Songs of a Sammy POEMS Warren C. Vining ClassXL Book^ Copyright I^". CQKffilGHT DEPOSIT. M SONGS OF A SAMMY ^ongsJ of a ^ammj> Poems Warren C. Vining BOSTON The Stratford Co., Publishers NINETEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTEEN ^^K ev^ -f'='',W Copyright 1918 The STRATFORD CO., Publishers Boston, Mass. JUL 22 1918 The Alpine Press, Boston, Mass., U. S. A. ©CI.A501241 ©ebicateb to iWotfter To her, Who my infant steps did guide, Who watched my body grow And soothed with accents low A bed of pain : May sorrow never come Thru him who owes so much That he can ne'er repay; And may that brow Foretaste the peace To come on the Judgment Day. lU "This manuscript has been approved and Corporal Warren C. Vining is permitted to have it published." ( Signed ) C . Larkin Flanagan, 2d Lieut., Inf. B. C. Camp Censor, Camp Grant, III. CONTENTS Why I Write Poetry .... 1 The Summons 2 Reveille 4 Follow the Flag, Boys! .... 5 War 7 For You and Me 9 The Journey's End 11 Mud 13 The Sentry 15 Fratres 17 Aurora Borealis 19 The Winds 21 West Wind Blow ..... 24 Farewell the Woods 26 The Flowers 28 When It's Spring 29 When It's Autumn 30 Autumn Greeting 32 November 33 A Wmter's Day 35 V CONTENTS New Year's — A Sonnet .... 37 Asleep 38 Death 40 A Prayer 41 Devotions 42 What Care I ? 43 Why? 44 Your Song 45 Gossip 46 Desolation 48 Life 49 Smile 50 Plug! 52 Slacker 53 Dream Girl 54 To My Unknown Sweetheart ... 56 To My Known Sweetheart ... 57 To B On Her Birthday ... 58 A Rose 59 A Little Man 61 Sonny 62 Deferiet 63 Memory's Ship 66 vi CONTENTS At Twilight 67 Memories of the Man in Gray . 68 Reverie at Even . 70 Even . 71 What ShaU It Be? 72 Murder 74 For a Friend 75 Freshman Song . 76 Evening 76 Song .... 77 The Puzzle 77 '^The College Press '^ 78 ''Longing" 78 Vll SONGS OF A SAMMY Why I Write Poetry I DON'T know why I do it, But I do it just the same; Perhaps in years succeeding 'Twill make me known to fame. But whether it does or doesn't 'Tis all the same to me; I write because I wish to And not for any fee. Thus thot about the public And what I think they'd like, Doesn't worry me a single bit, A one horse poet on the pike. And so you see, serenely I go plodding on my way ; Nor thot of filthy lucre Comes to haunt me night or day. [1] SONGS OF A SAMMY The Summons MOTHER dear, the bugle's calling, Calling me to come and fight. Calling me to strive and struggle, Calling to defend the right. Mother dear, the Old Flag beckons, Beckons me to come away, Beckons me into the army, Beckons with a flaming ray. Mother dear, the soldiers' tramping Asks my heart to come along, Asks me to forsake my pleasures. Asks for aid to vanquish wrong. Mother dear, I must be going; There is need of us today; We must hasten to the colors Where the bugle points the way. [2] SONGS OF A SAMMY Mother dear, if I should slumber Far away beneath the sod Do not weep, my darling mother; We shall meet again with God. Mother dear, the bugle's calling, Mother dear, the colors wave, Bidding me to do my duty Tho I fill a soldier's grave. [3] SONGS OF A SAMMY Reveille C'l CAN'T GET 'EM UP") o H! The bugler's a buglin', An' lie's buglin' fer me. Tho night is o'er My bones are sore, I'm sleepy as can be. But the bugler's a buglin'; A good bugler is he. The sun's asleep In silence deep As the bugler calls ter me. Since the bugler's a buglin'; An ' a buglin ' fer me : I mustn't wait, Or else in state A guard house bunk fer me. [4] SONGS OF A SAMMY Follow the Flag, Boys! THE Flag is sailing for France, boys ! Follow the flag ! They have need of us in France, boys! Follow the flag! Men have bled and men have died; Women have wept and women have sighed ; They are fighting today in France, boys! Follow the flag! The Star-Spangled Banner to France, boys! Long may it wave! Our brothers are leaving for France, boys ! Honor the brave ! Men are sturdy and men are strong; Women will sorrow while singing the song; Follow the Stars and Stripes, boys! Freedom to save! Old Glory is flying in France, boys! By war winds blown. The stainless flag is in France, boys ! Will it stand alone? [5] SONGS OF A SAMMY Men of power, and men of pride, Women of beauty, stand side by side; Old Glory 's unfurled in France, boys ! Let none bemoan. The flag has sailed for France, boys ! Follow the flag! Die for the flag in France, boys, Honor the flag! Men have cheered, men have sighed ; Women have trembled, women have cried They need us today in France, boys, On — to the flag! [6] SONGS OP A SAMMY War THE heart is still as dusk of eventide Approaches from the eastern pine clad hills; The drowsy earth, when falls refreshing dew, Is lulled to sleep by murmurs soft and low. The sky close studded with the golden stars Alone keeps vigil o'er the silent earth. A heart is wrung and bleeding, filled with pain. Nor calm nor silence bids the earth to sleep ; The slumber song the winds sing to the trees Is wasted, lost amid the angry