Class 2£-S 54^ 
 
 le^lS 
 
 COPYRIGHT DEPOSm 
 
REMINISCENCES 
 
 BY 
 
 O. E. Throckmorton, M. D. 
 
 Burt-Haywood 
 Company 
 
 I^aFayette, Indiana 
 

 Copyright, 1913, 
 by O. E. Throckmorton 
 
 >C!.A347176 
 
®a HSg Mnt^n 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 IN THIS BOOK of reminiscences are some old- 
 fashioned sentiments of an old-fashioned fellow 
 — one who, perhaps, from the viewpoint of 
 many, has not caught the true spirit of the times. 
 It may be that the author is one of those who 
 lag behind, one of the many who by force of cir- 
 cumstance rather than by choice are compelled 
 to move tardily forward; certain it is that he is 
 not one of those who are ever in the lead and at 
 the same time dragging the laggards with them. 
 It may be that he is one who, waiting while oth- 
 ers toil till victory crowns their efforts, accepts 
 the fruits of their labor with seemingly ungrate- 
 ful heart. Notwithstanding that in this twen- 
 tieth century the things of today are cast aside 
 tomorrow (for it seems that the people are not 
 only willing but anxious to cast aside the old and 
 take up the new), the writer of these verses must 
 confess that he has a habit of clinging to the old, 
 and takes up the new, if at all, with reluctance. 
 While acknowledging that some things of to- 
 day are far superior to those of the past and be- 
 
yond the wildest dreams of our childhood days, 
 and that the needs of humanity make it imper- 
 ative that some things of yesterday be cast aside, 
 yet it seems, whenever memory takes us back to 
 where our childhood days are brought to view, 
 or when we remember those who, by striving, 
 succeeded in making the world what it is today, 
 that there is a halo around "the things of long 
 ago." 
 
 While these verses are disposed to be opti- 
 mistic, yet it does not necessarily follow that the 
 author is always of the same disposition ; on the 
 contrary, many of the cheerful lines were written 
 when the author had a bad case of the "blues." 
 However, after such effort the clouds have often 
 drifted apart to let the sunlight in. If the read- 
 ing of these verses should help some fellow lab- 
 orer to bear his burden and perchance give him 
 a broader view of life and cause him at times to 
 reach down and lift up some soul that has be- 
 come discouraged; if in their publication the 
 author should find just a few who understand; 
 then the effort will not have been in vain. 
 
 O. E. T. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 JIMTOWN 13 
 
 when you hear the rain drops 1 5 
 
 the old drum corps 18 
 
 there's eolks a-needin' help 20 
 
 the city might do, if — 23 
 
 ""TWIXT NIGHT-TIME AND DAY 2/ 
 
 thanksgivin' day 30 
 
 what i like to play 33 
 
 KEEP a-sawin' wood 35 
 
 there's good in everybody 37 
 
 where the sunlight rests 39 
 
 "hello bill" 40 
 
 old rover 43 
 
 the old jimtown band 46 
 
 OLD TIME SINGIN' 49 
 
 SHADOWS 54 
 
 TAIL END O' SUMMER 57 
 
 FOLKS what's DONE THEIR BEST 62 
 
 QUIT A-WORRYIN' 63 
 
 THE OLD TIME SPELLIN' 67 
 
 PAWPAWS FROM OLD JOHNSON 7I 
 
 TELL ME NOW 74 
 
 WHEN THE WHISTLES BLOW 76 
 
 WHY IS IT ? 78 
 
 SOME THINGS IS FREE 79 
 
 HOW CAN YOU KNOW ? 80 
 
old year and the new 8l 
 
 I'd like to go a-vis'tin' 85 
 
 WHEN A hand's in YOURN 8/ 
 
 DAWN 90 
 
 TOMORROW 92 
 
 THE SWEETEST SONG 93 
 
 there's folks WORSE OFF 94 
 
 SOME DAY WE WILL UNDERSTAND 96 
 
 there's a TURN SOMEWHERE 98 
 
 THE THINGS OF LONG AGO Id 
 
 DEATH 104 
 
 it's up to YOU 107 
 
 THE world's GOT LOTS o' SUNSHINE HO 
 
 WHAT LIES BEYOND 112 
 
 EACH LIFE HAS ITS BURDEN 1 13 
 
 THE FAILURE 115 
 
 BOYS what's in the WAY 1 19 
 
 we have but today 121 
 
 don't forget to oil the wheels 123 
 
 play ball 1 25 
 
 where light and shadows blend 1 28 
 
 when your ma has gone away i3i 
 
 have a purpose 133 
 
 FUTURE GIVIN' AIN'T MUCH HELP 1 34 
 
 WHEN I WAKE UP SKEERED AT NIGHT 1 35 
 
 RAGTIME 137 
 
 ain't YOU THANKFUL JUST TO LIVE? 1 39 
 
 ain't TODAY JUST FINE? I42 
 
SPARK PLUGS MISSIN' FIRE 145 
 
 when you get a toothache i48 
 
 did you try ? i50 
 
 do things now 1 52 
 
 the straight out sort 1 53 
 
 god's sky is over aee 155 
 
 how some eoeks eive 157 
 
 somethin' 'tain't happened yet 158 
 
 orange BLOSSOMS 160 
 
 HANG ON TO YOUR GRIT 161 
 
 MIEKIn' cows IN FLYTIME 163 
 
 LIVER PILLS 166 
 
 A SMILE AND HAND-CLASP 168 
 
 THE OLD TRUNDLE BED I70 
 
 PUT IT, RILEY, WHERE YOU PLEASE 1 72 
 
 there'll allus be SOME knockin' 175 
 
JIMTOWN 
 REMINISCENCES 
 
A Jimtoivn Discussion 
 
REMINISCENCES 1 3 
 
 JIMTOWN. 
 
 You can talk about the splendor 
 
 Of the things you have today, 
 Tell how much you think 'em better, 
 
 Than the ones you've cast away. 
 I'll admit you have things finer 
 
 And more bizness like, but then. 
 There was lots o' things 'bout Jimtown 
 
 What I'd like to see again. 
 
 While there was no train a-runnin' 
 
 And a-stirrin' up the town, 
 Yet you didn't get half coaldust 
 
 When a snowflake it come down. 
 Was no social clubs to speak of, - 
 
 Yet there wasn't a poker den. 
 And was lots o' things 'bout Jimtown 
 
 As I'd have 'em be again. 
 
 While you'd think we had no hustle 
 
 And our news was alius slow. 
 There was lots o' things 'bout Jimtown 
 
 What the cities never know. 
 While we had no lofty buildin's 
 
 And there was no 'lectric light. 
 Yet the fate o' this here Nation 
 
 Was decided there at night. 
 
14 JIMTOWN 
 
 While there was no pubhc buildin's, 
 
 Just the meetin' house and store, 
 Yet the men would sometimes gather 
 
 At the blacksmith shop next door. 
 Oh, it was no town to speak of 
 
 When you come to talk o' size, 
 But there's somethin' born at Jimtown 
 
 What just someway never dies. 
 
 There was no chautauqua lectures 
 
 And we had no vaw-de-ville, 
 Was no parks with high class music — 
 
 Nothin' o' that kind — but still. 
 When I think o' apple peelin's 
 
 And the spellin' bees, why say ! 
 I believe he was as happy 
 
 As the folks what live today. 
 
 While there's some folks won't believe it 
 
 (Least that's what they alius say), 
 There was just as much o' pleasure 
 
 As is in the towns today ; 
 And sometime when you are lonely, 
 
 Kind o' musin'-like, why then 
 I bet somewhere there's a Jimtown 
 
 What you'd like to see again. 
 
REMINISCENCES 1 5 
 
 WHEN YOU HEAR THE RAIN DROPS. 
 
 Ain't it curious how the patter 
 
 Of the steady falhn' rain 
 What's a-startin' up the daisies 
 
 And the grass along the lane, 
 When the wind's a-stirrin' gentle 
 
 In a sighin' sort o' way, 
 Brings a feelin' on a-body 
 
 What you alius wish would stay? 
 Kind o' smoothes out all the tangles 
 
 And relieves your mind o' care 
 When you hear the rain drops patter'n' 
 
 And a-drippin' ever'where. 
 
 You have heard 'em in the springtime, 
 
 When it's 'most a-breakin' day, 
 And the birds are kind o' chirpin' 
 
 And a-gettin' under way, 
 And you lay in bed a-dreamin' 
 
 Of some happy days you've seen, 
 Tho' you're neither 'wake nor sleepin' 
 
 But are sort o' in between. 
 Then the drippin's fairy music, 
 
 And so gentle like and slow 
 That it kind o' takes you backwards 
 
 To the days o' long ago. 
 
l6 JIMTOWN 
 
 I recall a-sleepin' yonder, 
 
 In a dreamy sort o' way, 
 Long afore my face was wrinkled 
 
 Or my hair was turnin' gray; 
 I can hear the rain drops patter 
 
 On the clapboards overhead, 
 While I lay there just beneath 'em 
 
 Sort o' snoozin' there in bed. 
 And a-buildin' fairy castles 
 
 In a youngster's lazy way — 
 Half a-sleepin', half a-wakin' 
 
 Through the breakin' of the day. 
 
 I can hear the water runnin' 
 
 And a-droppin' off the eaves ; 
 I can hear the gentle rustle 
 
 Of the newly opened leaves. 
 'Most can hear the buds a-bu'stin' 
 
 And the things we thought was dead 
 All a-shootin' and revivin'. 
 
 Each a-tryin' to be ahead. 
 It begets a soothin' feelin' 
 
 What I alius wish would stay, 
 When the rain drops start to patter 
 
 And it's 'most a-breakin' day. 
 
REMINISCEINCES 17 
 
 I have alius liked to hear it 
 
 When a-nappin' up in bed, 
 Just a-ripplin' down the gutter 
 
 And a-patter'n' overhead; 
 In the early days o' springtime 
 
 Is the time I like it best, 
 When it's wakin' up the daisies 
 
 From their night o' winter rest ; 
 And it's then I wish that somehow 
 
 I'd be soothed to sleep that way. 
 When my lifework all is ended 
 
 And it's 'most a-breakin' day. 
 
l8 JIMTOWN 
 
 THE OLD DRUM CORPS. 
 
 If there's anything can cheer you 
 
 When you're kind o' on the bum 
 It's to get some good old fifer 
 
 And a bass and tenor drum; 
 When them fellars get a-goin' 
 
 At a Hvely sort o' rate, 
 Then there's somethin' in your bosom 
 
 'Pears to sort o' elevate. 
 
 When your spirits are a-droopin' — 
 
 Sort o' goin' down kersock 
 Like a tin can in the mill-pond 
 
 Wliat's been weighted with a rock, 
 And it 'pears you've 'most struck bottom,- 
 
 When you hear the drum corps start, 
 Then there comes a sort o' bulgin' 
 
 In the region of your heart. 
 
 And there's somethin' sort o' bracin' 
 
 'Pears to permeate the air. 
 And you feel it somehow strike you 
 
 With the tattoo on the snare ; 
 Then the music starts in earnest, 
 
 And your spirits upward soar, 
 And they never stop the music 
 
 But you're alius wantin' more. 
 
REMINISCENCES 19 
 
 While a few perhaps don't Hke it, 
 
 And they 'low it's mostly noise, 
 Yet it makes the children happy 
 
 And it jollies older boys. 
 You can kick about the racket, 
 
 Though of high or low estate; 
 But you get the drum corps started 
 
 And you'll see folks congregate. 
 
 There's a charm about it somehow 
 
 And it 'pears to touch a spot 
 What somewhere within his bosom 
 
 'Pears 'most ever'body's got. 
 Yes, the best thing for to liven 
 
 When a fellar's feelin' bum 
 Is to get some good old fifer 
 
 And a bass and tenor drum. 
 
20 JIMTOWN 
 
 .THERE'S FOLKS A-NEEDIN' HEEP. 
 
 Are you dwellin' in the sunlight? 
 
 Don't the shadows never fall? 
 Is your life a round o' pleasure 
 
 What's a-waitin' for your call? 
 Don't you know no pain nor sorrow — 
 
 Not a heartache nor a care? 
 Is it one continual sunbeam 
 
 Follerin' you 'most ever'where? 
 Don't forget at times, my brother, 
 
 Just to take a backward view, 
 'Cause there's folks back in the shadows 
 
 What's a-needin' help from you. 
 
 Mebby you are alius lucky 
 
 From a business point o' view, — 
 If there's any chances comin', 
 
 'Pears they alius wait for you. 
 Mebby 'tain't because you've earned it 
 
 That you're on the winnin' list, 
 'Cause there's folks what tried lots harder, 
 
 And it 'pears they've alius missed. 
 When you're countin' up your treasures, 
 
 Sort o' take a backward view, 
 'Cause there's folks what's all discouraged 
 
 What's a-needin' help from you. 
 
ri;miniscenci:s 21 
 
 Have you fireside, home and fam'ly 
 
 'Waitin' when the day is done? 
 Is there some one who will praise you 
 
 If the battle's lost or won? 
 Is your path all easy sailin' ? 
 
 Are there friends to help you through ? 
 Speak a word to help your brother 
 
 What's a-tryin' same as you. 
 When you're settin' at your fireside, 
 
 Sort o' take a backward view, 
 'Cause there's lots o' folks what's friendless 
 
 What's a-needin' help from you. 
 
 If you're climbin' up the mountain. 
 
 And have reached a lofty view, 
 There's a glorious panorama 
 
 What's a-waitin' there for you. 
 Are the clouds o' doubt below you ? 
 
 Is the way all bright and fair? 
 Have you reached the top o' Pisgah? 
 
 Are you just a-restin' there? 
 Turn aside from Heav'nly visions — 
 
 Sort o' take a backward view, 
 'Cause there's folks down in the valley 
 
 What's a-needin' help from you. 
 
2.2 JIMTOWN 
 
 In the path o' life's brief journey, 
 
 Be your lot just what it may, 
 If you'll look, there's someone 'bout you 
 
 You can help along his way. 
 When your life seems overburdened 
 
 'With a lot o' trials and care, 
 Just the doin' of a kindness 
 
 Makes the pathway brighter there. 
 When you think you're havin' hardships. 
 
 Sort o' take a backsvard view, 
 'Cause there's folks a-strugglin' someplace 
 
 What's a-needin' help from you. 
 
REMINISCENCES 23 
 
 ,THE CITY MIGHT DO, IF— 
 
 I ain't nothin' 'gin the city, 
 
 And I'd like it purty well 
 If there wer'n't so much o' mis'ry 
 
 'Long with all the show and swell, — 
 If it offered more o' sweetness 
 
 In the strugglin' poor man's cup, 
 And a little more o' kindness 
 
 For to lift the fallen up, — 
 Just a little less o' splendor 
 
 Where the avenue's aglow, 
 And a little more o' promise 
 
 With the by-street's bitter woe. 
 
 Oh, I know its best is splendid. 
 
 And you hardly know it's night, 
 For the sunlight 's almost rivaled 
 
 By the modern 'lectric light; 
 There is spots where flow'rs are bloomin' 
 
 And it 'pears there ain't a care, 
 And to some it looks like heaven 
 
 When they gaze in windows there; 
 But I can't repel the picture, 
 
 'Spite the avenue's bright glow, 
 Of the sights around the corner 
 
 Where it's poverty and woe. 
 
24 JIMTOWN 
 
 Mebby city's better'n country, 
 
 And to some more pleasure gives, 
 But I'd like to have less heartaches 
 
 On the street vv^here poor folks lives ; 
 Like a little less o' f eastin', 
 
 For to have the hungry fed — 
 Like a little more than prayin' 
 
 Where there's folks a-needin' bread. 
 While folks has a right to riches 
 
 If they made their mone)'" square, 
 Yet amid the city's mis'ry 
 
 I keep askin', Is it fair? 
 
 Yes, I'd mebby like it better 
 
 If there wer'n't so much o' self 
 And a little more o' friendship 
 
 'Scattered in among the wealth. 
 If a man would be a brother 
 
 To 'most ever'one he'd see, 
 Then I dunno but the city 
 
 Would do' purty well for me. 
 And I'd like the city's splendor — 
 
 Like to see the lights aglow — 
 If you'd paint away the picture 
 
 Of the by-street's bitter woe. 
 
REMINISCENCES 25 
 
 While the country ain't all sunshine 
 
 And there's ofttimes sorrow there, 
 (Sort o' 'pears there's alius sadness 
 
 Mixed with pleasure ever'where), 
 Yet I tire so of the splendor 
 
 Of the city's crowded street 
 Where you never get a handshake 
 
 From the people what you meet. 
 And it's then I start to thinkin', 
 
 If you're really wantin' rest, 
 Then the quiet of the country 
 
 ('Pears to me) is lots the best. 
 
REMINISCENCES 27 
 
 ',TWIXT NIGHT-TIME AND DAY. 
 
 When the Hght's a-gettin' dimmer 
 
 And the sky's a-turnin' gray, 
 Sort o' 'pears like time's a-hangin' 
 
 'Twixt the night-time and the day ; 
 When there ain't no one about me, 
 
 But it's quiet hke and still. 
 Then I'll sort o' start to musin/ 
 
 Like a musin' fellar will. 
 And my thoughts 'most alius wander 
 
 In a dreamy kind o' way 
 And 'most alius sort o' nestle 
 
 In some distant childhood day. 
 
 Then I kind o' coax my mem'ry 
 
 For to act that sort o' way, 
 'Cause I like to have it wander 
 
 And with childhood dreams to stay; 
 For it alius makes one peaceful. 
 
