Book__ '-a Copyright >l°_{^/cj_ COPYRIGHT DEPOSm ON THE LAKE AND OTHER POEMS ELIZABETH REYNOLDS BOSTON THE GORHAM PRESS 1915 Copyright, 1915, by Elizabeth Reynolds All Rights Reserved / am indebted to the courtesy of the publishers of The New England Magazine, The Churchman, The Over- land Monthly, The Advance, The Metaphysical Magazine, Munsey's Magazine, and Everybody's ; also to the music publishers, Wm. A. Pond, N. Y., Brainard, N. Y., Wit- mo7-k, N. Y., The John Church Co., Cincinnati, Clayton F. Summy, Chicago, The Gamble Hi^ighed Music Co., Chica- go, Theo. Presser, Philadelphia, White-Smith, Boston, and G. Schirmer, N. Y., for permission to use the words of which they own the copyright. The frontispiece is a reproduction of a portrait by Vic- tor Georg, owner of the copyright. The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S. A. OEC 27 1915 ©Cl.A418ia6 9i^ ( . Little cloud J passing breeze And nightingale are done. I wonder if thought speeding Can reach the distant one? Know you then, know you then You are not alone , — From my heart, from my heart Winged thoughts have flown. CONTENTS Page On the Lake. I. Proem 1 1 //. Storm II ///. Mist 12 IV. On the Sands 12 V. White-Crested Wave 13 VI . The Lake's Song to the Soul 14 VII. The Sea Wall 15 VIII. Moonglade 15 IX. Postlude 16 Love's Rhapsody 17 Brotherhood 18 To Mary 19 Song: And Yet 21 Love-In-Idleness 22 Love Forgot 23 Snow Flowers 24 The Passion Flower 25 Why do I Love You, Dearest 26 Song: 'Tis May 27 Song: "One Gave Me a Rose at Parting". ... 28 Inheritance 29 The Birds Beside the Fountain 30 The Dandelion 31 The Meaning of the Song 32 Cobwebs : A Fantasy 33 Springtime 35 Love's Sorrow 36 Song Cycle: In the Wood. /. Through Shadowy Paths ........ 37 //. In the Tree-Tops High 38 CONTENTS Page ///. A Tangled Glade 38 IV. Blue Bells on Slender Stem 39 V. "Within the Stillness of the Wood'' 40 VI . The Cave 40 VII . ''My Soul Cries Aloud to the Forest" 41 My Talisman 42 Love's Rondelay 43 Lines to a Nun 44 ''Thou'lt Not Forget !" 45 When You're Away 46 Sonnet 47 Blue Bells on the Rocks 48 You 49 Song Cycle : Memory 50 A Norseman's Song 54 To-Day 55 The Cry 56 A Quiet World 57 After the Rain 58 One Glance 59 '"Tis Love Taps at the Window^" 60 The Voice of Spring 61 Protestation 62 Rain in Summer 63 Silence 64 A Season's Cycle of Song. /. Spring 65 //. Summer 66 ///. Autumn 67 IV. Winter 68 "You Sing to the World of a Summer Time". 69 "I know^ a Garden Fair" 70 Ballad 71 A Peaceful Heart 72 Hidden Springs 73 CONTENTS Page "When Summer Skies are Blue" 74 Love's Gifts 75 Love's Necklace 76 Sunset 77 The Dream — Arabian Serenade 78 A Merry Little Song 80 Man's Easter 81 Sonnet to Keats 82 Song of the Wind 83 Song of the Waters 84 Song of the Cold 85 Song of the Fire 86 Song of the Sunlight 87 Song of the Rain 88 Song of the Twilight 89 A Christmas Silhouette 90 To a Russian Dancer 91 A Summer Story 92 The World and Sorrow 94 "Blush Redder, Reddest Rose" 95 A Bruised Heart 96 The World and Death 97 The Cotton-Wood Trees 98 'Neath the Stars 99 The Poet's Thought 100 In Sheltered Nook lOi Within the Manor Garden 102 My Place 114 "Your Eyes" 115 "If this Be Parting" 116 The Last Glance 117 The Secret 118 Tiger Lilies 119 Love's Captive 120 When Love is Young 121 CONTENTS Page Indian Summer 123 The Bashful Lover 124 Love's Night 125 Thanksgiving 126 The Stay at Home 127 A Valentine 129 Under the Lilacs 131 "Why, O Little Flowret?" 132 Two Visions 134 God's Promises 135 ''Lovely Weather" 136 Futurity 137 Love's Silence 138 "Since You Are Gone" , 139 "I Wonder" 140 De Profundis 142 ON THE LAKE ON THE LAKE Song Cycle I On the shore of the lake where I stand All the world seems afar; And my soul Is engidfed in the rush and the roar of the waves Comes a song o'er the deep to the land, While low under-tones roll, And the dash of the waves as they beat All my fancy enslaves Shutting out other sounds Save the sea in its inland embrace. II Mid lightning's fierce flash And thunders roll Majestic in its wrath The storm-cloud breaks. Storm-tossed on trackless path Waves now in fury dash, And hope forsakes My trembling soul That cries on seething lake In blackest night; *'0 depth! O pitiless abyss! Abate thy might!" Ill Cold clouds of rain Enwrap the ashen lake As in a pall, And grey a pallid mist The far horizon veils. I seek in vain To pierce the gloom That like a vaporous wall From lake to sky uplifts And shuts far distant sails from longing eyes. Grey gloom of pallid mist And ashen skies. Far up the wet, cold, sandy beach I gaze — Though all seems blotted out from fear-strained eyes Save drift-wood floating past from water-ways Of ships dismantled in the distant night. Yet here, beloved one, as swallows free Cleave e'en the ashen cloud to seek the light — My thoughts, where-e'er thou art, still turn to thee. IV ON THE SANDS Heavy storms! they have beaten and raged 'Till my soul, worn and spent, prostrate falls On the bare sands of life. Beaten and baffled and bruised A battle is waged — A conflict, a strife. Still my soul loudly calls Mid the roar of the storm for relief. 12 Beaten, and baffled and bruised All is vain. On the lake rival fleets madly cruised A safe harbor to gain. Beaten and baffled and bruised From the bed of the lake, mad with grief, Swept from life by a passion of pain, Floats a specter to haunt me, to daunt me,- An out-cast — storm-swept and alone. Beaten and baffled and bruised On the bare sands of life My soul prostrate lies 'Till the waves lulling soft solace speak Ere grey dawn lights the sTcies. V WHITE-CRESTED WAVE White-crested wave You laugh in rippling glee As o'er the lake so blue You swiftly play. White-crested wave Your song breaks tenderly And to me whispers sweet Love's happy lay: — "My love, I come to thee Though lake and foaming sea Our life divide. Hide not thine eyes so blue, — In them love's language true Speaks, and binds thee to me What e'er betide." 13 White-crested wave Your ripples curve and break As up the beach in play You swiftly run. White-crested wave Your song rings tenderly And to me whispers sweet Love's happy lay: — "My love, I come to thee Though lake and foaming sea Our life divide. Hide not thine eyes so blue, — In them love's language true Speaks, and binds thee to me Whate'er betide." VI THE lake's song TO THE SOUL Be brave, O soul! What though the storm-blasts blow?- The waves of time must beat And dash and break; Must come the storm; And shipwreck dark and drear; And like a curtain black The mist obscure the sun ; But God doth hold Within His mighty hand Thy trembling soul, And rest comes after toil — Peace after storm. 14 VII THE SEA WALL Grey In the sunshine glowing To-day the sea wall stands; The spray its fine foam throwing Breaks in prismatic strands. Flit from far fields a-lying In stiff, harsh stubble bare Swift swallows circling, vying, Adrift in ambient air. Soft sea-gulls white are floating Toss'd on the rippling main; And wafts the lark's sweet throating Aloft Heav'n's gate to gain. White sails are scudding — speeding O'er bright waves lightly stirred. From sight of shore receeding In flight like winged bird. Now boom the waters breaking In slow soft cadence sweet, And low its song awaking Love's sorrow still repeat. VIII MOONGLADE A path of shimm'ring light — A moonlit lake serene — A world of fancies bright In love-lit, golden sheen. 15 'Neath silVry sails yon boat So softly, swiftly flies — A winged bird a-float To shores of Paradise. In moonlit, halcyon shade A sky, a lake of dreams: A gliding, glist'ning glade Yon burnished pathway gleams. Xhe glist'ning golden way, Belov'd one, leads to thee In fancy's happy play O'er lake and shimm'ring sea. IX POSTLUDE From the shore of the lake must I turn To the world and its strife: And the grey, pallid mist Softly veils all the lake and the sky; And forgot is the dash of the waves That my fancy enslaves For the world and its din drowns the song That the undertone sings: And forgot is the mist and the lake and the sky And the waves that sing on — That sing on though the world listens not. "^Set to music by Mr. Rudolph Ganz. i6 LOVE'S RHAPSODY What is the magic power That stills my soul's unrest? Only one presence near And all the world is blest ; ^ Only thy voice, belov'd, To speak my name And all the world illum'd By love's pure flame. What is the magic power That binds my heart to thine? Only thy hand, close-clasp'd And all the world is mine; Only thy glance, belov'd. To meet my own And all the world forgot In love's fair zone. 17 BROTHERHOOD Afar, in lonely spot or crowded mart, Some noble deed is done, some thought expressed That thrills with rapture sweet each noble heart, And shows to each his own ideal confessed. Alas! when some poor wretch, by want oppressed Seems by his evil deeds to stand apart From all mankind, — ^when tried doth thou not start To find his thoughts re-echoed in thy breast? One human family all the whole world 'round. We do not live alone, but all are bound By ties the closest though unrecognized: Whispers within the heart a voice to each; — "I claim thee Brother by those thoughts that reach To depths within my soul ne'er realized!" i8 TO MARY Song Flowers there be Swaying so merrily, Gaily in sunshine Blooming so sweet; Lily-bells white, Lily-bells blue, Tenderly all Singing of you, Singing of you. My Mary. Lovers there be Courting thee merrily. Gaily in laughter Passing the day ; Sing thee in song. Toast thee in wine Tenderly all Rapture divine Feeling for you, My Mary. Sweethearts there be Singing all merrily. Gaily in sunshine Passing the day; Be the hours black — Be the hours gay — I to thy heart Earnestly pray. Pray for thy love, My Mary. By permission. Copyrighted 1907 hy G. Schirmer. 19 Answer me, sweet, Smiling so tenderly; Bid me in sunshine, Bid me in rain Come to thy call — List to thy sigh — Tenderly then Let me be nigh, Nigh to thy heart. My Mary. 20 AND YET To Rena Song Deep flows the quiet sea And yet — and yet — Storm iDlasts have wildly blown And madly dashed the wave Before the sobbing sea Hath quiet grown — Before the lulling waves The storm-strewn beach soft lave And yet — and yet! Calm seems thy silent heart And yet — and yet — Storm-spent and quiet grown (Once passion- tossed thy heart Beat on tempestously) A thing of stone Seems now thy silent heart From storm and stress apart, And yet — and yet! LOVE-IN-IDLENESS Butterflies airy and bright 'Neath mid-summer skies aglow, Your wings all purple and gold and green Have caught the damask of silken sheen: Circling and flitting from flower to flower — ("Love-in-a-mist" decks my lady's bower) — With mid-summer's day away you soar, And the rose may sigh, and the lily weep For the love you bore, and the tryst to keep, For fled are the butterflies airy and bright 'Neath mid-summer skies aglow. LOVE FORGOT ice, and snow, and sleet, You freeze, you chill, you beat! 1 bend my head at last Defenceless to the blast; And cuts the wind so bleak My brow and tingline cheek, While Winter's cruel clasp Enfolds in icy grasp; And cold the blinding snow Through which I falt'ring go, — But not so cold — so drear, O world, as love forgot! 