P s 3505 908 jfJoems ,1AM 1. CREOl Class _j££_3 SVf Book GopyiightN /7 0? COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. POEMS A Flash From Afar Ut Pignus Amiciti; By WILLIAM j: CREQUE MERCED, CALIFORNIA SAN FRANCISCO 19 08 LlBfiARy f CONGRESS y»»c Couv rtecwved JUN 23 WU« OoKjr u«(ii tiury COPt B Copyright IQ08 By William J. Creque DEDICATED TO THE FOUNTAIN CITY BY THE AUTHOR Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from The Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/poemsflashfromafOOcreq CONTENTS Roseanna 9 Friendship's Gift 10 One Member . .- 11 Paean 12 Two Wee Lassies 15 A Friend 16 Brave Fireman 18 Fresno's Park 19 Dregs of Life T 22 The False Letter 23 To Baby Benno 24 Lonely Life 25 My Island Home, Farewell 26 Memory's Own Bower 29 Evening in Beautiful Merced 33 A Look Within 34 To a Very Dear Friend 35 The Call — I Am Going 36 Christ, the Star of Hope 37 The Weather-Beaten Roe 38 Salutation 39 Dream of the Cross by Day and Night .... 40 The Going of William 42 The Lark as He Flies Away 45 A Visit by Three Boys 46 Evening 48 In Merced, California 49 Man's Dividing Power 50 Song of the Sea 52 A Beam of Light 54 June Wedding 55 Her Picture 57 Lady Clara 58 The Coming Storm 59 The Beautiful White Navy 60 Greeting from Yosemite 61 Bear Creek 62 Christmas 63 In Beautiful Merced 64 Higgins of Lemoore 65 First Letter to My Little Girl 68 An Exquisite Blossom of San Joaquin .... 69 Madrienne of San Joaquin 70 In Memoriam 72 Under the Oleander Tree JJ Thankfulness . 78 Poems ROSEANNA Deck her brow with roses, sweet Cali. beauties — such a treat — Bank them deep in her home And lay you down the gauntlet there. When setting sun with azure bright Beaming there for one last sight, So bright and sweet the last good night, Roseanna is the crown of light. The lilies hear her walking by, and Say, "Come, come, come, exquisite Roseanna, Give us light, far in the night ; Our beauty hide." Before your sight The forget-me-not, its blue-tinged blossom, Hides around the showery fountain. I come, I come not from the mountain, But from the valley with sweet perfume. Roseanna's arm is filled with blossoms ; Drop them, dear, one by one; Let them fall with might and manner, Sweet brown eyes, divine Roseanna, Roseanna with her curly hair, Each one sighs to see her stare. Roseanna's eyes, like a fawn's of the mountains, Flashing light to the valley below ! Each flash a cupid dart so sweet. Lay you down, close by her feet. Bewitching Roseanna, stylish Roseanna, — Roseanna with the sweet, curved mouth, Lend thy charm to the mirror of morning And flash thy beauty far out to sea. FRIENDSHIP'S GIFT Who hear the roll of friendship's call Gather around the fire; Glittering sparks fall from the mind, Onward speed thro' cultivated brain. Hear the echo as it returns Please the mind and soul of man. Friendship, the kind That spreads like the ocean, Carry the current to other shores; Beat on the cliff with mighty roaring; Tell them come under its benign power- Long in life its onward march Carrying its banner above the storm. Long may it live in such grand form, Spreading from the rising tide To the going down of the sun. Ever meet and never deplete, So shall ages record our feat; Bitterness cease, here is peace Round the glowing log crackling Sparks flying to other clime, - Minds uniting, love trying To forge friendship's ties. 10 ONE MEMBER O mischievous member, wanton member, One that rolls around like thunder, Though your voice is not as loud, Still it tears asunder, Around ; around ; like robin's blunder, Ready to accuse the world of plunder — In the valley, on the hill it wanders. Glorious you spread the scorching flame- It burns ! It burns ! Deep where it burns, Though in his hand he held an urn, You gather all the long, long day That which is good. You stow away And keep it — oh, long, long delay — But that which savors more like spice Is flung to the breeze, no matter the price. The dewdrops seem to hide from it, The budded rose rejects it, The lily will not rest with it; Its fungus still is spreading. Deliverance from thee — When, oh, when? Not Until the clay redeems its own. in] P^EAN High up in Cornell hay barn Cas-Corenzie Company Show Gave a treat to their friends A very select few. The program seems to procrastinate, The audience clap their hands with grace, Suddenly Mackenzie shows his face In acrobatic stunt. He bowed with such delightful ease, The audience knew he was trying to please. He'd catch the rope and swing and swing As if the world depended upon him. Surely he played before two queens So rare the world had never seen, Genevieve Castle, Mercedes Castle, Both with castles on the hill. With yonder valley glowing, With precious fountain flowing, Blossoms gently throwing, To Mercedes the queen. [12] Wilmer and Chandos's Orchestra, Notes were flying like fiery chords. Every time the baton fell Brutus howled with exquisite joy. Along the banks of Karmelon, A stray heart passing by, Stuck through and through With cupid darts, And yet it went on by. Hall Mackenzie, clown renown, Is hardly up before he is down, And makes he such a tremendous sound On loose carpet and hay around. Martin Kidd, the great Hawkshaw, Had just rounded up the bank robber, Shot two down. Bang ! Bang ! What shall we do with these dead men? There is no life in either of them. Go and call the hypnotic. (Enter Lucius Cornell.) 