 Sort o' smooths your careworn brow 
 Just to sidestep to life's springtime 
 
 And to leave the cares o' now. 
 For I like to live in mem'ry 
 
 Past the years what since have flown, 
 And to muse 'bout folks and places 
 
 What to childhood days were known. 
 
28 JIMTOWN 
 
 So I wander with my fancy 
 
 At the endin' o' the day ; 
 Childhood scenes will flit before me, 
 
 And I try to have 'em stay. 
 I can see the pigeons courtin' 
 
 Up around the old barn loft, 
 Hear the doves their mates a-callin' 
 
 In a voice what's low and soft. 
 I can hear the water splashin' 
 
 Where the deep hole use to be; 
 Can 'most see the leaves a-quiver 
 
 On the overhangin' tree. 
 
 I can see the place the killdee 
 
 And the bobwhite had their nest, 
 Where the nuts was alius thickest 
 
 And the apples was the best. 
 I can hear the wrens and thrushes, 
 
 'Mongst the tangled underwood. 
 And can see the cattle restin' 
 
 Where the old black walnut stood; 
 See the orchard and the woodlot, 
 
 See each cool and shady glen. 
 And ofttimes when I'm a-musin' 
 
 I'm a-restin' there asrain. 
 
REMINISCSNCUS 29 
 
 O, it is a wondrous vision 
 
 What the dream o' childhood brings, 
 'Cause tliere ain't no gloomy shadows, 
 
 But the air 'most alius rings 
 With the mirth o' youthful laughter; 
 
 It's a time what's free o' care, — 
 Ain't no sorrow or no heartaches. 
 
 But just sunshine ever'where. 
 Then I close my eyes, for somehow 
 
 That just seems to make it last, 
 When my mem'ry starts to driftin' 
 
 And a-livin' in the past. 
 
 While there's folks what think it gloomy — 
 
 'Bout the saddest time o' day, — 
 And it 'pears they're alius feelin' 
 
 Kind o' lonesome-like someway, 
 Yet I like to sit in twilight 
 
 With its shadows and its gloom, 
 For it brings to me more visions 
 
 Than the grandest lighted room ; 
 Like to sit there just a-musin' 
 
 In a dreamy sort o' way. 
 When it 'pears like time's a-hangin' 
 
 'Twixt the night-time and the day. 
 
30 JIMTOWN 
 
 THANKSGIVIN' DAY. 
 
 When the air is kind o' snappish 
 
 And the sky at times is gray, 
 When the cider is a-sparklin', 
 
 And the punkins ripe — why say ! 
 Ain't you ever sort o' noticed 
 
 How sich times 'most alius bring- 
 Just a sort o' love for eatin' 
 
 Till you'll eat 'most anything? 
 Oh it was a splendid i-dee 
 
 (Or to me it seems that way) 
 When they settled our Thanksgivin' 
 
 On that kind o' frosty day. 
 
 It's when fall is most-nigh ended 
 
 And it ain't quite winter yet, 
 But there's somethin' what's a-floatin' 
 
 In the air you can't forget; 
 Sort o' 'pears to be contagious 
 
 And affects both young and old 
 When it's just 'tween autumn crispness 
 
 And Old Winter's bitter cold. 
 Now perhaps that's just the reason 
 
 That it's called Thanksgivin' day, 
 For it sort o' 'pears there's somethin' 
 
 Makes one feel that soi't o' way. 
 
REMINISCENCES 31 
 
 When the crops is mostly gathered 
 
 And the winter's wood is got, 
 Ever'thing's a-tastin' better — 
 
 'Pears to go right to the spot; 
 And it seems 'most ever' season 
 
 There will come that kind o' spell 
 When the sick folks they feel better 
 
 And the well ones lots more well. 
 And the clouds are alius turnin' 
 
 Till they show the silver side. 
 Ever'thing it seems is suited — 
 
 'Pears to be just satisfied. 
 
 While there ain't the smell o' blossoms 
 
 Like there is along in May 
 And there ain't the scented clover 
 
 Like we have on some June day, 
 And there ain't the lazy feelin' 
 
 Like we have in early fall. 
 Yet there's somethin' what's a-comin' — 
 
 You can 'gin to feel it crawl — 
 Just a-creepin' o'er your body 
 
 Till at last there comes a day 
 You just get to sort o' feelin' 
 
 Kind o' thankful-like someway. 
 
32 JIMTOWN 
 
 It ain't caught from other people, 
 
 Or I've alius said it's not, 
 For the best place for to catch it 
 
 Is some quiet wooded spot. 
 You can set there just a-musin' 
 
 And you feel it in the breeze, 
 And imagine it's a-talkin' 
 
 With it's sighin' through the trees. 
 Oh it's somethin' what's a-floatin' 
 
 In the air, is what I say. 
 And I think that's just the reason 
 
 That it's called Thanksgivin' day. 
 
REMINISCENCES 33 
 
 WHAT I LIKE TO PLAY. 
 
 Oh the world's a queerish mixture 
 
 When you stop and take a view, 
 And there's queerish people in it — 
 
 'Pears they've each a differ'nt pew ; 
 For each one has got his i-dee 
 
 Of the thing he likes to play, 
 But I'd like to be at Jimtown 
 
 Just a-playin' of croquet. 
 
 And it's funny what queer notions 
 
 Other folks will sometimes get ; 
 Mebby what they like is pleasure. 
 
 But I've never found it yet. 
 I don't care none 'bout your socials 
 
 Or your euchre clubs, but say — 
 I'd just like to be at Jimtown 
 
 In a game o' plain croquet. 
 
 I have watched men playin' checkers 
 
 And I've seen 'em playin' pool, 
 And I ain't forgot the capers 
 
 What we use to cut at school. 
 While I guess they'd sort o' answer 
 
 Just tO' pass the time away, 
 Yet when huntin' for real pleasure 
 
 Start a game o' plain croquet. 
 
34 JIMTOWN 
 
 I can see 'em now a-playin' 
 
 And can hear the fellars fuss, 
 For the folks what was rehgious 
 
 Would at times just purt-nigh cuss, 
 I can hear the balls a-crackin' 
 
 In a merry sort o' way 
 And can see the place at Jimtown 
 
 Where we use to play croquet. 
 
 Yes the world's a queerish mixture 
 
 When you come to take a view, 
 For the things with what I'm suited 
 
 Ain't the things what's suitin' you. 
 If to you them things is pleasure 
 
 You've a right to have your way, 
 But I'd like to be at Jimtown 
 
 Just a-playin' of croquet. 
 
RIJMINISCENCE^S 35 
 
 KEEP A-SAWIN' WOOD. 
 
 When things happen out o' kelter 
 
 And the air is dark and blue — 
 Ain't no rainbow what's a-shinin' 
 
 And a-smihn' back at you — 
 It's no time to- be a-mopin' ; 
 
 Just you go to sawin' wood, 
 'Cause it's lots o' satisfaction 
 
 When you've done the best you could. 
 
 Most the world keeps on a-movin', 
 
 And the days a-goin' by 
 Don't have no effect on nature — 
 
 You can laugh or you can cry. 
 Why don't you show up your gumption 
 
 And just go to sawin' wood — 
 For it's lots o' satisfaction 
 
 When you've done the best you could. 
 
 When things 'gin a-goin' backwards 
 
 And you're snappish, ill and cross. 
 Nature keeps right on a-smilin' — 
 
 You're the one 'twill stand the loss ; 
 Flow'rs they just keep on a-bloomin' 
 
 And the birds are just as gay; 
 'Pears like other things ain't mindin' 
 
 Nary single thing you say. 
 
36 JIMTOWN 
 
 Don't you know when clouds are hangin' 
 
 And the sun awhile is hid, 
 Somewhere else it's now a-shinin' 
 
 Just as bright as't ever did? 
 If things ain't just to your likin' 
 
 Keep right on a-sawin' wood — 
 'Cause it's lots o' satisfaction 
 
 When you've done the best you could. 
 
 Seems so curious, when you're ruffled 
 
 And ain't more than half a man. 
 How most other things are tryin' 
 
 Just to do the best they can. 
 It's amazin' how 'twill help you 
 
 When you start to sawin' wood ; 
 Then it's lots o' satisfaction 
 
 When you've done the best you could. 
 
 When things happen out o' kelter 
 
 And you're ugly through and through. 
 You'll find other things ain't mindin' 
 
 Or a-worryin' much 'bout you. 
 If you'd like for folks to notice. 
 
 Just you go to sawin' wood ; 
 In the end they like a fellar 
 
 What has done the best he could. 
 
REMINISCENCES 37 
 
 THERE'S GOOD IN EVER'BODY. 
 
 Did you ever meet a fellar 
 
 What just 'peared was wholly bad? 
 Never had a good thought 'bout him? 
 
 (Or you'd never think he had) 
 'Peared to be clean past redemption? 
 
 Least 'twould look that way — but then. 
 There is good in ever'body, 
 
 Some bad in the best o' men. 
 
 Mebby he's a-tryin' hardest; 
 
 He may have the harder test, 
 And the only thing what's counted 
 
 Is the doin' of one's best. 
 I'll admit there is some fellars 
 
 'Pear most awful bad — but then, 
 There is good in ever'body, 
 
 Some bad in the best o' men. 
 
 You don't know your brother's tempter. 
 
 Nor don't know what trials he's had. 
 Mebby you had smoother sailin'. 
 
 Or you'd been most-nigh as bad. 
 Now his good may be so hidden 
 
 That you see just bad — but then. 
 There is good in ever'body, 
 
 Some bad in the best o' men. 
 
38 JIMTOWN 
 
 Don't you see how 'tis, my brother — 
 
 How just bad is all some know? 
 They ain't had the chance o' others 
 
 And the good just couldn't grow. 
 He may 'pear to you as hopeless, 
 
 And you'll pass him by — but then, 
 inhere is good in ever'body. 
 
 Some bad in the best o' men. 
 
 It don't help your fallen brother 
 
 When you kick him lower down; 
 
 While a smile may lift him up'ards, 
 He sinks lower with your frown. 
 
 You may think 'tain't worth the effort- 
 Just a waste o' time — ^but then, 
 
 (There is good in ever'body. 
 
 Some bad in the best o' men. 
 
ri;minisce;nces 39 
 
 WHERE THE SUNLIGHT RESTS. 
 
 As I view the risin' storm-cloud 
 
 I'm ofttimes o'ercome with fear, 
 And I oft would flee in terror 
 
 As the shadows gather near, 
 And my heart is weak and falt'rin' — 
 
 Filled with gloom and sore distressed- 
 Till I see on distant landscape 
 
 Where the golden sunbeams rest. 
 
 Oft along my earthly journey 
 
 The dark clouds of sorrow bend, 
 And the shadows dark appallin' 
 
 Will upon my heart descend. 
 Yet when darkness overtakes me 
 
 I still see with faith's clear eyes, 
 For I know beyond the shadows 
 
 Brightly golden sunlight lies. 
 
 Trav'lin' o'er life's troubled pathway, 
 
 Ofttimes fear will come to me 
 As I see the storm-clouds gather 
 
 And the wild tumultuous sea. 
 Yet in faith I'm steerin' onward, 
 
 Though oft tossed by stormy crests, 
 For I know beyond life's tempests 
 
 Is where God's bright sunlight rests. 
 
40 JIMTOWN 
 
 "HELLO BILL." 
 
 Did you ever stop to notice 
 
 How it brings a sort o' thrill 
 When you come across a fellar 
 
 What just 'hollers "Hello Bill?" 
 It don't matter where you meet him — 
 
 Mebby that's just all he'll say; 
 But it lifts a load o' trouble 
 
 When he greets you that-a-way. 
 
 Some pretend that they don't like it — 
 
 Think it ain't refined — but, say ! 
 Now to me it brings the sunshine, 
 
 And the clouds just melt away. 
 Some may sort o' scorn the i-dee — 
 
 Say they don't believe it — still, 
 I'm someway a differ'nt fellar 
 
 When I hear that "Hello Bill." 
 
 If your clothes are sort o' shabby 
 
 And you're run down at the heel. 
 Makes no differ'nce how cadav'rous 
 
 Or how woe-begone you feel. 
 Someway things will alius brighten — 
 
 Don't know why, but yet they will- 
 When you run across that fellar 
 
 With his cheery "Hello Bill." 
 
REMINISCENCES 41 
 
 He don't wait to see who's lookin' 
 
 'Fore he stops to speak to you, 
 And don't speak just like he had to, 
 
 But just Hke he wanted to. 
 Other folks may sort o' pass you. 
 
 But you bet he never will. 
 If you fail or if you're winnin' 
 
 It's the same old "Hello Bill." 
 
 When I leave this land o' mortals. 
 
 Sort o' cast off with the tide, 
 I just think that sound would cheer me 
 
 Till I reach the other side; 
 And when landin' over yonder — 
 
 It sounds funny now, but still, 
 I'd just like to have that fellar 
 
 'Greet me with his "Hello Bill.'' 
 
REMINISCENCES 43 
 
 OLD ROVER. 
 
 I can shut my eyes and see him 
 
 On the doorstep as he lay 
 With his eyes about half open 
 
 In a lazy sort o' way ; 
 'Most can see the snowball blossoms, 
 
 Hear the hum o' honey bees, 
 'Most can smell the lilacs' perfume 
 
 What's borne on the Mayday breeze. 
 Yes, the picture's all before me 
 
 With Old Rover as he lay 
 Sort o' dozin' on the doorstep 
 
 In a lazy sort o' way. 
 
 Then there comes a sort o' vision. 
 
 And my mem'ry somehow goes, 
 Till I'm wander'n' now with Rover 
 
 Where the brooklet gently flows, 
 And I build my ship and start it 
 
 While Old Rover watches me 
 As it drifts on with the current 
 
 Past the weepin' willow tree. 
 In the pathway through the forest. 
 
 Through each dark and shady glen, 
 Now in mem'ry with Old Rover 
 
 I review it all asrain. 
 
44 JIMTOWN 
 
 Now again we're in the meadow, 
 
 Through the pasture down the lane, 
 And the barkin' of Old Rover 
 
 Was to me a sweet refrain; 
 Now we wander through the orchard, 
 
 'Round the garden to the well — 
 We two comrades comin' homeward 
 
 As the shades o' ev'nin' fell. 
 But the picture alius circles 
 
 X'iW I see him as he lay, 
 Sort o' dozin' on the doorstep 
 
 In a lazy sort o' way. 
 
 Oh if time would only let me 
 
 Sail my ship the other way. 
 Till I'd reach the cabin doorstep 
 
 Where Old Rover use to stay. 
 Roam again through field and forest. 
 
 Wander 'long the shady brook, 
 Be again a carefree urchin 
 
 'Fore old age my childhood took. 
 Play again with dear Old Rover 
 
 Or just see him as he lay. 
 Sort o' dozin' on the doorstep 
 
 In a lazy sort o' way. 
 
REMINISCENCES 45 
 
 But my ship is sailin' onward 
 
 Out across life's troubled sea; 
 Long ago I left the harbor 
 
 Where Old Rover played with me. 
 But I hope some day to anchor 
 
 In a haven bright and fair, 
 And I wish that somehow Rover 
 
 Could just meet me over there, 
 Play again around that dooryard. 
 
 Or old fashioned-like just lay 
 Sort o' dozin' on the doorstep 
 
 In a lazy sort o' way. 
 
46 JIMTOWN 
 
 THE OLD JIMTOWN BAND. 
 
 It's queer, when talkin' o' music, 
 
 Or hearin' folks play today, 
 It 'pears like I'm alius bothered, 
 
 And get tO' musin' someway; 
 And mem'ry alius will take me 
 
 'Way back to my childhood, then 
 Once more I'm back at old Jimtown 
 
 And hear the old band again. 
 
 Mebby you ain't never heard 'em — 
 
 Never heard them old bands play. 
 I'll admit it wasn't such music 
 
 As the kind what's heard today, 
 And there was no fancy settin's 
 
 To help them players ; but then. 
 If ever you've heard that music 
 
 You're hanker'n' to hear it again. 
 
 You may talk about the op'ra 
 
 And the music what's heard there, 
 With its brilliant lights a-glowin* 
 
 And a-sparklin' ever 'where — 
 'Bout musicians of distinction 
 
 What's a-playin' there; but then, 
 I'd just like to be at Jimtown 
 
 And hear the old band again. 
 
REMINISCENCES 47 
 
 I ain't knockin' on your airdome 
 
 Or the modern nickelo, 
 And at times, when folks is gloomy, 
 
 It's a first-rate place to go ; 
 I can listen to their music 
 
 Just to pass the time away, 
 But 'tain't like it was at Jimtown 
 
 When you'd hear the old band play. 
 
 '.Twas the best thing in creation 
 
 For to help a fellar when 
 The world was lookin' gloomy, 
 
 For 'twould light it up again. 
 .The world's got cares by millions — 
 
 Burdens what's heavy ; but say ! 
 None of 'em bothered a fellar 
 
 When he heard the old band play. 
 
 The old band's playin' is ended — 
 
 Old Time has swept it away — 
 And youngsters what heard that music 
 
 Are now tuckered out, and gray ; 
 And yet sometimes when I'm musin', 
 
 I listen, it 'pears, imtil 
 Again I'm hearin' the music 
 
 Of that band what's Ions: been still. 
 
48 JIMTOWN 
 
 And so, when talkin' o' music, 
 
 Or hearin' folks play today, 
 There alius will come the vision 
 
 Of some things what's passed away. 
 I know there's music what's better, 
 
 Places what's finer ; but then, 
 I'll wish I's back at old Jimtown 
 
 To hear the old band again. 
 
RKMINISCENCES 49 
 
 OLD TIME SINGIN'. 
 
