VACATION LINES HARRY COKER VACATION LINES HARRY COKER COPYRIGHTED OCTOBER 1916 OCT 24 1916 A444570 vs The Seven Falls Colorado Springs Nee Granda Inspired from viewing the beautiful lake, Nee Granda, near Eads, Colo. Where the mountain quail is singing. To the world, music bringing. And the air with joy ringing, Thou art there; Nee Granda. Where the prairie dogs are playing, Th-eir alacrity and fear displaying. And their happy life portraying. There I find. Nee Granda. Where the rattlesnakes are sunning, Where the rabbits big are running. And the lizards small and cunning. Too, are found; Nee Granda. Where the cactus thick is blooming, And the sage brush unassuming. And the thistles just presuming. Thou art there; Nee Granda. Where the rising sun is blending, Yonder hills dark green unending, And the sky's bright hues descending. Thou art present; Nee Granda. Where the Colorado breezes blow. And the Western sun doth show, Sandy plains where castus grow. Blissful spot. Nee Granda. Across thy waters dark and green, I often watch the sunrise gleam. And wish to paint the rosy scene. Our lovely. Nee Granda. Then as morning swift advances. And the sun at midday dances. On thy surface, the scene enhances, All the more, Nee Granda. As the sun his course pursues, And the Western sky Imbues, With his magic brush and hues, I watch thee. Nee Granda. And thy waters gently take, A color rich and brightest make, The prettiest blu-e that ere clothed lake, Is thine own, Nee Granda. When the sun doth disappear. And day's curtains drawn near. And the stars haste to appear. Thou art restful, Nee Granda. As the moon shows above, Yonder tree and seeks to prove, Our rememberance in God's love, I see thee. Nee Granda. And thy waters spark and gleam, While a path of dazzling sheen. In reflection can be seen, Most beautiful Nee Granda. When life's trials, quite unending, And some burden is descending. Into sorrow slowly blending, I think of thee, Nee Granda. And thy waters cool and pure, From my sadness does allure. And my lot I can endure, In sweet peace. Nee Granda. So thy beauty, never ending, Is to me with joy attending, In the book of Memory's sending, A place most dear, Ne-e Granda. Mount Horeb's Cooling Fountain Exod. 17:1-7; Cor 10:14; Rev. 22:17. The day waxed hot; the sun From his lofty home on high, On sea and wilderness shone Prom out the brazen sky. The breeze so faint that blew Across the burning sand, Was hot and dry; and grew Almost unbearable to man. The trees stood silent, as if In accents to complain, Their trunks in silence stiff Did seem to long for rain. The grass was dying; small flowers- Had long since ceased to bloom. The wind and sun for hours Had triumphed o'er their doom. The Isarelites trudged on; their feet Were blistered from the sands. Their faces spoke defeat And calloused were their hands. Long weary years had passed Since leaving Pharaoh's land; Their hopes had fallen fast On the desert's bleaching sand. Their lips were dry and parched And food supply was low. So many days had they marehed Through land and desert's glow. Soon they began to murmur low. Then as the day advanced. They spoke in tones to show Their pitiable circumstance. Said they, "It were better far In Egypt to remain. And serve as bondmen there For Pharaoh's royal train, "V^nere there were graves enough To hold us when we die, Than be brought here to starve In wilderness so dry." Alas! how soon forgot They, of the hallowed ground, Where manna rained upon the spot And meat from Heaven came down; And God's great power was shown. His care for th-em made plain. His word to them made known, And promises not in vain. Their murmurs rose, and Moses, . Who saw their faith so small, God's love again disclosed. Within the sight of all: With mighty force he struck Mount Horeb's stately rock, Sweet waters forth did gush To people and to stock. Tbe lips so parched and dry Were moistened by waters sweet; The herds and flocks came nigh With eager, stamping feet. The murmurngs ceased; and peace Again was quite supr-eme. The God of Israel's release Still had the power to redeem. The covenant long since made By God with Abraham, Was still in force and stayed By His Omnipotent hand: That hand led Israel -each day Along the desert sand. Nearer, nearer, always. To