23 SNOW FLOWERS Where once were flowers gay Now lies the snow; The skies o'er-head are gray — Cold winds do blow; Across the trellised way Hang wreaths of white As if in merry play The snow with light, Soft touches mocked the May, And on each stem As 'twere white roses lay. 24 THE PASSION FLOWER To J. R. Pale, purpled passion flower, You bloomed in death's dark hour. Death held the cup to th' brim Fill'd full of sorrow grim; And when I trembling quaff'd To the dregs the bitter draught Your petal'd disc gleam'd pale Like stars in th' heav'nly vale, And bade me bear my cross Of sorrow and of loss. Pale flow'r, empurpled bloom, Shine on to light the gloom Of death's dark hour. 25 "WHY DO I LOVE YOU, DEAREST?" Why do I love you, dearest? As well ask honey-bee Why buttercups a-glowing Tempt him to seek the lea. Why do I love you, dearest? — My heart is like a well Your glance like pebble dropping Sinks in its depths to dwell. Why do I love you, dearest? — Soft sing yon nightingales, — Your voice to me is music That soft my heart assails Why do I love you, dearest, When loving is such pain? Yet all the world's best treasures I'd give your love to gain. Why do I love you, dearest? Ask you yon brooklet small WTiy laughing through the meadows It hears the sea's low call. 26 'TIS MAY Song Why to-day Sunshine bright Doth with me stay I cannot, Nor confess dare not say Save to one — My happiness; The secret sweet Her heart shall greet And — 'tis May! 27 "ONE GAVE ME A ROSE AT PARTING" Song One gave me a rase at parting, And softly her red lips smiled: And one with eyes of violet Sweetly my heart beguiled : But one no rose nor violet — Nor glance nor smile to stay, Yet cold in my hand at parting Her trembling fingers lay. 28 INHERITANCE (To My Father) Poor, struggling youth, who gladly toils alone To win and hold the key to knowledge dear! Humbly he knocks at Wisdom's gates of stone That open not till on their sides appear, Carved by his hands, two rugged figures clear Of Industry and Patience fully grown: And when at last admitted to be shown The glories of the inner court, the fear Of falling back from vantage gained lends strength To struggle bravely always ; and, at length, When all life's tasks are done, he leaves his heirs This best inheritance — the impulse strong That leads them onward, though the way be long, Knowing all lists are free to him that dares. 29 THE BIRDS BESIDE THE FOUNTAIN The birds beside the fountain In mid-day heat find rest; I, too, though languid, listless, Seek there a solace blest. Far out the lofty mountains Lift snow-capped turrets high; Down, down through pleasant valleys Cool waters ripple by. In perfumed shade I linger; The birds with folded wings List to the water falling. And catch the song it sings. Twitt'ring, their little bodies They lave in falling spray, Then far o'er leafy covert Singing they fly away. i " " ■ •, And I, my tasks resuming — Still hear the fountain play — Still breathe the perfumed silence Though years have passed away. 30 THE DANDELION Golden the dandelion — Miser, for shame! Spread out for bee or worm — all hoards the same. No use in copying it — golden disk spread — Lightly it nods and sways in its green bed. Bluebirds are carolling high overhead Robins strut saucily — (So the worm said.) Bumble-bees greedily swarm from the clover — - Clumsily — golden floors tempting the rover. Far from the toil and fret — fair carpet spread — As in a fairy dream — would you be led? Then come — the skies are blue. Throw yourself down: Golden the dandelion as a king's crown; And the green carpet spread bears you to-day Back to fair childhood dreams — far, far away. 31 THE MEANING OF THE SONG I heard the song-birds' note so full and gay Ring through the summer air. My bitter heart cried out, "Ah well — a — day! The birds know not a care; They sing because the air is warm and sweet With woodland perfumes rare; Nor give a thought to life so incomplete!" 'Till at my feet I 'spied the gentle mate By cruel hunter slain. The bird upon the tree bewails her fate, — To me now sad the strain! It whispers to my heart, "Doth thou not know The lesson taught by pain? "Life's sweetest songs oft rise from bitter woe." 32 COBWEBS A Fantasy Unseen the spider weaves A filmy, fleecy thread That floats — a swaying rope — When summer days are dead And autumn's golden sheaves Are gathered In. Then trooping o'er the fields At night come fairies bright, And on the filmy rope That floats in pale moonlight They dance fantastic reels With rout and din. Or else in sportive glee Some elfish, tricksy sprite Deserts the swaying rope To chase the fire-flies bright, Or wake the drowsy bee Ere day begin. Some sip from chalice brink The trembling dew-drops sweet. While floats the filmy rope The moon-flowers white they greet With icy kiss, and drink Their fragrance in. 33 Their kiss — an icy mist — They leave on flower and vine; That, and the rope that floats — A filmy, fleecy line — Alone remains I w^ist Where fay had been. When summer days are dead In morning's early light Still floats the swaying rope, But fairies of the night Long since have dancing fled With rout and din. 34 SPRINGTIME springtime's night so sweet! We walked in bliss conaplete; No word between us passed, Yet beat my heart so fast 1 feared the list'ning trees Would tell it to the breeze, And trembled near you, sweet. O springtime's night of love! A bird-song high above Trilled soft. I knew the strain But echoed love's refrain That made his song a part Of rapture from my heart — And feared you heard, O love! O springtime's night so still! The silence seems to thrill, My trembling fingers clasp Your arm in timid grasp. Yet quick my pulses throb — My breath a quiv'ring sob — And night, spring's night, so still! O springtime's night of bliss ! Upon my lips your kiss, Though only evening's calm Caressed me with its balm; Unspoken, too, your word Yet all my being stirred — O night, love's night of bliss! 35 LOVE'S SORROW Heard I last night the saddest word; "Farewell!" Seems now the desert world a dreary waste ; The lagging hours no longer quickly haste; In sleep still beats the dreary, passing knell; — ''Farewell, beloved one, to you farewell!" And filled with sorrow's rue my waking hours, For seems my trembling heart a brimming glass — One added drop the goblet's rim must pass — A word — a thought of you my heart o'er-pow'rs. And fall my silent tears in sudden show'rs. 36 SONG CYCLE— IN THE WOOD (To May Winter Keane) I THROUGH SHADOWY PATHS The wood so beautiful, so calm, so still Invites retreat within its shadowy paths That lead to solitude. The distant world But mocks with clamor harsh and stern and cold The bitter cry of lonliness and grief That each heart knows. Here from the world I fly To solace seek mid lofty trees and boughs Uplifted to the skies. Tall tow'r the trees — Grim sentinels of Time — here when vain man So soon hath sighed his weary life away! The distant waters of the limpid lake Gleam softly, silvery bright when winding ways Through wood and tangled glade lead to the shore. I listen for a voice I would forget, — Only the leaves a-whispering hear my sigh. Here naught remains but nature's comforting That comes a breath from some forgotten day To soothe with gentle ministry divine Her tired child. 37 II IN THE TREE-TOPS HIGH In the tree- tops high A voice I hear — 'Tis the wind all-a-sigh Now soft — now clear: And the wind sings soft A song now sad — And the wind sings clear A song all glad; But sad or glad All the branches stir — A-tremble the leaves In the moon-lit air. What sings the voice In the tree-tops high? To my heart the voice Is a deathless cry Singing of love And a last good-bye. Ill A TANGLED GLADE A tangled glade — A summer sky all blue — Tall birches gleaming white And I with you A-dreaming. Fair float soft, fleecy clouds Across the blue, And gay the summer flowers 38 Of fairest hue — And I with you A-dreaming. A tangled glade — Tall gleam the birches white, And black the sky o'er-cast — Fast comes the night; And sighing The sombre forest beckons with its shade And crying The night-bird calls: "Farewell, The day is dying!" And I for you Am sighing. IV BLUE-BELLS ON SLENDER STEM Blue-bells on slender stem. Could you but know Deep, deep the joy a-glow Your beauty brings : I see a sky all blue — I know a heart that's true. Blue-bells his face I see As lifts he tenderly Your little flower. Blue-bells on slender stem. Did you that day Trembling — your bells a-sway — • Whisper my name? Deep, deep are eyes of grey — Smiles in their shadows play. 39 Blue-bells, wilt bid him haste? — Love chides a moment's waste — Speed fast the hour! WITHIN THE STILLNESS OF THE WOOD Within the stillness of the wood Alone and sad I wander: I stooping pick a little flower — Still sad the thought I ponder: Sweet little flower — Soon left to fade — Why cuird from soft earth growing? This little song My sad heart sings Wilt greet his heart unknowing? VI THE CAVE Green things — mosses and ferns — Hid in the shadowy softness of a cave. Here sunshine enters not, but stillness rests Like dreamless sleep. The distant waters of the limpid lake Sound softly lapping on their pebbly beach. Up through the tree-tops high gleam soft the blue Of summer sky. 40 Seek, soul, thy respite from the strife of life, And buried in the cavern's soft retreat Find peace. VII "'my soul cries aloud to the forest'' My soul cries aloud to the forest; — "Give me thine aid to-day. I have no strength to battle — I have no heart to pray. Hold me within thy stillness; Hide me beneath thy shade." Then calm comes thy voice, O forest; — "Soul, be thou unafraid!" My soul cries aloud to the forest; — "Tall tower thy trees-trunks high. I gaze at the sky above them — I list to the winds' low sigh. Peace is within thy stillness — Rest in thy leafy shade: I'll gird me with strength for the battle — Life! I am unafraid!" *Set to music by Mr. Edwin Schneider. 