienet on piirit maan,

mut taivas on suuri ja laaja, kupu jumalten kuultava
korkeuttaan, pyhä kirkkaus tähtistä aja: yks' vaan on taivas,
yks' jumala vaan, on jokaisella se sielussaan, ja taivas on
rauha täytetyn työn; se estävi aavehet yön.

Sun mieles' jos kaäntyvi murheisaks' elon pitkillä

pientaroilla, niin aitaa sarka ja aitaa kaks' ja onnes' sa löydät
noilla. Ja kohtalos' kuinka se muuttuukin, käy elosi päivään tai
pilvihin, niin yksi, yksi on varma ain': työn onni on oikea vain.

Oi, kaikuos, kantelo, kautta maan, soi, soittoni, kodasta

kotaan, niin mökkiin kuin linnahan ruhtinaan, kaikk' kutsuen
suurehen sotaan! Oi, kaikuos kauniisti, kantelein, oi, helise
hellästi, sydämein, nyt sykkiös kerrankin päivähän päin työn
onnea ylistäin!

Se talo, min portilla kilpi on: "Tässä talossa tehdään työtä,"

se talo on pyhä ja pelvoton ja pelkää ei se yötä. Työs olkoon
suurta tai pientä vaan, kun vain se tähtää suurempaan, ja kun
sitä palkan et tähden tee, se arvonsa ansaitsee.

Työ raatajan riemulla palkitsee ja tekijän terveydellä, työ

himoja huonoja hillitsee myös syyttömän sydämellä. Oi,
rauhaa päätetyn päivätyön! Hyvät enkelit suojaavat
työmiehen yön, ja nuorena, vankkana nousevi hän taas
uutehen päivähän.
 Ah, antaos, Herra, sa armas sää, kun raatajan ilta raukee!
Hyvät enkelit, kauniisti hymyilkää, kun työmiehen hauta
aukee! Ah, nouskosi kirkasna päivyt uus', kun loppuvi
raatajan rauhattomuus ja päättyvi pitkä päivätyö! Herra,
valkaise vaivamme yö!

On monta uskoa päällä maan ja toinen toista kiittää, mut

laulajalla yks' usko on vaan, elin-ijäksi hälle se riittää: min
verran meissä on lempeä, sen verran meissä on iäistä, sen
verran meistä myös jäljelle jää, kun päättyvi päivä tää.

Ja yhden ma varman tiedän sen, kun löydy ei tietä mistään:

on työtä tehtävä jokaisen, puu tutaan hedelmistään. Se usko,
mi sitä ei opeta, sitä uskoa täällä ei tarvita, se on uskoa
usmien, haamujen, ei uskoa ihmisten.

Kuka tietävi, mistä me tulemme ja missä on matkamme

määrä? Hyvä, että me sitäkin tutkimme, ei tutkimus ole väärä.
Mut yhden me tiedämme varmaan vaan me kuljemme
kumpuja mustan maan, ja täällä meidän on eläminen, miten
taidamme parhaiten.

Me olemme kaikki nyt laivalla ja kynnämme suurta merta.

Me synnyimme tänne vaivalla ja vaivalla kuolemme kerta. Mut
se mikä niiden on välillä, se olkohon lämpöä, lempeä. Kas,
yössä kun yhtehen sattuu kaks, käy kulkukin helpommaks.

Mut emmehän yössä vain astukaan, myös aamussa

astelemme. Vaikk' kuljemme kumpuja mustan maan, niin
maassa tok' kiinni emme. Tääll' onhan niin paljon muutakin
kuin multaa, on kaunista, kultaakin, kun elämän ääriltä
etsimme vain tai kuiluista kuolevain.
 Tai katsokaa, miten lainehet ikikauniisti rantoja kaulaa! Tai
kuunnelkaa, miten lintuset ikilempeesti lehdossa laulaa! Tai
ootteko nähnehet illan kuun ja kuullehet kuisketta
metsänpuun, min ylitse valkeat hattarat suvitaivaalla
vaeltavat?

Tai ootteko koskaan te painaneet

pään kesäistä nurmea vastaan,
kun heinäsirkat on helisseet
ja raikunut laulu rastaan.
Sinikellot tokko ne keinuivat?
Lepinkäiset tokko ne leijuivat?
Ne tuoksuiko kukkaset tuhannet? —
Sitä hetkeä, tuoksua unhota et.

Tai ootteko mennehet milloinkaan te aamulla järven

rantaan, kun aurinko noussut on aalloistaan ja paistanut
valkosantaan? Vesi välkkyikö tyynenä heijastuin? Sumun
keskeltä nousiko seijastuin sadun saaret, niemet ne
terheniset? — Sitä utua unhota et.

Oi, ootteko silloin te tunteneet maan luonnossa maailman

Luojan? Oi, ootteko silloin te löytäneet yön aaveilta aumahan
suojan? Ja ootteko silloin te itkeneet ja hyviä olleet ja
hymyilleet, oi, ootteko silloin te lempinehet? — Sitä lempeä
unhota et.

Oi, ootteko silloin te uneksineet utuneitoa tummatukkaa, ja

ootteko silloin te rakastaneet joka puuta ja joka kukkaa? Ja
oliko veli joka ihminen? Ilo loistiko silmistä jokaisen? Ja oliko
kaikilla kasvoillaan iki-armaus ihanan maan?
 Ken yhtä ihmistä rakastaa, hän kaikkia rakastaapi. Ken
kerran itsensä unhottaa, hän unten onnen saapi. Ken kerran
itse on onnellinen, hän tahtois' onnehen jokaisen ja antaa ja
antaa ja antaa vain poven paisuvan riemua ain'.

Mitä siitä, jos ei sua lemmi hän, sa jolle lempesi annoit! Hän
antoihan sulle elämän, ja kuvaa sa kaunista kannoit. Ja
vaikka hän vaatisi elosi taas, niin kulkeos riemulla kuolemaas
ja julista virsillä Jumalaa, kun kaunis niin oli maa!

Siis kiitos, Luojani armollinen, joka hetkestä jonka elin, kun

sain minä ruumihin tervehen, sydänlämmön, mi läikähteli, kun
annoit sa vankkaa kättä kaks', kaks' silmää sieluni ikkunaks',
ja hengen herkän ja avoimen, joka tuutia tuulosen.

Sua kiitän ma, Jumala armollinen, kun annoit sa kodin

hyvän, soit äidin niin hellän ja herttaisen, isän iloisen ja syvän,
kun annoit sa myös pari ystävää ja ne hyvää, en pyydä ma
enempää, ja annoit sa armahan syntymämaan, jota kyntää ja
lempiä saan.

Ja kiitospa vihdoin viimeinen, kun laulun lahjan sa annoit,

kun riemut ja murheet lapsosen näin sävelten siivillä kannoit;
sen Sulta, Sulta ma yksin sain ja Sinulle siitä ma vastaan
vain, tilin leiviskästäni kerran teen, miten käytin ma kanteleen.

Soi, helise, siis sävel hempe'in! Halo aaltoja laulajan

haaksi! Käy purjehin täysin ja pullistuvin, jätä välkkyvä jälki
taaksi! Ja vaikka mun nuorena laineet vei, niin eipä se
hukkahan vaipunut, ei, joka upposi laulujen laineisiin ja
untensa unelmiin.