the bright, Promised Land. O, people of to-day. Now listen and give heed. Sometimes the d-esert way, And graft and lust and greed, Doth storm our humble life And in the shade we feel, We are alone in strife With none to care or heal. Pleas-e come unto the Rock Where healing waters flow, No more the trials will shock, Or power of temptation grow: The waters pure and sweet Will quench the thirsty soul, You'll find your joy complete As years to eternity roll. Whosoever will, may come To the rich and sparkling fountain. That still doth flow to all From Horeb's sacred mountain: The stream of life flows ever To lives in sweet accord. That Rock shall stand forever For it is Christ, the Lord! Roselawn This poem was written aft-er spend- ing a forenoon in the peaceful, well- kept cemetery, Roselawn, at Pueblo, Colo. As I journey toward th-e rising of the sun. In the morning when the day has just begun, Then I find the quiet land where life is done. Peaceful, quiet Roselawn. Thru the gates, so old and quaint, I pass. Traverse th>Q walks past plots of grass, Where lietli men of each and every class In peace and rest; Roselawn. There I see a monument tall and grand, Of stately make and type of Eastern land, And lettered neat by sculptor's hand. Imposing, serene; Roselawn. Here a vault of rich and marble make. It stands beside a charming lake. With door and key with which to take A view inside: Roselawn. Th-ere a stone whose cross and form Doth make me think of Galilean storm, Of darkness, bowed head, outstretch- ed arm On Calvary: Roselawn. But I pass thru walk and shady lane, Over bridge, along the road, and walk again, 'Till I reach a nook where spirits reign. Peaceful, quiet Ros-elawn. There the cross on almost every tomb, Emblem of Hope and telling of Sa- tan's doom. Bringing comfort, sweet beauty and bloom To saddened hearts: Roselawn. The mounds thickly cluster in num- ber there. The Italians are lying, free from life's care, Far from their home-land, Italy so fair. In rest and peace: Roselawn. Another section I next pass by. Where brothers from Ireland peaoe- fully lie, With cross telling of home beyond the sky, Peaceful, quiet Roselawn. I journey on thru lanes and drives, And see the marks of love to treasur- ed lives. And the Hope that life, the grave sur- vives, I see it all: Roselawn. The stately elm and the sweet scented pine, Doth gently speak in music and line. Of the plan of our Father true and divine, To me softly! Roselawn. When Gabriel blows his trumpet from on high. And our Lord in His glory appears in the sky, Your mission is done when He passeth by. Peaceful, quiet Roselawn. Beautiful South Cheyenne Inspired from a visit to the Seven Falls in South Cheyenne Canon, Col- orado Springs, Colo. Enchanted spot! Where nature bold To all, her boundless store Of treasure great and wealth untold, Doth open wide the door. Wonder of wonders! South Cheyenne, Whose mighty towering walls. Doth speak to me of ancient time. In accents hushed and mystic calls. Marvelous, wonderful! Thy sacred depths Are guarded strong and well; Many a secret you might disclose If you v/ould only tell. Strange, wondrous glen! Where si- lence reigns Except for murmur low Of winding silv-ery mountain stream As limpid waters flow. The mighty pillars that ever guard Thy magic entrance-way. Are tall and grand; and shadows dark. On the sides so rugged play. I tread thy paths; the summer breeze Among the fragrant pines, Doth speak in quiet, soft-ened tone. Of unmolested times. On rustic bridge I cross the stream That merrily runs along; Its secrets deep I cannot learn For I can't understand its song. A dark weird way from mountain top Doth lead down rugged side. Black and odious, fearful and rough, It is tbe Devil 's Slide. A mass of rocks, in build and shape, Doth make me think of Rome, When Trajan built in ancient style, rt is the Prospect Dome. And now I think of feudal times Of tournament, clash and shock, I see the towers and massive walls. The imposing Castle Rock. The sacred glen I enter next Where there is all to please, I pass between the granite walls, The Pillars of Hercules. The scenery richer and grander grows, For nature -exceeds mere man In building and shaping and coloring here, O, beautiful South Cheyenne! The winding, murmuring mountain