POEMS 
 
 OF 
 
 LLEWELLYN L. RODMAN 
 
 1911 
 
 
POEMS 
 
 OF 
 
 LLEWELLYN L. RODMAN 
 1911 
 
 DEDICATED TO MY MOTHER 
 
 Copyrighted 1911 by h. L. Rodman 
 East Hartford, Conn. 
 

 >CI,A3(H.917 
 
MY EXPERIENCE. 
 
 Composed For Grange Experience Meeting. 
 
 I wonder how jolly a fellow would feel 
 
 After being upset by an automobile? 
 
 A large one, I mean, perhaps forty horse power, 
 
 With a mile rate of fifty or sixty an hour? 
 
 I'm employed (you all know) by Mr. — — H. C, 
 And one Friday morning, the first thing, says he, 
 You may draw from the Naubuc coal yard, to-day. 
 So I harnessed the horse and we started away. 
 
 'Twas a beautiful morning along in the Fall, 
 The traveling was rough, and one needed a shawl. 
 We arrived, team was loaded, and still to be spry. 
 Started right home again old horse and I. 
 
 But alas!!! while returning, when half way Main St., 
 Lo and behold! and what should I meet? 
 'Twas an automobile, coming on with all speed 
 Like a Boston express, or a runaway steed. 
 
 Don't question as to whether I turned to the right 
 Or the left, 'cuz they both were far beyond might; 
 Nor if I was scared, for how would you feel, 
 If you saw the mad face on an automobile? 
 
 Honk!!! Honk!!! ,twas the warning, sure to be heard, 
 But twas only two seconds or three, 'pon my word, 
 Ere that monster drew nigh, and went past like a deer, 
 With a treat in its steps for the eye, nose, and ear. 
 
 I escaped through great luck, without scratch or a bruise; 
 I found that the shoe strings were safe on both shoes, 
 Yet I'm doubtful if any can tell how I feel, 
 Whenever I think of that automobile. 
 
THANKSGIVING. 
 
 We are waiting for Thanksgiving 
 The best day of the year. 
 When we get such high Uving, 
 That, well, it puts us out of gear. 
 
 We are sighing for the turkey 
 And good old pumpkin pie, 
 We're planning for a grand old time. 
 So the bird has got to die. 
 
 We are waiting for Thanksgiving, 
 The best day in the Fall ; 
 We are dreaming of the dinner bell, 
 That is sure to fetch us all. 
 
 Everybody wears a smile 
 For that day, in the future, bright. 
 And it hardly seems all golden dreams 
 Will be changed on Thursday night. 
 
 We're waiting for Thanksgiving, 
 The best day of the year, 
 O! Say! "We're such a jolly crowd" 
 Because 'twill soon be here. 
 
THE FARMER. 
 
 Where can as mic^lity a man 'be found, 
 As he that humbly tills the ground, 
 
 And bids it jneld; 
 Whose work is oft to level low 
 The tares and weeds, that quickly grow 
 
 Within the field. 
 
 His hands are marked with honor's brand, 
 And oft his shoes half filled with sand, 
 
 But naught he fears: 
 He battles, and through victory feeds 
 His fellow-men, supplying needs. 
 
 Relieving cares. 
 
 Where were our city pomp and boast, 
 Yea, and it's men of wealth, a host. 
 
 In rich array; 
 Without the gifts of farm, alas! 
 Sure as the dew upon the grass, 
 
 They'd pass away. 
 
 Yea, and the nation honors those, 
 Ready to meet the many foes, 
 
 That long for strife; 
 But Where's the Parmer's trophy fair? 
 Is there no song of praise to share 
 
 With him in life? 
 
 O, thou, with marks of honest toil 
 Upon thy hands, made by the soil 
 
 In battles true; 
 O, learn to labor and to wait, 
 Until is ope'd the Heavenly gate, 
 
 To let thee through. 
 
In heaven the great and small are tried: 
 And poor deserving ones, who've died 
 
 Without a name; 
 Tis then the few and faithful here, 
 Within that hour shall have no fear. 
 
 Nor brand of shame. 
 
 Meekly before the Mercy Seat, 
 
 The Farmer, whith his task complete 
 
 On earth below: 
 Awaits, and I hear the Holy One, 
 In benediction, say, "Well done," 
 
 "In peace may go." 
 
CHRISTMAS. 
 