 Now mebby it's just a notion, 
 
 But whenever the paid quoir sings 
 There's somehow the lonesomest feelin' 
 
 It purt-a-nigh alius brings. 
 My thoughts is away off yonder 
 
 While they are singin' away, 
 For I can't foller their music — 
 
 Don't alius know what they say. 
 No doubt the singin' is better 
 
 Than it use to be, but then 
 When I think o' the old time singin' 
 
 I want to hear it again. 
 
 The quoir will start out a-singin' 
 
 With no announcin' and 'thout 
 Once tellin' us common folkses 
 
 What it is they're singin' about; 
 And then when they're through and ended, 
 
 Whatever it might 'a' been 
 (Though mebby you won't believe it) 
 
 I don't know even then. 
 And it makes me feel so lonesome — 
 
 Sort o' queerish like, someway. 
 For I think of other singin' 
 
 What ain't like we have today. 
 
50 JIMTOWN 
 
 I suppose it's what's called music 
 
 When their voices sesshay 'round ; 
 One time it's nigh up to heaven, 
 
 'Then drops clean down to the ground ; 
 And one will begin a-singin', 
 
 (Then stop, w'hile the next lets go. 
 While I ain't talkin' 'gin music. 
 
 Somehow it bothers me so. 
 The quoir all join in the chorus, 
 
 Or it sounds that way to me ; 
 While I ain't nothin' on music, 
 
 It comes where the chorus would be. 
 
 Then when it comes to the preachin', 
 
 I don't hear half what is said. 
 For I am alius a-thinkin' 
 
 'Bout singers I've known what's dead. 
 The singin' then it was differ 'nt 
 
 From that o' today — you see 
 Wihen none thought o' pay for singin' 
 
 They'd sing "Salvation is free." 
 I keep musin' o' old time songs — 
 
 Dreamin' and hummin' 'em through, 
 And again I see the faces 
 
 Which mem'ry now brings to view. 
 
REMINISCENCES 51 
 
 While mebby 'twas no such music 
 
 As is the new — yet you see 
 It 'peared Hke that old time singin' 
 
 Was the kind what suited me. 
 While I know it wouldn't pass muster 
 
 Even at fun'rals what's fine, 
 Yet somehow I can't help thinkin' 
 
 It's what I'd have sung at mine. 
 Seems when I'm sort o' downhearted, 
 
 Just someway a-feelin' blue, 
 tThen the old to me sounds better 
 
 Than them w'hat they say is new. 
 
 While they had no fancy fixin's 
 
 (Mebby they was sort o' slow), 
 Yet folks what 'tended them singin's 
 
 Didn't view no milliner's show. 
 While they had no swell director 
 
 And the books they had was few, 
 Yet the preacher did the linin' 
 
 And they sung the hymns clean through. 
 While the seats was not upholstered 
 
 And they had no private pews. 
 The singin' from them there benches 
 
 Was the kind 'twould sure enthuse. 
 
52 JIMTOWN 
 
 "How tedious and tastless the hour 
 
 When Jesus no longer I see" 
 Is out o' date and old fashioned 
 
 But it still sounds good to me. 
 The organ down there's a monster — 
 
 Makes as much noise as a band — 
 But there was no need o' organs 
 
 When they sung "O Beulah Land." 
 Oh you'd ought to heard 'em singin' 
 
 "Come Thou Fount," "O Happy Day," 
 "Alas and Did My Savior Bleed," 
 
 Or "We Are Passin' Away." 
 
 "Shall We Gather at the River" 
 
 Ain't of'en sung any more. 
 I reco'lect w*hen they sung it 
 
 It 'peared we was 'most to the shore ; 
 Then "Tarry with Me Through the Night," 
 
 "Rock of Ages Cleft for Me"— 
 'Pears like now I hear the singin' — 
 
 ^hen "Nearer My God to Thee." 
 "On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand"— 
 
 They sung it so loud and strong. 
 I've forgot some o' the singers, 
 
 But ain't forgot the old song. 
 
REMINISCENCES 53 
 
 Sometimes, w4ien thinkin' 'bout Heaven, 
 
 I wonder if in that land 
 All the folks will join in the singin' 
 
 Or just that one little band. 
 'But then if they start to singin' 
 
 These songs wliat is swell and new. 
 There's none but the young as can sing 'em. 
 
 Then what would the old folks do? 
 When the folks meet over yonder 
 
 And start a-singin' their song 
 They'll find it's "The Same Old Story"— 
 
 The one what we've loved so long. 
 
54 JIMTOWN 
 
 SHADOWS. 
 
 When the shadows are a-fallin' 
 
 And I see the fadin' light, 
 And the day is nearly ended 
 
 'Cause it's comin' time for night, 
 Then I alius wish 'twould linger, 
 
 And I oft would bid it stay ; 
 While I know there'll be a morrow, 
 
 Yet I'd hold on to today. 
 
 When the fadin' light grows dimmer 
 
 As the shadows onward creep. 
 With the zephyrs blowin' gentle 
 
 Till at last I'm soothed to sleep, 
 (Then I find in peaceful slumber 
 
 All my cares have flown away. 
 And I waken on the morrow 
 
 Greeted by a brighter day. 
 
 As old age now creeps upon me 
 
 I recall the yester days. 
 Shrink away from fallin' shadows 
 
 While with youth I'd live always; 
 Tho' I know beyond the shadows 
 
 Lies "the golden fringe of day," 
 Still I cling to passin' moments 
 
 And would bid 'em longer stay. 
 
REMINISCENCES 55 
 
 But at last my body's careworn — 
 
 Feeblecl by the lengthened years — 
 And my eyes grown dim by watchin' 
 
 And from fillin' oft with tears. 
 Now at last my soul is peaceful, 
 
 And my tears are washed away, 
 As my life drops into slumber, 
 
 Waitin' for eternal day. 
 
 Tho' my days be filled with sunshine 
 
 And my heart be light and gay. 
 Yet I'll greet the comin' shadows 
 
 At the end of each glad day ; 
 And I'll smile at twilight's fadin' 
 
 As the night's a-comin' on, 
 'Cause if there was no such night-time 
 
 There could be no mornin's dawn. 
 
REMINISCENCES 57 
 
 TAIL END O' SUMMER. 
 
 Some folks talk about the springtime 
 
 When the earth's a-gettin' green 
 Or the beauty o' the snowdrifts 
 
 What in wintertime they've seen; 
 How they feast their eyes in summer 
 
 On the fields o' wavin' grain 
 As it glistens in the sunshine 
 
 When there's been a shower o' rain. 
 There's a time I think is better — 
 
 Alius glad to hear its call; 
 It's the tail end o' the summer 
 
 And to me the best of all. 
 
 Then you don't feel much like workin' — 
 
 Though there's folks what never do ; 
 Sort o' shelved the work o' summer 
 
 And the seedin' time is through. 
 Kind o' 'pears like things are linger'n' 
 
 'Fore the huskin' time comes on — 
 Sort o' sandwiched in between 'em 
 
 Like the hour 'twixt light and dawn. 
 I don't like the name of autumn 
 
 And don't like to call it fall — 
 Just the tail end o' the summer, 
 
 And to me the best of all. 
 
58 JIMTOWN 
 
 When the leaves get sort o' rustly 
 
 And they 'gin a-turnin' brown, 
 When the burs they start to op'nin' 
 
 And the nuts a-comin' down, 
 When the sky's so dull and smoky 
 
 That the sun just hazes through. 
 When the bees are flyin' lazy 
 
 iThen I'm sort o' lazy too; 
 When the blackbirds are a-flockin' 
 
 And keep up a constant call, 
 It's the tail end o' the summer 
 
 And to me the best of all. 
 
 When you hear the bobwhite whistlin' 
 
 And a-callin' to his mates, 
 When the robin's sort o' restless 
 
 As he lingers still and waits 
 And just 'pears like there is few birds 
 
 What's just ready to go 'way 
 But keep lazyin' 'round and linger'n' 
 
 Sort o' like they'd rather stay; 
 When the geese are flyin' southward 
 
 And you 'gin to hear 'em call, 
 It's the tail end o' the summer 
 
 And to me the best of all. 
 
REMINISCENCES 59 
 
 When the grapes what's left are beauties 
 
 And a-tastin' just like wine, 
 When the apples they need pickin' 
 
 Ajiid the pears are soft and fine, 
 It's a time worth while a-livin'. 
 
 If the melon time is gone 
 / don't care — it's whole lots better 
 
 With the pumpkin crop just on. 
 When you stand out doors and listen 
 
 To the blue-bird's goodbye call 
 It's the tail end o' the summer 
 
 And to me the best of all. 
 
 When the mornin's kind o' frosty 
 
 There's a crispness in the air, 
 When the birds are all a-twitter 
 
 And a-flyin' ever'where, 
 When the squirrels are a-hustlin' 
 
 In the woodlot by the creek, 
 Ever'thing a sort o' flutter 
 
 Till one's 'most afraid to speak 
 While a-settin' there to listen 
 
 To them critters as they call. 
 It's the tail end o' the summer 
 
 And to me the best of all. 
 
6o JIMTOWN 
 
 Then you'll see the fellars gather 
 
 On the old store's sunny side, 
 Sometimes slidin' 'long a little — 
 
 Driftin' with the sunshine's tide; 
 .They ain't fit for splittin' kindlin' 
 
 Like their wives has got to do, 
 But they'll set there just a-whittlin' 
 
 And cut up a box or two — 
 Swappin' yarns and plug terbacker, 
 
 .Talkin' 'ligion, law and ball. 
 It's the tail end o' the summer 
 
 And to me the best of all. 
 
 Kind o' makes a fellar feel like 
 
 He just wants to somehow go 
 'Way out in the old woods somewhere 
 
 Like you use to long ago, 
 And lay out there in the sunshine 
 
 What's a-tricklin' through the trees 
 While the nuts they come a-pepper'n' 
 
 'With each whisper o' the breeze. 
 When you lay out there a-dreamin' 
 
 And don't hear the dinner call, 
 It's the tail end o' the summer 
 
 And to me the best of all. 
 
REMINISCENCES 6l 
 
 While o' course I like the springtime 
 
 With its sunshine and its rain, 
 And I like to greet the robin 
 
 When he sings his glad refrain ; 
 While I sort o' like the summer 
 
 (Though there's lots o' work to do), 
 And old winter with her snow-drifts 
 
 What seem made to shovel through ; 
 Like the pond when it's good skatin' ; 
 
 Like to hear the coastin' call ; 
 Yet the tail end o' the summer — 
 
 It just somehow beats 'em all. 
 
62 JIMTOWN 
 
 FOLKS WHAT'S DONE THEIR BEST. 
 
 There is folks I sort o' fancy; 
 
 I don't care if they ain't good, 
 For I know they're alius honest 
 
 And they've done the best they could. 
 
 And I tell you that's a-sayin' 
 
 'Bout the best thing for a man 
 
 If you keep a-tellin' people 
 
 That he does the best he can. 
 
 So don't be in no great hurry 
 
 Just to kick some f ellar down ; 
 
 P'r'aps his load you couldn't carry — 
 It's enough without your frown. 
 
 Don't you brag about your station 
 
 Nor don't tell how high you've stood; 
 
 Mebby folks below is better, 
 
 'Cause they've done the best they could. 
 
 So don't alius be a-faultin', 
 
 (Mebby 3^ou ain't understood), 
 
 For there's folks what's slow and ploddin' 
 What has done the best they could. 
 
REMINISCENCES 63 
 
 QUIT A-WORRYIN'. 
 
 Say, there ain't no use o' vvorryin' 
 
 'Bout the pail o' milk what's spilt, 
 Or a-holdin' any conflab 
 
 'Bout what made the bucket tilt. 
 Like as not the pigs '11 get it ; 
 
 If they don't, what use to fret? 
 Better think of other buckets, 
 
 'Stead o' thatun you upset. 
 Yoii have had a streak o' losin", 
 
 But it may have been the last ; 
 'Start to thinkin' 'bout the future, 
 
 Quit a-worryin' 'bout the past. 
 
 You may sometimes get in trouble, 
 
 Mebby not no fault o' yours, 
 And it seems, when things get started. 
 
 When it sprinkles it just pours. 
 Just looks sure like all the trouble 
 
 What's around the neighborhood 
 Comes a-tumblin' down upon you, 
 
 When you've stood 'bout all you could. 
 But you know spring alius follows 
 
 On the gloom of winter's blast. 
 Start to thinkin' 'bout the future. 
 
 Quit a-worryin' 'bout the past. 
 
64 JIMTOWN 
 
 Or perhaps you've been a-tryin' 
 
 For to do a little good, 
 And you've somehow got a heartache 
 
 'Cause you've been misunderstood. 
 But there's others by the millions 
 
 Had the same thing happen them, 
 'Cause there's folks will prize a pebble 
 
 And go past a costly gem. 
 Just keep on a-doin' kindness — 
 
 It will come all right at last. 
 Start to thinkin' 'bout the future, 
 
 Quit a-worryin' 'bout the past. 
 
 You may some day have a failure 
 
 From a business point o' view. 
 E>on't sit down and start a-frettin' — 
 
 Try again and put it through. 
 You don't see your neighbors' troubles 
 
 Like the ones what come to you ; 
 He may have more grit to stand 'em, 
 
 Or perhaps a brighter view. 
 Brace up, then, and keep a-tryin' ; 
 
 Rotten luck won't alius last. 
 Start to thinkin' 'bout the future, 
 
 Quit a-worryin' 'bout the past. 
 
REMINISCENCES 65 
 
 If you've had a chance and missed it, 
 
 What's the use o' carryin' on? 
 'Twon't come back for all your cryin', 
 
 'Cause the thing's forever gone. 
 If you seem to be unlucky — 
 
 Written on the losin' list — 
 Better look for chances comin', 
 
 'Stead o' mournin' others missed. 
 If you just keep on a-tryin' 
 
 You're 'most sure to win at last ; 
 Start to thinkin' 'bout the future, 
 
 Quit a-worryin' 'bout the past. 
 
 Mebby it's not over pleasin' 
 
 When you view your bygone days. 
 Don't sit down and start a-grievin', 
 
 Look ahead and mend your ways. 
 You no doubt have of'en stumbled 
 
 And ain't alius done your best. 
 It's no time tO' quit a-tryin' 
 
 'Cause you're some behind the rest. 
 Say right now you'll do it better — 
 
 Go ahead and stand steadfast ; 
 Start to thinkin' 'bout the future. 
 
 Quit a-vvorryin' 'bout the past. 
 
66 TIMTOWN 
 
 Xain't no earthly use o' worryin' 
 
 'Bout the pail o' milk what's spilt, 
 Or a-bother'n' all your neighbors 
 
 'Bout the castle you ain't built, 
 Or a-tellin' 'bout the passin' 
 
 Of the train your chance was on, 
 Or a-sittin' there a-frettiri' 
 
 Till another's come and gone. 
 Better be a-lookin' forward, 
 
 For the time's a-goin' fast. 
 Start to thinkin' 'bout the future, 
 
 Quit a-worryin' 'bout the past. 
 
REMINISCENCES 6/ 
 
 THE OLD TIME SPELLIN'. 
 
 While there's lots o' things a-going', 
 
 Just a-runnin' night and day, 
 What will kind o' help a fellar 
 
 Sort o' pass the time away, 
 And some folks will spend their money 
 
 Just a-gaddiin' 'round and 'round. 
 And a-talkin' 'bout the pleasure 
 
 What I doubt they ever found, 
 (A-goin' to the op'ra house 
 
 Or some movin' picture show). 
 Yet I like the old time spellin' 
 
 Like we had so long ago. 
 
 You would see the young folks gather, 
 
 And a lot of old ones too, 
 'Cause it come along in winter 
 
 When they'd nothin' else to do ; 
 They'ud come afoot or horseback, 
 
 Or 'most any way they could. 
 Nearly ever'body'd be there, — 
 
 Leastways all the 3'oung folks would. 
 There was no hightiutin' music 
 
 And it warnt no fashion show, 
 Yet I liked the old time spellin' 
 
 Like we had so lonsr ago. 
 
68 JIMTOWN 
 
 iThen there comes a flood o' mem'ries 
 
 Like sweep o'er us now and then, 
 And once more in mem'ry's fancy 
 
 I will live the past again ; 
 Now again I'm in the schoolroom, 
 
 Called there by the master's bell, 
 Now once more I see the spellers, 
 
 And it 'pears I hear 'em spell ; 
 Now I see 'em slowly droppin', — 
 
 From the line the beat ones go, 
 .Till alone the winner's standin' — 
 
 At that spellin', long ago. 
 
 But the spellers now are scattered 
 
 i\nd are wrinkled, bent and gray ; 
 They are all long past the springtime. 
 
 And it's now their autumn day ; 
 The schoolhovtse, too, has vanished. 
 
 And the master's long been gone,- 
 Is a-sleepin' in the churchyard 
 
 Till the grand Eternal's dawn. 
 There is still today some pleasure, 
 
 But the young folks never know 
 The delights we had at spellin's 
 
 In the peaceful long ago. 
 
REMINISCENCES 69 
 
 O'h, there's lots o" things a-goin' — 
 
 Just a-runnin' night and day. 
 For to help the modern youngster 
 
 Sort o' pass the time away ; 
 Yes, tliey have a lot o' gewgaws 
 
 When they give their Parlor Plays, 
 And they spend a lot o' money 
 
 Ohasin' each new fangled craze. 
 Now, of course, they have things finer 
 
 And can make a bigger show, 
 But I liked the old time spellin' 
 
 Like we had so long ago. 
 

 ^ 
 
RKMINISCENCKS 71 
 
 PAWPAWS FROM OLD JOHNSON. 
 