13 Consultation running high, let them lie, Lucius' hand was raised on high, Magic pass before the eye, They wake up, who knows why, Life was still within the eye. Not since the Arabian Nights were boys Was there such display of real joy, Each little eye was twinkling bright, Just like a star in the darkest night. [H] TWO WEE LASSIES Two pretty peas in one little pod, Neatest, sweetest, on the sod — Highland produce. Nothing can come up to Two pretty peas in one little pod. As blossoms they are rare, Flourishing in perfumed air, Brightness generated from the pair. 'Neath rays of love so dear Heaven longs for such as they While in youth's divining day. Let your aim from year to year Be just like pretty robin. Hear, hear, he sings so sweetly, He calls, he calls me with his note, So sweetly it rolls from his throat. On the bough he sings and swings Beautiful notes so bright and clear. The breeze it sways the pretty bird, Its breast heaves with joyful tale Tells its mate o'er Joaquin dale. With dearing grace the news is told, Little hearts fluttering bold, Away they fly, joy, sweet joy, They have that which love employs To guide them on their way — Love was found this day. [15] A FRIEND Where is Madeline? Madeline ! Madeline ! Madeline is here, here, here, So sing the birds at twilight Madeline is gone. Idle tears — tears since Madeline is gone Oh, sweet honeysuckle That twines around the heart With fragrance so sweet Clean, deep, and strong, Where it beats strong and faster. Heart, O heart, where is thy wonder? Gone to her loved one far, far away Sing, birdie, sing; twitter, twitter, twitter, It's her song all day long. Glance at the roses And hear what they are saying : Bright, bright, bright. Read deep in their bower And note what they're saying. 16 Madeline is sad, oh, so sad, Carry the news on the hilltop Where the fawn and the lambs are playing ; Tell them of love, They know of its grandeur Deep down in the rusty mountains Where the eagle hides its prey The voice of Madeline is singing, singing of thee. Madeline, so stately and grand, Her eyes so blue with liquid dew Her mouth the curve of love. Fresno, May n, 1905. [17] BRAVE FIREMAN Fire in the night So dismal and bright Seems we will have a very hard fight. Ladder, hose and nozzle have we; On to the blaze ! We will battle away ! High up in the third story A life to be saved. Fire is breaking through window and gable. Up with the ladder, boys ! Up with the ladder ! Scamper up, fireman ! Long is the ladder. Fire ahead, and smoke all around — Dashes into the window the brave fireman, Huddles together, mother and babe ; Fire crackling and walls tumbling down. Into his strong arms he took mother and babe, Back to the window the brave fireman ; Down the ladder with his precious burden. Long may they live in their good old age, For they shall be saved by the brave fireman. [18 FRESNO'S PARK There is a spot in Fresno town That nature deems it all renown, A place where all can go and lounge Together on the mound. Where the courthouse band abound. The courthouse we are justly proud, For in its halls justice is loud Proclaiming peace to all the crowds. Round and round the park is green, Round and round the hemlock is seen. Let us watch the passing team, Every one is on the green. Spacious park! Wondrously grand! Is there a lake close at hand? So we can watch from the band-stand The gambol in this fairyland. [19] Spreading palms and magnolia tree, Under these we wait for thee — So beautiful and yet not complete, Like a galleon at its master's feet. The gambols of the frolicksome youth Rolling on the grass, It makes an old man think, What is coming to pass. Why not make it still more grand? So it will be the best in the land, For we have the grandest stand In the San Joaquin. Nature gives us all the wealth Here we have the grandest health Why not capture nature's wealth That abounds the courthouse round. [20] Children's playground, oh, so grand, Can you not see them all over the land? Make them so that they will stand, For you have the grandest band In the San Joaquin. Discourse music, oh, so sweet, Make us old ones pat our feet; Come in the park, it's such a treat, Lovely walks and flowers so sweet; Still more grand the ladies you meet, They enjoy the work so neat, In the courthouse park. [21] DREGS OF LIFE Life so dear, and yet despair, Though wandering all the year To find a place to suit your taste Amongst the woodland brier. O land of thought, from you I bought Wisdom all the year. Have shown to me the wisdom Of not waiting all the year. Stretch out upon the moorland And watch the fleeting time And see if they will wait until you get in line. Methinks I hear the clashing Of all the army's marching To peace or to glory, No matter what's the story. Oh, bitter life, why so much strife! Have years not taught thee aught? Go gather posies and roses, And little buttercups; Even honeysuckle will help you In your ill make-up. [22] THE FALSE LETTER How lonesome by my fireside Since Joe has gone away, The glow is not so bright As when my boy was here. Oh, the sound I hear, 'tis his name, Joe, Joe, the wind is mocking. My very heart beats fast, fast — Strange I hear his voice so sweet Upon the gentle breeze of morn The roses nod with their sweet perfume While