stream Doth journey in and out. With one large pool so clear and pure. Where lurk the mountain trout. Above thy precincts cool and calm, Above th-e forest glade, Sentinel pines guard well the place Where Helen Hunt was laid. And now I reach a level spot. In time enchanted halls, And here I se-e, O beautiful, The dashing Seven Falls! Far up the path of granite rock. The sparkling waters fall, Down, down, for seven lengths Along the canon wall. O, Canon deep and dark and still I love thy peaceful bowers, And granit-e walls that guard thy dell Where bloom the little flowers. Wonder of wonders; marvels of mar- vels Finest of fine display; Glory of glories; beauty of beauties Where Natur-e has full sway! Towering cliff and crag and rock. Unsealed by humble man. Shadow and light, dark pine stream, O, beautiful South Cheyenne! The Mountain's Story PART I "O, mighty mountain, tall and grand, I sit beneath thy shade, I marvel at thy tow-ering height, And wonder how you were made. "The scientist's theory, so often stated, I cannot accept it now, For as I sit and look upon Thy calm and lofty brow, "Thy pine-clad heights and towering realms. Where light and shadow play. Thy mystic caverns dark and deep, Wbere strangers never stray, "I cannot think that powerful quake. Upheaval great or storm. Volcanic eruption, or earth movement. Could build thy mighty form. "As now I sit and gaze in awe. Prom foot to towering peak, O, won't you tell from out your home, The things I humbly seek? "So, tell me now, how you were made. In time of long ago. And I will hear with open ear, Your accents soft and low." "Dear child of God; but for your faith And interest kind and true, I would not now disclose my past. In hushed accents to you. " 'Tis all in vain, that men explain How I was formed and made, It is to me so strange to see, That people seek that aid. "Some of cultured mind, broad and refined, Accept the idle tales, That I was formed by time and change, And my sequestered dales. "But inasmuch, as there are such Who do not take God's truths; There is a class, who onward pass. And seek the deeper views: "With seeing eyes they recognize That back of tree or sod, The hill or vale or mountain dale, Is seen the Hand of God. "And so, my friend, my tale begins At the time of Creation, When God's Spirit moved, upon the waters In lonely habitation. "The day and night. He made to be, And Heaven's dome was reared; The waters parted from waters above And the dry land appeared. "My companions and I took form and shape Beneath His touch of Hand, He lifted my head in utmost grace. That I might guard the land. "He planted the pines around the base And partway up the side. Of rugged form, and they are ever My comfort and my pride. "Amid the rocks and trees and shrubs, In all the little bowers, He planted with care, almost every- where, The lovely little flowers. "From divine touch, beneath the crag, A spring of water gushed. It sweetly sang its Maker's praise. As down its path it rushed. "The boulders great that now you see, He made in various shape, And here a point from which to view The changing landscape. "He planted the cedars to beautify The ledges plain and bare, And in the dale. He gently placed The aspen tree with care. "And on one slope. He quickly fash- ioned A vale with carpet green. Sprinkled the dew-drops at morning time In lovely dazzling sheen. "The dale below, long, long ago. The Master also made. And now a town on picturesque ground Is nestling beneath my shade. "The cavern deep he rounded out. For animals wild and bold, A shelter and home to rear their young In my protecting fold. "He hollowed the place where canon deep Excites the traveler's gaze. He quickly reared the mighty walls, That guard the sacred ways. "And so, c'ear friend, God made us all. Secluded vale and lofty peak, Our treasures vast and wealth untold, Which covetous men now seek. "His handiwork is plainly seen In stream and canon wall, In dizzy height and fragrant pine P^'or God did make us all." PART II "O, mighty mountain tall and grand, Please speak to me again. And tell me now what you have seen, Since Time begain her reign. "Serene and bold since times of old You've stood in grandeur here, You span the ages of mystic Past, Thru times of dusk and cheer. "Eras have risen