41 MY TALISMAN I carry In my heart a talisman — A token — simple — true ; You need not ask to see it — ^what it is — It is not known to you. It is not like a jewel that you wear For other men to see, — I wear my talisman within my heart — 'Tis only known to me. I carry in my heart the talisman Of faith that never grieves; I do not need to make excuse — she know^s — Or knowing not — believes: I carry every place I go her love — Not love you boast so fair — The love I carry in my heart Would e'en my burdens bear. I carry in my heart her talisman — A gift not known to Kings — And make her glad as any Queen With simple little things. I keep my talisman to use — to wear — It only stronger grows, And brightly shines in storm and wind — In cloudy days — or fair. I carry in my heart a look of trust — A glance from honest eyes — You need not smile to ask if lovely face Beguiled — or w^hat the guise. The talisman I keep so close concealed Is sweet as any flower, And gently blooming sheds its soft perfume To light my darkest hour. 42 LOVE'S RONDELAY A whisper in the air, — A bird-song trilling sweet; "Love" pulsing everywhere — Spring's melody complete. "Love" sighs the southern breeze — Pale roses blushing bend, High branches of the trees A swaying chorus lend, Then listen, love, my heart sings rondelay. And "Love me, love me, sweet," I fondly pray. 43 LINES TO A NUN What storm of piercing wind that blindly beat Tempestously on thy frail barque of life Caused thee to shelter seek in cloister cell? Thine eyes so grey gaze sadly into mine; — Ah, read not there, fair saint, my barque adrift Floats refugeless forever down life's stream! 44 "THOU'LT NOT FORGET" There are some sounds so sweet (Ah, maiden fair!) That mind and heart attuned To strains so rare, So rapturous, ever greet As discords harsh all other sounds. Some days there were so bright (Thou'lt not forget!) That dark years are illumed, While shineth yet The radiance of a light That glows while blackest shade surrounds. 45 WHEN YOU'RE AWAY When you're away I think of all the morrows That empty pass without your presence dear — The long, long day — untold its joy or sorrows For like a blurred glass Shine dim the hours that pass When you're away. When you're away — night still sad vigil keeping — "God hold you in His care when far or near!" I softly pray. Feel you my heart up-leaping At thought of one day passed That brings you back at last — When you're away. 46 SONNET {On a fern leaf from VirgiVs summer house at Gae- ta, on the Italian coast.) This fern-leaf green I plucked, dear friend, for thee. Here where the bees hum drowsily, and blue The summer sky as Virgil saw its hue ; And yonder still are kine upon the lea That graze in mild content. Dear heart, canst be Two thousand years are almost fled since grew The parent-root of this I send to you? Gaeta fair, did Virgil by the sea Behold (as I, my love) one face alone? Pensive always, and sad, he seemed, 'tis said — Alas! mayhaps he too heard oceans moan Twixt him and happiness! 'Twas here he read In accents low of Dido's bitter groan That echoed is today though years are fled. 47 BLUE-BELLS ON THE ROCKS Miracle of beauty gleaming — Sky and lake and woodland teeming All with beauties stern or tender — Yours the rarest, sweetest splendour: Soft the sky, and blue its doming — Little clouds like pigeons homing Floating, sailing in the azure — Tiny flocks of snowy pleasure: Than the skies above blue glowing Deeper tints the blue-bell's showing: From the rock's cold bosom flinging See the slender flowrets springing! Shines the lake in mid-day colour — Starry blue-bells make it duller; And the laughing spray up-reaches Toward the rock where beauty teaches From the tiny blue-bells swaying, More than some folk at their praying — Blooming — swaying — of God telling — E'en the sternest rock's His dwelling. 48 YOU I banished ev'ry thought of you — Your name not e'en my sad heart sighed — Would God that all the years lived through Were done — and I had long since died! You came — I need but touch your hand — But hear the old familiar name, And love resumed its old command — For you — ah, you vrere just the same! My fancied joy is hidden pain — My freedom but a mocking lie — And all the strength of years is vain For you are you until I die! 49 MEMORY A Song Cycle I Grey skies and leafless trees — The drip of falling rain — A sodden path — a lonely hut — And — memories. II Bird-notes are hush'd; No more the wood and hill Bath'd in the summer light Of ecstasy; No more the sun-kiss'd waves Gleam crested white To break on summer sands With hurrying rush As if some sea-god strong In haste pursued. Now dead the summer days And dead all joys save memory ! Ill O memory! our joy art thou and pain. Thou with thy anguish'd touch doth ope to us Those portals once so fair of life and love — Life's treasure house where riches rare are stor'd Nor vanish at the touch of Time's remorseless hand. 50 IV Life thou art fair Thou art young 'thou art free ! Take me, O life Bind my sad heart to thee; Back roll the days, O fair days of desire. When together we roamed Touched by love's magic fire. Life, thou wert fair Thou wert young, thou wert free, In the garden of life Now blooms pale Memory. A stretch of burning sand, with here and there The drooping branches of some towering tree That stands grim sentinel 'twixt land and sea; The naked pier juts sharp into the waves And high the sea-gulls white with piercing cry Up-dart into the azure sky serene, Then sink far out to float on amber wave. And shrill and clear the children's voices ring In happy play a-building castles fair Upon the shifting sands. 51 VI Life thou art fair — Thou art sweet as the day. Come to me — haste to me — Make no delay. Life thou art fair Ere the grey skies appear, Ere the rains break and beat On a heart desolate. VII What mocks the garish light of summer day? Still white the sands outstretch to meet the waves; Still float the sound of careless, happy mirth, But twixt thy heart and mine. My best belov'd, A shadow deep obscures the light of day. Now through the leaves, faint stirring, of the trees A sigh that breaks my heart alone is heard; And o'er the wide expanse of empty wave No vision fair Arises from the gloom of solitude. 52 VIII What mocks the garish light but solitude? Where once my love and I had happ'ly roved Now stretches bleak and cold the empty sand, And pale the light that rests on sea and wave, And cold the silences of solitude. IX Could I in crowded streets Or ways remote Again in happy comradeship but walk With one I love Then cold the wind might blow — The rains in fury beat — But I content Could feel one presence near No longer desolate. *Set to Music by Mr. E. R. Kroeyer, By permission. Copyrighted 1906 by the Wa^Wa Press. Copyright assigned 1912 to G. Schirmer. 53 A NORSEMAN'S SONG {To C. A.) Hearest thou the wind of the north Resistless compelling? A storm-god rushes it forth Triumphantly swelling Loud pasans of victory's might — Terrific soul-quelling — Tumultously speeding its flight. Bearest thou, O wind in thy flight So joyously fleeting, A message to her who this night Love's vigil is keeping; Compel her to hear in each blast Subduing, entreating, My name as her conqueror cast. Say to her: "Heart of my own So shyly confiding, My love as resistless has grown, Forever abiding. Tell her, O wind In thy flight: — "Whatever betiding I claim thee, and send thee my plight!" Speedest thou, O wind on thy way O'erpowering, commanding; Tell her 'tis vain to delay My passion withstanding. Tell her, O wind In thy might, Surrender demanding: — "Love claims thee, and sends thee his plight!" 54 TO-DAY For me the air is sweet As draught of purest wine; No cloud is in the sky; The lark that soars on high With rapid pinions fleet In ecstacy sublime Sings to my happy heart: — "To-day, to-day is thine, — This day all days apart Rapture divine!" Sing happy lark to-day! We roam, my love and I Across the meadows fair, Nor fear to-morrow's care While sings the lark so gay Far in yon summer sky — Sings to my happy heart: — "To-day, to-day is thine, — This day all days apart Rapture divine!" 55 THE CRY Lord Jesu — God of them that weep and mourn, — See'st Thou, in this vast city full Thy child? Black belches forth thick clouds of stifling smoke From fact'ry chimneys tall. Yet not so black As that thick cloud of doubt that whelmeth me. I seem so small — so insignificant In Thy vast scheme of things. Like sprawling ants Seem armies of the poor — ^The children pale Who look with hollow eyes into mine own. Carest Thou, O God, for these and such as me? Sometimes a voice — Thy Voice perchance may be — Seems low to comfort me. Sometimes Thy Hand I seem to grasp — My Brother Thou! But soon toil seems to drown my soul in pain. I cry to Thee: "Leave me not comfortless Forsake me not!" 56 A QUIET WORLD A quiet world about me, — No sound of bitter strife; What mocks the empty silence — What haunts the empty life? A sound of bitter weeping — A voice of sharp despair That fills the empty silence, And blots the day so fair. A quiet world about me, — Green leaves the trees now bear; Why sway their boughs fantastic — Why sigh the breezes there? A sound of bitter weeping — A voice of sharp despair Still mocks the empty silence, Still haunts the day so fair. A quiet world about me, — A world of outward peace. But storms still haunt the silence And rage without surcease; A sound of bitter weeping, A voice of sharp despair Still fills the dreary silence, — Still mocks the day so fair. 57 AFTER THE RAIN The leaves so green on tree-tops swaying; The waving fields of golden grain; The rippling lake In sunshine playing; Ecstatic notes, the birds refrain, Lift from the weary heart Life's burden and death's smart After the rain, After the rain. O heart bereaved by care and sorrow! O life weighed down by toll and pain ! Look up! faint not! In God's tomorrow Thy tears that fall like summer rain Shall shine as jewels bright Reflecting God's own light After the rain. After the rain. 58 ONE GLANCE Chiding my foolish heart to-day I said: "Men were deceivers ever! Guard well the citadel vvdthin my breast — Its chains let not Love sever!" But, ah ! one glance alone did Love bestow^ Despite my best endeavor, My foolish heart itself undid the chains To let Love in forever. Set to music by Rose M. Eversole. 