 You can talk about your banquets 
 
 And the sparkle of your wine, 
 You may tell of fancy flubdubs 
 
 In the room whereat you dine — 
 'Bout the softly flowin' music 
 
 What will smooth away your care, 
 And the many brilliant people 
 
 What you're alius meetin' there ; 
 But when hanker 'n after somethin' 
 
 What's the best thing ever eat, 
 Get some pawpaws from old Johnson 
 
 When they're meller like and sweet. 
 
 What today folks say is pawpaws 
 
 Ain't the kind we use to see 
 When folks left 'em just a-hangin' 
 
 'Till they'd ripen on the tree. 
 Some folks 'magine they don't like 'em — 
 
 Other things they'd rather eat — 
 But they've never lived in Johnson 
 
 When they're meller like and sweet. 
 Mebby banquets suit you better 
 
 Where there's heaps o' flowin' wine, 
 But just pawpaws from old Johnson 
 
 Is the kind I'll take for mine. 
 
72 JIMTOWN 
 
 Nowadays we never see 'em; 
 
 Seems there ain't none anywhere, 
 But you saunter down to Johnson 
 
 And I'll bet you'll find 'em there. 
 I can see the wooded holler 
 
 Where some beavities use to grow 
 Close by where the water's flowin' 
 
 Just so gentle like and slow, 
 And can hear the tiny ripple 
 
 Makin' music low and sweet ; 
 Yes, there's some things down in Johnson 
 
 What the world ain't never beat. 
 
 Seems 'at there the grass is greener 
 
 And the birds is lots more gay ; 
 While perhaps it's just a fancy 
 
 (But to me it 'pears that way), 
 In the fall is somethin' floatin' — 
 
 'Pears to be in ever' breeze; 
 It's a thing what's born in Johnson 
 
 Down among the pawpaw trees. 
 And when once you whiff that flavor, 
 
 'Tis a thing you don't forget 
 And at times when sort o' musin' 
 
 I can purt-nigh smell it yet. 
 
REMINISCENCES 73 
 
 While I know at modern banquets 
 
 Folks can make a swell-like show, 
 Yet the place for real good eatin' 
 
 Is down there where pawpaws grow ; 
 For it 'pears they bring a spirit 
 
 What is caught by ever'thing. 
 And it's most-nigh constant feastin' 
 
 What the days o' pawpaws bring. 
 Yes, down there among the pawpaws 
 
 Is the place you ought to eat, 
 For there's lots o' things in Johnson 
 
 What the world ain't never beat. 
 
74 JIMTOWN 
 
 TELL ME NOW. 
 
 Do not come to me bringin' flowers 
 
 And puttin' 'em on my grave, 
 If before Death's angel called me 
 
 Just thorns was all that you gave. 
 The wreath you place on my coffin, 
 
 Though the lilies are ever so fair, 
 Won't smooth no part o' my pathway 
 
 When once I'm a-restin' there. 
 If you have got any roses 
 
 To place on my troubled brow, 
 Just bring 'em while Fm a-livin' — 
 
 Let me smell their sweetness now. 
 
 Do not come a-singin' praises 
 
 'Bout the noble things I've done, 
 If when my heart was discouraged 
 
 You named not a single one. 
 The praise what you sing tomorrow, 
 
 Sing it as loud as you will. 
 Won't lighten the least o' my burdens 
 
 When I'm all silent and still. 
 If I've done deeds what have helped you 
 
 And you've got a word o' cheer, 
 Don't wait till I'm gone to tell it. 
 
 But tell it now while I'm here. 
 
REMINISCENCES 75 
 
 Don't wait till my life is ended 
 
 And my weak spirit has fled ; 
 The things what today would cheer me 
 
 Ain't needed after I'm dead. 
 'Twon't make my burdens no lighter 
 
 Or pay for a single tear, 
 'Twon't bring no sunshine to brighten 
 
 My pathway what once was drear. 
 If you have got words o' comfort 
 
 What will smooth my careworn brow, 
 Don't wait till I'm dead 'fore speakin', 
 
 But tell me, oh, tell me now ! 
 
76 JIMTOWN 
 
 WHEN THE WHISTLES BLOW. 
 
 Did you ever stop to listen, 
 
 'Mid the city's noise and din, 
 And to wonder at the meanin', 
 
 When the whistles all begin ? 
 While there's lots of other noises, 
 
 And there's music soft and low, 
 Yet it alius sets me thinkin'. 
 
 When the whistles start to blow. 
 
 I ain't never been a toiler 
 
 What has worked in cities great. 
 But when whistles start to blowin', 
 
 I 'most alius stop and wait ; 
 And I wonder what's the meanin' 
 
 That the whistle most imparts 
 To the many little children — 
 
 To the mothers and sweethearts. 
 
 Then the melody is differ'nt 
 
 From the other times o' day. 
 When the ev'nin' whistle's music 
 
 Reaches mother old and gray, 
 Then the candle-light what's glowin' 
 
 Through the cottage window pane 
 Seems to have an extra sparkle. 
 
 Like the sunshine through the rain. 
 
REMINISCENCES 'J'J 
 
 While it's nothin' but a whistle, 
 
 And you'd think it 'mounts to naught, 
 Yet I s'pect it's got a meanin' 
 
 What some other ears has caught. 
 Unto some it's joy and gladness, 
 
 And to some, perhaps, it's woe. 
 If we understood the meanin' 
 
 When the whistles start to blow. 
 
 Yes, I often stop and listen 
 
 'Mid the city's noise and din, 
 And I wonder if the whistle 
 
 Knows the joy it ushers in 
 To the children, wives and sweethearts, 
 
 To the parents old and gray, 
 ;To the soul what's weary toilin' 
 
 At the endin' o' the day. 
 
 And I think I catch the meanin' 
 
 What the whistle's sound imparts 
 To the wives and little children. 
 
 To the parents and sweethearts. 
 To the city's humblest cottage. 
 
 To its finest gilded dome. 
 It's a wireless signal carried, 
 
 And they read its message, "Home. 
 
78 JIMTOWN 
 
 As I travel down life's pathway 
 
 And the western sky grows red, 
 When the ev'nin' shadows gather, 
 
 And the sunset's just ahead ; 
 When I hear the signal whistle 
 
 Tellin' me to cease to roam, 
 Will it bring me peace and comfort? 
 
 Will I read the message, "Home?" 
 
 WHY IS IT? 
 
 Ask a boy to hoe the garden 
 
 And my-land ! but how he squirms ! 
 But he'll dig up 'most an acre 
 
 For a small supply o' worms. 
 
 Ask a man for half a dollar 
 
 And my goodness ! how he'll croak ! 
 But he'll spend just lots o' dollars 
 
 For a few mouthfuls o' smoke. 
 
REMINISCENCES 79 
 
 SOME THINGS IS FREE. 
 
 If at times you get to thinkin' 
 
 Other folks has more than you, 
 It don't get you nary nickel 
 
 When you go to feelin' blue. 
 You may have more ready money 
 
 And lots finer things than me, 
 But there's alius lots o' sunshine, 
 
 And the Lord has made that free. 
 
 When you go along the highway. 
 
 Don't you take no gloomy view. 
 If there's folks a heap-sight richer 
 
 And the land don't b'long to you 
 Let 'em own the land and fixin's ; 
 
 There is things for you and me ; 
 Take the perfume from the blossoms — 
 
 It's a thing the Lord made free. 
 
 It's all right to have your riches, 
 
 Mebby right to make a show, 
 But there's some things, oh my brother, 
 
 W'hat just riches will not grow. 
 Let folks tell of fine art gal'ries 
 
 Where they charge to let folks see, 
 But the Lord He made the sunset 
 
 And has give it to us free. 
 
8o TIMTOWN 
 
 While I know it's sometimes gloomy 
 
 If we view the gloomy side, 
 And it 'pears we're of'en crowded, 
 
 Yet He's made the heavens wide. 
 Just you keep a-gazin' up'ards. 
 
 For there's things for you to see, 
 'Cause there's lots o' things, my brother. 
 
 What the Lord has give us free. 
 
 HOW CAN YOU KNOW ? 
 
 These days there is so much o' flubdubs 
 And so much o' powder and paint 
 That on meetin' your lovely lady 
 You wonder 'f she is or ain't. 
 
REIMINISCENCeS 8l 
 
 OLD YEAR AND THE NEW. 
 
 As a man what sits at ev'iiin' 
 
 At the bedside of a friend 
 For to view the placid features 
 
 While a-waitin' for the end, 
 And would see the thread what's holdin' 
 
 Keep a-gettin' weak and slim 
 ('Cause the Lord is most-nigh ready 
 
 For the soul to come to him), 
 So tonight I sit a-wonderin' 
 
 What the future will unfold 
 As I see the New Year comin' 
 
 And the passin' of the Old. 
 
 And there's somethin' kind o' curious 
 
 In the way a man will do 
 As he sees the old things passin' 
 
 And the comin' o' the new. 
 When the shadows are a-fallin' 
 
 And the day's a-fadin' fast, 
 'Stead o' lookin' to the future 
 
 We're a-clingin' to the past ; 
 'Stead o' greetin' o' the livin' 
 
 And a-lookin' on ahead 
 We will somehow get to musin' 
 
 And a-thinkin' 'bout the dead. 
 
82 JIMTOWN 
 
 Tho' the year's been full o' sorrow 
 
 And the days o' toil and care, 
 ,Tho' the sun was ofttimes hidden 
 
 And the clouds was ever'where. 
 With the old we somehow linger 
 
 And will bid our mem'ry stay, 
 Shrink away from bright tomorrows, 
 
 Clutc'hin' to a dark today. 
 For the sorrow somehow binds us 
 
 To the things we love and know, 
 And it's with a sort o' heartache 
 
 That I see the Old Year go. 
 
 Will the new be joyous sunshine 
 
 Or distressed with doubts and fears? 
 Will it ring with youthful laughter 
 
 Or be filled with bitter tears ? 
 Will we see the gatherin' storm-clouds 
 
 Or the rainbow's glorious hue? 
 Will it be all gall and wormwood 
 
 Or be filled with honey-dew? 
 Will it be all gloom and shadow 
 
 Or a grand continual dawn ? 
 it brighter be or darker 
 Than the one what's almost gone? 
 
REMINISCENCES 83 
 
 Then a thought is borne from somewhere 
 
 And my heart is free o' fear : 
 'Tis but ours to hve the present — 
 
 Leave to God the comin' year. 
 None can tell what things tomorrow 
 
 Will befall each waitin' heart ; 
 'Tis not ours to know the future, 
 
 But each day to do our part. 
 For tomorrow is a-hidin' 
 
 In the Future's great unknown, 
 Till God's angels lift the curtain 
 
 And the passin' hours are shown. 
 
>4 
 
 
 
 
REMINISCENCES 85 
 
 I'D LIKE TO GO A-VIS'TIN'. 
 
 Mebby now the times is differ'nt 
 
 From the times what use to be, 
 But there's things about the old ones 
 
 What just someway suited me; 
 I'm a-thinkin' in partic'lar 
 
 Of a thing folks use to do — 
 How they use to go a-vis'tin' 
 
 And just stay the whole day through. 
 
 Mebby now I'm just old fashioned, 
 
 For there's folks what is that way — 
 While the world's a-movin' onward 
 
 They're a-hangin' back someway; 
 While new ways may suit you better 
 
 And it's how things ought to be 
 Yet the way folks does their callin' 
 
 Is a thing what don't suit me. 
 
 What's the use to go a-vis'tin', 
 
 Where's the pleasure what it brings 
 In this way o' modern callin' 
 
 When folks don't take off their things ? 
 Mebby it's all right for others 
 
 And perhaps it may suit you, 
 But I'd like to go a-vis'tin' 
 
 Like the folks all use to do. 
 
86 JIMTOWN 
 
 Like to go and see the neighbors — 
 
 There was neighbors then to see! 
 While your modern folks is clever, 
 
 They ain't like folks use to be. 
 Then we'd go 'long in the mornin' 
 
 And just stay the livelong day; 
 And I'd like to be a-livin' 
 
 Where folks visit that-a-way. 
 
 I'd just like to go to dinner 
 
 To the kind we use to get — 
 Better lots than modern folkses 
 
 At fine banquets ever et. 
 While I s'pose new ways is better, 
 
 And most people think that way, 
 Yet I'd like to go a-vis'tin' — 
 
 Like to go and stay all day. 
 
re;miniscences 87 
 
 WHEN A HAND'S IN YOURN. 
 
 Ain't it curious what a differ 'nee 
 
 In the folks a fellar'll meet, 
 'Spec'ly when you've drained your cup full 
 
 And the dregs ain't over sweet, 
 When you've sort o' lost your bearin's, 
 
 Are just driftin' round about — 
 Just to state the case exactly, 
 
 You are simply down and out. 
 Then I like to meet the fellar 
 
 What stays with you foul or fair, 
 Puts his hand in yourn just friendly 
 
 And just sort o' leaves it there. 
 
 Course there's folks with lots o' splutter 
 
 When your star is goin' up, 
 But they someway kind o' weaken 
 
 When you come to drain the cup. 
 They've got words enough to cheer you 
 
 When you're on the winnin' side, 
 But they never think o' boostin' 
 
 When you're up agin the tide. 
 Then I like to meet the fellar 
 
 What stays with you foul or fair, 
 Puts his hand in yourn just friendly 
 
 And just sort o' leaves it there. 
 
JIMTOWN 
 
 Course I s'pose folks ain't just thinkin', 
 
 When they see a man adrift; 
 They don't know how much he needs it 
 
 Or they'd surely give a lift. 
 But it 'pears they're alius watchin' 
 
 What the winnin' man's about, 
 And they never see the fellar 
 
 What is knocked clean down and out. 
 Then I like to meet the fellar 
 
 What stays with you foul or fair, 
 Puts his hand in yourn just friendly 
 
 And just sort o' leaves it there. 
 
 He ain't one as does much talkin' 
 
 (That is, words, I mean to say), 
 For he mostly does his talkin' 
 
 In a differ'nt sort o' way. 
 And oh ! there's a world o' meanin' 
 
 In a handclasp now and then. 
 If a fellar ever needs it, 
 
 It is when he's down — right then. 
 Then I like to meet the fellar 
 
 What stays with you foul or fair, 
 Puts his hand in yourn just friendly 
 
 And just sort o' leaves it there. 
 
REMINISCENCES 89 
 
 W'hile it ain't so much the handshake 
 
 And 'tain't nothin' much he'll say, 
 But it's somethin' (can't explain it) 
 
 When that fellar comes your way 
 What just makes you sort o' feel like 
 
 You just want once more to try, 
 And you see a differ'nt linin' 
 
 In the clouds what's driftin' by. 
 Yes, you ought to meet the fellar 
 
 What stays with you foul or fair. 
 Puts his hand in yourn just friendly 
 
 And just sort o' leaves it there. 
 
 Makes one feel like there's a heaven 
 
 And the world's a brighter place. 
 When you feel that fellar's handclasp 
 
 And just see his smilin' face; 
 Gives you faith in all o' mankind 
 
 When you've had a differ'nt view, 
 Sort o' gives a rift o' sunshine 
 
 Where before 'twas dark and blue; 
 Yes, I like to meet the fellar 
 
 What stays with me foul or fair, 
 Puts his hand in mine just friendly 
 
 And just sort o' leaves it there. 
 
90 JIMTOWN 
 
 DAWN. 
 
 When the sky's a sort o' glimmer'n' 
 
 And the dark is fadin' 'way, 
 When the birds are all a-twitter 
 
 For to greet the comin' day, 
 iThough the night, so long and dreary, 
 
 Casts a gloom upon the heart, 
 Yet, with mornin's light a-comin', 
 
 'Pears the gloom will all depart. 
 
 As w^e see the darkness vanish — 
 
 Sort o' melt 'way with the dawn — 
 And the stars a-gettin' dimmer 
 
 Till the last o" them is gone. 
 When the eastern sky is glowin' 
 
 With an unseen hidden light, 
 All our burdens someway vanish — 
 
 Sort o' fade 'way with the night. 
 
 I don't know just what's about it. 
 
 But it's alius that-a-way. 
 That our burdens all seem lighter 
 
 With the comin' of the day. 
 We've been sad and all discouraged 
 
 And our hope was most nigh gone. 
 But we waken with new efforts, 
 
 With the comin' of the dawn. 
 
REMINISCENCES 9I 
 
 Though the night be long and dreary — 
 
 Filled at times with doubts and fears — 
 And our long and weary watchin' 
 
 Brings at times most bitter tears, 
 Yet our hearts are alius gladdened, 
 
 All our doubts and fears are gone. 
 As we see God's hand what's paintin' 
 
 The grand beauty of the dawn. 
 
92 JIMTOWN 
 
 TOMORROW. 
 
 What's the use o' so much frettin' 
 
 'Cause the time's a-goin' by? 
 It won't wait for all your worry — 
 
 'Tain't no use at all to cry. 
 S'pose the day ain't all been sunshine, 
 
 S'pose on you its gloom has stretched, — 
 There's a whole day of tomorrow 
 
 What ain't never yet been teched. 
 
 What if time to you is lonesome — 
 
 Ain't no friend to cheer your way? 
 Mebby you'll meet lots tomorroAv 
 
 And 'twill be a brighter day. 
 What if friends it seems have left you ? — 
 
 'Tain't no use o' f eelin' blue ; 
 .There's a whole day of tomorrow, 
 
 See then if your friends ain't true. 
 