 Silence the sound of life's battle, 
 And lift thy heart in praise; 
 Praise to the child of the manger 
 Who is King of this day of days. 
 
 And think of it as the Alpha, 
 But not as Alpha alone; 
 We know God calls it Omega, 
 The day of light to the throne. 
 
 Silence the sound of life's battle, 
 For the day of peace has come; 
 And the harp gives the note-universal 
 Instead of the stirring drum. 
 
 The nations regard each other 
 With brotherly love, at last: 
 Soon will the arts of destruction 
 Be notes of a shameful past. 
 
 To-day the world's great kingdoms 
 The Christ-child's have become; 
 There's a harp at the grand coronation 
 Instead of the stirring drum. 
 
 The sound of life's battle is silenced; 
 All hearts, now filled with praise. 
 Are seeking the Child of the manger, 
 Who is King of this day of days. 
 
COMPOSED ON THE OCCASION OF AN 
 EXCHANGE OF PROGRAMME. 
 
 BY HILLSTOWN GRANGE AT GOOD WILL, 
 
 We've come to spend the evening 
 With Good Will Grange, and say, 
 'Twas awfully hard for us to wait 
 Until the close of day. 
 
 We've counted every passing hour 
 For the past two weeks or so; 
 And don't know as we ever saw 
 Time move so blasted slow. 
 
 We're here to entertain you, 
 How much I cannot tell; 
 For most of you, I'm sure, do know 
 Our Grange has not been well. 
 
 We have some dialogues, to-night; 
 So I don't need to mention 
 The fact, that when our band begins 
 We'd like your kind attention. 
 
 At Installation meeting, 
 A few weeks ago, 'twas then 
 You called upon our little grange. 
 And we look for you again. 
 
 When you invited us down here, 
 Two things you did'nt state; 
 And trusting that neither contravenes 
 Propriety, I'll relate. 
 
You might have said, 'twould have been alright 
 
 Our confidence to win, 
 Good Will meets down the river; 
 Come down anytime, and drop in. 
 
 Or we should certainly have acquiesced, 
 
 If you had only said; 
 
 "Our grange hall is across from the cemetery. 
 
 If you ever go by, drop dead. ' ' 
 
 And because you did'nt state these facts, 
 Of course you're not to blame; 
 For if we had been in your shoes 
 We should never have told the same. 
 
LINES TO FRIENDS. 
 
 O! that I were master 
 
 Of either violin or banjo; 
 
 What a pleasure to surprise you both 
 
 And serenade with song. 
 
 But to render music hazy, 
 Would set all the neighbors crazy, 
 And the Officer would soon appear, 
 To order me along. 
 
 So the only way befitting, 
 When my congrat — s are due, 
 Is to write a little poem, 
 Here is one for you. 
 
 I wish you happiness, my friends. 
 Through all your journey long, 
 The mornings bright with golden hopes, 
 The evenings lit with song. 
 
 Until the end of time. 
 Your lives in truest harmony, 
 With sweetest music and the rhyme. 
 No harsh discordancy. 
 
 And too, I ask, that the master 
 Of all, human and divine, 
 Who at the Cana marriage 
 Changed water into wine. 
 
 May with the royal sceptre 
 And magic of His might. 
 Touch every task and trial. 
 And crown them ever bright. 
 
THE GAME OF "QUOITS." 
 
 The merriest game to play, 
 When the hour is free for sports, 
 (And the champions are away,) 
 Is the science game of "Quoits" 
 
 You may have a coaching friend, 
 To prompt the unskilled hand; 
 But it takes some nerve to send 
 A quoit to safely land. 
 
 It takes a good keen eye. 
 To judge the distance right; 
 And most all men and boys 
 Enjoy the game of "Quoits" 
 
 A few years ago we met 
 To the number of a score. 
 Every day it was the go 
 By our little grocery store. 
 
 Each boasted of his skill. 
 And played with all his might 
 Prom after supper time, until 
 The closing in of night. 
 
 'Tis a merry game to play, 
 When the hour is free for sports, 
 (And the champion is away) 
 The science game of ''Quoits." 
 
LINES TO HILLSTOWN HALL. 
 
 Dear Hillstown Hall, our meeting place 
 
 For pleasure and for duty, 
 
 We come to thee at evenings gleam, 
 
 We love thy simple beauty. 
 