59 'TIS LOVE TAPS AT THE WINDOW" *Tis Love taps at the window; — "Open to me!" he cries; "My wings droop — I am weary; — "Scorn not Love's anxious sighs; 'Tis Love pleads at thy window "To rest his weary heart "This simple boon Love asks for — "Ah! bid him not depart!" When Love flits from the window He leaves the maid his heart; But rest, for which Love sueth, Sweet rest and peace depart. When Love taps at thy window Ah, maiden, say him nay. Lest through the opened casement Love steal thy heart away. 60 THE VOICE OF SPRING Out of the night and out of the storm Came a voice so tender and sweet; The dawn was breaking in roseate light And fair shone the cliffs with a radiance bright As the sun-kissed stones gleamed in dazzling white, And blue overhead was the sky serene Save floating a cloud like a bird was seen, And the Voice was the voice of the spring, I ween — Singing in accents so low and sweet: "The storm and the cold and the night are sped, And the spring — it is come! Rejoice!" it said. Out of the night and out of the storm Came a Hope so tender and sweet; My heart its langour no longer kept, But woke with the spring, and to gladness leapt; No longer it cold in my bosom slept ; For blue overhead are the skies serene; Each bird on his breast shows a brighter gleam, And the Voice of the spring sings of Hope, I ween — Singing in accents so low and sweet: — "The storm and the cold and the night are sped — And the spring — it is come! Rejoice!" it said. 6i PROTESTATION Know you, O dearest one, the haunting fear, — The poison in the sweetest cup that love holds near? Know you the cloud that dims the brightest day.^ 'Tis this "All things must change! Can love then last alway?" Came one when in your heart love's sun had set — And coming said: "O dearest one, you must for- get!" There is no draught in Lethe's deadening spring That should I madly quaff forgetfulness could bring! b2 RAIN IN SUMMER A gust of whirling rain — A bird's sharp cry — A fiery blade of light From riven sky; Proud cedars standing tall Bend low and cower As beats the sudden rain In summer shower. 63 SILENCE Love, you have put me far outside your life, And I am like a soul lost — cold and dead; No more I look nor care if over-head. The skies be dull or bright. An inward strife Torments me, and my surging brain is rife With old remembrances of perfume shed In show'rs of April sw^eetness — quickly sped, Till now chill Autumn cuts with icy knife. I often think, O love, could you but spare One little word — a thought — it would take wing And bid my fainting soul its burden bear; Instead my sick heart cries: "Death hath no sting Like silence!" and the empty hours now glare With dull, set gaze such as to dead eyes cling. 64 A SEASON'S CYCLE OF SONG (To Miriam) Dost hear the robin's call So sharp, imperative, Startling the morning air? Hast seen the vivid hue Of blue-birds on the wing? They know the spring is here; Calling, choosing a mate. Winter's dark days are o'er. Up to the fleecy clouds In happy flight they soar. Dost hear, O little maid, Love's call, imperative. Startling thy spring-tim.e fair? Dost see the lightning flash Of eyes that gaze in thine To tell thee "Love is here!" Calling, singing to thee; "Winter's dark days are o'er. Come, love, come thou to me And leave me never more!" 6s I Summer, summer, haste not! 'Tis only now is life's full tide, 'Tis now the bud hath opened wide, And roses red in regal sway As summer Queens all gaily play. They bow and bend, and lightly dance — On ev'ry stem a lover's lance. II Summer, summer, haste not! Filled sweet the air with bird notes clear, And life is joy and love is near: Steeped all the soul in radiant bliss While rapture lies in lover's kiss — A fair face droops in yonder bower And softly bends like fragile flower. Ill Summer, summer, haste not! The tangled grass-blades softly hold Love's lagging footsteps, and enfold With tender touch her dress's hem Who, like a rose on slender stem. Sways sweet her lover's kiss to seek While blooms a rose on either cheek. IV Summer, summer, haste not! * A garden sweet this world to-day. Bid blithsome hours to longer stay. 'Tis golden noon in happy hearts — Still Love's at play with merry darts, And lightly bows and gaily bends . In love's fair field where youth attends. Summer, summer, haste not! 66 AUTUMN. Fair fields abloom with golden rod And asters' purple hue Smile soft beneath a cloud-flecked sky As blue as love's eyes true. Green sedges on the river's bank A-tremble soft repeat The song the sedge-bird sweetly sings Of love and life complete. Soon float o'er golden sun's broad disk Close banks of ashen clouds; A sudden chill is in the air — Pale mist the earth enshrouds: Saint Michael's daisies bloom like stars Along the grassy way — May holy angels guard the soul Of one for whom I pray! Far in yon leafless tree-top black A lone bird now is heard — Piercing and shrill the plaintive note By which my heart is stirred. Pale mist like death's cold, chilling hand Upon my sad heart falls — Where're thou art, beloved one, On thee my sad heart calls. 67 I Cold, glist'nlng lies the snow in broad-expanse — A white still world about me ev'rywhere; In icy sheath the sedges song is stilled And in my lonely heart breathes cold despair. II Still glist'ning, too, the stars seem cold to shine So far above earth's empty solitude: Cold — like a phantom shade — move restlessly Bare boughs where love-birds once so softly wooed. Ill Springtime with love's shy call is far away; The summer's golden noon as quickly fled; Above the stars — among God's saints — one waits And calles me sadly — calls me from the dead: — IV "Come, love," the soft, sweet voice is calling still, "Come, thou, my best belov'd, my earthly mate, Soon, like a dreamless sleep, time's seasons pass, Come, love, come thou to me — I sadly wait." 68 "YOU SING TO THE WORLD OF A SUM- MER-TIME" {To J. B. M.) You sing to the world of a summer-time, And the world — be it cold or drear — Listens and smiles and forgets its fear Of the biting wind, and the black night near — Of the winter ot snow and sleet: Again are the skies of a cloudless blue — Again blooms the rose in its regal hue, And life — it is summer, and hearts they are true — And this is the blessed Christmas-tide When you sing of the summer time. 69 "I KNOW A GARDEN FAIR!" I know a garden fair, — There all the summer day White butterflies so gay Float through the ambient air; There all the lilies rare Whisper my secret sweet — Tell me I soon shall meet My own, my lady fair. Rustle the silver leaves Upon the poplar trees; Sighing so low to me: — "Thy lady, waiting, grieves!" Now o'er the garden fair Softly the night-winds blow; Fire-flies flit to and fro Their tiny lamps to bear. Love needs no fire-flies light, Nor whisp'ring leaf to guide, But roams the world so wide Led by hope's star so bright. Sweet are the lilies rare; Fair are the silver leaves — Dearer to me than these My own, my lady fair! 70 BALLAD I have no rose to bring you — No wealth nor jewel rare; I have no song to sing you — Nor home to bid you share: I only love you dearly — Love you and claim you mine. Your glance meets mine sincerely— My love you must divine. I have no song to sing you Yet love my heart attunes; No wealth nor rose to bring you — Yet sweet the hope that blooms; "I love you — love you dearly — Love you and claim you mine." This song my heart sings clearly And love makes life divine. 71 A PEACEFUL HEART With pitiless intensity all day Hot blasts of stiflifig air sweep through the streets Where dwell the city's poor. Each day repeats For them the life of toil — a dreary way Uncheered by sight of trees and flowers gay; E'en heaven's blue's obscured by smoke that leaps In tortuous clouds from myriad furnace heats. Yet as in snow-fields blooms the scarlet spray, So here in humble room, when night descends, Blooms in a bruised heart, whose sorrows cease. Forgiveness of past wrongs — a flower that lends Pure sweetness to the soul, and joys increases. As self its sense of bitter wrong surrends, And strife within the heart gives way to peace. 72 HIDDEN SPRINGS To My Mother Clouds floating o'er a summer sky Reflected on the quiet waters lie; The birds dart from the azure bright To dip into the silver stream That tranquil winds through flower-decked mead- ow^s green; From yonder snow-capped mountain height The waters flow- To streams below. O thou, who with thy pure, calm face, Amid our troubled lives so weak, so base. Thy quiet ways of peace pursue, Teach us to seek the hidden spring That with its cooling waters bring As from the heights to souls so true Peace and content From heaven sent. 73 "WHEN SUMMER SKIES ARE BLUE" Think you 'tis hard to laugh when sad the heart? You're wrong. Do lovers laugh? We know they sigh In anguish deep. ''Light hearted youth's" a phrase. In youth are task, injustice, ignorance. A child knows not what cause he has to laugh ; Not knowing carking care, he know not ease, But longs for man's estate, and freedom (?) sweet. We who have known despair can gaily laugh. What has the world to give — or to withhold? It sells — it does not give. Wilt break your heart For some withholden toy as doth a child ? What use when summer skies once more are blue To waste one hour with thoughts of winter's blast ? 74 LOVE'S GIFTS You ask of Love a rose, a song, a smile. Upon dark tresses soft a rose a-bloom Doth tempt you fair to pluck it for your own, Nor, craven, fear to press its petals red With kisses sw^eet, — for this the rose doth bloom, Sweet, bloom for this. You ask of Love a smile, a rose, a song. Within dark eyes so soft a smile lies hid That tempts you oft to win it for your own Nor, craven, fear to gaze into those eyes With rapture sweet, — for this Love's smile is born, Born, sweet, for this. You ask of Love a song, a rose, a smile. Within the heart so deep a song is heard That tells of Love's great mysteries divine ; The smile, the rose but tokens tender be Of that great song. Speak, heart, unto my heart In song divine. 75 LOVE'S NECKLACE THE BEDOUIN SONG The Bedouin sighs to his mistress; — "Like pearls my teardrops fall. — I make thee a necklace to bind thee — Ah, love, past days re-call! Then hasten, O light of the morning! The south wind caresses me, While sweet to thy heart appealing Love fondly addresses thee!" The Bedouin sighs to his mistress; — "For thy sweet face so fair A captive lies pensive and grieving Imprisoned in Love's snare. Thy face like the light of the morning Comes to me to haunt me at night; No dawn has the night ot longing That brings not my soul's delight." The Bedouin sighs to his mistress; — "Within mine eye-lids lie Love's beauties, and sleeping or waiting My thoughts to thee must fly. My heart be it quiet or throbbing Beats only for thee alway, — Like fire is my love consuming — Beloved, turn night to day." 76 SUNSET Sunset — and pink and gold The evening sky outspread. The daj^ is drawing to its close — O day, so quickly sped! Tender the tint of rose In opalescence brief. The spring is pulsing everywhere In budding spray and leaf. Sunset — forevermore Within my heart held dear. This hour — the evening's benison — Recalls one presence near. O days, where'er he be! O skies, that o'er him bend! The sunset hour will bring him near- Grod's peace his way attend! 