snarl. And growl, and spiteful howling of the guns. A million men, equipped, accoutred all. Are other millions seeking to the death. The death drum rolls; a mother's heart is dumb, A tiny babe with cooing, trusting smile Recks not his father's lifeless, painless form. Some sweetheart in a far off peasant home Has said good-bye to lover tall and strong: The rifle speaks, the bullet speeds away [7] SONGS OF A SAMMY And finds its lodge in stalwart human breast; Another victim pays the awful price Of greed and power that has driven kings To war, and set man's passions all afire. The war has ceased ; the guns are now asleep ; But desolation reigns with full control; And centuries must come and go e'er man Can once again find joy and happy peace. [8] SONGS OF A SAMMY For You and Me MEN died in the year of Seventy -six, Men died in the Sixties, too; They bled for the Cubans, crushed and torn. They died for me, — for you. Men died that this country might be born, They fought that it might be free; Men gave their lives that a glorious name Might come to you,— to me. Today, the bugle-call rings out With a message clear and true; Today our Flag, defending right, Is calling me, — and you. Today, from bloody field of strife. The old red, white, and blue Is asking for a million lives. For the lives of me, — and you. [9] SONGS OF A SAMMY As our grandsires fouglit the Redcoats, As the Gray fought with the Blue, Let us hasten to the battle, For they need both me, — and you. With the men who made the nation. With the ones who kept it free, Will, in glory, thru the ages. Stand the names of you, — and me? [10] SONGS OF A SAMMY The Journey's End WE are far away from the battlefields And the bullet's droning whine; There is many a mile We must tramp the while Ere we come to our journey's end. We must tread in mud that is slimy, thick ; And wallow like weary swine Where never a smile Comes to beguile The march to our journey's end. We are grim and silent, a drab-clad host, That comes from the land of the pine, From the Southland's smile, From mountain aisle, To march to the journey's end. Our guns are loaded, the hammers cocked. And steadily, line by line. With a dogged style Each dusty file Is nearing its journey's end. [11] SONGS OF A SAMMY We reach the field of life and death, Where the bullets snarl and whine. Full many a mile We have trod the while : We are near the journey's end. The guns will bark, and the bullet's zip Around the foes' ensign Will tell the while, As the dead men smile. We have reached our journey's end. 12] SONGS OF A SAMMY Mud AW ! The trenches out in Flanders may be full uv sticky mud, But I'm bettin' that they ain't no worse than here; Fer the spring is jest er drivin' uv the frost from out the ground, And we've slimy clay er plastered 'hind each ear. We march erlong at ' ' Route Step ' ' almost every where we go, As we couldn't march at "Tenshun" if we would : Fer yer left foot may be dry shod, while yer right is sloppin' wet, There's er little pool uv water where yer stood. And er few uv us is lucky fer we has our rubber boots, But the most uv us ain't got 'em, so yer see, [13] SONGS OF A SAMMY We jest single out the dry spots, and we hit 'em ef we kin — But we're mostly dirty mud up to the knee. So we grumble at the weather and we grumble at the mud, And we knock and kick and holler all the day : But when we get in action and we face the bloody ''Hun" For the mud — Ugh! — mud — he'll have ter pay. [14] SONGS OF A SAMMY The Sentry MY limbs are worn and weary From the marching of the day ; My eyes are slumber-laden, For the night is holding sway. But the regiment rests in bivouac Near the forces of the foe; From my watch-post on the hillside I can see their camp-fires glow. If I should fail in my duty My comrades would die in the night Without a chance for resistance, With never a ghost of a fight. I think of the home-fires burning, Of the ships that sank in the sea; I hear the songs of the children — And their happiness rests with me. [15] SONGS OF A SAMMY So I walk my post in the darkness, And the regiment rests in sleep ; Round the hearth-fire's gleam is safety While lonely my vigil I keep. L6 SONGS OF A SAMMY Fratres TWO little lads with a wagon Were busily at their play; One was the ''horse," the other drove, On a far off summer's day. (When one is reminiscent How strong is memory: Bright and clear the pictures pass Tho seen in reverie.) My brother was the prancing steed; I was the driver bold; We mimicked grown up people Searching the mart for gold. Time has been swift in the passing; The days do not find us at play: We are two of a host that is marching To crush Autocracy's sway. [17] SONGS OF A SAMMY Now we are khaki-clad soldiers; Our wagon, — a tank, bristling fire. Instead of cold currency's glamor, Justice has called our desire. Now, as we go to the trenches. Oh Soldier Brother 0' Mine, We are fighting for playtimes and