 We come to thee for goodly work, 
 
 For pleasures without number, 
 
 To act a part, or join in talk. 
 
 Before the hours of slumber. 
 
 We come to thee on Holy day, 
 
 Whilst love and duty ealleth. 
 
 To voice our praise, or else to pray 
 
 For those whom ill befalleth. 
 
 We often come on Holy day 
 
 With weary hearts and lowly, 
 
 For gems of joy that shall abide 
 
 In friendships true and holy. 
 
 Our neighbors leave their many cares 
 
 To welcome sacred memories; 
 
 Oft noted men ascend thy stairs 
 
 To serve at our assemblies. 
 
 Our fathers, who so freely gave 
 
 Their time and task to welding. 
 
 Forever in our hearts shall live 
 
 Though time decays their building. 
 
 Dear Hall, thou art a goodly place 
 
 For song or special debate, 
 
 To discuss the topics of the hour. 
 
 Of farm, or town, or state. 
 
 Thy needed music soundeth sweet, 
 
 And songs do echo freely 
 
 From out thy doors to aged ones, 
 
 Detained from coming socially. 
 
So, dear hall, accept these lines 
 As best I have to offer ; 
 Had I e'en the vested power, 
 I'd praise thee at thine altar. 
 
 But thou, in years that are to come, 
 O, open with thy portals. 
 Make thy breast a sacred rest 
 To welcome weary mortals. 
 
THE FARM GIRL AS SEEN BY THE 
 CITY YOUTH. 
 
 My un-assuming farmer girl, 
 With not a trace of care, 
 With ej^esof a celestial hue 
 And features wondrous fair. 
 
 You transport me to farm-land, 
 Where fields the finest don; 
 And where is a poet honored stream, 
 Forever flowing on. 
 
 Yes, you've been visiting the wood. 
 And have crossed the field of flowers 
 Because their grand effectiveness 
 Is portrayed in that face of yours. 
 
 And while recedes the western sun 
 Beyond the fields domain 
 You are returning home again 
 With some flowerets from the plain. 
 
 With gems from field and wood, 
 Your worship and your care, 
 And all their grand effectiveness 
 Is portrayed in your face, so fair. 
 
WHAT IS LIFE? 
 
 What is life, that man must toil, 
 And struggle till the hour of death, 
 And then be laid beneath the soil 
 Away from friends, apart from breath? 
 
 What is life, the smile, the tear, 
 The laboring for the things of earth? 
 To fight, to hold existence here, 
 This the only goal of worth? 
 
 What is life? O friends, let's give 
 The kindly word to hearts in trouble, 
 Prove 'tis worth the while to live 
 In a seeming endless struggle. 
 
 What is life, but truest love. 
 Bringing joy to those in tears. 
 Waiting for the life above, 
 Holding Truth for future years? 
 
 13 
 
OUR PATH OF DUTY. 
 
 Our path of duty lies before, 
 Urging us into strife, 
 That, when the ardent tasks are o'er, 
 We may have the crown of life. 
 
 But other pleasure paths are nigh, 
 Fair tempting unto some. 
 Yet, if we walk them, bye and bye 
 We lose that life to come. 
 
 O thou, who walked this duty path. 
 Alone, forsook by all. 
 Help us to follow in Thy steps. 
 E'en though the Heavens fall. 
 
 No other path that we may choose 
 Is worth the toil or time; 
 No other, save the duty path, 
 Gives joy and peace sublime. 
 
 O trust it, youth, with spirit grand, 
 With buoj'-ant heart and soul: 
 It leads unto all heights unsealed, 
 Whate'er may be your goal. 
 
 And it appeals to maidens all. 
 Who love the good and fair. 
 And seek to win a crown of life; 
 It leads them safely there. 
 
 Yea, it appeals unto us all. 
 To lead us to our goal; 
 For a duty path, whate'er befall, 
 Is an anchor to the soul. 
 
 14 
 
HILLSTOWN GRANGE -ANNIVERSARY 
 POEM. 
 
 To Plymouth once came a noble band 
 Of Pilgrims, seeking a freedom land, 
 Where of a monarch's power relieved, 
 God could be worshipped as they believed. 
 
 Good homes were left; pride and name, 
 As undauntingly over the sea they came; 
 Although unprepared to find a career 
 In a land of uncivilization drear. 
 