blossoms tell of tenderness — Break, heart, break out of my side And let the ache go by. My heart is like a millstone — Keeps grinding, grinding away. Free thyself from entanglement And leave this frame a wreck, a wreck. [23 TO BABY BENNO Buds and blossoms so very rare, Just like Benno, oh, so fair, As the dewdrops in the air. Come and deck our roses, dear, Little sweetheart of the year; Have you seen other states so fair? Welcome, thrice welcome, to Pacific sphere, All the way from St. Paul, This little Miss, the beauty of all, Came to see us; though not very tall, She has captured us all, The sweet little doll. Weave the roses around her brow, May her path be decked with love. Loved one thou hast found a place, Deep down in our heart, no matter what race, Weave the honeysuckle around our heart, So the fragrance will never part. Benno, you are our little sweetheart, Come to us just as thou art, Baby-like in the dead of night, Knowing there was one bright light, Mother welcoming thee In Fresno's sight. August, 1905. [24] LONELY LIFE Lonely life — 'tis good sometimes That we may know ourselves; There is much within that will come out If we but know ourselves. Ask yourself why you are here, and Whither must you go, And if your errand here is complete In this grand world of light. Let not your mind go back To the flowers and the field, For then 'twas youth who guided thee In a realm of his own. But now the sturdy old wanderer Is still climbing the hill, And from the top he looks afar — There is more yet to climb, And beyond that a valley Filled with dead and dying. His strength is feeble, but he knows To that great valley he must go ; Yet he clings to earthly things. The seed was planted years ago, The fruit is now just ripe; His anchor holds in sandy ground Until the storm appears. December 6, 1900. 25 MY ISLAND HOME, FAREWELL! Farewell, Anegada, farewell! Coming back ? I cannot tell ; But the pretty young girls that I leave May bring me back again. One night as the moon shone bright From under a dark, wild cloud To me it was like a night on shore When I gazed on the water below — Transfixed I gazed on the rising sea, My native land so far from me. Isle of my youth, I cannot dispute Thy charms are still in my sight; I wander o'er hilly land and sea But still I'll come back to thee. Gorgeous bowers with many wild flowers, Milky bush tree with its snow-white flowers, [26] The lingeloram tree with many a tower Calling to heaven for its generous shower. Down came the rain in its glorious power Giving to the lover a matchless hour, Cooing and wooing like the sweet turtle-dove Under the shadow of the old elm bough. Love is like a spring with a cool, fresh draught Galloping over with new-made thought, Wondering if it ever was bought From the mind or of the heart. Oh, dear isles of yonder sea, He shall soon come back to thee ; Isles of my heart, so starry and bright, Sowing the seed of love's delight. Calm on the surface, the wondrous sea Girdled the island so amorously ; [273 Valleys of grandeur, the beauteous fields ; Streams that are galloping so merrily by ; Methought it was the humming Of voices ever coming, In yonder valley gathering Those flowers that are withering. It makes the heart so sad In all the years of offering; The time is drawing near When we alone must stand And pay tribute to the mind That leads us to the land. [28 MEMORY'S OWN BOWER Light, light, light, ere the darkness overshadows us ! He places his hand upon the wheel To steady the bark, ere the breakers engulf us — His mind is far to seaward, his heart is on the land, Land of the Indies, sunshine and flowers. Give back the one that strayed years, years ago ; Is he on that bark whose pounding and grinding I hear ? The sails all in tatters and bulwarks all gone, Land of the Indies, he is still at the helm, Mighty as the billows that land on his bark. Heart on land, what hast thou found there to stay Away from the warmth of your keeping? I have found love in a bower of roses, Her song so sweet it thrills the heart of the poet Who sings of the raging waters of the Caribbean sea. Down amongst the coral in the pearly ground Of the ocean, there I met my mermaid, Lovely as the dream of Niema standing guard at The gate of the pearly deep. [29] He that enters the gate of pearl Must be love's own choice, The darling of the gods, Whose peace of mind has not been disturbed In wandering up hill and over dale, Where Love is found in her gorgeous hiding place Mid vines and flowers, Where bees sip the nectar from the overflowing cup. Ah, Love divine, thou charmest the heart Mid flowers and bloom ; Stretch out thy hand, help breach over the chasm Where Love mighty stands and be engulfed by the breakers. Breakers ahead ! Love's hand overtake thee and Guide thee in a peaceful haven. Come and see him stand before the bar of Love's Court, a victim condemned, whose councilors' Endeavors are of no avail, Save Love's own pleading. [30 Love divine, whose image stands out Like morning dressed in her gorgeous best, Linger ere thou kiss the dew from his brow Where matchless streams abound With rippling and splashing waters, Going on, on, as if to catch a glimpse Of her whose greatness, glory and beauty Thrill the heart with love and madness. On, on, race ye lovers, and battle With storm and tide For the heart of her, like Niema's dream, Chasing the light as of a black and stormy night I hear the raging of the wind With its mournful tone telling of a heart That is shipwrecked far out at sea. No beacon-light to cheer, But roaring storm within and without, The surging waters lashing and splashing, No quarters given but the boundless deep, Whose victim stands as a barrier against The boundless ocean. 