pleasures For my future sons — and thine. [18] SONGS OF A SAMMY Aurora Borealis THE world asleep ; the passions of the day- Are stilled; and reigneth over all the night In silence, for the light has faded out And in the dark is rest and quietness. Lo ! As the night assumeth sway o 'er all, And sets its starry sentinels to watch, There cometh from the crystal realms of ice The messengers of sparkling flame, aglow. Now crimson, scarlet, rose, then changing white. And even flashing far into the dome Of skies that overhangs the earth. The Queen of Night has welcomed from her throne The Tidings Bearers from the northern sky With majesty supreme. The Earth-folk gaze In awe, and breathe not lest the very air Were sacred to the night. [19] SONGS OF A SAMMY Dust unto dust Returneth yet again, and soon the sky is still; The flaming rays of light have sought once more The hand of Him who flung them down the wind. The night is calm, Aurora's rays have fled; The sky is jet save here and there a gem Of liquid light that ever twinkles on. Before the world was, darkness reigned in peace ; And played the polar lights alone, unseen By any eye save His whose work they were. E'en when the last day ushers out this life Methinks the angels' wings that welcome us Will glisten in the dusk with lustre bright As glow the lanterns of the northern night. [20] SONGS OF A SAMMY The Winds HOWLING and growling from out of the west, Snarling and twisting as if on the quest Of a stolen toy, Or a pilfered joy, The storm wind rushes and tears along Raising a very terrible song Of ruined nest. And sleepless rest For the earth folk, you and me. Roaring so frigidly out of the north, From ice-bound caverns rushing forth With fiendish glee O'er the frozen sea The north wind whistles and sweeps along Singing an icicled kind of song. In metre cold And ages old For the earth folk, you and me. [21] SONGS OF A SAMMY Steadily ploughing from out of the east, Bringing the rain to flower and beast, With persistent thrum Like fife and drum The rain wind rapidly swings along With a drizzling, spattering sort of song Of mist and wind And how the 're kind To the earth folk, you and me. Breathing so tenderly out of the south. Whispering softly with wee little mouth, From a care free land By the golden strand There comes a melodious zephyr along With a soft, sweet, lovesick, happy song Of amorous night In soft moonlight For the earth folk, you and me. Blowing from north, from the east, or the west ; Blowing from southland, that wind is best Which comes to show Us here below That whatever comes or is sent along, [22] SONGS OF A SAMMY Whether light, or cheery, or terrible song. Is sent from above With the Father's love For His earth folk, you and me. [23] SONGS OF A SAMMY West Wind Blow BLOW! West Wind! Blow! With piercing crispness blow ! From craggy heights And wintery nights Thou comest to bring the snow. Drive on the swirling snow! O'er country, town, And city frown And shout thy ''Eastward Ho!" With lessening fierceness flow. Till springing flowers In nature's bowers Vanquish the ice and snow. Thy cooling freshness show. In summer's heat From cold retreat Glide out and murmur low. [24] SONGS OF A SAMMY With strengthening vigor blow! Till once again O'er field and fen Has spread the winter's snow. Blow! West Wind! Blow! [25] SONGS OF A SAMMY Farewell the Woods FAREWELL the woods! We leave thy cooling shades With heavy hearts ; desiring but to dwell In peace, lost in thy fragrant bosom wide. But calls the mart and straightway we must go. Nor shall thy memory fade, e'en magnet-like It pulls us back to thee ; by fireside bright. While shrilly whirls along the wintery gale, Our thots will oft return and bid thee "Peace." The happy days, passed all too soon in joy, Will come again and life will be more sweet, The journey seem less hard because of them. Again we'll lie upon a sunny bank; Again we '11 hear the drowsy, droning bees ; Once more shall see the wild duck take his flight. The memory of a brightly shining moon. Remembrance of a river broad and dark, The thot of cooling plunge into the lake. All these shall come and breathe a happy joy Into the lifeless forms convention owns. [26] SONGS OF A SAMMY Farewell the woods ! We leave thee for a space, But we'll return to thee when summer's green Shall once again bedeck thy stalwart limbs. 