 W'hat if life seems 'most a failure 
 
 When you've done the best you could? 
 What if friends have spurned your friendship 
 
 'Cause they ain't just understood? 
 What if gloom be all about you 
 
 And it seems the sun won't shine? 
 There's a whole day of tomorrow — 
 
 Mebby it will just be fine. 
 
REMINISCIINCES 93 
 
 When your life is 'most nigh ended 
 
 And your race is nearly run, 
 'Tain't no use to sit lamentin' 
 
 Over things you ain't got done. 
 Go to sleep upon God's promise, 
 
 When the curtain's gently stretched, 
 There's a whole day what's eternal 
 
 What ain't never yet been teched. 
 
 THE SWEETEST SONG. 
 
 The sweetest singer's sweetest song 
 Is not the one what thrills the throng, 
 For the song what brings the heavens nigh 
 Is my mother's old-time lullaby. 
 
94 JIMTOWN 
 
 THERE'S FOLKS WORSE OFF. 
 
 When you get to kind o' thinkin' 
 
 That the world's abusin' you, 
 And it 'pears there's alius somethin' 
 
 'Gin the things you try to do, 
 Don't yoti go and get discouraged, 
 
 'Cause it ain't no use to pout; 
 Just you boost some other fellar 
 
 What is knocked clean down and out! 
 
 S'pose it ain't all easy sailin' 
 
 And some storms do come your way; 
 'Cause a storm is ragin' 'bout you 
 
 Ain't no sign "twill alius stay ; 
 Then the best way to bring sunshine 
 
 And to put the clouds to rout 
 Is to boost some other fellar 
 
 W hat is knocked clean down and out. 
 
 'Tain't no use a-gettin' sulky 
 
 Or a-puUin' back — why, say, 
 Folks will think you've found your level 
 
 And will simply let you stay. 
 When you think the world's agin you, 
 
 Just you show what you can do — 
 Sort o' boost some other fellar 
 
 What you find worse oft" than you. 
 
REMINISCENCES 95 
 
 Say, you'll find it kind o' funny 
 
 'Bout the way 'twill act on you 
 If you boost some other fellar 
 
 At a time you're f eelin' blue ; 
 'Cause you'll find when you start boostin' — 
 
 Try to help some fellar through — 
 'Pears 'at just somehow or other 
 
 There is somethin' boostin' you. 
 
 Yes, when folks it 'pears are 'gin you 
 
 (Least they sort o' act that way), 
 Alius 'pear to be a-knockin', 
 
 Never throw a nice bouquet, 
 If you've done your best, my brother, 
 
 And ain't nothin' else to do, 
 Just you boost some other fellar — 
 
 'Cause there's some worse off than you. 
 
96 JIMTOWN 
 
 SOME DAY WE WILL UNDERSTAND. 
 
 We know not why misfortune comes, 
 
 Why storms should sweep o'er sea and land 
 
 And leave despair and sorrowed homes — 
 These things we cannot understand. 
 
 We know not why dark sorrow comes 
 To smite ofttimes the purest hand, 
 
 While base ones have God's smilin' grace, — 
 But someday we will understand. 
 
 We know not why pure babes are called. 
 Their feet to press that upper strand. 
 
 While villains oft are left on earth, — 
 But someday we will understand. 
 
 We know not why some bright life goes. 
 
 In springtime slain by death's cold hand. 
 
 While age ofttimes is left behind, — 
 But someday we will understand. 
 
 It is not ours to know the why 
 
 Nor see ofttimes the hidden hand 
 
 What leads us on to higher things; 
 It is not ours to understand. 
 
REMINISCENCES 97 
 
 When tossed about, we oft forget 
 
 O'er all is still God's guidin' hand; 
 
 We oft forget when sore distressed 
 To trust in one that understands. 
 
 Someday the clouds will drift apart, 
 
 Someday we'll join the ransomed band ; 
 
 Someday "we'll know as we are known," — 
 Yes, someday we will understand. 
 
 The storms may sweep, the billows roll, 
 And hide from us the golden strand, 
 
 Till God shall call our spirit home ; 
 
 Yes, then — ^then we will understand. 
 
98 JIMTOWN 
 
 THERE'S A TURN SOMEWHERE. 
 
 There's a turn in the road somewhere — 
 
 Keep on. 
 On reachin' some dark lonesome spot, 
 When falter'n' whe'er to do or not. 
 Just show the kind o' faith you've got — 
 
 Keep on. 
 When all about the shadows lurk, 
 
 Keep on. 
 If the path is shadowy, rough and steep, 
 Hard for your falter'n' feet to keep, 
 Somewhere ahead the sunbeams peep — 
 
 Keep on. 
 
 K fate it 'pears ain't favored you, 
 
 Keep on. 
 Though some may laugh and jeer and jest, 
 Mebby the path you're in is best 
 For helpin' some soul what's distressed — 
 
 Keep on. 
 If failure comes when strugglin' hard, 
 
 Keep on. 
 Your failures mebby ain't as bad 
 As is success some folks has had ; 
 Some folks with your luck would be glad — 
 
 Keep on. 
 
REMINISCENCES 99 
 
 If storms are sweepin' 'round you now, 
 
 Keep on. 
 It ain't no time to stop and sigh; 
 Wait till the clouds have floated by; 
 Somewhere ahead it's all blue sky — 
 
 Keep on. 
 Friend, when it 'pears the worst has come, 
 
 Keep on. 
 If the path is dark and of pleasures bare. 
 With nothin' in sight but toil and care, 
 .There's surely a turn in the road somewhere- 
 
 Keep on. 
 
iS^ 
 
 c 
 
 &5 
 
 
 5m 
 
 I 
 
REMINISCENCES lOI 
 
 THE THINGS OF LONG AGO. 
 
 'Way back yonder 'mong the cobwebs, 
 
 In a place the sun don't fall, 
 Where the mold is on the ceilin' 
 
 And a-clingin' to the wall, 
 Where the door creaks on its hinges — 
 
 In a dingy attic room 
 (And there wasn't no companions 
 
 But the cobwebs and the gloom) — 
 It was there one day I wandered ; 
 
 Why I went there I don't know. 
 In a place like that I found 'enii — 
 
 Found the things of long ago. 
 
 There's a curious sort o' feelin' 
 
 Runs clean through a body when, 
 Havin' stumbled on some trinkets, 
 
 They recall the days what's been. 
 Mebby it is just a plaything, 
 
 Or a copper-toed old shoe, 
 Mebby it's an old time album. 
 
 With the folks your folks all knew. 
 They are things I'd thought forgotten. 
 
 And I wonder why it's so — 
 That I have that curious feelin' 
 
 'Mong- the thinsfs of long ago. 
 
I02 JIMTOWN 
 
 All my thoughts somehow drift backward 
 
 In a dreamy sort o' way 
 As I view the things discarded 
 
 For the fine ones of today. 
 All at once I'm livin' wholly 
 
 In a day what's long been gone, 
 And the room is filled with sunshine 
 
 Where before 'twas most forlorn. 
 Tho" the things are old and faded, 
 
 Somehow they've a differ'nt glow 
 When again you start to livin' 
 
 In the days of long ago. 
 
 Once again I'm just a youngster 
 
 Back at the old home; and then 
 All the faces in the album 
 
 Softly speak to me again. 
 And I hear the laughin' children, 
 
 And the hum o' buzzin' bees, 
 Just as plain as when a youngster 
 
 And we played beneath the trees ; 
 And I hear the bob-whites whistlin', 
 
 While the doves are cooin' low, 
 As my memi'ry takes me backward 
 
 To the days of long ago. 
 
REMINISCENCES 103 
 
 With my eyes shut sort o' gentle, 
 
 All the past comes more to view ; 
 Now again old things have taken 
 
 Back their places from the new, 
 And the things we thought old fashioned, 
 
 Honest things we throwed away, 
 Somehow seem a heap-sight better 
 
 Than the ones we use today. 
 But alas ! my dream is broken 
 
 By some one who calls me ; so, 
 I must turn away with sadness 
 
 From the things of long ago. 
 
 No doubt newer things are better — 
 
 They're the things for folks today ; 
 But I somehow can't help thinkin' 
 
 That I'd have the old things stay. 
 But old Time lets no one linger — 
 
 Youth must take the place of age; 
 In the book of life's hard journey 
 
 We must turn each finished page. 
 I suppose the world needs progress. 
 
 For the folks all says it's so ; 
 But somehow my heart keeps sobbin' 
 
 For the things of Ions: aeo. 
 
I04 JIMTOWN 
 
 DEATH. 
 
 Death ! I wonder what's about it 
 
 That we all should fear it so, 
 For the best folks what's a-livin' 
 
 Kind o' dread it, don't you know — 
 Just the crossin' of the ocean, 
 
 And it's not so awful wide, 
 And the folks I've seen a-crossin' 
 
 Sort o' drifted with the tide. 
 
 We'll foretell about the beauty 
 
 Of the glorious other side, 
 But it seems we ain't just ready 
 
 For the driftin' with the tide. 
 We will fight agin the current, 
 
 Tho' the sea looks calm and fair ; 
 We keep clingin' to the anchor, 
 
 Yet we'd like it over there. 
 
 Now the pilot's old and trusty. 
 
 Knows each spot down in the deep. 
 Knows just when to seek the current 
 
 And when right straight on to keep. 
 Yet when shadows are a-fallin' 
 
 And the pilot points the way. 
 We will somehow shrink from startin'. 
 
 Yet why should we want to stay? 
 
REMINISCENCES IO5 
 
 We may be in awful mis-ry 
 
 And say how we'd like to go, 
 But we wouldn't start the journey 
 
 If there wasn't one to row. 
 Mebby we are sick and helpless — 
 
 Heartache's 'bout all what we know, 
 Yet we'll put off time o' startin', 
 
 Somehow dreadin' for to go. 
 
 Tho' most all our friends are over 
 
 And we live almost alone, 
 We will cling to what's a-holdin' 
 
 Until in the tide we're thrown. 
 We won't let go o' the anchor, 
 
 Yet we're anxious for to go ; 
 We'll put off the day o' startin' — 
 
 And I wonder why it's so. 
 
 If somehow we could look closer. 
 
 Let faith take the place o' fear, 
 fThink about the bright shore yonder. 
 
 It would not seem far from here. 
 For it ain't a great big voyage 
 
 Just to go to t'other side ; 
 Yet we somehow dread the startin', 
 
 And the gulf it 'pears so wide. 
 
I06 JIMTOWN 
 
 Sometimes when we think o' goin' 
 
 We could wish the time more near, 
 Yet we someway dread the startin' 
 
 When we find it's most-nigh here. 
 'iTain't that you're afraid o" heaven, 
 
 Or ain't wantin' for to go — 
 It's because you dread the startin'. 
 
 And you can't tell why it's so. 
 
 Most folks tell me death ain't nothin', 
 
 But to me it don't seem so, 
 For when time for crossin's comin' 
 
 We ain't just prepared to go. 
 There is somethin' 'bout the crossin' — 
 
 Somethin' 'bout death we don't know- 
 For we all do dread the startin', 
 
 But we can't tell why it's so. 
 
REMINISCENCES IO7 
 
 IT'S UP TO YOU. 
 
 When the world's a-goin' crooked, 
 
 Or it looks that way to you — 
 Somehow seems to be a tangle 
 
 To 'most ever'thing you do; 
 When you start out of a mornin' 
 
 With your luck a-runnin' wrong, 
 Then the birds along your pathway 
 
 Have a harshness in their song, 
 And the grass though soft as velvet. 
 
 You will sort o' stumble through. 
 Sich times, if you want things better, 
 
 Friend, it's mostly up to you. 
 
 There is days you start out workin' 
 
 And no differ'nce what you do, 
 You are sure to get it tangled. 
 
 But I 'low it's mostly you. 
 When you try to get things straighter 
 
 And they keep a-gettin' worse. 
 If you can't undo the tangle, 
 
 What's the use to fret and curse? 
 For if you will stop and reason 
 
 (Though I'll warrant things look blue), 
 You'll confess it's you needs changin'. 
 
 Friend, it's mostly up to you. 
 
I08 JIMTOWN 
 
 If it rains when you want sunshine 
 
 And it's dry when you want rain, 
 Mebby what we get is needed 
 
 For some field o' growin' grain ; 
 If it's dark when you want sunshine 
 
 And aglow when you want gloom, 
 That's the way the Lord has made it — 
 
 What's the use to fret and fume? 
 While we're in this land o' mortals 
 
 We've just got to fight it through. 
 And if you want things more cheerful. 
 
 Friend, it's mostly up to you. 
 
 When you think your friends have left you, 
 
 And you worry hour by hour, 
 Mebby all what makes the trouble 
 
 Is because you're some'at sour. 
 When another gets the roses 
 
 And the thorns is left for you, 
 Mebby friends has got discouraged 
 
 'Cause your thanks is overdue. 
 Mebby others need the posies — 
 
 Leastways that's the better view. 
 If you want bouquets thrown your way, 
 
 Friend, it's mostly up to you. 
 
REMINISCENCES 109 
 
 jTain't hard goin' with the current, 
 
 Or a-workin' your own way, 
 But when things somehow get tangled, 
 
 Then it takes a man who'll stay. 
 'Tain't hard smilin' with the sunshine, 
 
 But it's durin' stormy spells, 
 When our weary feet are slippin' 
 
 That the stuff what's in us tells. 
 No, — you won't have flowers alius 
 
 In the paths you travel through ; 
 Still, if you would have things better, 
 
 Friend, it's mostly up to you. 
 
no JIMTOWN 
 
 THE WORLD'S GOT LOTS O' SUNSHINE. 
 
 Oh the world's got lots o' shadows, 
 
 But there's lots o' sunshine too, 
 And at times when clouds are hangin' 
 
 There is spots where light comes through. 
 While our day must have its night time, 
 
 Yet there's land where all is bright. 
 And the darkest night 'twas ever 
 
 Melts away with mornin's light. 
 
 While I know there's lots o' heartaches, 
 
 Yet there's alius some glad song, 
 And the time for folks to sing it 
 
 Is a time when things seem wrong. 
 While I know there's lots o' teardrops, 
 
 Yet there's lots o' sunny smiles 
 And a lot o' cheer in thinkin' 
 
 Of the joy of afterwhiles. 
 
 W^hile I know there's lots o' sorrow. 
 
 Yes, and lots o' pain and care. 
 And admittin', when discouraged, 
 
 That there's sadness ever'where; 
 Though our pack is of'en heavy 
 
 And our hearts oft torn with grief. 
 Yet there's promised joy eternal, 
 
 While on earth our woe is brief. 
 
REMINISCENCES III 
 
 While I know there's lots o' storm-clouds 
 
 O'er the land we travel through, 
 Yet there's lots depends, I've noticed, 
 
 On a f ellar's point o' view : 
 If you're lookin' for the shadows. 
 
 Why, it's shadows what you'll see, 
 But be lookin' for the sunshine 
 
 ;Then it's sunshine what 'twill be. 
 
 Yes, the world's got lots o' sunshine 
 
 If we'll only hunt it out. 
 And at times when clouds are hangin' 
 
 Let hope take the place o' doubt. 
 Though our pack is of'en heavy 
 
 And our pleasures few at best, 
 Just keep on a-strivin', Brother, 
 
 Till the Lord shall whisper, "Rest." 
 
112 JIMTOWN 
 
 WHAT LIES BEYOND. 
 
 Beyond the stars in Heaven's deep, 
 Beyond, where sunbeams never creep. 
 Beyond this realm of toil and care, 
 I ofttimes wonder what's out there, 
 
 HI could travel on and on 
 Where thought of man has never gone, 
 Beyond bright hope or dark despair ! — 
 I ofttimes wonder what's out there. 
 
 If I could go where time's unknown — 
 Transcend this sphere to Heaven's own — 
 Yes, on and on through space untold — 
 What visions would my eyes behold ! 
 
 Folks say beyond, in Heaven's deep, 
 God's angels constant vigil keep ; 
 That if I'd travel on and on. 
 Still far beyond God's love has gone. 
 
 Yet, gazin' up in Heaven's sea. 
 The thought ofttimes will come to me, 
 What lies beyond the heavens fair? 
 Someway I wonder what's out there. 
 
REMINISCENCES 113 
 
 EACH LIFE HAS ITS BURDEN. 
 
 Each life has got lots o' burdens, 
 
 Yes, lots o' worry and care. 
 And it 'pears there ain't no pathway 
 
 But what there is burdens there. 
 {There is times it's easy sailin', 
 
 And life's sea looks calm and fair. 
 But someday the storm will strike us. 
 
 Yet we know not when nor where. 
 
 Our youth mebby's filled with sunshine, 
 
 And out heart is light and gay. 
 But someday the clouds will gather — 
 
 Someday they'll darken our way. 
 Someday the tempest will strike us. 
 
 Someday we'll hear its wild call. 
 Yes, somewhere along life's pathway 
 
 Sorrow is waitin' us all. 
 
 With some it 'pears it's all sunshine. 
 
 With some sorrow's ever'where; 
 But each, I'm told, has his pleasures. 
 
 And each his worry and care. 
 Each soul must bear its burden^ — 
 
 Sometimes with few to befriend ; 
 Yes, each must travel the journey — 
 
 Strive on till reachin' the end. 
 
'The Failure.'' 
 
REMINISCENCES II5 
 
 THE FAILURE. 
 
 Yes, I reckon I'm a failure, 
 
 Placed alongside lots o' men. 
 And the things what I've accomplished 
 
 Ain't just what they'd oughter been. 
 Folks must think I'm slow and shiftless, 
 
 That I don't amount to much. 
 For there's never no successes 
 
 To the biznesses I touch. 
 
 Yes, I reckon I'm a failure. 
 