 Yet, how true, "If the cross we will not bear, 
 We cannot have hope a crown to wear"; 
 The Pilgrims, we feel, this maxim knew. 
 So great were the trials which many 
 
 passed through. 
 
 Soon they had homes in a freedom land; 
 Then churches were built, schools were planned; 
 The work lies unfinished which they begun. 
 But a world's approval their motives won. 
 
 Brothers and Sisters, this eve we're here. 
 Our Grange anniversary to revere; 
 So a few moments our thoughts let's arrange 
 In memory of those who founded our grange. 
 
 There are present a few, some are abroad, 
 The remaining ones rest at peace with God; 
 But their works, like the Pilgrim's naught 
 
 can defeat 
 'Tis intrusted to us to revive and complete. 
 
 15 
 
The Pilgrims crossed the mighty sea; 
 Our Fathers showed courage for you and me, 
 In volunteer service wherever the call, 
 They won new members and built this hall. 
 
 So it remains for us to be true. 
 Never to swerve fj-om the good we can do; 
 But to build up our grange in truth and in right, 
 And at last have it crowned as a blessing 
 
 and light. 
 
 i6 
 
SPRINGTIME. 
 
 'Tis good to see Nature smile again, 
 After winter dark and freezing; 
 'Tis good to see earth's stolid face 
 Slowly changed so fair and pleasing. 
 
 As we behold that germ of smile 
 Back of cold Winter's frowning, 
 Measure its steps, and watch the while, 
 We find it Autumn crowning. 
 
 Kind Nature lifts it's palsied arm. 
 That lies on Winter's bosom; 
 Frost is dispelled as days grow warm; 
 Come hopes of bud and blossom. 
 
 'Tis a joy to watch the seed of light. 
 Work upon earth as leaven; 
 Until is conformed its darkest night 
 To the beauteous like of Heaven. 
 
 f? 
 
LADS ON THE FARM. 
 
 The lads on the farm grow weary 
 Of the never ending toil; 
 Their work in life seems dreary, 
 Though 'tik gathering of the spoil. 
 
 And oftentimes they env^^ 
 Their brother lads in town, 
 And trust in some glad future 
 Their privileges to own. 
 
 'Tis simply a change they long for, 
 To wear some other shield, 
 To show their strength and courage 
 Outside the farming field. 
 
 Can we blame them for being weary 
 Of the patient endless tread. 
 When each day's unfinished labor 
 Beclouds the path ahead? 
 
 Yet he who stays in farm-land, 
 Cheerfully reaps and sows. 
 Gains a wondrous health and vigor, 
 Which the city ne'er bestows. 
 
LINES ON THE vSPANISH AMERICAN 
 WAR. 
 
 War is begun, our enemy, Spain, 
 Must fight, for she destroyed our Maine, 
 Or else submit to law, and pay 
 The indemnity without dela3^ 
 
 If she did thus, 'twould sure bring peace. 
 The dreaded war would quickly cease. 
 Our soldiers homeward could return 
 To be with those for whom they yearn. 
 
 But Spain is so stiff-necked! O My I 
 Our indemnity she must defy. 
 For e'en though a nation small, yet she, 
 In warlike haste has crossed the sea. 
 
 War is begun, nor will it cease 
 Until we conquer them for peace. 
 So forward with our navy train, 
 And gracefully humble haughty Spain. 
 
 19 
 
OUR BELEAGURED CITY 
 SAN FRANCISCO. 
 
 O «:racious giver of our strength, 
 Our health, and all we own; 
 Hold out Thy sceptre, for at length 
 We would approach Thy throne. 
 
 O set Thy boundless mercy free, 
 That we behold once more 
 Our Father's face of light and love, 
 Prom East to Western shore. 
 
 Our city! goal of pride and fair. 
 It towered within the skies; 
 Alas, no more! O what despair! 
 In deep debris it lies. 
 
 We more than mourn the cost of walls, 
 For human blood was shed; 
 And often grave compassion calls 
 Have reached the path we tread. 
 
 Savior of justice, we believe 
 Thy ways are true and right; 
 Forgive and help us to receive 
 Thy grace and lasting light. 
 
THE BERMUDA ISLES. 
 
 Far amid the vast Atlantic, 
 Are the fair Bermuda Isles, 
 Small in size, but great in number, 
 Where perpetual summer smiles. 
 