and passed away And races have gone to rest; You've watched it all and locked the secrets Within your mighty breast. "But now to me, won't you disclose The history of the past; I have no tablets marked and figured. Or parchments crumbling fast. "So won't you tell in low hushed voice, What you have seen thru time, And I will listen with reverence and Joy To story of western clime." "Away back, in the beginning of his- tory, I saw the mystic dawn, And I recall quite clearly The light at break of morn. "To the east a sea of water Bright and pure and blue, Reflected the sun's caressing rays In light and varied hue. "The world was just as beautiful In days of long ago, As in the modern age when sun Sets western plains aglow. "After centuries long had passed away, God filled the deep blue sea With trees and plants and fish and flowers, And covered them tenderly. "Their fossil forms you now may find In ledges of rock to-day. To verify my thrilling tale Of things long passed away. "The years went by; and God again Came with His loving hand. And smoothed the surface into a plain Of rich and fertile land. "He dented the plains for river beds And planted the graceful trees, Along the banks of rippling streams, That sang of mighty seas. "He planted the fiowers in all the bowers, And over the endless plains. By water's edge, in peaceful nook. And in His favorite lanes. "He finished the task that men might see The handiwork of God, By covering the plain with verdure rich. The beautiful prairie sod. "Soon after this I chanced to look Unto the north on-e day, And there I saw a group of beings Stealthily wending their way. "Along my brother's majestic form And 'cross the purling stream, On, to my very base, then halted. Quite undecided, it seemed. "They looked at me and then passed on As though my stately form. Could not shelter them and their young From rain and wind and storm. "I afterwards l-earned that they were men. Whom God in His image made; The highest creation; Omnipotent power So vividly portrayed. "They lived below o'erhanging ledges, In houses made with clay, And rough-hewn rocks and cavern wall. Cliff Dw-ellers, now you say. "Years upon years flew swiftly by And I was unmolested. The bears and lions roamed at will Or by the spring's side rested. "And then one day as I kept watch, I saw a band of men Come from the north with cautious tread. And halt within the gl-en. "Unsuited, too, they left my paths And eastward went their way. They built huge mounds to hold their dead. Mound Builders, they're called to-day. "A century passed, another class Came from the mystic north. In paint of war, f-eathers bedecked, This hostile band came forth: "The largest group, I yet had seen, And they were different too. Complexion red, and straight black hair And feathers of every hue. "Bodies erect and lithe and strong, And piercing, sparkling eye, But strangest of all, their martial call. Their far resounding war-cry. "My lofty form, sequestered vales. My tall and stately trees, My silvery streams and sheltering rocks Did satisfy and please. "So Chief Redman and all his tribe Took up their new abode. While I my blessings of hunting rare Upon my friends bestowed. "The years rolled by, old Father Time Was long since turning gray; Four centuries ago I chanced to look Unto the south one day, "And there I saw a corps of men Bold Spaniards, people tell. Searching, seeking Fountain of Youth, In mountain height and dell. "I saw Coronado and valiant band Go 'cross the scorching sands, "Midst hardships great and burning heat In search of New World lands. "Then exploration ceased and once again The Indians reigned supreme. Their dark lithe forms were every- where, By tree and rushing str-eam. "Then soon the French from sunny Pushed up the riverways, And trading posts were quickly built, Foretelling busier days. "The years went by, the shrewd white man Kept gaining greater power. He built his posts, traded his goods, And daily -enriched his bower. "But wondrous change again took place A hundred years ago. Brave Major Pike, I plainly saw. With sturdy company below. "Since then each year a change has wrought In these wild western lands. The years have brought new sc-enes and thought O'er sunny western sands. "Thru morning watch and noonday bright, And