27] SONGS OF A SAMMY The Flowers IN the beginning the springtime Was lonely and dreary and sad, With never a single blossom, To make the old world glad. A time of sighing and drooping Was not within the plan Of the wise, omnipotent Father, So he sent a messenger clan. This clan was the flower kingdom, Vari-hued, brilliant and gay; They brot straight down from Heaven, Hope, to lighten the way. Close hidden in each lovely chalice, Covered with honey and dew, Scented with sweetest odors. Is a message from God to you. [28] SONGS OF A SAMMY When It*s Spring WHEN the buds begin to swell on the trees, When a balmy note of gladness rides the breeze, Then the sunshine clear and bright Drives away the winter's night. And the waters in the rills forget to freeze. When our feathered friends return from south- em home, When the beaver once again begins to roam, Then the violet so blue Blooms to welcome us anew And all is joy beneath blue Heaven's dome. When the bees begin to hum within the hive. When all living things begin to grow and thrive. Then the sun, and rain, and wind Bring invitation kind For man to leave his sloth and be alive. [29] SONGS OF A SAMMY When It*s Autumn THEN the air is growing cooler, And the breezes have a sting; Then the days are growing shorter, And the birds forget to sing; Then the harvest fields are yellow. And the leaves begin to fall; Then the fruit is ripe and mellow. And the crows begin to call. Then come frosts with fatal crispness. And appears the gentian's blue; Then the insects all grow listless, And no longer falls the dew; Then the lowing kine are stabled. Sun-set colored grow the fields; Then the farm-house, many gabled. Cosy shelter yields; [30] SONGS OF A SAMMY Then Thanksgiving comes in glory, And the bounteous year is crowned Then the old, old Pilgrim story Once again is told around; Then, again, to God, our Father, Rise our songs of joy and peace ; And we all retain forever Gratitude that shall not cease. [31] SONGS OF A SAMMY Autumn Greeting THE full moon shines from a cloudless sky- In a million of twinkling stars As my soul leaps free with a buoyant tread Like a prisoner freed from his bars. There's a mild spicy tang in the zephyr that blows To herald the coming of fall, There's a freedom and joy in my heart as I sing And shout to the wind a glad call. While Autumn puts on her gay multi-hued coat And the nights grow frosty and chill There's a message that comes from the Lord of my heart And bids my soul ''Peace, be thou still." The full moon shines midst a million stars And my heart is set free from its pain ; I fling my paean of joy to the sky: ''Thrice welcome to Autumn and harvest again. ' ' [32] SONGS OF A SAMMY November YOU may sing of your beautiful days in June, You may sing of your brilliant September; But give me the day, the most perfect of days, That comes with dun-colored November. The hills nestle down in a thick blue-gray haze, The valleys are sere-brown in slumber; The skyline dissolves in a soft mirage, The grasses have dressed in burnt umber. As the sun settles down in the dim, mystic west, A fog that with mist is atremble Slowly clasps all the world in its cooling em- brace ; And the stars are forbid to assemble. But, anon, from the hills comes a whispering breeze That slowly grows stronger and stronger, [33] SONGS OF A SAMMY Until, all the draperies of fog pushed aside, The full moon is hidden no longer. Ah ! Then it is good to be out and alive, To drink in the health and the splendor ! Oh ! Give me to taste of the fulness of life In the sad-happy days of November. 34] SONGS OF A SAMMY A Winter's Day THE day has dawned, calm, serene, in peace ; No breath, of wind disturbs the morning air; While all around a mantle fleecy white Is gently laid o'er all the resting world. And trees, and sticks, and stones all gently sleep Beneath the soft caress of downy flakes. On days like this a yearning fills my heart That I must needs fulfill ere night has come. I buckle on my good old trusty skis And over hill and dale I travel far Until I reach a little woodland dale Which seems to me a shrine to Nature 's God. The peace which overcometh earthly pain Here comes and fills my weary, lonely soul ; The quiet scene, the falling snow, the freshness Lighten all the sorrow in my heart. Thou God of tempest, storm, and wintery blast Art also Lord of love, of tender grace, [35] SONGS OF A SAMMY Art Prince of Peace, of quiet, and of rest. To Thee I bring my thanks for raging storm ; I thank Thee for the cup of bitter pain ; But more than these, I sing my loudest praise For Winter's snow, for life and health, and Thee. [36] SONGS OF A SAMMY New Year's — A Sonnet LOUD the rampant bells are ringing With a rhythm wild and swinging To herald in the smiling, new-born year; Paeans gay the world is singing Fraught with gladness, joy up-flinging To the stars; each heart is bringing Anthems pregnant all with happiness and cheer. The appointed hour is ringing, O'er the top the troops are swinging, With a bayonet they'll welcome the New Year; Not a single heart is singing, Every gun destruction flinging At the foe,: — the death-throes bringing While the trench is won — the victors raise a cheer. [37] SONGS OF A SAMMT Asleep (To Grandmother) ASLEEP with Jesus ; in His arms asleep ! The earthly pains and trials are forgot; O'erwhelmed with mercy, love, and tender care. Then, too, the mortal form has ceased its toil ; And entered blessed sleep with the redeemed. We, who are left, should