noons
The rank swamp grasses were growing long , covering decently the unkempt soil . At night , alone , she had comfort in the multitudinous cries from the railroads that ribbed the prairie in this outskirt of the city . The shrieks of the locomotives were like the calls of great savage birds , raising their voices melodiously as they fled to and fro into the roaring cavern of the city , outward to the silent country , to the happier , freer regions of man . As they rushed , they bore her with them to those shadowy lands far away in the sweet stillness of summer-scented noons , in the solemn quiet of autumn nights . Her days were beset with visions like these -- visions of a cool , quiet , tranquil world ; of conditions of peace ; of yearnings satisfied ; of toil that did not lacerate . Yes ! that world was , somewhere .