77 THE DREAM ARABIAN SERENADE AND ARIA Prelude : — O Perie-zadeh, through lattice window I bid thee waking — thy couch forsaking — List now my dreaming — the mystic seeming — While night on golden wing Flies swiftly by: A dream that thrilled me — with rapture filled me, And may the zephyrs soft Waft sweet replies. Aria — The Dream: On desert plain the white tents silent lay. He — my companion — slept, and I alone Through lifted canvas gazed at star-lit skies. Afar the desert stretched — the gleaming sands Seemed in the moon-lit night a silver sea That lifted — rose and fell — to meet the sky Like tide of molten metal rioting. One star — O Perie-zadeh fair — my gaze enthralled. 78 And while I gazed a dagger bright Descended swift from out the star through space — Down, down in rapid flight . The while I moved not yet seemed not to lie Out on the open plain. My tent I saw As 'twere my body with my soul away, — . . . Down, down the dagger fell and pierced my heart. I saw the sand beneath me crini?on-?tained, And waking knew thy glance (though in my dream A dagger thrust) transfixed m.y bleeding heart. Postlude : O Perie-zadeh, at latticed window Wilt bid the zephyrs soft Waft healing balm? Then desert dreaming is blissful seeming If night be crowned with love And heav'nly balm. 7y A MERRY LITTLE SONG A merry little song — And one word all it sings: "Love" and the whole day long The lilting measure rings; "Love" and the little song Laughing and rippling on Flows like a brooklet clear To reach her heart so dear, And bid her love and lose herself in me As tiny brooklet lost is in the sea. So MAN'S EASTER From out the grave of Self To nobler life. God's truth from hidden shame- His peace from strife: The stone from harden'd heart Rolled far away — His fellowship with Christ Man's Easter Day. 8i SONNET TO KEATS {"Sweet Hope! ethereal balm upon me shed. And wave thy silver pinions o'er my head.*' —Keats.) Ah, Keats, the master-poet of thy time! No need to sigh o'er thy unhappy lot. In thee burned fast the fires of some far clime Whose balm ethereal bore thee to that spot Where silver-pinioned Hope despaireth not, But led thee quickly to thy destined prime Ere yet hadst known the dreary heat and grime Of earthly toil and stain and darksome blot. Faint voices echoed from celestial spheres And secrets whispered of the gods to ears Attun'd like thine to hear. Each whisp'ring wind The strain repeats: and mystic accents roll Thy heav'nly diapason to the soul: — "Lo! beauty is — and those who seek her find." 82 SONG OF THE WIND I am the wind. I rush in mighty blast From sea to shore. I come from snow-capped hills- From mountain tops, — and hot the desert sands Have felt my breath. No power can stay my course Nor curb my fury wild. Though soft I lull Some dreaming fancy sweet to fatal rest Soon like a giant strong I dash in glee Such mocking hopes to death . . . I beat and dash the sullen, empty waves To rise as solid walls of riven iron That falling crush like empty, fragile shell The giant ship. ... I am the wind, O man, be thou like me — Triumphant in thy spirit — boundless — free! 83 SONG OF THE WATERS Waters rushing — in ripples breaking- What forsaking Whirl your mirrored waves In madness by? Dead driftwood's paving The beach you're laving, And mocks your plaintive song Yon sea gull's cry. Waters rushing — In vain concealing But revealing Whirl your mirrored waves In madness by. One song you're singing — One image bringing, And mocks your ceaseless song My heart's low cry. Waters rushing — in ripples breaking — Man forsaking Whirl your empty waves Nor heed his cry. Still gayly ringing Your song is singing When man and all his hopes Forgotten lie. 84 SONG OF THE COLD Cold, are you King? — or I? You mock Death's Power. A slave — you bid me cower In Winter's grasp. The blood within my veins your icy touch Congeals; and soon your slave — deep, drowsy Sleep — Will hold my senses in his icy clutch. Cold you would bid me die. With stiffened eyes I search the cruel skies — then stagger on To meet Night's specter Dawn. Cold, I am not your slave. — ^Your power I brave. Again the hot blood courses through my veins For Dawn advancing heralds forth the Day: The cold Night waxing, wanes before his might, , And I am saved. 85 SONG OF THE FIRE See the fire in flames fantastic leaping — Demon-like — devouring — scorching — whirling Helpless tons of stone — of hammered metals — - Sweeping in its fury all before him! Curling — licking — seething — circling — winding! Oh! the fire enthralls me, and I worship Blindly! See it leaping straight toward heaven! Hear the crackling swirl of flames ascending! Hear the hiss of steam — derisive — sizzling! In the forest 'tis a monster dreaded; Pine and birch and mighty cedars tremble As with wanton torch the fire-god wanders — Touching crackling boughs to light his pathway. When the blackened Dawn remorseless wakens Stript and pale the whitened embers shiver. 86 SONG OF THE SUNLIGHT Sunlight dancing on the grass Lightly glancing bids care pass; Winds caressing woo spring flow's — Life's a blessing — bright the hours; Tree-tops swaying — skies all blue; Leaves a-playing dance with you. Sunlight, hasten! quickly go To a casement that I know; Bid her rise whom I adore; In her eyes bloom, ever more Love ?.nd gladness — life divine — Hasten, sunlight, she is mine! Sunlight, listen! tell her soon All a-glisten, beams high noon; Fields of clover tempt the bee — Love's a rover — land or sea — . All is lightness — ^Why delay Lest the brightness pass away? Sunlight dancing on the grass Lightly glancing see her pass; Quickly coming here to me — Heart a-humming laughs with glee. Sunlight waving to and fro — Pathway paving as we go. 87 SONG OF THE RAIN I count the leaden drops of falling rain That beat upon the roof above my head — Rain, will you never stop Beating on heart and brain — Singing the old refrain — Weeping for one long dead! A winding-sheet to wrap me seems the mist- I feel death's heavy pall in rain's dull fall — Rain, will you never stop Beating on heart and brain — Singing the old refrain — Weeping for one long dead! A spectre pale is lurking at my door; It beckons me, O rain, — again — again! Rain, will you never stop Beating on heart and brain — Singing the old refrain — Weeping for one long dead! 88 SONG OF THE TWILIGHT (To C.J.) And is this all, O life, When day is done — After the toil and strife — So little won — To feel Death's shadow fall — A leaden pall — Our tasks but half begun: To fall asleep When twilight shadows creep. And life is done? 89 A CHRISTMAS SILHOUETTE Upstretch bare boughs to reach black-bending skies — Who knows what hope in frozen branches lies? Like hands with fingers gaunt lift topmost stem — A prayer in silhouette seems moving them. Cold, still and silent seems the winter night — No breath save icy kiss In hoarfrost light. Numbs down the black'nd trunks a shiv'ring sigh To stir the gnarled roots that dormant lie? Nature in fortress grim her season waits — - Her trees are sentinels outside the gates. 90 TO A RUSSIAN DANCER Like thistle-down — So light — so swift advancing — A nymph — a sprite, Alluring — swaying — dancing ; A spark of fire — A snow flake softly gliding; A breath — a dream — A child in merry hiding; In sheath-like blade Of passion madly whirling; A flow'r — a shade — A tiny brooklet purling. To fairy land You lead — sweet strains inspiring — Dance then — dance on With winged feet untiring. 91 A SUMMER STORY A little Miss — so pretty — Was walking down the lane; Some playful clouds beholding For fun let fall their rain. Oh, patter, patter raindrops! What shame to scare her so! She trembling looks about her And knows not where to go. The hedge-rows nodding sweetly Sigh: — "Come, and hide with me!" Alas! their thorns prick sharply And from them she must flee. The cowslip and the daisy, And flow'rs I will not name Lift smiling faces frankly — The cloud-kiss Is no shame. The little Miss — so pretty — Lifts tearful eyes of blue; She sees no shelter, — sobbing, She knows not what to do. Still patter, patter rain drops Beat on her pretty head — Just than a farmer coming Accosts her — this he said : — 92 "O little Miss why standing Out here in driving rain? To see you so is shocking — It really gives me pain. Then come, — my home is waiting- My mother, too, will cheer; And soon the naughty rain drops Will leave the sky all clear." The little Miss so pretty, With tiny, trembling smile Took shelter in his farm house — It was not quite a mile — And w^hile the rain drops falling Sang; "Patter, patter on!" His heart to her's a-singing Sang — quite another song. 93 THE WORLD AND SORROW I to my soul long grieving cried aloud: "The world is fair to-day — blue are her skies; Sings she a merry rondelay, nor sighs Mid shadows deep that memories sad enshroud — (Pale phantom shadows thronging pallid-browed) Her blightsome voice re-echoes glad replies; Nor moans, nor breaks o'er whispered word that dies In anguished sob — O world, so gay, so proud !" Yet soon the world, grief mocking, cries: "Begone! Take thy sad visage — sorrow-scarred — away! Thou and thy shadow, grief, must walk forlorn, Nor seek when at our feast mid jest and play To cloud the hours!" Then, soul, so shadow-worn, I begged sweet Grief, close-clasp'd, to with me stay. BLUSH REDDER, REDDEST ROSE Ah! rose, red rose so sweet Thy petals glow As fiercely blow The hot tempestous zephyrs that thy love entreat; Wooing to thee Through summer night A bride to be. Blush redder, reddest rose Thy heart disclose — Thy beating, trembling heart Where passion glows. Ah! sweet, my roses red Now softly rest Upon thy breast; Their petals plead my passion in their fragrance shed: Wooing to thee My rose, my sweet. My bride to be. Blush redder, reddest rose Thy heart disclose — Thy beating, trembling heart Where passion glows. 95 A BRUISED HEARl* It Is gone. Let it grieve thee not (O friend, as I lie dying) From my heart it is all forgot (O my friend, cease sighing) 'Twas thy heart that thou smote that day (O friend, as I lie dying) From thy heart cast the thought away (O my friend, cease sighing) It is gone. As thy hand I clasp (O friend, as I lie dying) Is forgot all the bitter past (O my friend, cease sighing) All the sweet that my life contained (O friend, as I lie dying) To me came when thy love I gained (O my friend, cease sighing) 96 THE WORLD AND DEATH O world, SO' cruel, so hard. Why worship we at thy shrine? Across the snow, Long years ago, Death clasped his hand in mine: — Death whispered so low, so sweet: — "Beloved, come thou with me, Come, sleep, nor weep, Lone watch to keep With none to comfort thee!" world, so cruel, so hard. Thy promises proved a cheat. Across the snow, Long years ago Thou stayed my hast'ning feet It whispered : — "Thou'lt soon forget — (Beloved, I longed for thee!) But, oh, the world In anger hurled Its glamour over me: It whispered: — "Thoult soon forget — Thy anguish is but today: Across the snow Thou must not go — The world would have thee stay; The world will comfort thee soon — " (Beloved, thou callest me!) Yet o'er the snow. Long years ago 1 fled from Death and thee. 97 THE COTTON WOOD TREES Trees with your rough black bark And sturdy trunk Straight towering toward June skies, From 'neath green glossy leaf In softness sunk Like feathers warm down flies. Winds with caressing touch Waft here and there — Soon tangled grass-blades hold Soft meshes quickly laid, And everywhere Glows white the sunlit wold. Soon fill the wheelrut tracks And fences nook Till winter's mock'ry's whole; The sun shines thro' soft flakes And gliding brook White crested waves now roll. 