not bow down to weep For her who now has crossed the River Death. There is no sting ; a transformation came From struggles hard to endless, boundless peace. She is at rest, well earned by patient years ; She did not fear the summons of her God. To us remains the lesson she has taught; Just bend each one, refreshed, to his own task, And keep the name she left us free from stain. Perchance we'll live a life of quietness That always lights the darksome, weary road For some poor soul that labors in the dusk. [38] SONGS OF A SAMMY If this is so then we have followed close The model that before us she has set; When each shall hear the angels calling home We shall be ready for the last repose ; Shall fall asleep within Jehovah's arms, And be again with her whom we have lost. [39] SONGS OF A SAMMY Death (To Georgia Gray) JEHOVAH reigns ! And when a life is done He takes that life unto Himself to rest. When pain and toil no longer claimed the thot Of her, our friend, she went away in peace Unto the calm abode of lasting joy. Weep not my brother for the lost ones smile. Not lost but gone, in glory to return And welcome us when we shall fall asleep. Oh Patience ! What a model of thee here ! And were I gifted with the artist's brush A picture I would paint of wondrous grace. And all who saw would go away refreshed. Oh Hope! Oh Christ-like Resignation! Both Embodied in this slight and slender frame. Oh Muse ! Inspire with noble thots my heart That I may pay just tribute to the dead. Jehovah reigns ! And in the Realm of Joy She lives! The one whom we have lost awhile. [40] SONGS OF A SAMMY A Prayer OUR Father now we thank Thee For the things that Thou hast done ; For the care and kindly watching From the morn till fades the sun. Thou wast ever near in sorrow; Dost hear us when we pray; We thank Thee for the faith that brot Us safely on our way. Oh, may we not forget Thee In our triumph and success, May we ever call Thee Father Tho the world we should possess. As brightly dawns the morrow May we seek the upward way. May we strive to serve Thee better Till we meet our judgment day. [41] SONGS OF A SAMMY Devotions NO time to talk with Jesus; No time to give to him; No time to spend in secret prayer No time to sing a hymn. No time to use in helping Some sinner on his road; No time to have a single thot, On how to lift a load. Our Gracious Lord, be with us, We need thee all the way; And if thou be not always near. For wretched sin we'll pay. Oh Father, Son, and Spirit, Deliver us from sin; With our own strength we cannot stand. But in thy might we win. [42] SONGS OF A SAMMY What Care I? WHAT care I tho skies are dark And clouds hang dense and low ? What care I for howling wind, Or devastating snow? Above the clouds the sun still shines In glory undiminished; He'll shed his bright light once again When the storm cloud's task is finished. What care I tho things go wrong And failures choke the way? What care I when friend and foe Snarl and turn away? If I live right and do my best To serve the God above, When danger's o'er and work is done, My recompense is Love. [43] SONGS OF A SAMMY Why? WHY is it when we do things That we always do them wrong? Why is it that each line of verse Is not one grand sweet song? We think and strive our hardest To make things go aright Yet always dismal failure Mocks our puny might. But why ask foolish questions? Why spend our time in vain? Why not get out and hustle And work with might and main? Forget the whys and wherefores, We raise them but for naught; Just trust to God the reasons, His is the mind that wrought. [44] SONGS OF A SAMMY Your Song WHAT kind of a song are you singing Amidst all the pain of your life? What sort of an anthem is ringing Abroad as result of your strife? What style of a tune are you adding To those that already are sung? What rhythm and meter are rising From you when vespers are sung? Are you one of God's precious fledgelings, Are you turning bitter and cold? Are you damming thots upward flinging To Him when the prayer bell is tolled? Oh heart, get the spirit of Jesus, Sing the Song of all songs that He sung, When the gates of all Hell seem to open And the troubles of earth are outflung. [45] SONGS OF A SAMMY Gossip THE world is cold and bitter, too, With ne'er a smile or thot for you. The sneer, averted head, the smile Of cynical sarcasm vile, Greets you on every baffled side, E'en tho your travels be world-wide. Give not the world the whole of blame. Not once blush deep as tho from shame, Perhaps a reason good there is That makes the shuttle hum and whiz To weave the cloth for gossips old That they may make the world turn cold. Before you censure be quite sure That everything you do is pure ; Leave not a single open door. For scandal's tongue will tell the score And add vile falsehood to the tale Until its message could not fail [46] SONGS OF A SAMMY To cause the world to laugh and jeer And you to squirm