3i Never again will I wander from Love's threshold, Where fondness greets me at my coming, Lavishing kisses like the bee from flower to flower, Drawing out the honey from flowers and blossoms. Guided by the sweet perfumes of loveliness I enter the abode of my own Marie — Marie, whose charms are like morning dew Upon the flowers of May and June. I sing thy praise from hill and dale ; No more I roam the raging main, For thou hast found me just the same In the realm of thy undying bliss. A lover beguiled only by thy charm I stand and watch thy rounding form — Such grace no other has yet been found To match thy loveliness. [32] EVENING IN BEAUTIFUL MERCED As I was passing Cumberland Church On Canal Street one evening early in April, When blossoms held full sway In the fountain city of San Joaquin, On the church lawn, out on the green Were pastor and beautiful lambs to be seen— Each with dish of toothsome sweet ; Oh, such smiles would pay for the treat. He molds them deep ; he molds them sweet— Those trusting lambs around his feet. As the breeze blows through spicy fields, Love, as fragrance there to please, Lasting will be that beautiful scene ; Lasting his memory will be green Among that band of sweet little peas. 33 A LOOK WITHIN Oh, wonderful name that charms our hearts And bids us keep His word, 'Tis music to our broken hearts The name of Christ, the Lord, The Saviour gracious. We know He sanctified our hearts In prayer ; we all know His precious face And gladly lay this world aside. Companion of our lonely soul Is Christ, the Lord ; He makes our heavy hearts aright In sending light and comfort within ; He bids us watch for His word That comes from His throne. O God, Thy name is more than light To the thirsty souls here below ; It brings rejoicing to the heart forevermore. Blessed be our trying faith in Thy holy name, Redeem the falling by the wayside And let a spark lead us to Thee. Merced, November 25, 1906. [34] TO A VERY DEAR FRIEND Late and early as the seasons roll My dear friend the Colonel bold, Just as bright as the merry gold — Beautiful plant not brighter than he Though you shine with the sparkling dew. His heart 'tis like the roaring torrent, Knows no turning aside from you ; It aspires high where all is gracious. That dewdrop friend, The morning splendor, Down in the valley or up on the hill, Rushing of waters no matter what ill, Gladly he steps on the brink of the hill And stretches out his hand, So sweet his good will. April 17, 1906. [35] THE CALL— I AM GOING Life and its fullness I have seen In the morning of light; My life is now like the troubled sea, Waiting the ebb-tide. Gradually it steals upon this mortal frame And liberates what is within. Say not farewell with pain of parting, For on this road joy is untold For they that tread this path of glory Are joyful till the end. April 1 6, 1906. [36 1 CHRIST THE STAR OF HOPE Merciful God, The joy of my salvation He that sits upon His throne Deliverer of my soul — To Thee I look for help in crossing over The troubled streams. Guide me, O Savior, Thy servant crossing o'er, When life is over; My bark be moored in the celestial shore Where reigns the King of Kings And Lord of Lords. Almighty God, Thou hast guided me Through seas, the breakers were dashing high, The angry waves ready to dash me In the foaming sea. I called to my Redeemer; Though my body went with the streams My soul was taken up to Thee. Sing to the Lord — His mercies endureth forever — Joyful tidings, rejoice, rejoice, All ye heavens ; For a soul is saved. Let the earth be rent asunder, But those that have the mark of Christ Will rejoice on that day when He comes. [37] THE WEATHER-BEATEN ROE I'm stalled in the craggy mountain path; The barking of the dogs I hear, The swishing of the branches — I know my end is near She came and thrust with sparkling blade The vital spot within the roe, And yielded him up as sport. Before the morn was over, He lay upon the hard, hard rock That abounds the mountain-side. Each drop the life was ebbing — Not dead, but living, With sparkling blade thrust through the heart. San Francisco, March 24, 1906. 38] SALUTATION She waved her hand so light and fairy, The two-year-old, with grace so deary, In Union Square, where all seemed weary, This little sun-god, the sweetest baby. To me the salutation was so grand; It seemed 'twas flashed from a distant land. Pierce this heart of many stormy seasons And lend me a sunbeam that will waken my reason, Sitting around the monument so grand That was erected out of the best in the land For the Admiral and his gallant band. High up the shaft, Pointing toward the clouds, None were laid under sail below For they were more than a match for the foe. Gallant sons of the stars and stripes Running the gauntlet by fort at night, And when they opened the merry ball Every shell made destruction fall. When the smoke was cleared away The foe was sunk all around Manila bay. April 2, 1900. [39 