'Gainst lifted face floats warm, The feathery flakes To brush past memories by — To be with one would I This warmth forsake Tho' cold soft snowflakes fly. One touch of winter's blast! This warm spring air Would cheat my senses drear. Ah, 'tis a mocking snow That falls so fair To cheat each blade and spear. 98 *NEATH THE STARS Tell the stars to quit their blinking, — Not at me shall they be winking, Just because I stole — what w^as it? They've no cause to go and buzz it. Just because the red bird sang it — In the tree-top out he rang it — Sure I pleaded long and earned it — Quick as stolen I returned it. Tell the stars not softer lighter Than the thistle-dow^n, but brighter Are the silken curling tresses That my cheeck so soft caressses. Just one kiss! The stars are counting One and two and three — they're mounting, But I'm honest — sure you've learned it — Quick as stolen I returned it. 99 THE POET'S THOUGHT Wouldst learn the poet's thought? Do you not know Each whispering wind doth to his mind serene Her secrets first impart? He hears I ween, Where early violets hide; and where doth blow The firstlings of the spring. The birds I trow, Hail him a friend from every tree-top green, And guide him to yon downy nest, where sheen Of silver-gray or mottled blue gleams low 'Gainst mother-breast. The flower-laden air Doth bring to him the vision fleeting bright Of some far land — so far away, so fair, Where he no more will meet the sting, the slight Of petty scorn from souls who mock and tear From fancy's fairy wings the plumage white. IN SHELTERED NOOK Blue are the skies; Spring flowers fair With sweetness rare Bid love arise, And to that glade He knows so fair Quickly repair To seek its shade. Blue are the skies; A sheltered nook Beside the brook Hears Love's replies When bending boughs In sheltered nook No prying look Nor glances allows. Blue are the skies. Moments so sweet With rapid feet Love's springtime flies Nor rippling brook Nor flowers rare Are found so fair As in that nook. WITHIN THE MANOR GARDEN To Jessie INTRODUCTION ''Love, my beloved one, shall last, Shall last till death be past," Thus sings the nightingale, and lifts each heart Responsive to the strain up to the realms Of love, and parting — yet of life beyond The portals of this lesser, sadder world Through golden gates of song to heav'n's shore. Still sings the nightingale, and wouldst thou hear, friend, vv^ho vt^ith me v^anders through these paths, The romance that in years now long gone by Made of this garden — then all glowing fair — A spot to me so sacred, yet so sad, 1 fain with thee, O friend, beloved one. Would share its memories, while 'round us falls The evening's pensive shade, and soon the moon With soft effulgent ray will light the night. 'Tis then the nightingale pours forth his song — The same empassioned pleading to his mate That smote upon those list'ning in this glade So many years ago. Dost know his song; — "Love, my beloved one, shall last, Shall last 'till death be past." See in the lily's cup The dew-drop sweet! List passion's pleading voice Thy heart entreat. Faint zephyrs soft complain — Like fairy lute, And all the world around, Though thou art mute, Sings; ^Tove, my beloved one, shall last — Shall last 'till death be past!" Behold before our eyes the scene outspread; — A glade soft — sloping to a river's bank; Across the turgid stream huge trees and tall Stand sentinel to guard the fair demense; The sun, low-setting gilds with roseate light The evening clouds that seem from earth to rise Like banks of soft grey mist enveloping The far horizon's rim, while faintly rings — From convent tower near the vesper bells:— Pealing, so softly stealing Earth's cares away; *TIft up your burdened hearts, Bid earthly woes depart, Another world revealing — For this my bells are pealing — To bid thee pray." Pealing, so softly stealing Earth's cares away; "I bid thee pray! I bid thee pray!" Outlined across the blue of western sky White pigeons swiftly journeying In flight Seek now at close of day their woodland nest. All nature speaks, while round us shadows fall Within this sylvan solitude so still, So calm, so sweet, of brooding, peaceful rest. 103 And yonder on the heights to crown this glade Stands now as then the stately manor house With turrets towering high mid battlements, While nestling safe 'neath its protective care The convent with its slender, heav'n-turned spires Sleeps in the quiet shade of linden trees. See, friend, beloved one, how calm, how still! What safe retreat would seem those quiet halls Where slender, pensive forms move silently From cloister cell to worship at their shrine — For from the convent walls once entered in No more the outside world is visited. The manor garden with its wealth of bloom Extends unto those walls, and clam'ring up The rugged, moss-grown stones gleams green Beneath blue skies the glossy, waxen leaf And tendrils fine of fragrant moonflowers white, As if to e'en approach these sacred walls Fair flowers alone could bloom near heaven's shrine. Stirs on its slender stem The fragrant moonflower white A queenly diadem To deck the brow of night. Is felt no faintest breeze To lift the lang'rous air Yet through the glossy leaves Shy buds are trembling there. E'en tiny insect wings Are stilled, and incense deep, The night prevading, clings And all the senses steep. 104 And now the sun hath set, and pale the moon Gleams slenderly above the tree-tops high; O'er copse and woodland, glade and garden green The first entrancing strain of nightingale So piercing sweet stirs e'en the trembling buds Of moonflowers white to open to the night. And like a breath from paradise there sweeps O'er all the blossoms trembling, swaying sweet That bloom within the moonlit garden fair The plaintive, searching melody of love: "Love, my beloved one, shall last Shall last till death be past." Wouldst hear, O friend, beloved one, of her The fairest flow^er sweet that graced in days Gone by the manor house — a queenly rose Her maidens fair — a garden sweet — among? List then, beloved one, for fain I would Thy heart to my heart hold in tend'rest love, And 'tis the penalty of truest love To dread a future holding love long past. And thus to lovers true comes sweet the song Yon birdling sings of love beyond the gates. Still green today the manor garden glows, But hush'd the girlish voices gay and sweet That sang love's rondelay. In those past years The garden glowed as now with golden blooms, And flaunted to the sun gay blossoms bright, And with the night came sensuous moonflower's white To tell of passion pale, and lover's sighs. 105 'Twas then the nightingale in frenzied notes Poured forth his song of longing to his mate, And woke responsive echoes to his cry In hearts attuned to the night and love. See, my beloved one, the manor stands Approached through avenue of lordly trees With branches interv^^oven high in air, And through the sun-flecked leaves a-trembling high Soft light, subdued at mid-day e'en, is thrown. Down through this avenue of stately elms Past gay parterre of ever-blooming flowers A path of greenest turf winds in and out To lead at length by devious ways device Unto the river flowing to the sea. Upon this river, highway to the sea, Sailed forth in war's array the manor's lord To fight in battle for his liege, the king. And with him sailed a goodly company Of brave and gallant men. When back they came Victorious from foreign land's fair fields No guerdon greater could a conqueror gain Than won the manor's lord in winning her The fairest maid as bride, his wife to be: Who from her father's home in sunny France Surrounded by a chosen band of men And maids, as victor's prize returned With him — her conqueror. Not rudely seized As hostage fair in war's stern might, but giv'n In wise compliance — a ready yielding To the wish expressed by him, who, seeing once This fairest damozel, surrendered her His heart, and claimed the priceless gift — herself. io6 A duteous daughter, scarce but child In years To him the manor's lord is she betrothed, And gaily ring o'er sunny vineyards fair The wedding bells, then mid gay songs and jests Sail joyously, with silken banners spread, The strangers welcomed by the gallant men And brave to bear them merry company To this fair English home beyond the sea. Soon flit through ancient hall and garden gay A happy throng — like winged butterflies A-basking in the light of sumjmer time; While lilt sweet careless voices carrolling; "Who'd be a-sighing While skim o'erhead Gay swallows flying Circling, vying In golden summer-time to reach the sun? Soft zephyrs playing, Whisp'ring, swaying Through trembling tree-tops high sweet rapture shed. Who'd be a-sighing In summer's prime With roses blowing, Nodding, showing Mid blushing petals red each trembling heart? O'er fields of clover flits the rover Bird, bee or butterfly To reach love's clime. 