 For my bank account ain't big, 
 And while others are a-trav'lin' 
 
 I must stay at home and dig. 
 I have spent my years a-toilin' 
 
 And old age is on me now, 
 Yet today there ain't no laurels 
 
 What's a-restin' on my brow. 
 
 Yes, I reckon' I'm a failure, 
 
 From the standpoint of the rich. 
 And they look on me in pity 
 
 As I'm toilin' in the ditch ; 
 And my daughters ain't a-dressin' 
 
 Near as fine as some I know, 
 And there's lots o' pleasant places 
 
 Where they can't afford to go. 
 
Il6 JIMTOWN 
 
 Yes, I reckon I'm a failure, 
 
 From the point o' winnin' fame, 
 'Cause I's alius slow and ploddin' — 
 
 Ain't no handles on my name. 
 I'm not called on much for speakin' 
 
 And few care 'bout things I've said 
 And 'fore long I'll be a-sleepin' 
 
 'Mong the countless unknown dead. 
 
 Yes, I reckon' I'm a failure. 
 
 As for all the world can see. 
 But there's still a little circle 
 
 What's got lots o' faith in me. 
 Ain't no stylish club what wants me, 
 
 And such places I ain't been. 
 But there's just a few would place me 
 
 'Mongst the finest of the men. 
 
 Yes, I reckon I'm a failure, 
 
 From the point o' massin' wealth. 
 But I've kept my home in plenty. 
 
 And we're all enjoyin' health. 
 We ain't alius ready money. 
 
 And we can't afford to roam, 
 Yet we get a lot o' pleasure 
 
 Just a-toilin' here at home. 
 
REMINISCENCES 11/ 
 
 Yes, I reckon I'm a failure, 
 
 Or the world would have it so, 
 For the way it counts successes. 
 
 Mine's been very few, I know. 
 While no doubt there's lots o' pleasure 
 
 When your star is goin' up. 
 Yet it 'pears the toil put sweetness 
 
 In the bottom of my cup. 
 
 Yes, I reckon I'm a failure, 
 
 Or it's what most people say; 
 'Pears I ain't got much accomplished. 
 
 And I'm gettin' old and gray ; 
 Never held no public office. 
 
 Never done no famous deed. 
 Yet I've got my little fam'ly. 
 
 And I've kept 'em out o' need. 
 
 Yes, I reckon I'm a failure. 
 
 For I never kept in touch 
 With the things what makes men famous. 
 
 And so don't amount to much. 
 Yet I've kept my home in plenty — 
 
 iThough it's been a ceaseless strife — 
 And I see when lookin' backward 
 
 Lots o' happiness in life. 
 
Il8 JIMTOWN 
 
 Yes, I reckon I'm a failure, 
 
 As for all the world can see. 
 And just sort o' slow and shiftless 
 
 Is the way they've listed me. 
 Mebby some what like it better 
 
 When they've money for to roam. 
 But I get a lot o' pleasure 
 
 Just a-toilin' for my home. 
 
 Yes, I'm listed as a failure, 
 
 And I'm listed right, I guess, 
 'Cause the things I've undertaken 
 
 Have been failures more or less ; 
 Yet if I was startin' over — 
 
 Had a life to live again — 
 Dunno as I'd have it differ'nt 
 
 From just what my life has been. 
 
REMINISCENCES 119 
 
 BOYS WHAT'S IN THE WAY. 
 
 Ain't nothin' much some boys can do, 
 
 No place much where they can stay 
 'Thout the grown folks is a-grumblin' 
 
 'Bout 'em bein' in the way. 
 They don't want 'em in the parlor 
 
 Or to romp along the hall, 
 And kids' hands will sure tech somethin^ 
 
 If they stand along the wall. 
 
 Course their feet are rather clumsy 
 
 And they make just lots o' noise, 
 And then rugs ain't made to step on — 
 
 Or it seems that way to boys. 
 They just seem to be a nuisance, 
 
 And they hear it ever' day, 
 'Cause their folks is alius grumblin' 
 
 'Bout 'em bein' in the way. 
 
 But remember there is someplace 
 
 Where a boy can alius stay. 
 And remember there is someone 
 
 What don't think him in the way. 
 If your house is most too tidy 
 
 For your boy to come and stay, 
 He will hunt some other corner 
 
 Where he ain't in someone's way. 
 
120 JIMTOVVN 
 
 Ain't you ever caught the i-dee 
 
 That a boy must stay somewhere? 
 If the place ain't 'round your fireside, 
 
 In the street he'll find it there. 
 There is places what's a-callin' 
 
 For your noisy boy today, 
 And they're almost sure to get him 
 
 If you find him in the way. 
 
 Someday you will spurn the nothin's 
 
 What adorns your fancy room, 
 For the gild will lose its glitter 
 
 And will cast a sort o' gloom. 
 You would give it all and freely, 
 
 As alone you sit and wait, 
 For one hour o' that boy's racket 
 
 When alas ! it is too late ! 
 
 If you want to save the heartaches 
 
 And not pay too dear a price, 
 If you want to make him manly, 
 
 And immune from sin and vice. 
 Don't you have such fancy fixin's 
 
 That your boy can't come and stay- 
 Don't forever be a-grumblin' 
 
 'Bout him bein' in the way. 
 
REMINISCENCES 121 
 
 WE HAVE BUT .TODAY. 
 
 I suppose it's sort o' human 
 
 For folks to act that-a-way — 
 To put off until tomorrow 
 
 What ought to be done today — 
 Just kind o' wastin' the present; 
 
 And yet we mean to be good, 
 But keep forever a-sayin' 
 
 Someday we'll do as we should. 
 
 Sometime we'll conquer bad habits, 
 
 Someday we'll put 'em away. 
 While somethin' just keeps a-sayin' 
 
 It ought to be done today. 
 Sometime we will do the kindness 
 
 What will smooth some careworn brow 
 We'll speak a kind word tomorrow, 
 
 But somethin' keeps whisperin' "Now." 
 
 Sometime, someday, we keep sayin'. 
 
 As day after day goes by; 
 We loiter away life's springtime 
 
 Till age with its cares is nigh ; 
 Words what today should be spoken ! 
 
 Deeds what today should be done ! 
 Tomorrow we'll fight the battle. 
 
 When today it should be won. 
 
122 JIMTOWN 
 
 Thus ever we keep on sayin' 
 
 From youth till we bear old age, 
 A-waitin' until tomorrow 
 
 For to write our brightest page, 
 Till Death's cold hand is upon us ; 
 
 Then, when we ask for delay. 
 He silently draws the curtain 
 
 And whispers the word — "Today." 
 
 My brother, the past has left you. 
 
 The future is yet unknown ; 
 The present is all that's given, 
 
 'Tis all we can call our own. 
 It ain't no use to be tellin' 
 
 'Bout what you will do someday; 
 God holds the past, and the future 
 
 Has given you just — today. 
 
REMINISCENCES 123 
 
 DON'.T FORGET TO OIL THE WHEELS. 
 
 When you see a fancy carriage 
 
 Come a-racin' down the street, 
 Hear the dazzlin' wheels a-hummin' 
 
 And the horses' clatter'n' feet, 
 And the folks what's ridin' in it 
 
 Act as if they own the earth, 
 And there wer'n't a sorrow in it — 
 
 Don't you hanker for their mirth? 
 
 Kind o' fills your soul with envy 
 
 As you watch them fellars go. 
 And you're kind o' 'shamed o' Dobbin, 
 
 'Cause he jogs along so slow, 
 And you think the world ain't equal ; 
 
 There's a rankle in your heart, 
 'Cause the folks what went a-past you, 
 
 'Pears like had the finest start. 
 
 But you keep a-joggin' onward 
 
 In a steady slow-like pace. 
 And you mebby pass the fellars 
 
 What you thought had won the race. 
 They have mebby sealed their onm fate — 
 
 It's a little thing what seals. 
 In the hurry of the startin' 
 
 They forgot to oil the wheels ! 
 
124 JIMTOWN 
 
 When you strike the world o' bizness 
 
 Where it's jostle, crowd and press, 
 And you've got to keep a-movin' 
 
 If you ever win success; 
 When the crowd is rushin' past you 
 
 And it 'pears that you are gone, 
 Don't give up just yet, my brother. 
 
 Oil the wheels — keep joggin' on. 
 
 It don't matter what's your station : 
 
 If you want the most o' life. 
 If you long for joy and pleasure. 
 
 Or the bizness world o' strife. 
 If you want to be a winner — 
 
 Feel the joy a winner feels — 
 Just remember this, my brother — 
 
 You have got to oil the wheels. 
 
REMINISCENCES I25 
 
 PLAY BALL. 
 
 Ain't you heard upon the diamond, 
 
 "Play ball" ? 
 When some fellar 'gins to balk 
 And starts in a jawin' talk 
 While the others stand and gawk, 
 
 Play ball. 
 When the umpire's rulin' wrong, 
 
 Play ball. 
 It don't help a single mite 
 When you stop and want to fight ; 
 Play like vict'ry was in sight — 
 
 Play ball ! 
 
 All the world's a diamond, brother — 
 
 Play ball. 
 World ain't carin' 'bout your kicks ; 
 Knockers ain't the ones it picks, 
 But the man what plays and sticks. 
 
 Play ball. 
 If another's in the limelight. 
 
 Play ball. 
 S'pose your knocked clean out o' line? 
 'Tain't no use to stop and whine; 
 Tell the world the game is fine — 
 
 Play ball ! 
 
126 TIMTOWN 
 
 When it 'pears none see your efforts, 
 
 Play ball 
 'Tain't all players what's a star, 
 And on tryin' there's no bar ; 
 Keep things movin' where you are — 
 
 Play ball. 
 If the nine don't 'pear to need you, 
 
 Play ball. 
 'Tain't no use to sit and pout. 
 Join the rooters and then shout; 
 Help the other players out — 
 
 Play ball ! 
 
 If you're winnin' or a-losin', 
 
 Play ball. 
 S'pose you fail to win a name? 
 Keep a-tryin' just the same; 
 Alius die a-fightin' game — 
 
 Play ball. 
 When misfortune keeps a-comin', 
 
 Play ball. 
 Never stop because o' pride. 
 Do your best agin the tide; 
 Act like luck was on your side — 
 
 Play ball ! 
 
REMINISCENCES 127 
 
 'Tain't no use to be a knocker. 
 
 Play ball. 
 Never mind what some have said, 
 Just try boostin' now instead. 
 Play as if you're still ahead — 
 
 Play ball. 
 If you're left and 'most forgotten, 
 
 Play ball. 
 Some good players don't win fame; 
 'iTain't all winnin' of a name; 
 Show the world you're in the game — 
 
 Play ball. 
 
128 TIMTOWN 
 
 WHERE LIGHT AND SHADOWS BLEND. 
 
 There's a time what's 'bout as pleasin' 
 
 As a common fellar'll meet — 
 Time what's somehow sort o' sooth in' 
 
 And sure restful just to greet ; 
 It's when day is just beginnin' 
 
 Or has 'most come to an end. 
 'Pears the Lord's put all the beauty 
 
 Where the light and shadows blend. 
 
 In the mornin' when the sunbeams 
 
 'Gin to bring their gift o' light 
 To a world just waked from slumber 
 
 And the darkness o' the night, 
 And the stars are gettin' dimmer 
 
 As they slowly fade away, 
 And the sky's a-bulge with beauty 
 
 For to greet the comin' day; 
 
 In the ev'nin' when the sunset 
 
 Greets our beauty lovin' eyes 
 And the stars they 'gin a-comin' 
 
 With a flicker o' surprise, 
 And the grass it sort o' brightens 
 
 As it drinks the ev'nin' dew, 
 And it 'pears someway the stillness 
 
 Is a-talkin', like, to you ; 
 
REMINISCENCES I29 
 
 Then it is — if morn or ev'nin' — 
 
 When the sky's a reddish gray, 
 And you'd hardly call it nighttime, 
 
 And it ain't just what's called day. 
 But it's when one's just beginnin' 
 
 And the other's 'bout to end. 
 That the Lord put all the beauty 
 
 Where the light and shadows blend. 
 
Lonesome. 
 
REMINISCENCES I3I 
 
 WHEN YOUR MA HAS GONE AWAY. 
 
 Ain't it queer how a chap what's grown 
 
 Will feel when his ma's away? 
 Ain't nothin' just to his likin', 
 
 No place where he likes to stay. 
 Mebby things then ain't no diifer'nt 
 
 Than they are when she is there, 
 But you know, it seems that someway 
 
 There's somethin' somehow ain't there. 
 'Pears 'at ever'thin' 'round is stiller 
 
 And 'at nothin' ain't near as gay, 
 But act just like they was lonesome 
 
 'Cause your ma has gone away. 
 
 Call it lonesome, but that don't spell it, 
 
 Don't tell enough, for, you see, 
 There's somethin' (I can't explain it) 
 
 Comes a-creepin' over me. 
 You feel it some in the sunshine, 
 
 But oh ! when comin' on night ! — 
 Seems just like your faith's been fadin' — 
 
 Sort o' went out with the light. 
 While I am no longer a youngster, 
 
 And you'd think I wouldn't — but say! 
 There's times when I have that feelin' 
 
 Like when my ma was away. 
 
132 JIMTOWN 
 
 Yes, times when I have that feelin', 
 
 Though I'm wrinkled now and gray; 
 There is times I feel so lonesome 
 
 'Cause somethin' took her away. 
 And I watch from morn till noontime, 
 
 From noon till far into night 
 And on through the night till mornin' 
 
 Hopin' she'll come with the light. 
 And oft when alone at nighttime 
 
 I watch and listen, until 
 It 'pears I 'most hear the music 
 
 Of a voice what's long been still. 
 
 And there's times it 'pears like nighttime 
 
 Though it's only the noon o' day. 
 For there's shadows what keep a-crowdin'- 
 
 Seems I can't quite drive 'em away. 
 Sometimes in the gloom and darkness, 
 
 Just beyond where I can see, 
 It 'pears 'at someway there's someone 
 
 What's longin' to speak to me. 
 But I grope on through the darkness, 
 
 A-wishin' for break o' day, 
 For my heart is sad and lonesome, 
 
 'Cause my ma she's gone away. 
 
REMINISCENCES 133 
 
 HAVE A PURPOSE. 
 
 When you start across life's ocean, 
 
 Don't go driftin' with the tide; 
 Pick a star out yonder someplace — 
 
 Let it be your constant guide. 
 Alius have a settled t-dee 
 
 Of the thing you want to do, 
 'Cause you're sure to wake up stranded 
 
 If you've nothin' much in view. 
 
 Don't drift 'round just sort o' aimless — 
 
 'Keep your eye upon your goal ; 
 It's the ship what's lost it's bearin's 
 
 What is wrecked upon the shoal. 
 Just pick out a spot for landin', 
 
 Then go sailin' straight on through; 
 Don't you mind no side attractions — 
 
 Keep your landin' spot in view. 
 
 'Less in life you have a purpose. 
 
 You are sure some day to find 
 All the better places taken 
 
 While you're makin' up your mind; 
 And it's straight-on steady sailin' 
 
 What will put that purpose through; 
 But you're sure to wake up stranded 
 
 If you've nothin' much in view. 
 
134 JIMTOVVN 
 
 FUTURE GIVIN' AIN'T MUCH HELP. 
 
 What's the use to be a-tellin' 
 
 What you'll do in days to come — 
 How some day you'll help the needy 
 
 With a grand and princely sum ? 
 All this talk o' future givin' 
 
 Ain't much help ; but well now, say, 
 There's a lot o' help, my brother, 
 
 In the gift you give today. 
 
 You expect to do a kindness 
 
 What Avill help some heart to cheer — 
 Help to drive away the shadows 
 
 From some life o'ercome with fear. 
 It's all right to be a-plannin' 
 
 For the future that-a-way, 
 But the thing what counts, my brother. 
 
 Is the deed you done today. 
 
 You intend some day to whisper 
 
 To some poor discouraged soul — 
 Try to give his sad heart courage 
 
 To keep strivin' for the goal. 
 Ain't much help to souls discouraged 
 
 In the talk you'll give some day, 
 But there's souls a-hunger'n', brother, 
 
 For a word from you today. 
 
REMINISCENCES 135 
 
 WHEN I \\^\KE UP SKEERED AT NIGHT. 
 
 I use to when I was little 
 
 Wake up in the night-time skeered ; 
 There wasn't nothin' to be skeered of, 
 
 But someway I was just feared, 
 Till mother was there beside me — 
 
 Then she took way all the skeer 
 When she'd say, just sort o' low like, 
 
 "Go to sleep, child, mother's here." 
 
 Someway ever'thing looks bigger. 
 
 Leastways all the bad things do; 
 It's that-a-way with me and brother — 
 
 Now ain't it that-a-way with you? 
 Other folks say that I'm foolish, 
 
 'Tain't no use at all to skeer. 
 But mother'd say sort o' low like, 
 
 ''Go to sleep, child, mother's here." 
 
 I don't Icnow why 'at most youngsters 
 
 Will just feel that sort o' way. 
 Be so awful skeered o' night-time 
 
 When they ain't at all in the day, 
 But I know someway it leaves you. 
 
 And there ain't no more o' fear. 
 When mother says sort o' low like, 
 
 "Go to sleep, child, mother's here." 
 
136 JIMTOWN 
 
 All the noises they sound differ'nt 
 
 In the dark from when it's light, 
 And you see the strangest goblins 
 
 When you wake up skeered at night ; 
 But the goblins they all vanish — 
 
 Fly away just like the skeer — 
 When mother says, sort o' low like, 
 
 "Go to sleep, child, mother's here." 
 