closing day's sweet blend. In sun and rain, I've stood and watched The famous western trend. "The prairie schooner in wagon trains Came 'long th-e dusty way. With goods and treasure to trade or sell When they reached Santa Fe. "Then soon I noticed, far to the east, That little towns were forming. They thrived and grew in spit-e of drouth Or treacherous Indian storming, "The wliite men came and Indian chief And all his faithful band, Were forced to come in stern retreat To friendly mountain land. "My treasure-hous-e was found one day By white men brave and bold, Then came the rush from eastern lands. In search of precious gold. "The changing years have flitted by And now the rolling plains. Are graced with towns and farms and And quiet, shady lanes. "And at my base the busy hum Of vast machinery is heard, My precious jewels in secret chests Have all been probed or stirred. "My sole companion, friend of the past, I see him now no more. The Indian brave has passed away, To the bright eternal shore. "Yet still I stand in beauty rare And lift my head with ease, My lofty form, my sweet-scented pines Shall never fail to please. "My lucid streams where mountain trout Lurk in the deep clear pool. My caverns dark, my canons deep, My shade so sweet and cool, "Will ever soothe the weary man Along life's winding way. Will lighten his load and give him cheer Thru busy life's short day. "It is well: that man has found My gifts so deep and great; The smelter flame, the foundry's ring In fair Columbine State, "The busy mine, p-erpetual hum Of reduction works each day. Doth speak to me in varied tone, Saying, 'It is God's way.' "And I am here to serve and give Unto the sons of God, That men may live, that men may walk The path the Savior trod. "So I shall stand to minister h-ere Until that coming day, 'When trumpet sounds and time's no more, And former things are passed away!' " Peace, Sweet Peace Biblical References, Isa 2:4; Micah 4:3. This is a dream which I trust will be brought to a realization in the near future. The light of day is breaking Far o'er the eastern hills, The little birds are waking. And trees and plants and rills. In the quietude of morning A solemn hush is heard, The summer day is dawning In obedience to God's word. The whole of earth is teeming With happiness and song. The light of Love is streaming Upon the happy throng. The clouds have rolled away. We see the rising sun, And we are told to-day, A new era has begun. Look! since man has breathed, We have not seen before. The mighty sword is sheathed And seeks to kill no more. No more the centimeter gun Stands out in grand array, And when the fight's begun Mows down the men each day. No more in God's clear light The bristling canons gleam; The tale of yesternight Is but a frightful dream. Dimly do we recall The shell and liquid fire, The bombs that dropped on hall And roof and dome and spire. And onc-e the poisonous gases Were forced in trenches long, And men were killed in masses, The brilliant and the strong. But praise our God above We have put those things away, And tools of Truth and Love Have taken their place to-day. I hear the angels singing. The wars on earth have ceased, Around the world is ringing, "Sweet Peace — Universal Peace!' "A nation shall not rise Against a nation any more;" Now shout until the skies Re-echo o'er and o'er. The arts of war shall never Take up our mind again. The bonds of love ne'er sever By any martial strain. We'll beat the flaming sword Into an useful plow-share, And spear, its use absurd, A pruning hook with care. Our Master up above We follow in truth and deed. Our hearts are filled with love. We work for brothers' need. No time before has been When wars so cruel had ceased. When all earth's mighty men Were following the Prince of Peace. Sing out the glorious song That sons of men may hear, And happy mothers in the throng Who hold their sons so dear; And lovers too may know In lane or busy mart, When they have made their vow. No war shall come to part. The light of day is breaking Far o'er the eastern hills, A world new He's making Of trees and plants and rills. Where wars and bugle call In all our lands have ceased. And hovering over all. Sweet Peace — Universal Peace! Sunrise From Pike's Peak The stars are twinkling In deep