DREAM OF THE CROSS BY DAY AND NIGHT One night I lay upon my bed — Showers of thoughts came through my head Like showers from the mountain top Rolling down in rivulets below. Gauge not the thoughts as they ran Down on my murmuring heart. Depend A place where I alone can spend, Make there my own amend. I saw upon a mountain high A place where I could do and die — Not like the knights of old seeking gold, But I the cross upheld. Borne on upon the craggy hill, The path was precipitous and yet at will I gathered strength to march on still. A great big tree was in my path ; So majestically it stood Blocking my way I could not pass. Darkness gathered on all hand — So dense the darkness, O my soul ! [40] For yonder hill there is my goal. At last in darkness there appeared A cross so bright, so bright, so bright, Needless to say my heart was light; For in that day I followed my sight. The wind came blowing like a stormy night, Each branch it snatched down with its might And each disappeared from my sight. All left was the staunch big trunk And that, too, disappeared from view; The path was clear, the darkness over, And light shone over all. Within the temple, oh, so great, No signs of any mortal hate ; For there they all must state Their grievance to the cross. O cross of all the multitude, Guide us all in our happy mood, For there we'll find solicitude In realms of the cross. [41] THE GOING OF WILLIAM William not quite fourteen, portly as a man, Started out upon the ocean to visit distant lands, As happy as a lamb that frolicked on the green, Where its mother stood and watched him down by the stream. Yet William knew not trouble, For that was not his lot Until the ship's prow turned seaward And land lay far athwart. He saw the outlines of his home Disappearing far behind, The sea-gull crying the last farewell; Then William's mind was turned To home and mother, Where dim eyes carry the news, William is gone, William is gone. [42] They knew him by sight, For years of play had he Amongst ferns and love vines, Chasing the butterfly, The bob-o-link with his throbbing song, Calling his mate ere light began, Will, Will, William. It was he upon the deck When all the sails were set ; The ship was rolling lee rail in And, on his mettle, he was bent to be a sailor boy. He saw the flying fish dart out from ocean in the air- Their wings so bright, They dazzled the sight. To windward they did go Until, alas, their strength was spent And splash, splash they went. The dolphin swiftly passed the lee, Reaching for his prey, [43] Like streaks of gold in his wake, Running the gauntlet Until he met the squirming mess Flying here and there, But in the monster jaw — The great big monsters of the deep Had been awakened from their sleep, Spouting water high in the air. Making for the rear The swordfish on his great attack Upon the whale was bent, Making the sea a seathing foam Of lovely and sparkling waters. The whale would spout like a geyser, High in the air as a challenge To any who dared attack his whaleship on the sea. The battle was fought ; the battle was hot ; The battle was raging still Along the great Atlantic, Where the waters lashed at will. [44] THE LARK AS HE FLIES AWAY How beautiful the lark — His homeward flight ! Merrily glides the sweet song bird ; Whence came you, sweetheart ? the feathered bride From fields of blossoms by early tide, Gathering sweets from the lowland's love For the birdies high in the bough. Warble, sweetheart, the song of love, Warble on the tune so dear ; Warble thy song the whole year through, Warble on to your heart's delight: Bright summer sun, how sparkling! Dear Nature is loving us over a year ; Thy song is more charming each note I hear — Warble still, darling, thy notes in my ear. The turning of the tide Is for man and his bride, Not for us birdies high in the tree. We wander at will through flowers and rill — Nature is ours over valley and hill — Sing birdie, each note reaches the heart. In boundless harmony our voices raise With sweet acclaim to the Giver's name; Our bountiful harvest so abundantly given, Let us praise Nature, the god of the living. [45] A VISIT BY THREE BOYS Within my bungalow I sat One evening in November, No thought of any one coming From near or far away. I wandered deep in thought and song To Him, my only friend; I looked back on the world I knew — Nothing there to tempt my heart That I would turn again ; No warmth there for my heart In high or low estate. I wandered close to my garden gate Where peace and quietness dwelt, My soul was deep, quite covered over, Deep down my spirit dwelt; The world seemed dark with thunderbolts, Every look disappeared I saw, Until those three boys came within — [46] Such innocence, O Lord, Thou dost lend to the youth. For when they grow to riper age No not one spark is found ; It seems to change everything around And leave that precious part a blank. Oh, childhood, childhood, Why stay ye not longer And let me romp and play? For wherever I go 'tis May. The path is flowers all the way As far as the eye can see — Nothing to mar my sweet career Until the fatal day when I was twenty-one. Where brightness was, a cloud appeared And it got blacker every year; Where sympathy was, coldness has grown, My sense seems dull of sweet and kind things. No more I bubble o'er with laughter And tinge the