with needless fear. If thus your life has been maligned Don't have it said that you just pined; Put on a smile that won't come off, And let the old world laugh and scoff. Go on your way as unconcerned As tho you'd never once been spurned; And soon the world, grown sick with shame At having tainted your good name Will suddenly have great desire To snatch it from the mud and mire. [47] SONGS OF A SAMMY Desolation DESERTED ! I am left alone ; My spirit torn With anguish desolate. The garden dark — the sunlight flown; My rose transmuted to a thorn And I am desolate. Experience has richer grown Tho mind and heart are left alone, Despairing — desolate. My thots by winds are blown To the Eternal God of Mom: Still I am desolate. At last the seed is sown And new deeds born — I am not desolate. [48] SONGS OF A SAMMY Lif( MAN lives and works, man plays and dies While ever higher doth he rise. Each day the world is better off Because some soul forgot to scoff. Each day the earth much sweeter grows Because a man gets out and hoes. Man lives and dies, man plays and works; His the reward who never shirks. [49] SONGS OF A SAMMY Smile SUN is shining brightly; Singing fills the air, Joyous life and freedom Drive away all care. Rain clouds hide the sunbeams; Singing hath its knell; Sullen gloom and worry Happiness dispel. Why this change of spirit? Cannot you be glad When the skies are weeping And the world seems sad? Tear drops from the cloud land Needs must water earth, Else of fruit and flowers There would be a dearth. [50] SONGS OF A SAMMY Then when skies are frowning Tho you're sad the while, Each your own wee comer Brighten with a smile. [51] SONGS OF A SAMMY Plug! SUMTIMES it seems like nothin Would come out so's ter suit; A failure here, a fizzle thar, And then a couple more ter boot ! Sum days I starts out early Ter do things up jest brown; The first guy what I tries ter see Is three miles outer town! *0h, well!" I say, and then light out Anuther stunt ter try; ' No use, I 'm busy ; not ter day ; ' ' The answer comes so quick an spry. An so it goes the hull day threw. Don't nothin' seem ter suit; But I start agin termorrer With a lot more pep ter boot ! [52] SONGS OF A SAMMY Slacker WHY spend your time debating With the neighbors cross the street? For they who talk all summer In winter do not eat. Why cause so much confusion Bout a thing that 'mounts to naught, When every precious moment With so much life is fraught. Why not get out and hustle, Change your hammer for a horn, Never waste a single moment Late at night or early morn. Get the spirit of the booster, Cease to grumble, go to work, In the end build something lasting. Never win the name of ** Shirk. '^ [53] SONGS OF A SAMMY Dream Girl SOFTLY the wind is sighing, Quietly falls the rain; Stilling the earth into silence, Soothing it gently from pain. Alone in my armchair so cosy, Reading and dreaming by turn, Happy and glad to be living, I sit while the wood-fires burn. Hither and yon flit the shadows, Picturing fairies and elves, Playfully dancing and chasing Over my library shelves. Sleepy, with half-closing eyelids, I see by the light of the blaze Your face, smiling sweetly and tender, I see you approach thru the haze. [54] SONGS OF A SAMMY Your arms entwine quickly around me, My face is pressed close to your breast, Your lips softly touch my worn eyelids, They close, — my soul is at rest. [55] SONGS OF A SAMMY To My Unknown Sweetheart WHEN I am tired and lonely, At a loss just what to do, My thots will slowly wander Till they settle right around you; And when I think of you, dear, My soul has quiet rest; There is something comes to soothe the pain So rampant in my breast. To you, my unknown sweetheart. To you, where'er you dwell, I wish that I might find you. My great love just to tell. [56] SONGS OF A SAMMY To My Known Sweetheart I SANG a song in gone days To my sweetheart, then unknown ; But the dreaming was imperfect That thru the mist had shown. I could not see the beauty That would shine within your eyes; Nor did I ken the pleasure You would add to summer skies. How could I sense the heart-strength You would bring me, day by day, With the freshness of your presence. Sweeter than the charms of May. And the joys that you have given Far excel the hopes of dreams: A radiant home — contentment With you, by the fireside gleams. [57] SONGS OF A SAMMY To B On Her Birthday THE days are long without the song Your presence starts a swinging; Your heart is true to good friends few "Who bring you birthday greeting. May Heavens light, and strength to fight, Be yours now and forever; May naught of bad to make you sad Occur, or friendships sever. In future life of toil and strife Be yours the noble station To mould the mind of human kind And make a better nation. This day returned, so swiftly spumed. From Time's fast flying cycle. Another year bring ne'er a tear, Or sad regret for trifle. [58] SONGS OF