POETIC GEMS O THE WORLD Class ySSS Otf Book. flzyrPt Copightlf W Z _ COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. POETIC GEMS TO THE WORLD I LOVE MRS. LOUISE COULSON POETIC GEMS TO THE WORLD I LOVE BY . $y MRS. LOUISE COULSON Copyright, 1912, BY MRS. LOUISE COULSON PRINTED AT THE QUINN & BODEN CO. PRESS RAHWAY, N. J. ©GI.A332300 CONTENTS PAGE A Tribute to James Russell Lowell 3 A Tribute to Rev. J. H. Seaton and Family ... 5 Across the Barren Waste of Life 7 Abide with Me 9 After the Storm 10 Autumn n A Birthday Invitation 12 As the Days Are Slipping By 13 A Lovely May Morning 14 After All Is Said and Done 15 A Song: "Begone, Dull Care" 17 A Poem. (Dedicated to Chopper Greenberry, "The Boot- black" — age eighty two) 19 Accidental Death of "Andrews." (In Salt Lake City, Utah, 1884) . 21 Building 23 Burning Old Letters 24 Baby Feet 25 Christmas Bells 26 Created Things 27 Captain Halahan, a Hero of the Philippines ... 28 Convict Tracy: Supposing Him to Be the Firstborn . 29 Childhood's Sorrows 31 Departed 32 Dewey the Hero 33 Enchantment 34 Easter 35 v vi CONTENTS PAGE Fleeting Joys 36 Faith, Hope and Charity 37 For a Lady's Album 39 Gathering Flowers for Grandma 40 His Message 41 I Am Waiting, Darling 42 I Love Thee So 44 I Would Be There 46 In the Haying 47 In Loving Remembrance of Little Paul Clark . . 48 In Memory of Mrs. Mary S. Mantle 50 In Memory of My Friend, Mrs. M. A. Harrison . . 51 Just Us Two 52 Just and Right 54 Jilted 56 Jack Frost 57 Jesus Is with Me 5a. Love Is over All 61 Love's Throne 63 Love and Jealousy 64 Lines on Moving a Printing Office 66 Licking the Pan 68 Love and Live 70 My Baby. (My first verse written 1867) .... 71 Mother Love 72 Midnight Musings 73 My Sweetheart Is the Man That Doesn't Know . . 75 Needle and Thread 77 Nature's Child 78 r\ t^ PAGE On the Desert Vll GE 79 CONTENTS Oh! Life Was Sweet with Thee. October One Silver Strand Only a Miner Over the Trail On the Death of a Little Child [ s l Our Leaders . 9o Prize Poem, Number One Prize Poem, Number Two ... ATHED in the sunshine of a lovely May morn- ing, The birds singing gayly their songs of sweet spring, The green and the glory o'er nature adorning. — Oh ! the wondrous songs that each songster does sing. While singing the beauties, all nature is thrilling Each heart with a song of purest delight, The radiant glow forever distilling Through window and lattice a soft, mellow light. Oh, welcome, fair spring, with thy pleasures untold, Bursting to bud in the warm sun so bright; Sweet is thy fragrance as flowers unfold, While birds flit thither in their homeward flight. Wondrous awakening from thy long winter sleep; Flower and tree in spring garb arrayed; Kissed by the sun's rays lovingly keep Love everlasting on thy sweet face portrayed. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 15 AFTER ALL IS SAID AND DONE A FTER all is said and done, All life's battles lost or won, Mother Earth takes back her own — After all is said and done. After all is done and said, In the grave our forms are laid, And we rest our weary head — After all is done and said. After all is said and done, And we make up life's little sum; Along the course by which we've run- After all is said and done. After all is done and said, Let the world our goodness read; Blotting out all thoughtless deeds — After all is done and said. 1 6 POETIC GEMS After all is said and done, Life has lost, or life has won. The victory gained, the race is run- After all is said and done. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 17 A SONG: " BEGONE, DULL CARE " T OPEN my eyes with the morning, I sing with the birds all day; Bright flowers my path adorning, And to you will only say : CHORUS. Begone, dull care, Nor set a snare To give us all the blues; Begone, dull care, I don't care where, For you I have no use. I hear the dear little children, As they laugh and shout and play; And nothing at all to hinder, But always to be gay. CHORUS. Begone, dull care, etc. 1 8 POETIC GEMS The clouds may come in the morning, And be gone before noonday; Or if the rain be falling, To you I will always say: CHORUS. Begone, dull care, etc. For the sun is always shining In the hearts that watch and pray, On love and truth relying; And to you I will truly say : CHORUS. Begone, dull care, etc. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 19 A POEM {Dedicated to Chopper Greenberry, " The Boot- black" — age eighty-two.) r\OWN in de South, de home of yo' race, Whar de co'n and de cotton grow, Is dar whar yo' got yo' good ole face? Yo' hair dat am white as de snow? It 'pears to me when I look in yo' face Dat when I was no higher'n yo' knee, I use to cry to take yo' place An' to think I could set yo' free. But dar was a higher power Dan a wee child's simple faith; The self-made man for the hour, Grand, glorious " Old Abe," saith: Liberty, freedom, to yo' race, Away with serfdom and slave; 20 POETIC GEMS De quiet content beams in yo' face, A requiem of peace o'er his grave. Soon dey will lay yo' beneath de sod; May yo' spirit meet him in heaven; Returning to dust, yo' soul with God, To him that giveth, be given. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 21 ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF " ANDREWS " {In Salt Lake City, Utah, 1884.) 'I \ TE saw him in all of life's bright morning, Just as the roseate glow of manhood's pride Had crowned him father, husband, son — His cup of mortal bliss, his home allied. Oh, the fatal misspent bullet that so soon Should pierce the hearts so frail not over-strong, Turn all their morning into noon, Of life's fair day of love and song. The lips he kissed good-by are ashen pale, The babe whose fluttering breath was sweet per- fume, The aged mother whose grief moans out a wail Of deepest anguish, is wrapped in gloom. The wife, who, so late a bride in white, Crowned all his life with noblest womanhood. Alas, her days are turned to darkest night, With orphaned babe and lonely widowhood. 22 POETIC GEMS Words appear as naught to appease the heart, So bereft of all that makes life dear; To see his face so full of love, to part In one short hour, to gaze upon his bier. May He who stilled the waves of Galilee Bid peace to her whose soul storm-tossed With grief, through faith to see That whom she loved is only gone before, not lost. And in that glorious resurrection morn, When all beneath the earth and sea awake from sleep ; Their image perfect in immortality born, Where there will be no sorrow, no cause to weep. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 23 BUILDING 13 UILD all along life's highway A path for sore and weary feet. Ever looking by the wayside For a smiling face to greet. There are many faces passing Whose story we may see, Are hiding many a heart-ache Away from you and me. Give them the kindly handshake, A smile that's sweet and true; That they may feel far better, And better you'll be too. 24 POETIC GEMS BURNING OLD LETTERS /^\H ! the dead ashes of a dead love, Written in youth's fair summer day. Angels look down from heaven above; — See the sweet missives crumbling away. Years swiftly fly, we sit all alone Scanning the lines once so dear, Wondering where the silent loved one has gone, And the pages are blotted with many a tear. Shall we keep the sweet missives thus locked away Where the poor hungry heart can feast on its pain? Or burn them, throw the ashes away, And in the lone hours list the refrain ? Oh ! the dead ashes of a dead love, Whither they drift in their longing flight. Angels in heaven, look down from above; Bring back my love in those letters to-night. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 25 BABY FEET f~\ H ! the pattering, pattering of tiny feet, The voice of baby, full of music so sweet, The touch of little hands soft as a velvet toy — Oh ! these fill home with wealth and joy. No pattering feet, oh ! how drear, No voice of baby, no melody near, No touch of a hand so tender and loving, Home would be robbed of all that's worth having. 26 POETIC GEMS CHRISTMAS BELLS TJ ING out, wild bells, 'tis Christmas morn; Unto the world a Child was born; Lo, angels came with love-lit eyes And shepherds wondered, in glad surprise. Ring out, dear bells, tell the sweet story Of the Saviour of men, the King of Glory. The beautiful star to the manger led, There the Christ-child lay, where the beasts were fed. Ring out, glad bells, tell oh how sweet The shepherds knelt at His holy feet. A halo of light to them was given, The guiding star from earth to heaven. Ring out, sweet bells, tell all the world The banner of love was then unfurl'd; Ring out and tell, oh then, oh then, Peace on earth, good will to men. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 27 CREATED THINGS \X 7 HEN God created all things of need, Timed days by measured hours; Tempered the seasons for planting seed, Created colors and tints for flowers. The generous gift was the crown of love, To brighten our lives in hours of gloom; So proves the power that rules above The happiest homes have brightest bloom. 28 POETIC GEMS CAPTAIN HALAHAN, A HERO OF THE PHILIPPINES T?AR o'er the land were his victories won, Far o'er the land let his praises be sung, The flag proudly waves o'er the brave deeds done. Peaceful his sleep, fold his hands o'er his breast, Peaceful his sleep 'neath the lone mountain crest, Gone is the martyr, gone to his rest. Lay him to rest where the sweet breezes blow, Lay him to rest where the wild flowers grow, Sweetly he sleeps, in the soft summer's glow. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 29 CONVICT TRACY: SUPPOSING HIM TO BE THE FIRSTBORN C WEET from the womb of love's young dream, Loved and caressed to a fond mother's breast, Strange is the tide in life's swift stream The ebb and flow, the billowy crest, Of the waves of fate, beyond control In the storm-tossed life of some lost soul. Stranger yet, that a human hand Stands ready (for pay) to slay another, Hounded and hunted throughout the land, No home, no refuge, father nor mother. Drenched the green sod with his last blood, He sends his soul to face his God. Will not the Great Judge who sits on His throne Sum up the evidence, then pause to decide; With forgiveness ready to take back His own, And the laws of men will thus deride : 3 o POETIC GEMS " If from the cradle to the grave, My teachings you would do, Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." TO THE WORLD I LOVE 31 CHILDHOOD'S SORROWS "1 X ^HEN I was a child they called me a witch, Always repeating that old adage about a stitch If taken in time, would save nine. One day when mama was away I, cat and dog got into a fray. I was a sight, I am sure, to behold. But in screams, laughter and ripples My dress front done in dozens of nipples, For I wrapped and tied each hole with a string. When I awoke the next morn Think of my sorrow and scorn, To see what my mama had done. She had cut out the whole batch, And with a different color put on a big patch, And I had to wear it forlorn. 