air with joy, For that I know is lost since I am twenty-one. [47 EVENING The gloam of evening is approaching — See the twilight glimmer by ; The heart of yesterday ceased beating — Love is in the air. We receive the love of Nature — So gloriously greater, For all mankind is waving Evening a last adieu. Farewell Evening for summer sun has waned; Evening splendors gather With bright clouds of light; The twilight breezes are blowing So soft with sweet perfume ; Evening clouds are fleeting swiftly to the west ; The blaze and glory of sunset marks the end of day- Life is still endearing And lives to another day. [ 4 8 IN MERCED, CALIFORNIA Easter eve as I passed the Episcopal Church In nineteen hundred and seven, Two sweet little maids Were emerging from its blossom-bedecked bower; Each little arm was filled with blossoms snowy white As if there were no more space to place them aright. Beautiful blossoms as beautiful hearts Each play their beautiful parts. These two hearts I know were pure, For within them both the soul was there. Blossoms, symbols of purity, You deck your church for Him that was The glory of the Son that rose. [49] MAN'S DIVIDING POWER Launch out upon the mountainside And see what is there today — Is man still building castles And howling for his pay? Why compromise it now? Is there not some other way? Gather all your might and strength And march the other way. He thinks he sees it clearer now, — Do you think he is right In gathering on the byways And showing so much fight? The other faction wonders why He is blowing hard at night ; His right none can dispute In giving out the truth, But leave us what we learn in youth Till age and till age. [50] Why teach there is no Creator, For time has taught us better ; We find in ourselves the master To make us understand. Teachers try to be faithful In scattering seeds of thought — Some will take root and grow While others will fall by the way. In summing up all our trouble And waking up before it is day Be careful and avoid all the roots That spread out all over the way. San Francisco, February 28, 1906. [51] SONG OF THE SEA Blow ye the gale of eveningtide, Everlasting billows roar; The sea raging as of old, Its songs so sweet and bold On all the land of old — ' Where is thy goal? Sing of the stormy weather Where we all must land together, Each heart so staunch and true, Making a grand review Upon the breakers' crest. Many lost days of rest, For many saw land abreast — Blow ye the gale, eveningtide When all the world is wide. Standing at the helm, battling with the tide, The soul of man must quiver While slowly entering the river. The tide so staunch and stiff May dash us on the cliff — Upon the goal our heart must hold. The beacon light of truth Will guide us in our time of youth Till age and till age. [52] Blow ye the gale of eveningtide, Everlasting billows roar; The sea will give up all its dead, Though long they lay upon its bed Waiting the call of that great Voice, Matchless in all its thunder, Handing out deeds to May and December. Give the Hand that rocks the world A place in all our chapter, For in His hand He holds the truth We gather years and years after. [53 A BEAM OF LIGHT My soul is on the mountain-top ; all alone I spied the wickedness of the world, all alone. But there is One who knows it well And turns His face away; Now darkness reigns where there was light Since God has turned away. My soul does thirst for the living stream That flows from Christ, the Lord — Forgive, O Lord, this wicked world That trespasses against Thy holy name And let us worship at Thy throne forevermore. Repentance for the sinner, Lord, Let all our hearts rejoice, In boundless harmony let us praise God. Our thirsty souls are well supplied ; Christ will turn to us again — Then we are blest. [54] JUNE WEDDING Hear, hear, hear ringing of the bell, "Sweetest peal," I heard them saying, Ringing for the beautiful wedding That will take place today. Little birds high on the boughs Let your songs be sweet today ; You will hear a peal of laughter When the bride comes home to stay. Blossoms and roses seem to fade When in the presence of such fairy maids ; The breeze would whisper kindly, So sweet-sounding o'er azure sky — The moon with listless beauty Rolling through the blue — While myriads of stars came peeping From a cloudless sky. 55] Beauty in her marriage gown So majestically renowned — It should be a paradise Where they are found. Not even with a golden crown Could make it more enchanting, For love was there, deep-seated love, That runs on like a river; Its bank is swept with odor of sweetness And empties itself in the home of love. [56] HER PICTURE It stays there, mute as mute can be Upon that mantelpiece ; No sound it utters, truly no, But still it speaks out all the more. The pose — it seems to be for all Who would its lines draw out — The sweetest curve of nymph-like form Would grace any royal crown. It was placed there by gentle hands That drop little things around, the more to magnify. She plays with blossoms in her hand, The most rare in the land, Until the artist throws the image on a sensitized plate. Her charms were transplated on the spot, Her eyes cast down, but there was no frown. A crown of glowing smiles — It bade you stare, for all was there, The willowy youth so fair. [57] LADY CLARA Away in