 Seen at first by Juan Bermudas, 
 
 Crowned with woods and decked with flowers, 
 
 Earthly paradise, but useless 
 
 To the Spaniard's warlike powers. 
 
 Now a port of mighty Britain, 
 
 Fortress of her pride and care; 
 
 Famous scene of Shakspeare's "Tempest", 
 
 Yet tempestuous storms are rare. 
 
 Once the wealth of these bright islands 
 Was in arrow-root and maize. 
 Tubers and plebeian onions, 
 Products of the former days. 
 
 Now from there the pure white lily 
 With it's Easter message comes. 
 With it's fragrance for our churches, 
 Hospitals and joyous homes. 
 
 Fields abloom with Easter lilies, 
 Vision grand, delightful shore; 
 What a place for recreation. 
 When the stress of work is o 'er ! 
 
 Assisted by J. H. R. 
 
A SONG OP SPRING. 
 
 Let US say goodby to Winter, 
 
 For surely 'tis drear and cold; 
 
 And welcome the Springtime brighter, 
 
 With hopes for a summer of gold. 
 
 At dawn the sweetest of singing, 
 Comes wafted from meadow and grove. 
 Good cheer to the weary heart bringing 
 A message of peace and love. 
 
 We will say farewell to Winter, 
 And with a new song at heart, 
 We will mellow the soil by labor, 
 Our patience and hope bearing part. 
 
 So hands to the plow, brother Farmer, 
 The stern hoary winter is dead. 
 And the joys of a future harvest 
 Are better than hopes that have fled. 
 
THE NOBLE MAN. 
 
 Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy 
 heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy 
 strength, and with all thy mind. Luke lo: 27. 
 
 Beats there, within a mortal breast, 
 The heart that ever works with zest, 
 While aiding God and men? 
 It overcomes the fret and strife, 
 That fain would soil its pilgrim life, 
 Lives peaceful 'till the end. 
 
 Breathes there a soul both pure and sweet, 
 
 x\nd swift to rally from defeat. 
 
 Nor lifted up in vain; 
 
 Each word such music to the ear, 
 
 That all can self resign, to hear. 
 
 And hope to hear again? 
 
 Battles a body with good strength. 
 That naught can overthrow at length. 
 Not proud nor bending low; 
 But noble, so that all admire. 
 Giving us the supreme desire, 
 A man like form to show? 
 
 Bears there its cross a noble mind. 
 With things immortal all confined, 
 Subduing earthly care; 
 With thoughts of others all the while, 
 And bringing to the face a smile, 
 Portraying all things fair? 
 
 O heart, and soul, and strength and mind. 
 
 We pray at once for all combined; 
 
 Exert thine all, till setting sun; 
 
 Then hear the Master's words, "Well Done", 
 
THE BIBLE'S FREE GOLD. 
 
 The Bible is a chest of gold, 
 For underneath the covers, 
 On every shelf are countless gems 
 For all kind treasurer lovers. 
 
 We may come with the Master key. 
 
 Be our lives in youth or spent; 
 
 Though rich or poor in this world we may be, 
 
 And receive to our heart's content. 
 
 But O, alas I God's promise seems 
 Untrue to many mortals; 
 So thej^ spend their lives in dreams 
 Outside the treasury portals. 
 
 How foolish we, to work and grieve 
 For things of brief duration: 
 While just at hand are many gems 
 Of wealth for our salvation. 
 
 Slaves of our day, but ne'er-the-less, 
 If we neglect to reason. 
 As shackled and as bound as they 
 Within the gloomy prison. 
 
 24 
 
CHILDREN'S DAY. 
 
 Not alone our worthy preacher 
 Have we come this day to hear; 
 Let the songs and words of children 
 Also reach the listening ear. 
 
 'Tis a day of sacred beauty 
 And we're glad to welcome all, 
 Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, Brothers, 
 Here within this sacred wall. 
 
 On a blessed page of pages 
 In that ever living book. 
 
 Are these true words, that "A little child shall 
 lead them"; search and look. 
 
 So, as we listen to their voices, 
 Tuned unto the perfect praise, 
 Heavenly Father, may they lead us 
 Into purer, nobler ways. 
 
 Yes, A little child shall lead them, 
 Not a prophets theme alone, 
 But to-day, with freinds attentive, 
 Is the proof of scripture shown. 
 
 For unto children have been given 
 Loving hearts and souls at peace: 
 They're true harbingers of Heaven, 
 Bidding strife and carnage cease. 
 