A SAMMY A Rose OH, Rose, sweet sentiments you recall From the dim-lit depths of Memory's Hall; A maiden's smile, elusive, sweet. Comes to me in my cool retreat. The picture of her form so fair Returns and haunts the midnight air. I live again that happy hour. Receive again this crimson flower. A sumptuous feast that night was given. In quest of pleasure we had striven; And e'er we said a soft ''Good-night" We talked awhile with sweet delight. As midnight chimes called us to part She pulled this rose from o'er her heart; Should she consent to be my wife, The greatest joy would enter life. [59] SONGS OF A SAMMY Oh, Rose, at this dark midnight hour, Tho now you are a withered flower, Thy lovely fragrance, for a while, Brings back her sweet elusive smile. [60] SONGS OF A SAMMY A Little Man (To Carl Grange) THEEE'S a little man a sittin' In the seat across the aisle Who's a carin' for his Muzzer In most gentlemanly style ; He paid her fare, He took the change, And kept the ''con" from cheatin', I '11 bet if someone tried ter flirt He'd get an awful beatin'. I like ter see a kiddy Who 's a manly little chap ; He's one of next year's heroes, He's the one who'll win the scrap. [61] SONGS OF A SAMMY Sonny FLAXEN curls and eyes of blue, Eyes so big, so round, and true, Your curls so light, just seem to bring My mother's voice ; I hear her sing. Your little shoes are stubbed and worn ; Of pristine beauty have been shorn ; Your little suit of linen white Recalls my own sweet childhood bright. The little belt of brilliant hue Makes me recall I had one too. The little legs so short and round Can chasing mischief e'er be found? The cupid mouth, the chubby face, Quite unadorned with useless lace, Flood my eyes with welcome tears That span again the bygone years. [62] SONGS OF A SAMMY Deferiet IN the days of misty shadow, When there was no field or meadow, Long before the desperado Landed on our golden shore, Lived an Indian, tall and mighty. With his squaw so shy and sprightly. Where the whip-poor-wills sang nightly By the wigwam's open door. On an island in a river. Where in winter dead leaves shiver, And in summer birds deliver To the air a gladsome song. Did this Indian, tall and mighty. With his squaw so shy and sprightly, And a young son smiling brightly. Live a life both good and long. But as each day joined the ages That belong to long-dead sages, [63] SONGS OF A SAMMY And was written on the pages Of long since forgotten lore, Came close one upon the other, As a babe follows its mother, And as deer fast race for cover — Came the white man to our shore. Fast and faster came the white man. Sailing over Neptune 's blue span As if each with each a race ran For a great and glorious prize ; Till Napoleon was banished And from Europe's shores had vanished, While his followers so clannish To a new land raised their eyes. To Ontario's rippling waters Came these semi-royal squatters. Driving out the minks and otters From their runways by the shore; Clearing farms and building houses, Thinking not of old carouses As a spirit bold arouses Each from lethargy now o'er. [64] SONGS OF A SAMMY Thus it was that in the dawning Of onr history's bright morning, When the Indians we were wronging Madame Dn Fere came to stay- Where the dead leaves shake and quiver, Where the birds their songs deliver On the island in the river — There Deferiet stands today. [65] SONGS OF A SAMMY Memory's Ship A WHITE ship sails thru an azure sea Wafted on by a zephyr to port : The ship is a cloud, the sea is the sky, The harbor is Heaven's high court. Like the ship that sails o'er the deep blue sky White winged and gallant of trim, My thots fly forth in a fairy train Till they reach the horizon's rim. In Memory's ship come friends from afar To cheer me and strengthen my hand ; They give me joy, and courage renew, As I press to Eternity's land. [66] SONGS OF A SAMMY At Twilight OFT in the purple twilight As I sit in the gathering gloom, There comes thru the deepening shadow The fragrance from many a bloom. I hear the brook's silver gurgle As it trickles along on its way; It lulls me and gently returns me To the time of my boyhood gay. Over and over in memory The days of the dear long ago Come back from their dusty recesses With the tiny brook's murmuring flow. [67] SONGS OF A SAMMY Memories of the Man in Gray HE stood with strong arms folded And watched the flickering blaze As if within its golden depths Some picture met his gaze. We wondered; no one cared to speak We let him have his way, And presently low, musing words Came from ''The Man In Gray." He thot aloud, we hardly breathed, We would not miss a word, In accents clear that summer night This reverie we heard: "That other scene was much like this, Tho many moons have passed I still retain those memories ; I hope thru life they 11 last. [68] SONGS OF A SAMMY * ' The trees stood round like sentinels As if to guard the place, The moon