107 Who'd be a-sighing? Bid care depart; Birdlfngs are winging Calling, singing; "Love's day go not away till life is done." All fears denying, Sweet, replying Wilt thou with rapture fill My pleading heart?" Perhaps 'twas part the perfume of the flowers — The moon-lit glade, the greater freedom gained By honors new^ — perhaps youth yields to youth, And, having gained his fairest bride, her lord On studious work long hours in silence spent; And in those hours 'twas sweet, 'twas natural To wander through these flower-decked groves With gay companions — friends of former days; Or when some hours of homesick sadness came How sweet to dwell in mem'ry's halls again With one to whom each step familiar was, To see again the vine-clad hills, and hear One's own familiar language spoken soft; To tell of little, well-remembered things, So commonplace when passing, yet so sweet When time has made them things forever gone. Among the throng of youths and maidens fair Attendant on the bride from her own home Was one brave knight — a distant kinsman young,- Who, like a brother fond, in childhood days Had shared her simple tasks and merry play. When both had older grown, his care it was To tame her crested falcon for the chase, And confident was he in all her joys. io8 Yes, sweet it seemed, and natural to roam With him these forest paths; and closer grew In sympathies so keen both hearts so young. There came at length a few sad days when he Reluctant, joined perforce a cavalcade To meet with honors due some foreign guests Who came to pay unto the English lord Their courtesies. These days of absence served As some relentless pow'r, resistless, great — In silence, yet with touch that trembled not To lift from sealed eyes the blindness past That hid th' effulgent light of mighty love. Seems now the madrigal of joy to turn To sadder theme and all the day to sigh: "Love, do you list'ning hear but words of cheer That bid you go? Not hear the stifled sigh — not know the fear Lest tears may flow? Yet in my breast scarce seems to beat my heart With all its woe; And veiled my eyes to hide their burning smart — Love, must you go? Love, do you know how long the days must seem With you away? How filled with sadness all the bird-songs teem — How garish day? Yet I can bid you go — my words are said — , Not bid you stay — Though all the summer days are empty — dead When you're away!" 109 That night of his return — the kinsman young — As was his wont of late, met her, the bride. Here where we stand, beloved one, O friend! While near them lilting voices carrolling Sang merrily the madrigal of love: Within each heart a pregnant silence lay Till woke the sleeping chords of ecstacy Outpoured unto the night; "Love my beloved one, shall last. Shall last till death be past." Were words a-mingled with the nightingales Soft, searching melody of deathless love? Listening together once again the night, The glowing flowers sweet, their own young hearts Spake in the language that leaves naught unsaid. That night a troubled dream disturbed her rest; She wandered lone through some dark wood, And always in the distance sadly called One voice upon her name. She woke to hear The muffled tread of heavy feet below In manor hall. Frightened, her maid came in To tell her hurriedly that at the dawn The stranger guests escorted by their hosts Had gaily hied them swiftly to the chase. And he, her kinsman, bore them company: Alas ! he wounded was — an accident — "God! was his voice in darkened wood then heard?" "No, not his voice," they sadly, softly cry, "For he was dead — dead when they found him first!" Beloved one, my friend, a withering blight Seemed then to fall upon this garden green And once so fair. Soon silence met the song IIO Of nightingale, and, desolate, a cry- Rang out to tell of gath'ring storm's stern might. Fled to the convent, there to expiate By weary vigils long and penance scourge The guilt of straying thoughts from her liege lord Wept one, once fairest maid all maids among, While he, the manor's lord grown stern and grim Hastened again in service for his King To lose the life now valueless since lone. At night while vesper bells so softly rang, ("Pealing, so softly stealing Earth's cares away.") And when the sun, low-setting gilt the stream Before her shrine a penitent in prayer Sought peace, for heavenly peace to soothe her pain. Then oft a bird's soft note assailed her soul To lead her wand'ring thoughts thro' banished years, And weeping she in accents contrite cried: I "The convent walls are high, so high, The world's afar While as a star Yon wax-light dim points to the sky Safe I should be On bended knee While vesper hymns sounds tenderly. II The convent walls are high so high, The trees so green Entice I ween Yon singing bird my soul to try; To lead astray At close of day My erring soul e'en as I pray. Ill The convent walls are high, so high, To shut away From eyes that stray The world's temptations ever nigh But, ah! for me Better to me Deaf to the song-bird's minstrelsy. IV The convent walls are high, so high Yet the first strain Of birds' refrain Recalls again the years gone by, Alas, for me A glade I see Where lovers wander merrily. 112 The convent walls are high, so high Why should the note Of bird remote Undo the work of years gone by: Penance and scourge My soul to purge Since o'er me moaned the funeral dirge? VI The convent walls are high, so high Soon, soon for me The past will be A thing forgot — when dead I lie — From sin made free Then shall I be Deaf to the song-bird's minstrelsy." Come, my beloved one, my more than friend, Wilt bid the nightingale in gentlest strain Tell me thy heart to mine by music sweet Is linked in fetters golden by his song? Then o'er this garden like Elysian fields, Softly shall waft the music of the spheres. 113 MY PLACE I in my little place in the world — You roving free; But who can measure thoughts in their flight ?- Like weapons hurl'd Their pow'r no man can see, I in my little place in the home — You lonely far; But who can curb my pray'r in the night? Where — e're you roam My faith your guiding star. I in my little place in your heart — You travel-worn; But who can guage the strength of a love From self apart That trusts you night and morn? I in my little place in the shade^ — You in the light: But God can hear my sigh whispered low, And, unafraid. You lead to vict'ry's might. I in the secret place of my soul Know love is true. My thoughts — my pray'rs — my hopes follow on What e'er your goal — My place — the heart of you. 114 YOUR EYES There are eyes of tender blue, Have a care! Beware! Lest your heart from me they woo As they sweetly smile at you — Heart of mine, to me be true! There are eyes so soft and brown. Have a care! Beware! Let the smile become a frovm, And a shower of tears come down — Angry tears in eyes of brown! There are eyes of dove-like grey. Have a care! Beware! Lest your heart they lead astray — Making love mere holiday, And your heart a plaything gay! There are eyes — ^your eyes so true — Long ago you know — Be they brown, or grey, or blue, Won your eyes my heart to you — Heart of mine, to me he true! 115 "IF THIS BE PARTING" If this must be the day we two shall part First tell me, love, what distant land to seek Where to my heart bereft no sound shall speak To me of you — if this be parting. If when I upward gaze unto the stars And see the golden moon — just as of yore Tell me, O love, forgot forevermore Must be past days — for this is parting! No more shall music sweet enthrall my soul For Oh, dear love, what thronging mem'ries wake! Its language is your own, — and ever spake To me of you — Must this be parting ? If this must be the day we two shall part Teach me to still my heart, — my weary brain, For ev'ry heart-beat — ev'ry throbbing vein But speaks of you — and this is parting! ii6 THE LAST GLANCE Into my eyes a glance said: — "Heart, surrender!" Yet still I yielded not, but bravely smiled With all the strength a vanquished cause can lend her — A woman's art to e'en herself beguile. Into my soul a loneliness forever — Eyes that once looked in mine Now closed and sealed — Poor bravery! — a woman's last endeavor To hold the citadel When Love cries: — "Yield!" 117 THE SECRET Who told the secret? who knew it to tell? Only the trees and the flow'rs of the dell. A sly squirrel, whisked 'cross the flow'r-bedecked glade — You saw him — and I — but were never afraid. A pair of brown wrens were loud quarr'ling on high— They could not have heard what we said — you and I. The cool little brook lapped the stones at our feet — For shame ! to mistrust that the brook would repeat ! A butterfly poised on a wild rose a minute- As soon I'd suspect a fair saint at her spinnet! The bees were so busily dusting the clover They surely would never be "talking us over." O sweetheart, I wonder if two roses glowing — Two eyes shy with love could our secret be showing? But what do we care if all the world's wond'ring? Yet "who told the secret?" I cannot help pond- 'ring! ii8 TIGER LILIES To M. R. V. Midsummer bright! and tall the lilies blow — Soft velvet-petaled leaves in golden glow. Back from its crown each spotted petal curls Be-set on slender stem with dusky pearls. Expectant stand the tiger lilies tall, While silver birch leaves near so softly fall. Birdling and bee and butterfly flit by O'er greenest garden turf 'neath summer sky. Dim through the night pale stars mid cloudland sweep, And dim the lilies tall sad vigil keep. Fair breaks dawn's light, — still wait the lilies tall; Expectant, too, sounds faint the lark's sweet call. Where is she gone whose touch of loving hand Made of this garden green a charmed land ? Lights flick'ring low through casement open'd wide All night a-tremble shone her bed beside. Pale, cold and still now sleeps a silent form, Nor wakes should tempests roar in deaf'ning storm. Midsummer bright ! Sad voices murmur low, But still the lilies bloom in golden glow. 119 LOVE'S CAPTIVE Persian Love Song Love's captive cries to his jailer stern; — "Good Master, a boon I crave: — Bid sleep, I pray thee, soft sleep sojourn In mine eyes that w^eep 'till thy return From the chase, the mart, from the court, the ball ; Where e're thou stayest My heart it prayest That sleep, soft sleep To mine eyes would steal. And dreams thy lov'd face reveal; So if thou ling'rest at chase or ball, At the court, the mart or stately hall I dreaming would see thee. Would love thee still, — Nor couldst thou ever leave me For waking or dreaming With rapturous seeming Thy image my dreams shall fill." By permission of The John Church Co, 120 WHEN LOVE IS YOUNG {Madrigal) : Oh! come, come, Why shouldst thou When love is young. And jocund May To sportive play Invites thee, — Why shouldst thou. To spite me. When love is young Cry: "Nay, nay, today Thou dost affright me!" Oh! come, come. Why shouldst thou When love is young, And 'tis the day For sport and play. Thus doubt me? Why shouldst thou So flout me When love is young, And; "Come, come to-day!" Sounds all about thee? Oh! come, come, Why shouldst thou When love is young Wait 'till the day Is passed away To meet me? Why shouldst thou Not greet me — When love is young — With: "I'm thine to-day!" Nor longer cheat me? INDIAN SUMMER There comes a day, before we've more than thought Of summer dead, when the mind waits to see A changed aspect o'er the landscape near; Tall trees stand black against the cloud-swept skies, Their branches holding here and there some leaves Of varied hue. The tired mind of man Throws of its weight to see again more sky Than greets his eye erstwhile in summer heat. The dusty streets stretch white along the way; Dark green the grass appears when viewed afar; The shifting winds sweep here and there brown leaves. While flocks of little birds alight, arise — Scarce to be known from leaf, so brown, so swift In sudden flight. A yellow, smoky haze Enwraps familiar scenes in vistas new. The air is fragrant with the frost-touched leaves That burn in heaps along the clean-swept way. The vine upon the gray stone wall glows bright With crimson sprays that cheat us to believe The summer's gayest flowers once more abloom — As sometimes springs the flower of love anew In hearts where burned the fierce flame of youth — Long past! Yet from the ashes of the heart May rise and glow once more the fire of love. 123 THE BASHFUL LOVER So like her glowing cheek The wild-rose fair — The words my lips would speak Unspoken tremble there; And like blue lily-bells Her drooping eyes — What secret in them dwells My heart would fain surprise. Like ripened grain her hair In sunshine seen, Yet scarce I'd trembling dare To touch its silken sheen; And like her red, red lips The perfect rose From which the sweet bee sips The nectar rich that glows. Now wild-rose blush I see Turn crimson flame, For shall a honey-bee A bashful lover shame? 