a mountainous country Where no other dares to creep Above the floor of the valley, Where no one dares to peep, A little flower was growing In its sweet retreat. What name hast thou, little flower? For God sent you the April shower That you might grow and grow And make your home a bower. No answer, yet you seem so bright; God hath given you beautiful light And set you above mortal height Close to his tower. Then came little birds flying — 'Twas paradise they were singing, Clar, Clar, Clar, Clara. [58] THE COMING STORM The rainbow with its brightest hue Stands out upon the sky, The storm is breaking, breaking, No mortal man can see. The thunder is rolling, rolling; It shakes the hills afar, For God is just, no matter who we are. 159 THE BEAUTIFUL WHITE NAVY When the mighty American navy- Enters the great Pacific It will roll, roll, Pacific roll, And dash against the gate of gold. [60] GREETING FROM YOSEMITE Oh, sanctum sanctorum, For ages holy of holies; Only the red men dance to its wondrous glories. Exquisite is thy beauty, magnificent thy charm — Let the world pay homage to thy beautiful crown. Canopied with beauty, the giant-like mountains Stand sentinel o'er valley below. Who placed such enchantments For souls that are crying more, more, more? And yet we are dying in this deep abyss. With fathomless minds try, and you will' find The key everlasting will be thine. [61] BEAR CREEK Peacefully, as if asleep, It runs by Merced town, Winding around the willowy bend, Shadows cast upon its face Like mirrors in the morning glare; No thundering, splashing and mighty roaring In bright and peaceful November — The leaves they drop one by one Upon its shining face. Slowly they move along Like flakes of shining gold — Who cares to watch sweet nature When he is not in trouble. Go out upon the bank and lounge, Then listen, 'tis sweet to hear That which you hear, The murmur of the falling leaves; For long it dwelt when it was well With swaying of the breeze; It nods here and nods there, A welcome to its shady bough. [62] CHRISTMAS At Christmas-tide great joy springs up, To every heart the chorus goes; It penetrates far in the north Where ice and snow abound. Why comes such joy to man Close on Christmas day? Is the spirit working still with us As it did in Bethlehem? The wise men found that which they sought Not in palace grand with center all around, But in a manger the sweet babe was found. [6 3 ] IN BEAUTIFUL MERCED The South Methodists gave a social In March, nineteen hundred and seven, In the Castle of Pythian — Credit to those that's due. The decoration was true, More than pleasing to the eye That saw the beautiful view. Tables were set in grand array, Dainties were in great display, For all who came that way. The first that came was very tall — He was picturesque, that was all — As if he was of some ancient hall Waiting the bugle call. Beauty did the cooking, Beauty did the dishing up, Beauty did the waiting, While beauty did the eating In beautiful Merced. [6 4 HIGGINS OF LEMOORE I know a lad in Dublin town His name was known from moor to down ; He wandered over the hills around And settled down in Lemoore town. From Queenstown to the open sea Land's-end was looming on the lee ; The ship was churning the ocean wild Making for the American soil. O sea that washes on the grand green isles, My heart is on the loftiest spires ; Leaving all my dear desires On the green sod around the fires. Ancient castles of Norman build, Classify us, if thou wilt ; Tell us of those mighty wars Thou hast waged on land and sea ; [65] Knights have battled for the power Lost, and wandered back over the sea. Crumble down, thou flat-shaped castle! Dust to dust thou wilt be in time ; Legions once in thy ramparts gathered, Battling hard for king and power. Higgins saw the crumbling tower And wandered of! to another clime. The great majestic steamboat power Cutting through raging sea and shower, Washing over deck and lower, Make them heave with all their power What they had not in their mind. At last the headland rises before us — Ship is plowing all the more. Land, oh, far to windward of us, [66] Ships to leeward sailing by Enter harbor, old Majestic, Scarred from battling with the brine Spacious harbor, wondrously grand! See, see where liberty's statue stands Blinking, blinking our welcome to land. [67] FIRST LETTER TO MY LITTLE GIRL My first letter to my little girl Away in San Leandro, In St. Francis Girls' Directory Where sisters hold full sway — Such gracious sisters they must be, Gentle and kind to these precious charges All the year around. Surely they are guardian angels on the mound Where Christ alone was found, To administer justice to mankind All the season round. My daughter Ella, what a treat To humble exquisite at your feet, As these few lines will convey to you My sweetest greet. Oh, bleak the stormy winds That gush on the shorn lamb — It still finds friends in this beautiful land. June 2, 1907. [68] AN EXQUISITE BLOSSOM OF SAN JOAQUIN He came from a city of beautiful mentha, He of grandeur, mein and manner — Like a sunbeam bright and cheery All around him must be merry. Ah, bright one, like one you have done it ; The nest is high in the tree, Blossoms cluster around it, As it did in San Joaquin. [69 MADRIENNE OF SAN JOAQUIN Madrienne ! Madrienne ! The call was sweet, the