 Goblins they don't never linger 
 
 And don't perch upon your bed 
 When mother is there beside you 
 
 With her hand upon your head. 
 I don't care for dark nor nothin', 
 
 But feel just like it was light 
 If mother is there beside me 
 
 When I wake up in the night. 
 
 When death's night overtakes me 
 
 And I see the fadin' light, 
 iThen I'll shrink away in terror, 
 
 'Cause I am so skeered at night; 
 But when day is most-nigh ended 
 
 It will take 'way all the fear 
 If I hear some one say, low like, 
 
 "Go to sleep, child, mother's here." 
 
REMINISCENCES I37 . 
 
 RAGTIME. 
 
 It's all right if folks has culture — 
 Like to see 'em act that way ; 
 
 'Pears the world's more kind o' steady- 
 When you're 'round where fine folks stay. 
 
 I suppose you'll think I'm giddy 
 
 (Mebby sounds that way to you), 
 
 But I like a little ragtime 
 
 When I'm sort o' feelin' blue. 
 
 You may think it sort o' trashy ; 
 
 Mebby 'tain't the proper thing, 
 And the songs what is more classic 
 
 Is the songs folks ought to sing. 
 Still I've of'en someway noticed 
 
 When I'm sort o' out o' line, 
 Just you start a little ragtime 
 
 And I'm just a-feelin' fine. 
 
 Sort o' 'pears there's somethin' 'bout it 
 
 (Wliat it is I can't just say) 
 Seems to make things look lots brighter — 
 
 Kind o' drives the cares away. 
 And I'll bet at times you've noticed 
 
 That it acts that way on you, 
 If folks start a-singin' ragtime 
 
 When you're sort o' feelin' blue. 
 
138 JIMTOWN 
 
 You may say it should be banished, 
 
 We should be more dignified, 
 n^rain our thoughts to shun such nonsense 
 
 And with higher things abide. 
 Mebby 'tain't the kind o' music 
 
 What will teach folks proper art, 
 Yet I like to hear some ragtime 
 
 When I'm sort o' out o' heart. 
 
 While I like to see folks serious 
 
 And not act too light and gay 
 ('Pears to make this life worth livin' 
 
 When you're 'round where good folks stay). 
 Still it 'pears I just can't help it — 
 
 'Mebby 'tain't that way with you — 
 But I like to hear some ragtime 
 
 When I'm sort o' feelin' blue. 
 
REMINISCENCES 139 
 
 AIN'T YOU THANKFUL JUST TO LIVE? 
 
 When you waken in the mornin' 
 
 And the sunHght's bringin' day, 
 And you hear the robin's chirpin' 
 
 And the chatter of the jay ; 
 When a blend o' gold and purple 
 
 Comes across the eastern sky, 
 And the grass is all a-sparkle 
 
 Where the diamonds thickly lie. 
 While the breeze so soft and meller 
 
 Somehow sort o' 'pears to give 
 A benign and peaceful feelin' — 
 
 Ain't you thankful just to live? 
 
 In the springtime when you wander 
 
 Down among the orchard trees, 
 Where the peach and apple blossoms 
 
 Waft their perfume on the breeze; 
 When the warm sun makes you lazy 
 
 As you gaze up in the sky — 
 Buildin' lots o' fairy castles 
 
 In the clouds what's floatin' by; 
 When the things around's so peaceful 
 
 That to you they somehow give 
 A serene and peaceful feelin' — 
 
 Ain't you thankful just to live? 
 
I40 JIMTOWN 
 
 In the summer when you're restin', 
 
 While the hot sun's beatin' down ; 
 When you've sHpped from noise and hustle 
 
 And the turmoil of the town — 
 Left your plow and horses restin' 
 
 At the heat-time of the day, 
 And to woodland's shady bowers 
 
 Have enticed yourself away; 
 When among the trees and silence, 
 
 Don't they somehow 'pear to give, 
 A benign and peaceful f eelin' ? 
 
 Ain't you thankful just to live? 
 
 In the fall-time when you wander 
 
 (Though there's work you'd oughter do)- 
 Wander 'long the old crick bottom 
 
 And just bum the whole day through; 
 When, away from lofty buildin's, 
 
 You have thrown aside your care 
 And just drink in Nature's sweetness 
 
 From her sunshine, sky and air, 
 While the ripple of the water 
 
 Somehow sort o' 'pears to give 
 A serene and peaceful feelin' — 
 
 Ain't you thankful just to live? 
 
REMINISCENCES I4I 
 
 Ain't there times nozv in the twiHght, 
 
 When the world is sort o' still, 
 That it kind o' takes you baclcward 
 
 Where you hear the whip-poor-will ? 
 Don't your mem'ry paint a picture 
 
 Back o' years you've traveled through ? 
 Don't you live again back yonder 
 
 'Mong the scenes your childhood knew ? 
 Don't the musin' sort o' rest you — 
 
 Don't it somehow 'pear to give 
 Just a calm and peaceful feelin' ? 
 
 Ain't you thankful just to live? 
 
142 JIMTOWN 
 
 AIN'T 'TODAY JUST FINE? 
 
 We are apt to get discouraged 
 
 If our road's been sort o' rough — 
 If we've been a-havin' failures 
 
 'Cause our luck has all been tough — 
 And we're natcherly some grouchy 
 
 If our sun don't alius shine, 
 But hold up awhile and notice — 
 
 Ain't today just nice and fine? 
 
 Don't you grieve yourself 'cause fortune 
 
 Ain't come 'round to kiss your brow. 
 Can't do nothin' with past sorrows — 
 
 Pluck the pleasures growin' now. 
 When things go a little crossways 
 
 And you're knocked clean out o' line. 
 Just you stop awhile and notice — 
 
 Ain't today just nice and fine? 
 
 If it rained a lot last summer 
 
 Or the year was most too dry, 
 If your crops was 'most a failure 
 
 It's too late to start and cry. 
 S'pose the winter was some gloomy 
 
 And the sun refused to shine ; 
 Stop awhile and take some notice — 
 
 Ain't today just nice and fine? 
 
REMINISCENCES I43 
 
 Mebby we have had misfortune, 
 
 Mebby things ain't went our way ; 
 Last week it was all a-tangle — 
 
 But look what it is today ! 
 Ain't no use to keep a-grievin' 
 
 'Bout the days the sun don't shine; 
 Just you stop awhile and notice — 
 
 Ain't today just nice and fine? 
 
 Course I don't know what's your troubles, 
 
 Or the trials you've had, but then, 
 Likely if you stop and study, 
 
 'Tain't as bad as might 'a' been. 
 When the trouble's all blowed over, 
 
 Then you'd better laugh than whine, 
 'Cause if you will stop and notice — 
 
 Ain't today just nice and fine? 
 
 We ain't livin' 'way back yonder 
 
 In them days a month ago, 
 But it's how to use the present 
 
 Is the thing you want to know. 
 Ain't no doubt the past was gloomy 
 
 (As for trouble, I've had mine), 
 But let's stop awhile and notice — 
 
 Ain't today just nice and fine? 
 

 ^ 
 
REMINISCENCES I45 
 
 SPARK PLUGS MISSIN' FIRE. 
 
 You can stand a lot o' knockin' 
 
 And just take a lot o' sass, 
 You may let folks do their talkin' 
 
 And just think o' soundin' brass ; 
 You may take advice from many 
 
 And not say a single word, — 
 You may stand their ceaseless racket 
 
 And let on you never heard ; 
 You may have just lots o' patience, 
 
 But a thing to raise your ire 
 Is when twenty miles from nowhere 
 
 The spark plugs start missin' fire. 
 
 Now a horse can act contrary 
 
 And sometimes won't pull the load ; 
 You can do a lot o' coaxin', 
 
 But you stay there in the road ; 
 You get out and fix the harness, 
 
 Or at least pretend you do — 
 Sort o' loosen up the collar 
 
 And pull up a strap or two. 
 You can bet it's aggravatin', 
 
 But the thing to raise your ire 
 Is when twenty miles from nowhere 
 
 ;The spark plugs start missin' fire. 
 
146 JIMTOWN 
 
 It may make you sort o' fussy 
 
 When you come a lively rate, 
 Rush up to the ticket window, 
 
 Find the train is two hours late, 
 Or you come a sort o' racin' 
 
 For to catch the final car — 
 See it 'bout two blocks a-leavin'. 
 
 But 'tain't near as bad by far 
 As some things what I've seen happen. 
 
 Nor 'twon't ruffle up your ire 
 Like when twenty miles from nowhere 
 
 The spark plugs start missin' fire. 
 
 When you're showin' oft" your auto 
 
 To a lot o' country folks, 
 When it gets to sort o' balkin' 
 
 You'd heap rather swear than coax. 
 When you're spinnin' 'long the roadway 
 
 And a-talkin' auto slang, 
 Then without a moment's warnin' 
 
 It just sputters 'long — then bang! — 
 Just a-spittin' and a- jerkin' — 
 
 Then it stops right in the mire, 
 'Cause you're twenty miles from nowhere 
 
 And them plugs is missin' fire. 
 
REMINISCENCES I47 
 
 When the thing starts in a-sputter'n' 
 
 And a-actin' that-a-way, 
 You get out a-thinkin' somethin' 
 
 What you hardly dare to say. 
 You get down, a-gazin' starward 
 
 (Tho' your thoughts are t'other way), 
 And if folks weren't standin' 'bout you 
 
 Ain't no tellin' what you'd say. 
 It wilts down your linen collar, 
 
 But it stiffens up your ire 
 When you're twenty miles from nowhere 
 
 With them plugs a-missin' fire. 
 
 Oh there's other things might happen 
 
 What would sort o' make you blue; 
 We don't alius see the- linin' 
 
 Where it's got the silver hue ; 
 There's some folks can hold their tempers, 
 
 Make their knocks a sort o' jest, 
 But when out joy auto ridin' 
 
 .They're 'bout like 'most all the rest. 
 You can bet when that thing happens 
 
 It's the thing 'twill raise their ire 
 When they're twenty miles from nowhere 
 
 With the spark plugs missin' fire. 
 
148 JIMTOWN 
 
 WHEN YOU GET A TOOTHACHE. 
 
 I've observed folks with the "jimjams" 
 
 What cavort in a curious way, 
 And I s'pose they couldn't help it — 
 
 Least that's what they alius say. 
 It is sometimes most distressin' 
 
 For to see 'em carryin' on, 
 With another spell a-comin' 
 
 'Fore the last one's hardly gone. 
 If I'd never had the toothache 
 
 Then the jimjams sure would seem 
 Like the limit. But the toothache — 
 
 Gosh ! it ain't no fairy dream. 
 
 I've observed folks with a fever 
 
 What complained o' liver chills, 
 When they dosed theirselves with quinine 
 
 And a lot o' blue-mass pills ; 
 I've observed chaps with the earache, 
 
 Which I 'Ipw is 'bout as bad 
 As 'most any common ailment 
 
 What a youngster ever had, 
 And I know it's mighty painful 
 
 By the way I've heard 'em scream. 
 Oh but when you get a toothache ! 
 
 Gosh ! it ain't no fairy dream. 
 
REMINISCENCES I49 
 
 I've observed folks with the "jaiiders" 
 
 And with measles, croup and cold 
 And with lots o' differ'nt ailments 
 
 What affects both young and old. 
 I've observed 'em with the colic, 
 
 With the whoopin' cough and itch, 
 And I've seen 'em go a-stoopin' 
 
 'Cause their back has got a stitch. 
 And I've seen 'em have the nightmare 
 
 iTill they're dyin' — so 'tw^ould seem. 
 Oh but when you get a toothache ! 
 
 Gosh! it ain't no fairy dream. 
 
 I allow we all have troubles 
 
 And there's many an ache and pain, 
 'Cause the path o' most us mortals 
 
 Is a rough and stony lane. 
 'Tain't all strewn with scented roses, — 
 
 It ain't even thornless stems, — 
 And we of'en find it's pebbles 
 
 When we thought 'twas sparklin' gems. 
 Brainy M. D.'s write their papers 
 
 iTreatin' many a painful theme ; 
 But it's when yoii get a toothache 
 
 That it ain't no fairy dream. 
 
150 JIMTOWN 
 
 DID YOU TRY? 
 
 It ain't so much what you're doin', 
 
 It ain't so much what you've done, 
 It ain't so much 'cause you're losin', 
 
 It ain't so much that you've won ; 
 It ain't just what you've accompHshed 
 
 In the days what's goin' by, 
 But the thing what counts, my brother, 
 
 Is (lose or win) : Did you try? 
 
 It ain't so much that you're beaten, 
 
 It ain't that you've won the race. 
 It ain't the way things have ended 
 
 What makes the shame and disgrace ; 
 It ain't so much that you're merry. 
 
 It ain't so much that you cry. 
 But the thing what counts, my brother. 
 
 Is (lose or win) : Did you try? 
 
 It ain't the size o' your fortune. 
 
 It ain't the breadth o' your fame. 
 It ain't that you toil for a livin', 
 
 It ain't you've an unknown name ; 
 It ain't that you're kept so humble. 
 
 It ain't you soar to the sky, 
 But the thing what counts, my brother. 
 
 Is (lose or win) : Did you try? 
 
REMINISCENCES I>I 
 
 It ain't so much you've won battles, 
 
 It ain't so much you've been licked, 
 It ain't 'cause your path is roses. 
 
 It ain't 'cause you're cussed and kicked; 
 It ain't the sunshine or shadow 
 
 What come as the days go by, 
 But the thing what counts, my brother, 
 
 Is (lose or win) : Did you try? 
 
 It ain't so much what you're doin'. 
 
 It ain't so much what you've done. 
 It ain't so much 'cause you're losin'. 
 
 It ain't so much that you've won ; 
 When your life is most-nigh ended, 
 
 When twilight's a-drawin' nigh, 
 ,The thing what will count, my brother. 
 
 Is (lose or win) : Did you try? 
 
152 JIMTOWN 
 
 DO THINGS NOW. 
 
 'Tain't no use to be a-braggin' 
 
 'Bout the things 'twas done by you, 
 
 Or forever be a-tellin' 
 
 'Bout what future things you'll do. 
 
 'Cause the past has gone forever 
 And the future — well now, say ! 
 
 If there's things you think need doin', 
 Just you do 'em now today. 
 
 You may never reach the future 
 And the past has gone to stay ; 
 
 If you want to get things finished 
 Better do 'em now today. 
 
 Don't you know the past and future 
 Is just 'bout the same as one? 
 
 'Cause the present's all you're sure of, 
 Now's the time to get things done. 
 
REMINISCENCES 153 
 
 THE STRAIGHT OUT SORT. 
 
 I ain't nothin' gin the fellar 
 
 What is dressy Hke and fine, 
 And I ain't no kick a-comin" 
 
 If his clothes are better 'n' mine. 
 It's all right for other fellars 
 
 If they want to have it so, 
 But I ain't no man for flubdubs 
 
 And was never much on show. 
 
 I don't care for frills nor feathers 
 
 Or how swell your fam'ly tree — 
 Trace it back just all you're mind too, 
 
 It won't have no 'feet on me. 
 It's all right to have fine grandads 
 
 ('Tain't their fault what you may be), 
 But a straight out sort o' fellar 
 
 Is the kind o' one for me. 
 
 He may have just lots o' money 
 
 Or just be what folks call broke. 
 He may be just sort o' ploddin' 
 
 Or may strike a longer stroke. 
 He's a right to^ go a past me 
 
 If I'm eas}- like and slow ; 
 Is he real or only shammin' ? 
 
 That's the thing I want to know. 
 
154 JIMTOWN 
 
 I don't care none 'bout your smartness 
 
 Or the honors you may get 
 If you talk 'bout helpin' people 
 
 While they dig ahead and sweat ; 
 I don't care if you 'pear pious 
 
 And the Lord His aid invoke 
 If you can't stop just a minute 
 
 For to lift some gallin' yoke. 
 
 No, don't tell me any stories 
 
 'Bout what other folks have been, 
 And don't show me any fixin's 
 
 What may hide the meanest men ; 
 If your life is pure and spotless 
 
 Or if it is black as tar, 
 Don't go 'round a-hidin' somewhere — 
 
 Be plain out just what you are. 
 
 I've no love for pious fellars 
 
 If it don't reach 'neath the vest, 
 But I like 'most anybody 
 
 What's a-doin' of his best. 
 We ought not be judgin' others, 
 
 But I tell you what it is — 
 I've respect for any fellar 
 
 What is plain out what he is. 
 
reminisce;nce;s 155 
 
 GOD'S SKY IS OVER ALL. 
 
 When the storm clouds are a-rollin' 
 
 And the thunder's keen and loud, 
 When we see the lightnin' flashin' 
 
 As it zigzags through the cloud, 
 'Twould inspire us, oh my brother. 
 
 If at such times you and I 
 Could just think, beyond the storm clouds 
 
 Is God's shinin' clear blue sky. 
 
 When the ship is slowly sinkin' 
 
 And the mighty billows roll. 
 When it 'pears no help is nigh us 
 
 And we hear the death knell toll. 
 Just remember 'mong the dangers 
 
 What with fear our hearts now fill. 
 There's a hand above the waters 
 
 What can tell them, "Peace, be still !" 
 
 Oft our life's a troubled voyage 
 
 And the storm clouds hover near ; 
 Oft our hearts halt in the strivin' 
 
 As we're overcome with fear; 
 Oft the dangers Avhat surround us 
 
 Can the strongest heart appal. 
 But remember, oh my brother. 
 
 That God's sky is over all. 
 