32 POETIC GEMS DEPARTED f\ NE by one the leaves decay, One by one the roses fade; One by one friends pass away, One by one hopes low are laid. Brightest dreams of youth decay, Summer friends bloom with the flowers; Friends with roses laid away, Too oft recall the happy hours. I ope the casket of my heart, — Ah, me! dead leaves, crushed roses there; Love's sweetest tokens all faded lay, A blighted life lies buried there. Oh ! friend so dear, within my breast I hold a sacred place for thee; Mem'ries of thee in my heart will rest, E'en when death my soul sets free. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 33 DEWEY THE HERO ' I V HE best years of his life Have been given to thee, Fair nation, of conquering heroes blest; Extend the glad hand, welcome him Out on the deep blue sea, And pray that among his loved people He may find sweet rest. 34 POETIC GEMS ENCHANTMENT /^\H! the glory of the sun, As it kissed the mountain peak, And shed its radiance over all. Oh ! the glory of the moon, As it kissed the maiden's cheek, Listening to her lover's call. Oh ! the glory of the stars, As they twinkled overhead, And led the faithful on and on, To a sea all glimmering, glistening, In its stillness calm and clear, Lending sweet enchantment over all. Oh ! the glory of the scene That met the longing eyes Of that chosen band of God. Oh ! the glory of the night, As it wrapped its mantle 'round, The sweet and peaceful slumber over all. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 35 EASTER "LT AIL, all hail; the message bring: Christ hath risen — our Lord and King! Hail, all hail; let praises ring; Christ hath risen — our Lord and King ! Hail, all hail; death hath no sting; Christ hath risen — our Lord and King! Hail, all hail; hosannas ring; Christ hath risen — our Lord and King! 36 POETIC GEMS FLEETING JOYS JOYS that are fleetest Oft seem the sweetest, True to the heart's throbbing, Even though the soul's sobbing, Beating against fate's decree. Safe in love's embrace, Time the moments cannot efface; When the soul responds with joy, Love with love's alloy Flows into a tranquil sea. Hours of grief and sorrow Change into a glad to-morrow, Clasped to the heart in love; Bright gleam the stars above, Life's so light and free. Sing of the heavenly choir, Could the soul of love mount higher? Flowers will bloom along our way, Life and love, God's perfect day; Oh ! keep me close to thee. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 37 FAITH, HOPE AND CHARITY WILL write you a poem of the heart, love, Of birds with bright plumage and song; Of flowers that bloom eternally, love, The glimmering brook that glides swiftly along. There are days when the heart grows sad, love, When clouds of adversity obscure our sun; Yet there are days when the heart is glad, love, When some noble and generous deed we have done. There are those that are faltering by the wayside, love, Amid temptations that would lead to despair; They are as pure as the rose and the lily, love, And no faces, I ween, are more fair. There is a courage and faith born of self, love, That the cold cruel world will never have crushed; 'Tis the soul of humanity in the Christian heart, love, And will live when death our lips have hushed. 38 POETIC GEMS There is a beautiful world beyond this, love, Where all is joy, and peace, and rest; We will meet our loved ones there, love, Among the crowned — the immortal blest. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 39 FOR A LADY'S ALBUM HEAR the bells a-ringing, Tuneful voices singing; May your heart be filled with gladness And never know the sadness Of the friend who penned these lines. May love and joy greet thee, God's love and care be with thee; Thy years made sweet through happy hours, Thy pathway decked with brightest flowers; God be with thee, God be thine. 4 o POETIC GEMS GATHERING FLOWERS FOR GRANDMA (^ ATHERING flowers for Grandma, With fingers nimble and fair; Gathering flowers for Grandma, Sitting in the great arm-chair. Gathering flowers for Grandma, With her face so calm and sweet; Gathering flowers for Grandma, Where earth and heaven meet. Oh ! the flowers are of heaven, Grandma is with us still; The flowers are God's blessing Gathered from off His hill. Gathering flowers for Grandma, To brighten her cosy room ; Gathering flowers for Grandma, To cheer her journey home. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 41 HIS MESSAGE ' I v OSSING in rapture, each crest on the wave Lashing the shore, with its spray; Ever the deep, deep song of the sea, Sad, solemn and sweet alway. Bursting in song, thrilling each heart, Filling green woodland and glen; Comes His glad message of love, " Peace on earth, good will to men." 42 POETIC GEMS I AM WAITING, DARLING [ AM waiting, darling, waiting, For thy footsteps at the door; I am waiting, dearest, waiting, As I oft have done before. I am waiting, sweetheart, waiting. Where art thou, why dost thou stay? I am lonely, heartsick, fainting, At thy long, so long delay. I am waiting in the gloaming, Patient waiting night and day, Wondering where thou canst be roaming, Be it near or far away. I am hungering, yearning, longing, For thy love and fond caress, As of yore on thy returning, When you'd clasp me to your breast. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 43 Hold me close, oh! dearest treasure; Ne'er forget my love is thine. All earth's purest, sweetest pleasure Around my heart with thee entwine. Naught of all of earth's possessions E'er can woo my heart from thee. Oh ! the sweet and full confession Gives my soul to thee so free. Never doubt the heart that loves thee, Ev'n when dark the clouds do frown ; Ever will my heart cling to thee Till the darkest hours of dawn. Breaking through the mystic archway, Glorious, radiant, burnished gold. Lighting all along life's pathway, Till we reach the Shepherd's fold. I am waiting, darling, waiting, Once again thy face to see; I am hungering, yearning, longing, In thy arms again to be. 44 POETIC GEMS I LOVE THEE SO n\ EAR heart, be mine, through weal or woe, I love thee so, I love thee so; Where'er thou art I long to go, I love thee so, I love thee so. I love thee so, no heart more true, No love more pure, more sweet, divine; My life, my all, I give to you; Be mine, dear heart; dear heart, be mine. Dear heart, be mine, through weal or woe, I love thee so, I love thee so ; If near or far, where'er thou go, My heart is thine, I love thee so. No thorns along our path we'll find, But roses sweet forever grow Around our hearts, when thus entwined; I love thee so, I love thee so. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 45 Dear heart, be mine, through weal or woe, I love thee so, I love thee so; Where'er thou go, there I will go, I love thee so, I love thee so. 46 POETIC GEMS I WOULD BE THERE AX T HERE songbirds sing sweetest, The wind swaying the trees, Where the roe's feet are fleetest In the soft summer's breeze, To know you are contented : I wish you all these. Where the brook through the meadow, And the willow grows near, Where under the shadow You linger, my dear, If I knew you were lonely, I would long to be there. Where the sun shines the fairest, The sky blue and fair ; The flowers bloom the brightest, And fragrant the air, To know you were happy, I would love to be there. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 47 IN THE HAYING T N the haying and the reaping, When the droning bees are sleeping, Fragrant are the odors in the air; The clover blooms swaying, The humming-birds are straying, Sipping sweets from every blossom fair. The fruits on trees are hanging In the rosy flush of morning, Glinting in the sunlight fresh and fair; See the golden harvest ripening, Hear the pheasants' voices piping, The sickle gleaming brightly in the air. All nature generous bounty giving, Rewarding toil and labor loving, The bounteous hand divine seems fair; With hearts of love o'erflowing, Oh ! the reaping and the sowing, Fill our souls with earnest, grateful prayer. 48 POETIC GEMS {In Loving Remembrance of little Paul Clark, son of United States Senator Wm. Andrews Clark, of Butte, Montana.) Q OFTLY the message came, " Come unto me," Fair as the noonday, Calm as the sea. Silent the watchers Alone with their dead, Sleeping so sweetly; Heeds not their tread. Gone with the angel Whose kiss stole away The soul of their darling From its tenement of clay. Grief-stricken loved ones Submit to the rod, TO THE WORLD I LOVE 49 Surely your darling Is happy with God. Across the silent river That flows forever on, Angel hosts were beckoning, And claimed him for their own. 50 POETIC GEMS {In Memory of Mrs. Mary S. Mantle, the be- loved mother of United States Senator Lee Mantle, of Butte, Montana.) T^OREVER sleeping, sweetly sleeping, Resting 'neath the flowering sod; Lonely, sad, thy loved ones weeping, Bowing to the chastening rod. Mournfully the bells are tolling A sad requiem for one we love; Aching hearts in grief are calling To thy sweet spirit gone above. Ever mingling with earth's pleasure Were thy counsels good and wise; Ever will our memories treasure All thy virtues dearly prize. In our home thy presence lingers Round each hallow'd chair a throne, Touched by loving mother fingers, Mother hands forever gone. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 51 {In Memory of My Friend, the late Mrs. M. A. Harrison, of Laclede, 'Missouri.) f AY her to rest from life's turmoil; Lay her to rest, she's free from toil. Lay her to rest whom we all love ; Oh, peacefully blest, her spirit's above. Lay her to rest, her soul's with God; Why should you weep o'er the green sod? Lay her to rest, motherhood her crown ; Many kind deeds by her nobly done. Lay her to rest in God's loving embrace; Love and caress her dear old face. Fold her hands gently across her cold form; The pearly gate's sentry will welcome her home. 52 POETIC GEMS JUST US TWO "VTES, mother, it is forty years now, Since we sat at table, just us two; Your hair was not then white as snow, And your eyes were a clearer blue. Yes, yes, dear, I remember well, Your form was then so very straight; And you were so tall; well, well, I could scarcely kiss you over the gate. Forty years — where are the empty chairs? At table were places for ten; And rooms for all upstairs, And we were so happy then. The house seems so empty, mother, That I thought — well, I had thought I would sell out to " Seth," my brother, And take what the old home brought — TO THE WORLD I LOVE 53 Well, well, mother — why, dear, say don't now, Don't, don't cry like that, darling; Come, dear, let me kiss your brow; Oh, I'll never sell out; dry your tears. But, father, you surprised me so ; Why, this place is a part of our life. Forty years ! Oh, darling, I could not go From the first home I came to as your wife. Well, well ! No, mother, you are right, I don't believe that I could leave here; These rooms always seemed so bright, And I think 'twas you that made them so, dear. We will send for the children and all, We'll invite them to an old-fashioned feast; We might put on some fixings and have a ball, I'll kill the spotted heifer, she's a pretty beast. But nothing is too good when one starts in To cheer up old folks like I and you ; And this old house is too gol-darned big to sit in, Now we've got back to it, just us two. 54 POETIC GEMS JUST AND RIGHT A RE we a nation without thought Of the lives it cost, the sorrow wrought. To wrench from ignorance a savage race, The spoils of war, and to efface From lives their alien rights? No ; ours the generous nation's fame, Wrongs to right, but not for gain; Perched high on freedom's banner, hoist The signal, " A righteous cause is never lost." Give freedom, liberty, all nations' creed; Live, and let live, each honest meed; Wear our laurels with love and pride, Honor our country for those who died. Their sacred dust is ours to shield Who gave their lives on battlefield; Their homes are ours, a sacred trust, Defile it not by pilfering lust. TO THE WORLD I LOVE S S Those who live well know their needs, With loyal hearts give generous deeds; To those whose homes bereft, in gloom, Make liberty's field of glory bloom. The brightest pages that in history show Are those where love and mercy glow; Recording valor, with victory crowned, Centuries hence will be renowned. Then sheathe the sword, its work was done, When Cuba's freedom was attained; Leave time to wreathe the country's plain With waving grain and grape again. S 6 POETIC GEMS JILTED T? AREWELL, dear friend, nor deem me wrong; Another link time's changes sever; I find my love has grown so strong, That I can no longer call it clever. When summer's suns, so strangely set On what we thought was friendship's lever; To guide along our hearts that fret, Then find ourselves not even clever. Long since I found the thread of life, Drawn into the warp and woof so clever; I almost found myself your wife, For love was true and the magic weaver. Farewell — I will break the subtle thread Of which I find neither true nor clever; And leave the tangled ends to tell That it takes two loves to be the weaver. TO THE WORLD I LOVE si JACK FROST JACK FROST went forth one winter night, And said to the wild woods: " You are a fright. You are wind-blown and ragged and brown; You look like a chill blast had made you frown. 5 ' {Four weeks later.) Jack Frost had passed on in his dainty way, Kissing the foliage in his gleeful play. A finger touch here, a caress over there, Wherever he went, left a picture most fair. A soft white mantle he spread over all, Clasped close to his heart each clear waterfall, He sprinkled with diamonds a glittering sheen, And a more beautiful landscape never was seen. So bright in the sunlight all a-glitter and white Jack Frost sped on in sheer delight. 58 POETIC GEMS No artist could paint a more beautiful view Than Jack Frost presented to me and to you. {Written on the Northern Pacific Train going from Missoula to Butte, the week before Xmas, 1910.) TO THE WORLD I LOVE 59 JESUS IS WITH ME p HOUGH I forget Him and wander away, Jesus is with me wherever I stray; Jesus is with me, He will not forsake. Oh, the sweet blessing for all who partake ! CHORUS. Jesus is with me, Jesus is with me, Jesus is with me, He will not forsake. Jesus is with me, no more will I stray; Jesus is with me each night and each day. Jesus is with me, to Him will I cling; His love and His mercy forever I'll sing. CHORUS. Jesus is with me, Jesus is with me, Jesus is with me, forever and aye. Jesus is with me, in sunshine and storm; Jesus is with me and keeps me from harm. 60 POETIC GEMS Jesus is with me, on land or on sea, Guides me, protects me, wherever I be. CHORUS. Jesus is with me, Jesus is with me, Jesus is with me, forever and aye. (Respectfully dedicated to the Salvation Army.) TO THE WORLD I LOVE Gi LOVE IS OVER ALL T OVE is over all — Through every twinkling star, Shining the long night through, Bright gleaming from afar; — Love is over all. Love is over all — Kindling the heart to flame, The soul's true faith Sent in God's holy name; — Love is over all. Love is over all — 'Tis friendship's golden chain Welded by faith and trust, Always the sweet refrain — Love is over all. Love is over all — Teach not 'tis but a name; 62 POETIC GEMS The heart that loves is true, In darkest hours the same ; — Love is over all. Love is over all — Blithe heart of youth, Life's joyous summer time, Teaching God's holy truth — Love is over all. Love is over all — From the cradle to the grave; If we stand, or if we fall, God's love hath power to save;- Love is over all. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 63 LOVE'S THRONE QOWING the seeds of kindness, Reaping a harvest of thought; Living in love's blindness, Happiness cannot be bought. Seeing with the heart only, Eyes closed to trivial faults; Honest deeds if but homely, With golden fetters wrought. Bind closer, dearer, lonely hearts, Their world inclosed their own; Kings and Queens, their parts, Enshrined, love's sacred throne. 64 POETIC GEMS LOVE AND JEALOUSY /^\ NE life outlived; so swift, so sweet; Angels could not whisper one word more, to thrill The heart, with a fullness of love, so pure — com- plete, That all the world was radiant, my heart was still. To look! ah, Heaven was near, clouds roll away, Beyond the sea, beyond the gulf of waters waste. Love! what this love? Oh! glorious day to live; To breathe of Heaven's fragrant breath, to taste The cup of bliss, to rest the soul in peace. Sweet thought, too sweet to last; there lurks, Beneath the rose, a thorn — to pierce, to wound. The pangs, the pain, so fierce we faint, ah, no ; 'Tis death, the soul has passed into immensity. And I think of one that I would have purged My soul of every hope of heaven to have Clasped him to my heart, all my own.- To know, not one link of love, however frail, Could chain him to another heart but mine. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 6s I live, I breathe; I walk the earth alone. The sun shines not so bright, the clouds do frown; A faded spray of locust bloom alone remains Reminder of the life of love I thought were all my own. 66 POETIC GEMS LINES ON MOVING A PRINTING OFFICE /^OOD-BY, old walls, Begrimed you be; There are sad, sweet thoughts Attached to thee. Far into the night You have witnessed our toil, As columns we filled By the midnight oil. Columns of politics, The news of the day; Births, deaths, marriages, And many a fray, We've chronicled each day For many years; Ofttimes in gladness, Sometimes in tears. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 67 We leave you now, For a shelter new; And with kindly thoughts Bid you adieu. 68 POETIC GEMS LICKING THE PAN A MONG all the joys of holidays, Since holidays began; Was watching mother make the cakes, And wait to lick the pan. As we gathered in the kitchen, So bright, so spick and span, Impatient with the making, Longing to lick the pan. Cousin Sue and brother Bill, I, sister Jet, and Nan, All ready at the moment To grab and lick the pan. And oh, the scramble we did make, Smearing face and hand, What cared we? with noses smeared, We got to lick the pan. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 69 Years have passed, I'm Granny now To Molly, Dick, and Dan; And as I sit a-watching them, I want to lick the pan. 7o POETIC GEMS LOVE AND LIVE ' I V HE sun shines brightly all along the way, The clouds may frown but flee away, While we live and love And love and live our day. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 71 MY BABY (My First Verse written in 1867.) "VTOU have never seen our baby With his eyes of laughing blue, His dimpled hands so cute and sweet, His hair a golden hue. Oh, how he cries and kicks, And tries to scold and parley; He is our dearest treasure, My precious baby, Charlie. 72 POETIC GEMS MOTHER LOVE TX7ERE all the world one unwritten scroll, And every tree, limb, and twig, a pen ; The mighty ocean turned to ink — And could I use them all, To write the depth of this wild Tumultuous, burning love for thee, — Ah ! do you think The wondrous page could half disclose In written lore of love in prose, The soul's great anguish, The doubts and fears, That encompass my poor heart While bathed in tears Of joy, or sorrow lost in woe? My only thought of thee, dear child, We can but part on earth below, To meet again in heaven above. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 73 MIDNIGHT MUSINGS T SIT by the dying embers, Watching the flickering light; My face between hands hot burning, Yet cold is the silent night. Alone with the shadowy firelight, Pale images come and go; Faces of long-lost loved ones Come flitting to and fro. Two little graves close hidden 'Neath sod and sweetest flowers; The tears will come unbidden, In the twilight's lonely hours. And the quiet shadows glimmer, The hours pass slowly on; And I sit by the fading firelight Awaiting the coming dawn, 74 POETIC GEMS When life's dreaming shall awaken, On a morning fair and bright; Where all of life's painful mysteries Stand revealed in a glorious light. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 75 MY SWEETHEART IS THE MAN THAT DOESN'T KNOW T70R years I have loved thee, With a love ardent and true ; A glimpse of thy face, all aglow, Fills me with rapture supreme, Alas! I am sure you don't know. Many seasons have come, and have gone, All pleasing reminders of you, Be it spring, summer, or snow; You are linked with each beauty in all, But still you seem never to know. When spring showers freshen each leaf, And flowers vie with each other in bloom ; Then I gather bouquets for my beau ; 'Tis thee in my heart I'm loving, Yet strange, passing strange, you don't know, With a heart warm, ardent, and true, A love cherished in longing despair — 76 POETIC GEMS To thee I would flee as the roe; With pride and devotion, ill-mated, And yet you are so blind you don't know. Yet 'tis sweet to love thee alway, With none to mar the delight, As I watch o'er thee, to and fro ; And what does it matter to you ? When you never — no, never — may know. They talk of a science profound, Where mind over mind may control; Do they not discover heart's woe? Truly, it is of no avail, If you never, never can know. Do the little birds never tell ? Do the primroses nothing reveal? Nor aught in the firefly's glow, The moon, stars, heaven's own dome, Enlighten you, in what you might know ? Nothing, I am sure, will you see, Nothing, I fear, will you hear, While I go on loving thee so, Truly it may be as well, If you are so stupid, and don't know. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 77 NEEDLE AND THREAD T^EEDLE: "I have an eye for the beautiful Designs we could weave, With your kindly assistance, In flower, spray, and leave, In spider-web lace, cross-stitches so fine As to almost seem wrought by The Hand divine. You assisting, through mazes and swirl, I leading the way, through intricate curl." Thread: " Indeed, you are quite pointed and sharp; As my companion in harmony, you are my harp, But I hold the results, of our dearest ties, The beauties we see, with love-lit eyes ; You may guide the way, I trace the lines, Of beautiful rose, and graceful vines, Till the intricate pattern in harmony blends, When we together untangle the ends, And true and firm, remain good friends." 78 POETIC GEMS NATURE'S CHILD '^JATURE'S sweetest child — she grew To nature's fairest bride; Crowned a wife, and mother too, In all a blessed nature's pride. Sweet as the sweetest flower, Fair as the fairest skies, Tender as the gentlest shower, Love seeing — through love's eyes. The world in brightest radiance shines From every leaf and flower, Singing a song of the fragrant pines Through the darkest midnight hour. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 79 ON THE DESERT Z^UT on the desert, God's broad plain, Stretching away toward the setting sun, With lightning speed the roaring train Bears the weary traveler on, and on, To that sweet goal, where love's dear race is won. Out on the desert, sweet breezes blow, Caressing the eyes, the lips, and brow, And over all, around the sunset's glow, O'er plain and vale the twilight low, Gathers a mantle of mist and snow. Out on the desert, thou art not alone, God's angels hover o'er thy wandering way, And faith and prayer on the breeze is borne, A faith and hope that leads to day, And brightens the night the long lone way. 80 POETIC GEMS Oh, out on the desert of life's highway, Borne on and on by the tide of fate, Past the green and gold on Nature's plain, Till we meet again at the welcome gate That opes to the hearts that love and wait. TO THE WORLD I LOVE OH! LIFE WAS SWEET WITH THEE r\ H ! life was swift and sweet with thee, Time's flight on wings of love was borne; The burning flame thou could'st not see, For every dross from self was shorn. So pure the white-winged dove of peace Brings back the olive branch of love; That thou alone may find release, With every blessing from above. The heart in rapture beats as free As sunshine gleams along the shore; Where sails and ships glide o'er the sea Of life's tranquil waves forevermore. May thou alone find sweet repose 'Neath cloudless skies, and star-lit night; And every act of life disclose The truth in God, and bear thee light. 82 POETIC GEMS OCTOBER ' I V HE glistening frost on the autumn leaves, Turning to gold and amber red; Russet and brown, with yellow sheaves; The azure skies hang low overhead. Softly the kiss of the sun's last rays Lovingly lingers on the rugged hills, Reluctant to part with the dear summer days Or to hush the sound of the musical rills. The harvest is ripe, the season is o'er, Vineyard and field have yielded their best; The garner is filled, from rafter to floor, With bountiful gifts, and all Nature's at rest. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 83 ONE SILVER STRAND TT lay upon a carpet of rose and green — One silver strand, glinting in the bright sunshine. And oh ! the story of lives that lay between It told of life's sweet way of me and mine. How oft on nature's carpet of green and rose We trod along our weary way, nor slept, But tried to guide the little feet and chose The paths, in rose and green, God's sunshine kept. Then bright with love and light so dear, The long, long way were bitter sweet. To-day there falls the tell-tale tear Upon the silver strand on the carpet at my feet. (Note. — Written Sunday morning, September 22, 1907. — As I was combing my hair, I saw one silvery white hair had fallen on the carpet at my feet, and the thought came to me sadly of the years 84 POETIC GEMS that had passed since my hair was such a beautiful golden brown, and when I was left with my four little ones, which were the joy, the love, and the light through many years of toil and love's devotion,) TO THE WORLD I LOVE 85 ONLY A MINER f~\ NLY a miner; yes, there he goes, Up the street in his working clothes; He is covered with mud, a rent in his sleeve, But that is proof positive he is noble and brave. Only a miner; yet his soul is as white, As the stars that gleam in the dead of night; And his heart is as true, as grand his mind, As a king on his throne, or man you will find. Only a miner; but ah, the heart thrills As he passes you by on his way to the hills; Where, deep and obscure, God's treasures are found, Where he toils all day, far under the ground. Down into the bowels of the earth he descends, Thinks naught of the danger only a moment por- tends, It's a brave gallant band that comes up at midnight, Coming over the hill, each bearing a light. 86 POETIC GEMS And again the heart thrills with a glad surprise, When we see the love light that beams in his eyes; And feel the warm clasp of his strong manly arm, We can only thank God that he is safe from all harm. To-day he is with us, to-morrow may be gone, On that long silent journey from which none re- turn, — Only a miner, yet there is many a tear, Of widow and orphan shed over his bier. There are desolate homes and lonely hearths; Babes who know not a father, from the time of their births — Only a husband to the widow, a husband of love; A father to the fatherless, who dwells above. All hail to the miner, who braves the ills, And the danger that lurks beneath the hills; May his life be blest with purest love, His final rest in heaven above. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 87 OVER THE TRAIL F\OWN through the valley, Where the waving green Sways in the breeze so grandly; Down by the foot-hills In the sweet bunch grass, Where the cattle loll so blandly. We rode along in sweet content, Gazing the landscape o'er; The shifting clouds of beautiful blue; The river's winding margin, Green as a sward in a meadow low, Where the wild clematis grew. Soon we leave the lowlands And come to a river clear, Shaded and cool, rippling along; We rest 'neath the whispering willows, Filling our souls with a music new, Listing to the wildwood's song. 83 POETIC GEMS Leaving the road for a narrow trail, Winding around the mountain, Over the rocks, through gorge and glen; God's walls built high and rugged, Touched here and there by a master hand, Gold, blue and rich carnelian. The wild, wild home of the mild-eyed deer, The elk with antlers lofty; Moss-covered caves where bruin sleeps, Snow-capped mountains distant, Craggy peaks, with their sun-kissed pines, Cloud-capped, while spring clouds weep. Over the trail we rode together, The twilight shimmering round us, Softly the moon rose over the hill, God's lantern high in heaven; We stopped for the night near a sparkling brook That flows on at its own sweet will. We talk of the trip over the trail, And marvel at God's temples, He built so grandly for our view, Along the trail that we two rode o'er, And we thanked Him for the lesson So grandly taught us two. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 89 ON THE DEATH OF A LITTLE CHILD A LITTLE bud just oped, to close, And send its fragrance through the home; Too pure for earth, in silence rose, To sweetly rest on God's white throne. A little child shall lead thee where The pure still waters glide along; Beside green pastures grand and fair, Where angels sing sweet anthem song. Oh, hope and faith, thy anchor strong To hold thee near that haven's rest, Where all redeemed by Christ shall throng, Secure and safe on Jesus' breast. 90 POETIC GEMS OUR LEADERS Tune—" Rally Around the Flag, Boys." (Respectfully dedicated to Wm. J. Bryan and John W. Kern.) \X7'E will rally round our leaders — Who are true, staunch and brave; Nor fear the cutthroat hordes But we'll meet them undismayed. With freedom on our banner, The sun-kissed hills resound With shouts of victory ringing, Where'er true men are found. CHORUS. Hurrah, boys, hurrah ! Stand firm and true. Cheers for our leaders Who have proven true to you. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 91 We will rally round our leaders Who have never flinched with fear, But brave, true and steadfast To the land they love so dear. They are fighting for our homes, For the land we all revere. We'll support them to a man Without a doubt or fear. CHORUS. We will rally round our leaders — Who are fighting for our cause, In an honest, earnest effort To uphold our country's laws. They are braving every tempest, They are storming every fort. We'll land them in the harbor Of our people's safety port. CHORUS. Repeat the last verse. 92 POETIC GEMS PRIZE POEM, NO. i CILVER BOW PARK, by nature meant To save the poor man from paying rent; It's cheaper to buy and build you a home Than from pillar to post forever to roam. The money you pay to the hoggish landlord Would furnish many luxuries for the family board, And, if you are wise, now, while you can, You will buy you a home, like a good, honest man. Your wife and your children will feel secure, To know you have made a home doubly sure, Instead of putting off, from time to time, As if buying a home were almost a crime. Be husband and father, let people say what they will; You nor yours want that home " over the hill "; You want a home of your own, with peace and con- tent, And pay to yourself that yearly rent. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 93 PRIZE POEM, NO. 2 F\OWN in the beautiful valley, Where you hear the song of the lark, The whistles of engines and smelter, Is the beautiful Silver Bow Park. On the east are the grand snow-capped mountains, Sending down their health-giving breeze; The dear silver streams fill the fountains That nourish the flowers and trees. A short pleasant ride on the motor Brings you into the city of Butte, Where you can buy any commodity From a mine engine to a basket of fruit. M. C. and Co. will sell you a lot For less money than can anywhere else be bought, And the deed they give you they guarantee, And they are as honest to deal with as men can be. (But I Didn't Get the Prize.) 94 POETIC GEMS RESPONDING TO THE CALL ' I V HEY rally by the thousands from every clime, The bravest and best, in manhood's prime; They gallantly march, a noble band, The fairest of youth from this fair land. Under the flag whose silken folds Enshrine the hearts of freedom's host, They tramp to the music of martial trend, Nor deem a righteous cause be lost. They sailed away in laden ships, With the hope of victory a song of home, Under alien skies across the seas, 'Mong the dead and dying, the suffering moan. The wind a dirge beneath the palms, A whispered prayer for home and heaven, The angels waft sweet sounds of psalms — The victory's won for which they've striven. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 95 Though the ships return with sails unfurled, With the silent troops so cold and still, Yet Victory ! Victory ! throughout the world, Fill every heart. Be done Thy will. The clamorous tramp is heard no more, But songs of peace forever thrill; All nations join from shore to shore, Clasp hands and pledge their hearts' good will. 96 POETIC GEMS RURAL SCENES (Here and there the herds of cattle were lazily grazing. — Written on the cars.) A ND the lowing of the cows, The tingling of the bells, Are clearest, sweetest music to my ears; And my heart in pain is yearning, For other days, so like unto this, And my eyes are filled with tears. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 97 SOME DAY I'LL KNOW VTOU say some day I'll know; — Sweet mystery, what will it be? That thy dear heart is drifting, As mine from me to thee ? Nay, say not so; the tide of life Slowly ebbs on to that sweet goal, Where time nor eternity changes The unity between soul and soul. Yes, some day of days we'll know Why the tired heart needs love; 'Tis the food of the soul's sweet strength, The pilot that anchors above. The storm in mid-ocean may sweep Over our souls, as we stand Firm as a rock, fearing naught, Love's heart to heart, Love's hand in hand 98 POETIC GEMS The waves recede, we are swept away, But together in love's embrace, On the sands of time, we drift ashore, Clasped close, oh, loving face. Death has not changed that look of thine, But peace, content, brave conquest won. There, as here, we wander on, The life of love has just begun. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 99 SILVER LININGS TNTERMINGLED with our sorrow, Comes an hour of sweet repose; That a future bright to-morrow Will greet us at life's close. Intermingled with the roses, There comes the stinging bee; Sipping honey as he poses Among the thorns he cannot see. Intermingled with the storm, There are flashing gleams of light; And in the rainbow's form There are glorious colors bright. Intermingled with the tempest, There are thunders loud and deep; Yet the calm tells of the conquest, That lulls the sea to sleep. ioo POETIC GEMS Intermingled with our sorrow, Comes an hour of sweet repose; And a future bright to-morrow Will greet us at life's close. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 101 SPRINGTIME /^\H! Spring of the twentieth century, Did the sun ever shine so bright? The moon in more glorious splendor, Or the stars seem ever so light? The winds in a softer whisper Touch the cheek in gentler caress, Laughingly glide o'er the billows On old ocean's gleaming breast. The brook and the glittering rivulet Rushing on in greater glee, Gathering strength for their nuptials, When clasped in the arms of the sea. 102 POETIC GEMS SONG OF THE SPREAD H OW often I wonder who wove the spread That covers o'er my dainty bed; The pattern so pretty, soft and clean, Was it woven by some fairy queen? With hopes of youth so fraught with joy, That the shuttle went flying like some toy; Instead of work, it were merely play, The warp and woof of a gladsome day. Methinks I see a golden head, With bright blue eyes, bent o'er the spread; And into the warp and woof of life There is many a thought of a happy wife. A husband dear, and children too, Hearts that love, and purpose true; And all day long the song of the loom, Chants the sweetest of melodies — home, sweet home. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 103 SCHOOLDAYS A ND some time, some day of days, When the schooldays of youth are o'er, And all have gone their different ways, The mind will wander back to days of yore, And memory's lips will speak in praise Of those that made life's pleasant ways, Of these, the happiest of happy days. 104 POETIC GEMS THE BEAUTIFUL LAND OF MY DREAMS SLEPT, and I passed through the land of dreams, And oh the sweet visions and the lovely scenes ! Green was the verdure and sparkling the streams, And I saw it all in the land of my dreams. A shelter composed of the glittering stars, With the great silver moon between, A glowing radiance of prismatic bars Cast over all a shimmering sheen. O'er all the land, the land of Nod, Where I walked by a silvery stream, And where I was led by the hand of God In my dream, my beautiful dream. As I walked and the dawn o'ershadowed my way, Till the rose tints of sunlight adorning, Made way for the glorious bright summer day, As I passed through the gates of the morning. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 105 The night was so filled with guardians of light, The angels clasped hands with morn, The sun rose so grandly, majestic and bright, The new day in dreamland was born. But oh my dream, my beautiful dream, That I dreamt in the land of Nod, Where all was so silent, by the clear sparkling stream, And so safe in the hands of God. io6 POETIC GEMS THE UNSEEN HOSTS (Lovingly dedicated to the unknown and un- marked graves of the Soldier Dead. ) pHE bugle sounded the alarm of war, And aroused a man from his sleep; " Dear wife, there's danger afar," And he arose with a bound and a leap. In haste he gathered the accouterments all, Never a thought or a moment of fear, His country called, he answered the call — To his country, his wife and children dear. He offered his love, his heart, his life, He looked to his God for light, Could he offer more, babes and wife, All, all, for his country's right? Bravely he marched to the bloody strife, Fighting for home and the land he loved, Freedom, liberty, the stars and stripes, Lo ! the angels looked down from above. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 107 They saw where he fell, pierced to the heart, And as he gazed at the starry sky, " I have given my all, good-by, we part; Dear ones, I am ready to die." He lay near a stream in the forest shade, With the hurrying feet of tramp and tread; No one ever knew where his grave was made, Yet the angels knew he was dead. His country provided no funeral pall — He was only " A Private " in rank, But no braver heart went out to the call, Though his title was simply Frank. The years roll on, he is well-nigh forgot By all, save by his wife and his babes; His country, his comrades, with never a thought Of the lonely grave in the glades. But, in a city's din 'mid drum and fife, With costly pageant, to a regal bier, With elegies loud, proclaim a life, That is held by many as brave and dear 108 POETIC GEMS Not so, for the private who fought and fell, By the stream in the winding glade, No monument is raised to even tell, No sign by a hand is made. But ever anon when the springtime comes, That grave unseen is fresh and green, The birds' sweet carol is heard at morn, And no music more sweet I ween Was ever trumpeted by fife or drum, No elegies fraught with truer praise, Than o'er the tomb where the angels come, And nature's voices in requiem raise The grandest anthem e'er sung by choir, To the mighty nations of all the earth, The tender pathos, sweet, low, then higher, Till it reaches the mansion and lowliest hearth. And the silent dead so sweetly rests, A life so bravely given can ne'er be lost; The soul in peace on Jesus' breast Heeds not the crowning of the unseen hosts. (Note. — The ninth verse refers to Grant's fu- neral. — Author. ) TO THE WORLD I LOVE 109 THE MONTH OF MAY T> EAUTIFUL month of May, Bright with the brightest flowers; Fresh with your dress so gay, Washed sweet by April showers. Love's young dream goes straying O'er mountain, valley and dell; Nor stops where the sunlight is playing With the lily and bright bluebell. But wanders to shaded niches, Where there is a cool retreat; And the soft green mosses and lichens Weave a carpet for lovers' feet. And still in the quiet twilight, There are whisperings sweet and low; And fairy elfs, in glad delight, Dance round with hearts aglow. no POETIC GEMS Lips that speak what the hearts repeat, To love and friendship true; In the silent hours the angels greet, As the flowers greet the dew. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 1 1 1 THE MOTHER'S CROWN "LTER crown of brightest roses, With violets here and there, The lilies of the valley So modest, sweet and fair; And in heaven her crown of glory All radiant shines, as stars Look down on bloody battlefields, Carnage, strife and wars. But oh, the shouts of victory That greet the angels' ears, Proclaim that woman triumphs And concede the victory hers. ii2 POETIC GEMS THE BABY SHOE T MOVED into a tenement, From where another Had moved out; And was looking all around, Here and there about, When a tiny baby shoe I found, Lying on the floor. Two buttons were missing, Two were yet secure ; Worn at the toe, twisted the heel, Yet how precious seemed the wearing And made my heart to feel How many weary steps Those little feet would have to take, Before conscious of the pathway, Or the brain be wide awake. To see the many pitfalls Strewn all along the way; Or to gather up the sunbeams That o'er sweet childhood play. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 113 I asked God to guide those little feet, And I kissed the little shoe. Though we may never meet, And I knew not when or who Had cast away the little footwear That touched my heart with pain. Did it recall dear little feet That for years in the grave had lain? I had kissed and loved so often, And prayed that they might not stray Away from the fold of God's wee lambs, Not even for a day. " His " shepherd called to take them To His fold, "He" kindly blest; And the precious feet, so dearly loved, Were gently laid to rest. Yet I sigh and often wonder, Had I kept those little feet, Would they have walked the paths of sin, Instead of the golden street. And I hope beyond death's portals, They walk beside the blessed Saviour, who Blessed them. And I kiss the little shoe. H4 POETIC GEMS THE OLD, OLD STORY SIT by my window watching For the form I love so dear; He is out a-playing poker, And filling himself with beer. I have petted, caressed and pleaded As only a woman can; I have stormed and raised " Old Harry " With this precious, darling man. Has home lost all its attractions? I am sure it is neat as a pin; But it does not seem to matter, He is a slave to poker and gin. I shall change my carpets for sawdust, For kegs and bottles make room, Buy a card-table, cards, cigars and pipe; — Perhaps that will keep my darling at home. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 115 THE DYING DAY r\ H ! glorious golden-gilded sky, Ever-changing tints in the far-off west; Another day is silently slipping by, Another soul sleeps on thy breast. In the dark deep vista of coming years, Will the paths we tread be full of woe? Will the heart-aches ease by flow of tears? Will the burdens lighten as we onward go? May the evening of our lives be blest With the light of love divinely fair; May we sleep that last sweet sleep and rest, Free from all earth's grief and care. n6 POETIC GEMS THE BROKEN HEART 'T^HOUGH the wealth of the world lay at our feet, High-sounding praises of millions be spoken; What were it all, to one whose tottering feet Stagger under the load of the heart that is broken? The spring with its beauties of flowers in bloom, The birds with their songs of gladness, the token; Ah! they bear naught of the gloom That burdens the heart that is broken. There is health for the ill, a balm for each wound, The face brightens for kind words spoken; But wealth cannot assuage, nor kind words heal, The poor weary heart that is broken. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 117 THE JOHNSTOWN FLOOD ' I THOUSANDS of years have come and gone, Thousands of souls are passing on To that mysterious realm. We feel the air, the passing breeze, What is this — who are these — That guide the life ship's helm? Ofttimes the waves are calm and still, Yet the mighty waters do His will; How grand the unseen power! Again the stormclouds' thunders roll, And burst with fury o'er the whole, A wreck in one short hour. Alas ! adrift the helpless crowd, No refuge near, they cry aloud, In pitying mercy save ! Clasped in the torrent's wild embrace, Beseeching white, oh loving face Gone down in a watery grave. n8 POETIC GEMS No funeral pall, no cortege long, No mournful dirge, no peaceful song, No requiem o'er thy grave ; 'Neath the rolling waves near the coral strand Where the sea moss clasps their cold white hand, God's love hath power to save. Down by the sea shells' pearly gate, Thousands are with them and only wait For the Master's call, Come home ! When the earth and sea surrender the band That have gathered together in that silent land, And the Father takes back His own. On land or sea, wherein they sleep, The trumpet shall call from the mighty deep, When one and all shall awake and stand, Redeemed from death, redeemed from sin ; And all will enter the gates within — God's saved and chosen band. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 119 THE BURNING OF THE BRIDGE ' I V HE advance army, fearless, undismayed, Braving the tempest of shot and shell; Following " Sheridan," on the Richmond raid, Where many a brave and good man fell. The stormy billows raging, dark and drear, The waters crossed, then came the command To burn the bridge, the enemy's near; Thus save the men from the Rebel band. The Colonel asked, " Has the rear guard crossed? " The answer was, " They are safely o'er." " Then fire the bridge, ere all is lost! " Was heard above the cannon's roar. The fuse was lit, the flames leaped high, When sounded the rearguard's signal loud; And the glaring light that illumed the sky' Shone pitiably down on the surging crowd. u 120 POETIC GEMS " Cut the fuse, and quell the fire, Our general is on the other shore; Better face death than Rebels' ire, Or drench the ground with victory's gore." But flames nor flood ne'er daunted them, Our gallant general -dashed fearless on. Follow me ! " he cried to his men, And through the flames he led them on. While a shout of victory the heavens rent, By that gallant multitude of braves; And harmless fell the Rebel bullets spent, That might have filled the soldier graves. Sing paeans unto the honored brave Who stood so firm and steadfast there; Who stayed the flames his men to save, Heeding not the cannon's roar, or fire's glare. While time rolls on the written scroll Of brave deeds done by our gallant host, Who heed not the call of the scattered roll; Brave men that fell at their duty's post. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 121 THE GOLDEN WEST {Respectfully inscribed to my esteemed friend, J. J. Campbell, of Pittsburg, Pa. ) \\T HEN to this Western land you came, No doubt our hopes were much the same — In search of unknown treasure. Through canons grand, o'er mountain steep, Through rocky gorges, dark and deep, There were many thoughtful hours of pleasure. From Pittsburg, city of smoke and roar, Far from dear old Endemore, I know your mind oft lingers. You long to see the loved ones there, Old Erin's daughters, fresh and fair, And feel the clasp of mother's fingers. Though Erin's shores are dear to you, And many hearts are warm and true, And love's young dream may waken; 122 POETIC GEMS Yet, Campbell dear, my heart would woo, And breathe its quiet rest with you, In an honest love unshaken. May Western skies be ever blue, The flowers bloom more bright for you, In Utah's lovely valley; And wealth within your coffers roll, Until you reach the wished-for goal, As the merchant prince we rally. And when life's toil and care are o'er, On dear old Erin's happy shore, Your manly form may stand; And mother, sisters, friends, who're dear, Will shed the happy, joyful tear, And clasp your honest hand. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 123 THE STRANGER KNIGHT CTRANGER knight, from the sweet Sunny South, Welcome to the land of the Golden West, From the balmy breeze of the orange groves To the mountain peaks with snow-white crest. From cottonfield and torrid clime, From the honeysuckle vines that cling Where the darkies croon their babes to rest, Where the sweetest songbirds sing, To rock-ribbed mountain gorges deep, We welcome you to our land of gold, Where the pick and shovel deal to man The treasures God's hills enfold. We welcome you, from your laurels green, From your fair sunny home by the sea, To the Golden West, where mineral is king, To the land and the homes of the free. I2 4 POETIC GEMS THE BIRTH OF A CENTURY / I V HE clanging bells tolling the midnight hour, The hands on the dial in the old church tower, Moving with measured time, In silent prayer, with hearts bowed down The dying year receives the crown; Well done, thou faithful child. But hark! the chimes all trembling tell A newborn year, and all is well, With hope and faith we welcome thee, Oh ! bring us love, content and peace ; In thee all bloody wars shall cease, The human race exalted be. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 125 THE WEST (\ H, glorious West, From every sun-clad hill, From every rippling rill, We bow to thee. Thy mountains' towering strength In grandeur gleams, Thy pure and sparkling streams With music thrill. Thy skies of azure blue, Thy cloud-kissed pines, Thy loving clinging vines O'er canons' rugged walls. Thy breezes' sweet fragrant touch Brings life and love. Pure as heaven above, We worship thee. 126 POETIC GEMS All nature sings thy praise, Thy pleasures, dear delights, Thy star-gemmed nights. Sublime art thou indeed. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 127 THE BEAUTIFUL HILLS OF MARYLAND /^\H! beautiful hills of Maryland, Renowned in song and story, Touched by nature's artist hand, Robed in all your glory. In golden browns and purplish mists, Greens and reds, tans and blue, Flaunting upward to be sun-kissed, In all your royal hue. Grandly serene to the passing eye, No wonder in your glory You inspire the muse in the passer-by To write you in song and story. 128 POETIC GEMS THE BEAUTIFUL GIANT SPRING {Discovered by Lewis and Clark, 1830. Near Great Falls, Montana.) T3EAUTIFUL gems of emerald green Lie in thy treasures deep, God's mysterious power unseen Forever in mystery keep From sight thy fountain-head, Coming from whence or where, Out from the depths are led To the sunlight and fragrant air. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 129 THE SHEPHERDS ' I V HE sunset's glow is on the leaf, The purple clouds hang o'er the heath; The lowing of the kine is heard afar, And lo ! they see the guiding star. 130 POETIC GEMS THE NEWBORN BABE ' I V HE sun went to sleep In the gorgeous west; Night silently wrapped her Slumbering robes around Earth's tranquil breast; The day's turmoil has ceased, The flowers droop low their blooms; One by one the stars come out; Grandly sublime the moon Looks down o'er nature's slumbering heads. Close shut in 'neath a cottage roof A young wife lay in anguish and travail; Down into the shadowy depths of death Slowly and faintly comes a fluttering breath, A wailing cry — life lifts the veil; And the almost senseless form Gasps back to life, to a newborn love. Death glides away, no victim yet God's will decrees, two souls unite — A mother's love is infinite. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 131 THE BABY'S DEATH: FIVE WEEKS LATER CWEET babe, thy sufferings ended, Thou art gone from thy mother's breast, Loving hands thy frail days tended; Heaven so willed, and God knows best. 132 POETIC GEMS THE SOUL'S UNREST IV/TY soul's unrest, with sorrow riven, Longing to flee to thee, dear Lord; Storm-tossed, with lightning's flash, The thunders roar o'erhead. Bewildered, I grope to find the way. All through the night I call to Thee; Out on the night winds falls Thy answering voice- Afar, so far it seems some distant echo. Peering through the mists, the shifting clouds, My vision, though dimly obscured, Catches one ray of light — the morning star: The dawn of hope; and led by thee I come, No more by earth enthralled, No more by sin cast down. I raise my eyes to thee; I reach my hands, I plead my cause. When, lo, I hear the rustle of angel wings, And sweet and swift am borne along TO THE WORLD I LOVE 133 To the river's brink. There white sails are set; Our ships have met, with sails unfurled, Drifting out to sea — all peace and rest. So sweetly blest in finding thee. i 3 4 POETIC GEMS THE PEN IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD / "T A HE pen is mightier than the sword. I cannot use the sword, I can the pen. With Thee to guide my hand, dear Lord, To save life's battle to our fellow-men. The struggle and strife oft rages strong, When peace should ever reign supreme. Teaching those who are in the wrong To look to Thee, Thou God benign. Then guide my hand aright, dear Lord, Nor withhold the pen of mighty power. May I wield it safely, sheath the sword, And crown with peace a nation's tower. That the sons of men from every clime May see the emblem wrought with pen, All set with brilliants that ever shine, Proclaiming — Peace on earth, good will to men. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 135 THE OTHER SIDE \\T HEN all life's ships have reached that shore, When they have anchored for evermore, The throngs whoVe climbed life's rugged hill To do the Master's loving will, Will stand on God's dear summit's mount, Nor deem the ills of life will count Against the good we've left behind, While casting ills to the fickle wind. 136 POETIC GEMS THE BUCKET BRIGADE T F storms of adversity gather thickly o'erhead, And burdens of crime on you laid, Remember the bravest and best of our men Are the men in the bucket brigade. If the father be ill, nigh unto death, There is an assurance, be not afraid; The wife and little ones will find a friend Among the men in the bucket brigade. If the larder is low and hunger be nigh, Be sure there will come to your aid The generous hand from the souls of men, The men in the bucket brigade. You may talk of heroes on land and sea, Men of whom heroes are made, Fighting for self, or to save their pelf; But they're not the men in the bucket brigade. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 137 You may laud to the skies, with cannon aboom, Those who by the battleship stayed; But do not forget there are others as brave, Though they walk in the bucket brigade. They tramp not to music, led by the flag; No government comes to their aid; But God never made better nor truer men Than the men in the bucket brigade. Sing paeans of praise to the honored brave, And to all who are true and staid; But remember the truest and best of men Are the men in the bucket brigade. Cheers for our heroes far and near; God bless those who are not afraid To stand by the men who serve them well, Though they belong to the bucket brigade. 138 POETIC GEMS THE WORKINGMAN'S LAMENT (~\ H, wild and raging winds That through my windows whizz, Is there not really on this earth A gentleman in " biz " Who's on the square with his fellow-man, Who treats him like a brother? The wind gave a wilder screech, And answered: No — they would rob His mother. And thou, great gulfs, And the murky bay That flows past many a door, Is there no roof nor goal To shield the million poor? With a turbulent swirl And roaring sound, It sputtered: No, not on The ground. And thou, oh, silver moon, In all thy wondrous flight, TO THE WORLD I LOVE 139 Is there no corporation Who allows a man the right To say " My soul's my own " ? With eyes so wildly rolled I thought he'd have a fit, With face contorted, strained, He answered: Nit. Then oh, my hungry soul, Longing through years of strife, Oh, will we find in death What we've lost in life? The soul in such unrest, Peering beyond the clouds, And smiling, said: " Heaven is best"; — But the trusts have raised the price Of shrouds. The wind and wave, The moon and sun, My hungry soul, unite as one; We cannot live, we cannot die, We cannot eat corporation pie, But hope the mighty host of men Will see this nation free again. i 4 o POETIC GEMS THE SILVER SLUMP {Respectfully dedicated to the Army of the Common Weal.) /^LUGGITY, gluggity, gluggity, glump— We are in the silver slump. Old Cleveland sits in the White House chair, And 'twas our votes that put him there. We thought, of course, he would treat us fair; But the great fat lubberly gump Dumped us all into the silver slump. Gluggity, gluggity, gluggity, glump— We are wallowing in the silver slump; But we are going to Washington, and then We will beard the lion in his den. He'll wish that he was in the pen, And regret his awful knowledge bump Had not understood a silver slump. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 141 Gluggity, gluggity, gluggity, glump— We are marching out of the silver slump. We are the army of the common weal, And we will make old pomposity feel The weight of the laboring class's heel, Till he will go to a wall his head to bump For the hand he took in the silver slump. Gluggity, gluggity, gluggity, glump— When we emerge from the silver slump We will bid farewell to the two old clans, And hold the reins in our honest hands, And see who rules our government lands. We will banish from power the bought-up chump Who gave us this undesirable silver slump. 1 42 POETIC GEMS THE OLD BELL COW {Old Brindle was the children's pet.) pUT the bell on old Brindle, She's so wonderful wise, She comes home so faithfully, With that look in her eyes That says ever so plainly, " See, they all follow me." Why the bell on old Brindle — Would not old Red do as well? No, no, she might stay away, Or she might lose the bell. And none of them come But old Brindle alone. See her look up when I call, Dear old Brindle, loved by us all. Oh, you dear silly child, How you do make me laugh, — Our wise old Brindle Comes home to her calf. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 143 TO THE SPOKANE RIVER X) EAUTIFUL river, from whence thou flowest? Sparkling so brightly where'er thou goest, Rippling along with thy gentle song, Whether the mountain or valley along. God shook out the folds of a bridal veil — It was a mist of vapor, and spread out a trail, And hither and thither passed on in a quiver, Thus forming thee, O beautiful river. Once none knew thee but wild nature's own — Beasts, reptiles and birds sipped all alone, Laved in thy bosom, drank at thy tide. Save when the red man and dusky bride Came to seek out thy clear deep pools, Where the finny tribe mingle in sportive schools. Monarch of forest, nor did he ask thee before To supply his needs from nature's store. 144 POETIC GEMS Yet he gazes now at thy throttled strength, Thinks thou wouldst be leaping at cable's length. But the hand of man has caught thee at last, And by his power he holds thee fast. Tor the use of nations thou hast girdled the bands To feed those who are waiting in other lands. Thou leapest o'er falls in laughing glee, O beautiful river, flowing on to the sea. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 145 TO MY SISTER " JET," ON HER SIXTY- EIGHTH BIRTHDAY ]\/r AY shadows never come, And all thy days be bright; Love's sunshine in thy home, Rest and peace at night. " Sis." February \th } 19 12. 146 POETIC GEMS TO A FRIEND OAST are the happy hours, Gone are the dreams of love; Faded the beautiful flowers, Dim are the stars above. The storms of life near ended, The calm waits for the tide; Our souls in love are blended, Death weds a spirit bride. On the vernal banks I'll greet you, When life's bark is anchored o'er; At heaven's gate I'll meet you, To part, no, never more. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 147 TO AN ABSENT FRIEND ' I V HE shades of night are falling, O'er mountain, vale and dell; A still small voice is calling: All is well ! All is well ! Through the twilight stars are gleaming, O'er a land that's bright and fair; Thy absence is but seeming, We know that thou art there. May the roseate glow of the sunset, Throw its radiance o'er thy home; Kind hearts with love will ne'er forget, But wait 'til thou art come. 148 POETIC GEMS TO MY FRIEND, J. S. P\EAR friend, since I have met thee, My heart has gone from out my keeping; And wandering far, it lingers near thy home. Ah, why did I think my better thoughts were sleeping? When but thy touch, thy voice, could bid me roam To fields Elysian, where sunny skies are blue, And meadow, field and glen are ever vernal; Where feathered songster mates so gently woo, That life and love are both supernal. Where mountain tops, so grandly towering, lift Their crested peaks toward the glorious sun; Where daisies hide beneath the cliffs That kindly shield thy lovely home. 'Tis sweet in thought to wander far, To where I know you dwell in peace; 'Tis like a hope, a guiding star, Where love and friendship never cease. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 149 TO OUR HEROES ^pHE living flag! A tattered rag ! What glory lies between ! The aged sire Once stood the fire In blood, a running stream. What glory wrought By those who fought For Freedom's mighty host ! The feeble tread, The silvered head, Tell all too plain the cost. Oh, glorious day When ends the fray; And human love, o'er all, Forgives the deed Which sowed the seed Of bitterness and gall. i$o POETIC GEMS Oh, dearest ties, So near you lies Our hearts' best love, We fain would keep From that long sleep, The call from heaven above. In tears we greet Those passing feet That step so near the end; With love's caress We ask: God bless You; may He be your Friend. Smooth down the way, Oh, Lord, we pray, For this Thy cherished band; Blessed heroes all, At Thy roll call Extend to each Thy hand. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 151 THERE IS ALWAYS SOME GOOD SOME- WHERE ' I S HERE is always some good somewhere, my dear; There is always a heart responds to our grief; There is always love in the silent tear; There's the helping hand that brings relief. There's the sunshine bright on our hills so steep; There's the laughing brook in our valleys low; And the stars shine bright o'er our troubled sleep; The night's soft breeze cools our fevered brow. There is always some good somewhere, my dear. It's the heart that feels and the love that's true, With never a thought of selfish fear, But the love of God 'twixt earth and you. The gentle rain brings the promised flower, And the trees put forth their tender leaves God's fields assure the harvest is ours, When the grain is bound in the golden sheaves. 