sun was high, The morning meal was served. In clustering coverlets She sleeps in her bed, One of the prettiest pearls of Merced. Oh, pearl of glaring brightness Which marks thy love and whiteness, The Mediterranean envies thee Of that which is in thy likeness. True blue is in the azure sky ; It calls thee ere the morning fly ; It waits thee for the glowing light That sparkles o'er the morning dew. In the valley of San Joaquin Such beauty there to be seen — Fields of ripening grain Swaying with the breeze ; Orchard and vineyard so complete, As if Eden were at your feet. [70 The linnet with its sweetest note, Here, here, Madrienne, Madri, Madri ; Over San Joaquin vale he flies ; Above him blue sky, Beneath fruit is ripening fast ; Strawberry, a vermillion bright, Apricot like nugget of gold, Peaches like her beautiful cheek With color flash and rare. And still they call Madrienne, Madrienne, From boughs of lofty trees Until they found the pearl Of clear and rare whiteness In Merced. [71] IN MEMORIAM Mrs. R. P. Lathrop, of Hollister, Cal. This is a token from William to Mr. Latt rop, written by his Father. — Wm. J. Creque. Gone to join the host who Is marching to the throne. There is One above ; she will surely enter in, So gentle was her teaching upon mortal earth, For love is only preaching of its own worth Lessons for the souls who stand before the throne To gather all our jewels We plant in this world. They will stand sponsor for us No matter where we go. The laws of nature tell us Upon the dawn of morn To gather sheaves of wheat Before the sun goes down. By day and by night ■ Flowers must be strewn Until the portal gate her soul enters in. Welcome thee to Paradise, the soul's own rest — Mighty Harvester, Thou hast reaped the golden seed Planted here amongst us, grown to a rose. [72] Oh, gracious good, what have I done to merit such a strain ; The flowers that have grown up Have weathered again, And now thy soul hast flown And whither shall I go? I fix my gaze upon her shroud — Immortal work of God. Go strew the flowers In the path where hearse passes over ; Go bank the blossoms in her grave That hides all so dear — Matchless in her death, who shall appear? No mortal man that comes shall go near. Mine eyes behold the loyal band, With wings and sword outstretched, The fiery sword pointing the way To truth and the gate. No resistance there I meet, But glide in on my wings. [73 My escort, they were mighty, For long they stood the test, Gathering those that are on the way To reach the land of rest. Farewell, O grave, the mortal doom, For upon high I'll be soon Gathering that I earned so well In mortal land of strife. The Master called her by her name, And on the wing of Time she came Flying through such a glorious heaven Where all our loved ones are forgiven. Glorious time for all in heaven — Plenty of rest, for God has given Peace to her soul. In the realm of the other world, Standing on the precipice of Time, Viewing the glorious haven of rest, Seeing with these eyes what no mortal man can see- What a sight! [74] Glance down on the world below — There he stands close by the door Waiting the summons ; All the world is coming, For the day is approaching — all must rest. Back from my wandering, I hardly think I am blundering, The time will come when I will See her face to face Among the mighty spirits that give me the grace To have the courage to meet her face to face. What makes my troubled heart so sad ? Have I but lost the grip I had? stormy sea of tears and sorrow Canst thou not wait until tomorrow? 1 gained a day yesterday, I must be on my loyal way Sowing the seed that will pay, Making for the glorious day when we all must pay. [75] O that the earth would take a flight Through space with all its worth, Not lowering man in his sphere, Nor changing the fleeting time, But bringing us nearer the goal of Love's abode, There rest the pebble on the beach The surf has rolled and tossed Mighty seas have helped it on At last it reached the shore. [ 7 6 UNDER THE OLEANDER TREE Of days and years ago Even the birds seem dull in their praise Of the two that were there to embrace; Their hearts are still warm though years have gone by, With each thought that was dear to them. Under this tree you plucked that rose — Though it withered and faded away, My heart is still fresh with the vows that I made When the dewdrops fell on our heads. List to the birds ; their sweet note of praise ! They remember those words that were said. Loving hearts shall not wonder That dear thoughts grow fonder — Oleander tree bloom again! Reno, Nevada, 1885. [77] THANKFULNESS O Father, the God of the world ! Who showers His blessings upon us Regardless of those that are sinful, We forget Thy tender mercies And wander off from giving Thee glory. O God, we have rebelled against Thy goodness And left the rock of our salvation. that mine eyes might rest upon Thee, The joy of my soul, the brightness of my path, Though a mountain of darkness hast risen before me Thou hast not left me alone — A spark of thy light shines in my path, 1 know my Redeemer is near. When calamity was coming Thou came In due time and strengthened My soul with the spark of Thy light That I could withstand the days Of trials that came upon me. O God, I ask Thee Let my soul rejoice at Thy coming. July 12, 1906. [78] J\W 23 « 08