156 JIMTOWN 
 
 When the storm clouds all have vanished 
 
 And life's sea is calm and fair, 
 When there ain't no shadows 'bout us, 
 
 But it's sunshine ever'where, 
 Then our hearts is restin' peaceful 
 
 And our minds is free o' care, 
 'Cause we see beyond the storm clouds 
 
 .That God's sky was still up there. 
 
 Let the storm clouds roll and gather — 
 
 Hide at times our cherished goal — 
 Though our ship be torn asunder 
 
 As the mighty billows roll. 
 It's inspirin', oh my brother. 
 
 If at such times you and I 
 Can just think. Beyond the storm clouds 
 
 Is God's sJiinin' clear blue sky. 
 
REMINISCENCES 157 
 
 HOW SOME FOLKS LIVE. 
 
 :There is folks you can't say's livin' 
 But just stay in' here someway, 
 
 Sort o' hangin' on to somethin' 
 Till they fin'ly go away. 
 
 iThey have staid here all their lifetime, 
 And ain't done no one no good ; 
 
 If they'd staid a heap sight longer, 
 Chances are they never would. 
 
 Folks don't mind 'em while they're livin' 
 And don't miss 'em when they're gone- 
 
 Barely stop 'em when they meet 'em. 
 Then just sort o' hurry on. 
 
 After they have left us mortals, 
 
 When they went, and how, or where, 
 How they're restin' in the churchyard, 
 
 Ain't none know and few folks care. 
 
158 JIMTOWN 
 
 SOMETHIN' 'TAIN'T HAPPENED YET. 
 
 Ain't you ofttimes sort o' noticed 
 
 In the folks along your way 
 That the things what cause their worry 
 
 Ain't the things what's here today? 
 They can bear their present troubles 
 
 And today's dark trials, but yet 
 They will do a lot o' worryin' 
 
 'Bout the thing 'tain't happened yet. 
 
 Guess we all of us must do it — 
 
 Purt-nigh all us mortals do. 
 'Pears there's times when I can't help it — 
 
 No doubt 'tis the same with you. 
 P'r'aps we're havin' our own troubles — 
 
 Mebby plenty and to let; 
 But it alius 'pears the worst one 
 
 Is the one 'tain't happened yet. 
 
 I don't know why in creation 
 
 Folkses will act that-a-way — 
 Worry 'bout the things a-comin' 
 
 When things is just fine today; 
 Lookin' for'ard for a storm-cloud, 
 
 Though God's sun is shinin' down, 
 Till they think the bright sun's visage 
 
 Is a-tryin' for to frown. 
 
REMINISCENCES 159 
 
 Also, ain't you ever noticed — 
 
 Don't you sort o' call to mind — 
 How the hills what's loomin' 'fore you 
 
 Loom up bigger'n them behind? 
 Ain't it so with all our troubles ? 
 
 Things what makes us fear and fret 
 Likely is away off yonder 
 
 'Mong the things 'tain't happened yet. 
 
 Just you do the things about you, 
 
 Not a-fearin' things ahead. 
 Then you'll find your great big mountain 
 
 Is a molehill, like, instead. 
 We can smile 'bout present hap'nin's — 
 
 'Bout our cares today; but still. 
 We will skeer 'bout what ain't happened, 
 
 And most likely never will. 
 
l60 JIMTOWN 
 
 ORANGE BLOSvSOMS. 
 
 When a girl she gets a notion 
 
 That she's tired o' single life — 
 Gets a sort o' fool like i-dee 
 
 That she wants to be a wife, 
 'Tain't no use at all o' talkin' 
 
 Or a-shootin' off hot air ; 
 She's a scent o' orange blossoms 
 
 And you bet she's goin' there. 
 
 If you've been along that highway 
 
 And you try to tell her things. 
 She will think that you are silly 
 
 And just goes ahead and sings 
 To herself about the roses 
 
 What she'll wear twined in her hair. 
 She's a scent o' orange blossoms 
 
 And you bet she's goin' there. 
 
 It don't matter what his name is, 
 
 If it's Wilson, Jones or Green, 
 And they'll take the blamdest fellars 
 
 What you purt-nigh ever seen. 
 It don't matter where he lives at, 
 
 She will go 'most anywhere ; 
 Waft a scent o' orange blossoms 
 
 And you bet she's goin' there. 
 
REMINISCENCES l6l 
 
 HANG ON TO YOUR GRIT. 
 
 Just you keep right on a-tryin' — 
 
 Never mind what others say; 
 If you keep right on a-peggin', 
 
 Things are apt to come your way. 
 If you sit around a-frettin', 
 
 It don't help a single bit ; 
 If you really want to get there, 
 
 Just you hang on to your grit. 
 
 Don't you ever stop a-tryin' 
 
 'Cause your ship 'pears goin' down; 
 Alius grab a holt o' somethin' — 
 
 Chances are you'll never drown. 
 Never think you're killed or dyin' 
 
 'Cause you've been a little hit ; 
 If you really want to get there, 
 
 Just you hang on to your grit. 
 
 Lots o' folks instead o' livin' 
 
 Will just sort o' fade away, 
 'Cause they one time had a setback; 
 
 So they sort o' just decay. 
 Kind o' man what's alius needed 
 
 And the one what makes a hit, 
 Is the man what smiles at troubles 
 
 And just hangs on to his grit. 
 
^5g 
 
REMINISCENCES 163 
 
 MILKIN' cows IN FLYTIME. 
 
 There is times I get to musin' 
 
 'Bout the things what's in the past, 
 Kind o' dreamy reminiscent 
 
 'Bout the things what never last. 
 There's some things I keep forgettin' 
 
 Till I dream o' them that way. 
 But one thing on mem'ry's planted. 
 
 And it 'pears 'twill alius stay : 
 'Tis a picture of old Brindle 
 
 And the rumpus what she made 
 When a-milkin' her in flytime 
 
 And it ninety in the shade. 
 
 I have sawed the wood in winter 
 
 And I've raked the yard in spring, 
 Sort o' puttered 'round with chickens 
 
 And done purt-nigh ever'thing; 
 I've been pestered with the chiggers 
 
 And 'most et alive with fleas. 
 Sicked the old dog in the bee swarm 
 
 And got stung myself by bees ; 
 But them there was sort o' side shows 
 
 To the circus what was made 
 When we milked the cows in flytime 
 
 And it ninety in the shade. 
 
164 JIMTOWN 
 
 You can talk about the skeeters 
 
 What in summertime would bite, 
 And the bedbugs (some folks had 'em) 
 
 Till they made things warm at night ; 
 But I tell you, they wern't in it 
 
 When old Brindle made a swoop 
 With her tail around your headgear 
 
 In a vicious floppin' loop; 
 (Then with tail, head, hoof and slobber 
 
 'She would start a fusillade 
 When a-milkin' her in flytime 
 
 And it ninety in the shade. 
 
 And 'twas alius kind o' curious 
 
 How there'd be a breathin' spell; 
 Then she'd kick the brimmin' bucket 
 
 (Why? The wisest they can't tell), 
 And you grit your teeth to stand it 
 
 And choke back just lots o' swears; 
 When you think your trouble over 
 
 Then she takes you unawares. 
 Rams her nose beneath your short-ribs 
 
 Just to see o' what you're made, 
 When you're milkin' her in flytime 
 
 And it ninety in the shade. 
 
REMINISCENCES 165 
 
 And I sometime get a nightmare 
 
 At my musin' ; for, you see, 
 Just a-thinkin' 'bout the wicked 
 
 Brings a horror over me; 
 When I leave this land o' mortals 
 
 And have crossed the narrow strait, 
 With St. Peter there before me — 
 
 Will he bar the pearly gate? 
 And it brings the fear upon me — 
 
 'Twould be awful if he made 
 Sinners milk the cows in flytime 
 
 Where it's ninety in the shade. 
 
l66 JIMTOWN 
 
 LIVER PILLS. 
 
 When some people get a notion 
 
 That they're sort o' feelin' bad 
 They will think of all the ailments 
 
 What a mortal ever had, 
 And git skeered as all creation, 
 
 'Cause the worst one o' the lot 
 They 'most alius will imagine 
 
 Is the very one they've got. 
 
 They have read about the symptoms 
 
 And they've heard the neighbors tell 
 'Bout the other folks what's had it 
 
 And how nary one got well. 
 They will think of all things dreadful 
 
 That to them could e'er befall ; 
 Just you name a dozen ailments 
 
 And they'll think they've got 'em all. 
 
 You can't tell just why they do it, 
 
 If they're color blind or what: 
 Where you see the silver linin' 
 
 They will find the darkest spot. 
 Things ain't never to their likin' 
 
 And 'tis mighty hard to say 
 What just awful things would happen 
 
 If they only had their way. 
 
REMINISCENCES 167 
 
 They just think that fate's agin 'em 
 
 If the sky to them ain't blue 
 When they've drawn a clotid o' doubtin' 
 
 What won't let the sunshine through. 
 tThey will borrow lots o' trouble 
 
 Just a-worry'n' 'bout their ills, 
 When the only thing what's needed 
 
 Is a dose o' liver pills. 
 
1 68 JIMTOWN 
 
 A SMILE AND HAND-CLASP. 
 
 The thing what to me 'pears helpful 
 
 For makin' the whole world kin, 
 And best for drivin' out shadows 
 
 And lettin' the sunshine in, 
 For helpin' one what's discouraged 
 
 And bringin' some tired soul rest, 
 Is a smile and hand-clasp, brother; 
 
 That, 'pears to me, is the best. 
 
 There's lots o' ways what folks tell us 
 
 For makin' this old world glad. 
 For makin' its burdens lighter. 
 
 For bringin' cheer to the sad, — 
 And lots o' folks are sure tryin' 
 
 To help the weak and oppressed; 
 But a smile and hand-clasp, brother. 
 
 It 'pears to me is the best. 
 
 Some folks send presents what's costly, 
 
 And some send money as gifts, 
 While some will preach you a sermon 
 
 What seems would surely uplift. 
 While no doubt these things are helpful. 
 
 And to some are a welcome guest. 
 Yet a smile and hand-clasp, brother, 
 
 It 'pears to me is the best. 
 
REMINISCENCES 169 
 
 Somehow when the world 'pears gloomy, 
 
 And to sorrow there seems no end — 
 When you feel kind o' God-forsaken 
 
 Like someway you hadn't a friend, — 
 There's nothin', my friend, its equal 
 
 For bringin' the warmth to your heart ; 
 Then your voice somehow gets trembly, 
 
 And you feel the tear-drops start. 
 
 A man don't have to have money 
 
 To help his fellows along, 
 And folks don't have to be singers 
 
 To gladden the world with song. 
 Your wealth perhaps is a blessin' 
 
 To the weak, the poor and distressed, 
 But a smile and hand-clasp, brother, 
 
 It 'pears to me is the best. 
 
 There's nothin' what costs as little. 
 
 Yet nothin' what does as much 
 To'ards bringin' the world together 
 
 With sort of a heav'nly touch; 
 And nothin' it seems goes farther 
 
 To'ards makin' this life worth while 
 Than to have some fellar greet you 
 
 With just a hand-clasp and smile. 
 
170 JIMTOWN 
 
 THE OLD TRUNDLE BED. 
 
 It was battered with age and discarded; 
 
 'Tain't never mentioned today ; 
 'Tain't fittin' along with fine things, 
 
 And so they have cast it away. 
 It was sort o' common, I reckon — 
 
 Old fashioned and plain — but then, 
 When mem'ry sort o' tracks backwards, 
 
 I hanker to see it again. 
 It 'pears like one o' the fam'ly — 
 
 Like one o' the dear ones dead, 
 When mem'ry brings back the picture 
 
 Of that old-time trundle bed. 
 
 While there was no style about it 
 
 (In fact 'twas remarkably plain). 
 Yet songs what my mother sung 'side it. 
 
 As soft as the drippin' o' rain. 
 Would bring such a home-like feelin' 
 
 That it sort o' 'pears like, someway. 
 That the youngsters don't get nothin' like it 
 
 'Mongst all o' their fin'ry today. 
 It's many a time o' ev'nin,' 
 
 Just after the papers is read, 
 I'll wish I could go back yonder 
 
 And rest in that trundle bed. 
 
REMINISCENCES 171 
 
 I'd like for to hear the lullaby 
 
 And the sweet old time refrain — 
 As soft as the breeze o'er blossoms 
 
 A-drip with the summer rain; 
 Like to hear the katydid answer 
 
 The call o' the whip-poor-will 
 And the chirp o' hearthstone crickets — 
 
 Till all the noises is still; 
 Like to sleep the sleep o' childhood 
 
 And to dream the dreams of old, 
 And 'magine the firelight's flicker 
 
 Was pavin' the floor with gold. 
 
 No doubt it has served its purpose, 
 
 And so it is classed with the past ; 
 Old Time has left it behind him 
 
 'Mong the years what have gone so fast. 
 'Twouldn't look well in rooms what's modern 
 
 'Mong the fancy beds o' today ; 
 Besides there was no place to put it. 
 
 And so they have cast it away. 
 Yet I'd like to go 'way back yonder 
 
 'Mong the things what's linked with the dead, 
 And just for one night have mother 
 
 Take and tuck me in that old bed. 
 
172 JIMTOWN 
 
 PUT IT, RILEY, WHERE YOU PLEASE. 
 
 Oh "the frost is on the punkin 
 
 And the fodder's in the shock," 
 But I never heard the "kyouckin' " 
 
 Of a "strnttin' turkey-cock." 
 Mebby turkeys now is dififer'nt 
 
 From the ones what Riley heard, 
 For a "struttin' cock" a "k}'Ouckin' " 
 
 Sure's a queerish sort o' bird. 
 
 You may hear some 'tarnal racket 
 
 When the guineas git a-goin'. 
 And there's lively sounds a-plenty 
 
 When the roosters start a-crowin', 
 And tlie atmosphere's sure hearty 
 
 In the frosty time o' year, 
 But a "struttin' cock" a "k}-ouckin' " 
 
 'Is a thing you'll never hear. 
 
 When our garner bins are crowded 
 
 With their ears o' golden corn, 
 And our sunset's only rival 
 
 Is the beauty of the morn. 
 Sure 'twould set my heart "a-clickin' 
 
 Like the tickin' of a clock" 
 If I'd ever hear the "k}^ouckin' " 
 
 Of a "struttin' turkey-cock." 
 
REMINISCENCES I73 
 
 While the frost's as appetizin' 
 
 As I s'pose it ever wuz, 
 (Sort o' spices up the vittles, 
 
 Or to me it 'pears it does) ; 
 Though it 'pears most folks is happy 
 
 In your modern folkses' way, 
 Yet you never hear no "kyouckin' " 
 
 From the "struttin' cocks" today. 
 
 And "the stubble in the furries" 
 
 Surely lonesome-like must be, 
 But what puts it in the furries 
 
 Is a curious thing to me ; 
 And I som-etimes get to thinkin', 
 
 Like contra^'y folkses will, 
 And I wonder where' them barns wuz 
 
 What them stubble "erowed to fill." 
 
 And "the strawstack in the medder" — 
 
 Well now, Riley, I'd 'most swear 
 That I never seen a farmer 
 
 What would put his strawstack there. 
 Put your clover in the hay-loft, 
 
 And old Barney in his stall, 
 But "the strawstack in the medder" — 
 
 That won't never do at all. 
 
174 JIMTOWN 
 
 Yet we alius think o' Riley 
 
 When the fodder's in the shock, 
 And don't care a continental 
 
 'Bout that struttin' turkey cock. 
 Let 'em spread their glossy feathers 
 
 As they "k}^ouck" beneath the trees; 
 And the strawstack what was builded — 
 
 Put it, Riley, where you please. 
 
 We don't care none 'bout the stubble, 
 
 But we'd surely miss our Jim 
 If at times when clouds is hangin' 
 
 We could read no line from him. 
 Other things may pass forgotten 
 
 Simiply as a pas sin' whim, 
 But we'll keep right on forever 
 
 In our love for dear old Jim. 
 
REMINISCENCES 1/5 
 
 THERE'LL ALLUS BE SOME KNOCKIN'. 
 
 Now it ain't no use a-tryin' 
 
 For to have one common view, 
 'Cause no differ'nce what's the problem, 
 
 There'll be some don't 'gree with you. 
 You can try just all you're mind to. 
 
 There'll be folks a-knockin' ; still. 
 While there's some won't like your efforts, 
 
 There'll be other folks what will. 
 
 If you ever climbed a mountain 
 
 Or have ever had a fall. 
 There's been folks around just actin' 
 
 Like they alius knowed it all. 
 They could tell just where you missed it — 
 
 How you'd ought 'a' done; but still. 
 While there's some won't never praise you, 
 
 There'll be other folks what will. 
 
 You ain't never fought a battle 
 
 (H you've won or if you've lost) 
 But your fight would been lots better 
 
 H some other folks had bossed. 
 You may feel somewhat discouraged 
 
 When you've done your best; but still. 
 While there's some won't like your fightin', 
 
 There'll be other folks what will. 
 
1/6 
 
 TIMTOWN 
 
 It don't matter how you're tryin' 
 
 In the work you've got to do, 
 There'll be some instead o' helpin' 
 
 Are just alius knockin' you. 
 It don't matter 'bout your knowledge, 
 
 There'll be some to doubt your skill — 
 They won't like your ways or methods ; 
 
 But there's other folks what will. 
 
 Yes, there'll alius be some knockin' 
 
 In this land we travel through, 
 'Cause there's folks with differ'nt makeups, 
 
 And each one has got his view. 
 While it's hard to have folks faultin' 
 
 When you've done your best, yet still. 
 Though there's folks it 'pears won't like you, 
 
 There'll be other folks what will. 
 
NiAY 1 md