152 POETIC GEMS There is always some good somewhere, my love. 'Tis in every call of the heavenly winds; It comes through the clouds from the skies above And lingers long in the purest minds. There is always good in the love that cheers, There's the warm handclasp and the sweet caress. There's the safe retreat that dries our tears, That brings us joy and relieves distress. We will find the good somewhere, my dear, As we roam God's fields of pure delight. Though the sun shines not and the world looks drear, The Love of God shines ever bright. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 153 THERE IS NO DEATH '"pHERE is no death: The stars that shine above, In glorious splendor bright, Illume some other sphere, And gild again our sky at night. There is no death: The sward, the flower and tree alike Have shrunk from winter's cold; Yet spring revives, each root sets free; Again there h life in all we see. There is no death : The human forms lie cold and still, And we call them dead; The life that pre-exists by all unseen In some vast beyond in spirit dwells serene. There is no death : What we call death is simply changed 154 POETIC GEMS By God's own hand behind the veil; Of wisdom great, our vision dimmed, And yet we feel that life prevail. There is no death : The universe is life, The sky above and every glittering gem, The earth with tempest battling strife Conquers by an unseen power, And proves there's life. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 155 THERE IS JUST ONE MISSING A HYMN '"TpHERE is just one missing, missing; Oh, say, tell me where is he? Is he out on the wide world, drifting, drifting; Out on the raging sea? Where storm-tossed, alone, and weary, weary, Longing for rest, sweet rest; No haven of refuge, and dreary, dreary; Oh, gloom and sorrowing quest ! Return to the portals, dearer, dearer, Where God's spirit dwells in peace; Walk close to Him, and nearer, nearer, Till all thy sorrowings cease. When blest by the God, eternal, eternal, The glorious light revealed; His proven love, supernal, supernal, And every wound be healed. 156 POETIC GEMS THERE'S NOTHING IN STRIFE AND CONTENTION / "T A HERE'S nothing in strife and contention But blackened and torn pages of life; Far better to bury the dissension And cover with kindness all strife. The world is so radiant with beauty, God's plans are so lavishly given, So plainly is shown us our duty To make earth the entrance to heaven. Then sweet will be memories hereafter, When we have passed our earthly career, If we have left the sweet sound of our laughter Instead of a moan and a tear. Our paths can be strewn with love's token, With slight actions of kindest delight, Silver links of a friendship unbroken Remain ever and ever more bright. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 157 Then cling to the beauties around you, No matter if clouds come between; The flowers of love that will crown you Proclaim you earth's beauteous queen. The bells and the chimes ever ringing, Sweet music in harmony tells Of the voice in our hearts ever singing, In the home where harmony dwells. 158 POETIC GEMS TIME'S CHANGES 1858 f\ LE aunty sits a-croonin' To dat little coon, De bees all roun' a-hummin' Dat honey '11 be done soon. While down in yonder canebrake Uncle Rastus' head bobs roun' — He is thinkin' ob de hoecake An' he cuts close to de groun'. Den long in de winter evenin', When de crops am often de groun', Uncle Rastus' chin rests on de ole violin, While he plays fo' de gran' hoedown. 1898 Dar will be a swell affah to-night, An' de coon wid de low-cut vest TO THE WORLD I LOVE 159 Will bahly touch de high-place light, But he'll do his level best. Miss Aramantha Jones will sing, Miss Clotilda Smith will play, And dey'll all dance de minuet Until de break ob day. An 1 den to close dis swell affah, Aroun' an' aroun' right to de chalk, Wid de grace an' swing of de young gazelle Dey'll do de gran' cakewalk. 160 POETIC GEMS TRANSFORMATION BY IRRIGATION ' I V HE bare and barren desert soil, Before the hand of thrifty man Reached out the sinewed arm of toil, Turned the non-productive land. Until the earth so teemed with life, The sun-kissed gleaming sod, Shone rich and thirsting for the rain Held in the reservoir of God. But now 'neath apple blossoms The children laugh in glee, Till the sound of happy childhood Resounds from sea to sea. And oh, the transformation Where the life in water's given, That makes the barren desert A glimpse of earthly heaven. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 161 TWILIGHT HOURS / T V HERE is a whisper among the foliage Of every leaf and flower, That speaks of heaven's hostage In this quiet twilight hour. And we peer into the darkness For the lining beyond the cloud; And there is a seeming brightness In the twilight's shimmering shroud. And night, with its soft dark mantle, With the starry vault above; The drowsy, lowing cattle, The cooing of the dove, Makes this the sweetest hour, Filled with the perfumed night; From all of the wild, wild flowers, Oh, beautiful, beautiful twilight! 1 62 POETIC GEMS UNSEEN f~^ OULD we foresee the coming storms, O'er life's tempestuous sea; The wild waves sighing death's alarms, And hide from sight their prey. Could we foresee the little mounds In the churchyard, mossy green; So quiet moan the winds around, So very near they seem. Would we not anchor near the shore Of heaven's golden strand, To meet the loved ones gone before, In that bright and happy land? TO THE WORLD I LOVE 163 WAITING [ HAVE listened for thy voice, Till each sound is full of pain. Oh, my heart would but rejoice, Could I see your face again ! When the sky is dark o'er-laden, And the sun refuse to shine ; I scarce can bear the burden When I know not where is mine. Through the mountain gorge so dismal, Down the valley's winding glade; O'er the desert sands, hot burning, By limpid stream or shade. I know not where thou wanderest! If thy feet rest at the gate Of unknown flowery gardens, Yet my soul will surely wait. 1 64 POETIC GEMS By the shores where the banks are vernal, Where souls by two paths meet; Where love will prove supernal, Where we rest our weary feet. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 165 WERE IT ALL OF LIFE TO LIVE V^ERE it all of life to live, And all of death to die; Could we all our wrongs forgive, With neither tear nor sigh, Our life would be joy complete, Death eternal rest; Our toil's reward, love sweet, The silent chamber's guest. 1 66 POETIC GEMS WHAT IS LIFE? ^IX^HAT is life? a smothered sigh, A vain endeavor, hope deferred; God's will we live, a wish to die; Clasping hands, that once have erred. Hearts for love, souls to save, Poor weak humanity easily led; Oh, for the refuge of the grave! Better, far better were they dead. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 167 WAITING FOR THE POSTMAN I" SIT by my window waiting For the tardy postman to bring A song of my heart, relating A love attuned to the sweetest string That e'er was strung to the harp divine, Of a soul whose purest thought Hath reached the heights of heaven sublime, In the music angels wrought. Will the white-winged missive bear Tidings of joy, of sweet delight, To lighten the weight of care, And brighten both day and night? Whatever it brings, be joy or pain, It is gladly welcome, as news from home ; And we accept the sunshine, as the rain — 'Tis for our good that both hath come. 1 68 POETIC GEMS WHEN SHE CELEBRATED HER GOLDEN WEDDING A GLEAM of the sunshine Of long years ago Glints through her hair That's now white as the snow; Yet she is as fair As a lily, I trow, With the calm of a true love That rests on her brow. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 169 WIFE AND I TX TE met in the morn of youth's fair day, — The primroses' bloom, the roses' perfume, The meadow-lark singing his lay. The brook by the vale, bright rippling along, The mountain and dell, where grew the bluebell; Filled our souls with new music and song. We plighted our vows and sacredly kept, The thought in each heart was never to part; Lo ! an angel passed by, and she slept. Ah! she was as fair as the beautiful flowers, In love and in truth, fair bride of my youth; Sweet memory turns back to those precious hours. When, clasped to my heart, I kissed thy sweet face, Blest treasure-trove, you left with thy love Two little ones, now in thy place. 170 POETIC GEMS Sweet spirit of peace, from realms above, Soften the rays of the long summer days, As I list in my dreams the return of my love. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 171 WHAT CARE I? \\T HAT care I for friend or foe, When I sleep beneath the snow? What care I for word that's cold, When I rest within earth's mold? Kind words give me here below, Love's caresses when I go — Then my sleep will be more sweet When I rest my weary feet. When the broken heart is still, Rests submissive to His will; When I've laid the crosses down, Gladly taken up the crown, What care I for friends or foes, When I sleep beneath the rose? What care I for words that sting, When the birds above me sing? 172 POETIC GEMS Ah, the sunshine on my tomb Drives away all thoughts of gloom; E'en if clouds are dark above, All within is silent love. Resting e'er beneath the sod, Soul in peace, at home with God; Flow'rs in bloom in sweet perfume, Round the low white marble tomb. Need I care for friend or foe, When from earth I gladly go ? Sure and safe, oh, blest retreat, Nestling at the Master's feet. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 173 WE ARE COMING Tl^E are coming, Grover Cleveland, A hundred thousand strong; We are coming with our votes To right this greatest wrong. We are coming as one brotherhood, And united we will stand, Until this gold-bug treason, Is banished from our land. We are coming from the south; We are coming from the west; We are honest, loyal people, And we are honest in our quest. We will govern those in power — 'Twas our votes that placed them there- When they betray our trust, And deal with us unfair. 174 POETIC GEMS They will see that labor's voice Is the power behind the throne, And that the producing class Is what this nation rests upon. We are coming from the mines, From the snow-white field plantation; We are for the People, And we will rule this nation. TO THE WORLD I LOVE 175 WHY GOD CREATED FLOWERS \X7HEN God created all things For our needs, Both great and small, Why did He create the flowers? Why, just to please the eye, And to give us joy — Surely He might not have made The flowers at all. FINIS JfiH