blue sky, But dimmer are growing As minutes go by. The valleys are dark Beneath our feet, The dark, deep shadows Cover retreat Of mountain goat And elk and bear, Of busy beaver And lion's lair, Of graceful deer, Of mountain sheep, And chipmunks sly In canon deep. But look! a change O'er sky doth creep. Dame Night is ending Her vigilant keep. A light is stealing From eastern sky, Slowly, softly o'er Starry canopy. The moments speed by. The azure blue Takes on a softer And richer hue. The stars grow dimmer And twinkle less. For each is ending Its mission to bless. And now bars of light Span eastern sky, Phophetic of hope To us, from on high. The light is dispersing The shades of night. The jewelled canopy Is passing from sight. The stars fade away In ether-sal blue, The morning star lingers To bid adieu. The deep azure sky- Becomes a haze, Where rich colors blend And Nature's brush plays. The -east grows lighter And radiant beams, Like pathways bright In beautiful dreams, Bar eastern sky With bars of light. That fall in beauty On mountain height. The bars grow longer And bright and high 'Till they span in glory The entire sky. Some clouds that linger At horizon line. Are gilded and painted Like Orient shrine: As minutes pass by They become like fire, Vivid and red they flame Up higher and higher. The shadows are leaving Mountain and vale. The tall stately pines And burro trail. On swift silvery stream The beams of light. Are sparkling and flashing Past dizzy height. Cliff, crag and rock Are radiant growing, Tree, bush and flower From light is glowing. Behold the sky! a cast O'erspreads the dome, More rosy and beautiful Than art of Rom-e. Look! from eastern realms And land of light; Heralds precede the king In livery bright. See! on comes the king By magic power drawn; We behold his face — And day doth dawn. Look up, ye waking world! And watchers of the way, For God has giv-en us, Another day. The Mountain Stream Dedicated to my friend, Miss Myrtle Sutherland. Far up the heights From out the earth, A tiny spring Bursts merrily forth. From ledge of rock In secluded place. It began its rushing Downward race. Its waters pure Were dazzling bright, When first they saw Th-e summer light. Over towering walls It swiftly ran, Descending heights Untouched by man. Thru patches green And blooming flowers, It sang its song In nature's bowers. Companions joined On downward way, And tiny stream In delicate array, Became a larger And loveli-er brook. Traversing dale And shady nook. Past dizzy heights It sped along, And ever sang Its praise of song. Still other streams Joined in the race, Down sunny path Thru covert place. Until the brook With boisterous roar, Became a torrent Of mountain lore. It rushed along Past boulders great. By trees and spots Of historic date. Then next it dashed O'er canon wall. And roared down The mighty fall. Serene and quiet Within the glen, It rippled past The t-ents of men. Then bold again It gathered force, And over rocks Pursued its course. The sunlight played On waters clear. That sparkled bright With dazzling cheer. The glen oecame More deep and wild, But water's song The time beguiled. Hiding sometimes Beneath the ledge. Then reappearing From under edge. Between huge boulders Where sunlight flashed. Past fragrant pines It madly dashed. Down, down the glen Sparkling and flashing, Dancing and singing. Foaming and dashing! Down, down between The canon walls, Until it reached Minnehaha Falls, And there its music In sweetest harmony, Filled all the place With pleasing melody. Continuing on, Splasliing and churning, With various falls. Winding and turning. The Ruxton reached Fond Manitou, And murmured down Its avenue: Under rustic bridge, Past lovely inn, Thru little parks And city's din. On, to the plain Where other streams Joined in the rush. Where sunlight gleams. On runs the river Past field and tree, Until it reaches The mighty sea. Dear mountain stream. Your music sweet Dispels my sadness And chases defeat. Your soothing waters Sp-eak peace to me, From business cares I am set free. Thy murmuring low Doth speak to soul, Of God above, While ages roll. So, silvery stream In mountain glen. Continue to be A blessing to men. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS illllilllllii 018 602 585 4 •