had not yet risen, No star had shown its face. "My pardner smoked his old cob pipe While I communed with thot; Then presently we stories told About the fish we'd caught. ''When boastings were all over Our hearts were turned toward home, From which each one of us had left The wide old world to roam. ''We saw the old folks sitting Around the kitchen lamp; Were they thinking of the wanderers Away in their fire lit camp? "I tell you, boys, there's nothing Can compare with the folks at home ; And I shall never forget them, No matter how far I roam. ' ' [69] SONGS OF A SAMMY Reverie At Even IN my old armchair at even When the lights are burning low I sit and watch the firelight Throw its shadows to and fro. Tho all is rain and darkness In the garden, down the street, Still my heart is full of gladness In my cosy, snug retreat. Today a fellow mortal Was stumbling on life's road; I saw and played Samaritan, He walks with lightened load. So, tonight, I am contented; My soul is filled with peace; Dear Father, keep me humble, My helpfulness increase. [70] SONGS OF A SAMMY Hven WHEN the day's hard toil has ended And the world has gone to rest; While the dew is swiftly falling And each songbird seeks its nest; From my window, facing westward, As the even comes apace, I watch the gathering shadows Gently cover earth's scarred face. Every flower, every leaflet Then has closed its weary eye. And a gentle evening zephyr Kisses each as it goes by. Then a message sweet and simple Breathes so softly from the night ; Bringing new faith for endeavor, Bringing new hope for the fight. [71] SONGS OF A SAMMY What Shall It Be? (To Wheaton Academy Class of 1917) WHEN future years have come and gone, When many suns have set, When all that is has passed away Oh, then shall we forget About the Class of Seventeen? Will you prove weaklings in the fight? Will you poor cowards be? Will you disdain the narrow way? Will you to heaven lose the key? And you the Class of Seventeen? Or, will you have the strength that wins? Will you be pure and brave ? Will you decide that right is might, And thus your path with blessings pave? What will you. Class of Seventeen? You have the power to make or break ; You have the power to build [72] SONGS OF A SAMMY A structure founded on the rock With choicest treasure filled. How build you, Class of Seventeen? We trust you, Class of Seventeen, We must not see you lose ; Nor do we for one moment doubt But that the best you'll choose. Speed onward, Class of Seventeen. And, when the future years have gone, When many suns have set. When all that is has passed away There'll be no cause then to forget The noble Class of Seventeen. [73] SONGS OF A SAMMY Murder THE day was bright at morn when rose the sun, But now the sun in horror hides its face ; A darksome deed ere long was perpetrated By giant of a strong and mighty race. Fell was the deed, the victim innocent, — Such always is the setting for a crime, — The world was stunned and crippled, industry ; For revolution everything was prime. II. Oh sad that on a day so bright as this, A one as harmless suddenly should die! A moment pause and shed a pitying tear For this desceased, foul murdered fly! [74] SONGS OF A SAMMY For a Friend I HAVE been asked to write a tale For a friend of mine most dear; I don't know what to write about Whether sense or nonsense queer. At first I thot I would give advice, But then I changed my mind ; I might begin and point out faults, But that would be unkind. You see, it is a harder task Than one would first suppose ; Methinks I'll have to forsake verse And tell my tale in prose. [75] SONGS OF A SAMMY Freshman Song OUR college, now to thee, We pledge our lives to be Upright and true. We will be pure and strong, Thy honor to prolong, Thru all the years to come, Wheaton, for thee. Evening OFT as the twilight hour comes on apace. The while the western sky is changing hue, A cricket opens up his serenade Beside the walk ; a night bird cries above ; An insect hums ; and slowly all the earth Is saying vespers, closing eyes in rest. [76] SONGS OF A SAMMY Song A SONG there is unsung, a tale untold, And I am powerless to tell or sing it. Perhaps 'tis not for me to sing of glory. Perchance I never see the face of fame ; Oh Lord, if I must write my tale in toil, My song in labor, I ask for strength from Thee And know that as thou wiliest, that is good. The Puzzle OH Life! Thou comest from we know not whence ; Departing, leavest for we know not where; In mystery enshrouded all the days We spend on earth ; and when we take our leave Thou art still within the knowledge we have sought. [77] SONGS OF A SAMMY **The College Press'* Printing presses ; Pretty dresses; Pretty misses ; Printing kisses. "Longing" ALL I want is love ; All that I ask is a kiss ; All that I want in this wide old world Is one little, sweet little miss. [78] LIBRARY OF CONGRESS lllllllliillillllllliililllli 018 394 505 1