124 LOVE'S NIGHT Sweet, once the days Held all such dear delight We could not grasp them quite— Those precious days, — But, prodigal, We wasted moments bright As if those golden days Must last for aye, — As if the day Could know no coming night — Ah, night! Love's night! Sweet, in love's night Death seals a closed door, And bids us never more Taste love's delight. A shadow pale From those fair days of yore Would flood my soul all bright With ecstasy; But past love's day. And black the lonely night — Ah, night! Love's night! 125 I'HAJNKiSGIVING I thank Thee — God — For simple, little things That make life glad: — The smoke of burning leaves — The first faint tracery Of frosted panes — The rush of whirring feet Through crackling twigs — A spray of sumac red — A sharp'ning air — All tell that summer's dead, — But winter's King — I thank Thee— God! I thank Thee — God — Who made me part of life! The sparrow small He named. Men most obscure He likened to Himself — The humblest sought. Great deeds are like the sun, And all men praise; But little things are sweet — ■ Like violets. I thank Thee — God — Who little things hath made, And none forgot! 126 THE STAY AT HOME I see snow-covered peaks of cloud-land mountains high Touched by the rising sun. What matter to my heart so well content if I Perchance have traveled none? 'Tis His — the Hand that makes the clouds — the peaks — the sun — And e'en the mind behind the eye that scans the sky And sees what God hath done. The little stream that winds through meadows calm and still Can bear me dreaming down To oceans wide: I see the angry waves; — the thrill Of tempests surge and drown: And frovin the ink-black clouds like night: the rain pours dowoi. I wake from day-dream just to see the old frame mill Stand in familiar brown. I hurry — oft so travel-stained and almost spent — • Along earth's highways old; — Brussels and Antwerp — foggy London — Paris — Ghent — Their tales so often told Seem no way new. — But best I dream my hands en- fold My eager friend's — to welcome me with wonder- ment — The foreign traveler bold ! 127 What if I waking see stand prim and tall Red hollyhocks a-blow? And breathe the perfume of clove-pinks: and hear the call Of cat bird — sweet and low? The hands to welcome me may be the palsied ones Of our poor neighbour Jane who lifts my gate- latch small. — I thank God it is so! 128 A VALENTINE Yes, the snows are all about, And a nipping, frosty air That would chill a tender sprout If to show its head *twould dare: Yet the robin and the wren And the humblest growing thing — • They are ready once again To believe it is the Spring It is mating time — And growing time — And loving time, my dear, And this Valentine I'm sending you To make my meaning clear: See the Cupids on the cover, And the bow with bleeding darts — > It is sent you by a lover, And his heart with longing smarts. Sec, the gentle rains will fall — And the breezes whispering low Woo the tiny vi'lets small — Coax the daffodils to grow: And the river breaks away That the ice has held so long — Flowing, murm'ring, rippling gay In the springtime's happy song: 129 Yes, tis mating time — And growing time — And loving time, you see — And this Valentine Would bid you now Entrust your heart to me: All the flowers bloom and glisten — All the bird-songs carol sweet — Hear my song, and as you listen Bid your heart its song repeat. 130 UNDER THE LILACS I see the lilacs purple sheen In swaying branches high; — The graveled path — the new grass, green, — The soft-flecked, springtime sky: I see the bank amid the trees That slopes to brooklet small; And now as then, like rain the breeze In trembling poplars tall; But most to pierce my heart — now lone — I hear a bird's song ring. O spirit love, in realms unknown Do you, too, hear it sing? 131 "WHY, O LITTLE FLOWRET?" Why, O little flow' ret. With your rain-washed face Can you smile so brightly As the spring show'rs race? Down the black clouds pouring Drench the meadows green As if Heav'n were weeping — Still your smile serene! By the brooklet standing Wait I all in vain, — She the tryst forsaking As fast falls the rain: Still the mill wheel turning Laughs its happy song, — Flow'r and brook are mocking At my waiting long. Know you, little flow* ret, With your petals blue. There are eyes I know of With a brighter hue? Know you, noisy brooklet. Though your voice is strong There's a voice far sweeter — In my heart its song. 132 See, the clouds are clearing !- Is it brook or bird That my lone heart hearing All my being stirred? Flow'ret, little flow' ret, Lift your smiling face — On her breast soon lying You will find a place! 133 TWO VISIONS One woman sees the world spread out Before her listless gaze, And in her heart — like desert drought — No spring of joy can raise. Another sees on prairies bleak From cloudland's valleys high God's mountains rising peak on peak Against the sunset sky. One hears her own sad heart complain In symphony divine ; And one forgets life's stress and strain In simplest song or line. And so God gives His gifts — we take. — His not the blame — but ours If we the light of joy forsake To fret behind life's bars. 134 GOD'S PROMISES Sometimes the heart cries out: "Be near me, God, I pray! I am bereft — and lost — Show me, O God, the way !" Sometimes I sorely need To rest my heart on Thee — Sometimes I seem to hear His voice to comfort me; Sometimes I hear Him say: " 'Knock' and 'twill open be!" " 'Seek' and you'll surely find!" " 'Ask' what you will of Me!" Sometimes I wonder why On life's hard, lonely way His promises we doubt — Teach me, O God, to pray! Sometimes I almost seem To touch my Brother's hand — Only a moment's grasp — All day I stronger stand j Sometimes in darkened room A Light I faintly see — His light that lifts the gloom — Lead me, O God to Thee! 135 "LOVELY WEATHER" It is always "lovely weather" In a country that I know. I have seen two walk together — Wintry winds might chill and blow — But the roses — cold can't cheat her — Bloomed upon her face so fair, And his heart-blood leapt to meet her As they strolled together there. It was always "lovely weather" In their country, though the sun Beat or bake the grass or heather If together they were one. Do you know that land beguiling? Have you traveled in Love's clime Where the skies are bright and smiling- "Lovely weather" all the time? 136 FUTURITY That day, O love, your soul unseen takes flight How shall I, weeping, look upon your face? How shall I bear the home-like — once-loved place Where we have lived? — ^you hidden from my sight. That day, O love, how still must gleam your brow — (The eyes fast-closed that I have loved so well.) Shall you not see me where-so ere you dwell? — I seem to feel your pit'ing glance e'en now. Shall you not hear me? — sobs my bosom fret. — Not hear me though my heart so wildly cry ? (You who look up to question if I sigh) — Dear heart, no love like ours shall e'er forget. 137 LOVE'S SILENCE If you, when all our parted years are fled, But turn again your steps to seek my door- Then will I need no word to tell me more Than that you trust me — sweetest word unsaid. I will not ask what heart-breaks you have known Nor seek to know the buried, bitter woe, — It is enough that you can trust me so^ — And all the weary years at last are flown. It will be sweet to know that you are near — To see the dusky twilight fill the room- To think that only I can light the gloom, And in the silence feel that I am dear. . 138 "SINCE YOU ARE GONE" Why do you mock me, O you happy days, Now that I am alone? Around my heart You bind a chain as strong as riven iron : Out of the flow'rs that smiled once 'neath the sun You brew a spell to drive my tired brain mad. If you had whispered to me — loving then — (O you, the spirit of those golden days!) That I should be so wretched when alone Would I not than have fled your passing joys? I look now up into the mocking sky: And pass I silently the blooming flow'rs. No longer smile the ripples of the lake — All emptiness — ^just things of soul-less life Since you are gone. 139 "I WONDER" Little cloud, little cloud You sail so quickly by, — I wonder whither flying You haste in distant sky? Little cloud, little cloud A boat is on the sea, — I wonder if I ask you Would drop a word from me? Little cloud, little cloud No longer you I see, — I wonder if the breezes Would kinder be to me? Southern breeze, southern breeze You sigh of passion's fire, — I wonder can I trust you To breathe my heart's desire? Southern breeze, passing breeze You're whisp'ring to the rose, — Yon nightingale a-singing Aloft may bear my woes, — Nightingale, nightingale Your heart knows sorrow's pain — I wonder will you winging Repeat my heart's refrain? 14a Little cloud, passing breeze And nightingale are done, — I wonder if thought speeding Can reach the distant one? Know you then, know you then You are not alone — From my heart, from my heart Winged thoughts have flown. 141 DE PROFUNDIS (To Mr. John McCormack) Deep from the sea a pearl — A lovely, lustrous thing; Once was it jagged, — rough — A shell imprisoning? Deep in my heart a song — What wells of anguish keen Gushed from my aching breast In tears unswept — unseen ! Go, pearl and song, your way. The pearl a crown may grace. Haply my little song May cheer some lonely place. 142 Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: Oct. 2009 PreservationTechnologies A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECTIONS PRESERVATION 111 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township, PA 16066 (724) 779-2111