 25 
 
THE SCHOOL TEACHER. 
 
 The school teacher does a work for God 
 
 In lowly ministration; 
 
 For who can estimate the good 
 
 Of common education. 
 
 AT BERLIN PAIR, 1909. 
 
 If Jack and Jill came to Berlin fair 
 
 With cider instead of water, 
 
 Some people, I think, would purchase a drink, 
 
 Though it cost them a dollar'n a quarter. 
 
 THE AUTOMOBILE HEARSE. 
 
 Way out in one of our western towns 
 They have an automobile hearse. 
 And all the people who are ill 
 Are simply aching to get worse. 
 
 They have a band of doctors there, 
 But M. D.'s cannot turn the tide ; 
 Polks are dying daily by the score, 
 To get an automobile ride. 
 
 26 
 
"JOSEPH!" 
 
 'Tis pathetic to read of Joseph, 
 The pure minded lad of old, 
 Who was carried away into Egypt, 
 Despised of his brethren, and sold. 
 
 Of his thirteen years of waiting. 
 With life in a prison dim; 
 Then cometh those j^ears of famine, 
 And a nation's great need of him. 
 
 A saviour, though once but a dreamer. 
 
 Yet, it seemeth to me, 
 
 The dreamer may be as faithful 
 
 As the prince with a higher degree. 
 
 His preknowledge of Egypt's famine, 
 
 His wisdom at Pharaoh's throne. 
 
 Show the way of God's exalting. 
 
 And His accomplishments through His own. 
 
 Then we read, further on, of his brethren 
 Coming down into Egypt for grain, 
 How he makes himself known, and receives them, 
 And we're weeping; we cannot refrain. 
 
 O! if we only could find them. 
 More dreamers like Joseph of old, 
 Who are willing to dream or to suffer. 
 And faithful when hated and sold! 
 
 27 
 
SONG TO THE SABBATH. 
 
 'Tis the blessed Sabbath morning-. 
 
 The workings of the world 
 
 Have been silent since eve's gloaming', 
 
 The peace banner is unfurled ; 
 
 And the soul is filled with glory, 
 
 The heart is full of praise 
 
 Unto Him, the High and Holy, 
 
 For the Sabbath, day of days. 
 
 From the wood comes wafted music, 
 At the dawning of the day, 
 Sweeter than the very harp chords 
 Is the song-bird's roundelay; 
 All the fields are full of daisies. 
 Buttercups, and violets too; 
 Who could live and not be thankful 
 All the blessed Sabbath through. 
 
 'Tis the blessed Sabbath morning; 
 The sky seems bending low. 
 No clouds are in the heavens. 
 The hours speed never slow, 
 As we seek our place of worship. 
 There a hymn of thanks to raise. 
 Unto Him, the High and Holy, 
 For His Sabbath, day of days. 
 
IN MEMORIAL. 
 
 Another freind from us has gone, 
 x^ow in the grave reposes; 
 The soul ascending to his crown, 
 Given they whom God chooses. 
 
 We never more shall see his face, 
 So full of love sincerest, 
 Until we join the angel race, 
 And find our true and dearest. 
 
 How often do we miss and grieve 
 The silence of our neighbor; 
 But never shall our hearts believe 
 That death can part forever. 
 
 No more to work the Master's will, 
 On earth, nor pain nor sorrow; 
 But O! with God is never ill, 
 He cares for e'en the sparrow. 
 
 29 
 
MEMORIAL DAY. 
 
 The growinjj tendency to make Memorial Day 
 one of pleasure, by the opening of public parks 
 and un-patriotic parades, is shocking; and should 
 result in the earnest co-operation of every loyal, 
 citizen, to preserve the day. 
 
 Once more 'tis here, that hallowed daj^ 
 
 In memory of the brave, 
 
 Who fought to save the Union, 
 
 And to liberate the slave. 
 
 When first the call, "To Arms", was sent, 
 They volunteered to go 
 Far away to the South-land, 
 To fight the stalwart foe. 
 
 Now they're resting from their labors, 
 And blessed be their rest. 
 For 'twas a righteous struggle, 
 And our fathers did their best. 
 
 So let us pre-determine, friends, 
 To keep their memory -day 
 From being fast encroached upon 
 By thoughtless ones and gay. 
 
 For on their day of memory, 
 All should unite with zest, 
 With respect for the living heroes 
 And honor for those at rest. 
 
 30 
 
THE PINAL SUMMONS OF 
 THE CHRISTIAN. 
 
 The youth and maiden worker 
 In the vine-yard here below, 
 The husbandman, and mother, 
 With sterner step and slow. 
 
 When time of evenin^: gathers, 
 To mark the close of toil, 
 They hasten from the labors, 
 To find the peace encoil. 
 
 'Tis thus the nobler worker, 
 In the vine-yard of the Lord, 
 Who sows in earth's dark valley 
 The seeds of light abroad. 
 
 Whose life and ardent struggle 
 Is to the Master's plan, 
 And whose heart doth ever cherish 
 Kind thoughts to brother man. 
 
 Who winneth o'er doubts and faintings, 
 Shall wear, at death's release, 
 The crowm of man's approval 
 And God's eternal peace. 
 
 Sweet Rest! The holy summons 
 We all at length shall hear; 
 And long to meet in Heaven, 
 Our friends beyond and dear. 
 
IN MEMORY OP A CHRISTIAN 
 NEIGHBOR. 
 
 After a well fought battle, 
 
 The grandest sight to see, 
 
 Is the soldiers marching home-ward 
 
 With the crown of victoy. 
 
 'Tis thus at close of the conflict, 
 In loves unceasing strife. 
 The christian bears the promise 
 Of the fadeless crown of life. 
 
 Sadly we feel in parting 
 With her, so good and dear; 
 Whom we could always welcome, 
 Whose heart was full of cheer. 
 
 Always so entertaining, 
 When we perchance did call; 
 A model for the living, 
 The neighbor kind for us all. 
 
 But God doth rule the kingdoms 
 Of earth and the world to come 
 So it is love and wisdom 
 That calls our neighbors home. 
 
 And so at the close of the conflict. 
 In love's titanic strife; 
 She goeth Heaven- ward, wearing 
 The fadeless crown of life. 
 
 32 
 
HEAVEN'S BLESSING. 
 
 Rejoice, O friend, nor weep nor sigh, 
 Brief are the days ere you and I 
 Hope to meet in Heaven above 
 Dear ones departed, whom we love. 
 
 Weep not above the lavished bier* 
 As tliough we would detain them here, 
 Where friends are few, hearts are cold 
 And love is sacrificed for gold. 
 
 There is a city, O how blest! 
 The weary, who are called to rest 
 Within its quite, hallowed walls, 
 Where never, never pain befalls. 
 
 There is a river flowing by 
 A throne ; The throne of God on high ; 
 The streams thereof make glad the place 
 For the redeemed immortal race. 
 
 And so to be pitied then are we, 
 
 Who can each day contented be 
 
 With darkened portals in our way, 
 
 And a love which death can hold in sway. 
 
 But blessed are our departed, friends, 
 
 Who bore the cross unto life's end; 
 
 And who are called to the life beyond, 
 
 Where Christ shall bless them with, "Well Done. 
 
 33 
 
WE LIVE BY CHANGE. 
 
 Composed for exchange Programme with 
 Manchester Grange. 
 
 Polks are looking for a change 
 Every day, on this little sphere; 
 A change in this, or a change in that, 
 To bring them better cheer. 
 
 Every person, excepting one. 
 That I ever heard tell of or knew 
 Is always hoping a change for the best 
 In something they have in view. 
 
 The exception is a boy I know 
 
 At first, he wanted a change, 
 
 So he disobeyed his Schoolmam's rules. 
 
 That's nothing very strange. 
 
 But O you little ruler! 
 Was applied to an outstretched hand: 
 The Teacher never stopped until 
 She'd whacked to beat the band. 
 
 This is the joke; when he went home. 
 To the folks he did relate, 
 'Bout how^ he'd had a lickin, 
 But had fooled the teacher great! 
 
 She told me to hold out tother hand. 
 
 But I made out that was sore; 
 
 And do you know she whipped me all on one. 
 
 And never said no more. 
 
 34 
 
The kid thought he had fooled her, 
 But she had fooled him too, 
 For one hand was so lame and sore 
 He did'nt know what to do. 
 
 But we like a change on every hand, 
 'Tis that makes life a game; 
 Even a young lady hopes and waits 
 Some day to change her name. 
 
 Folks like a change in weather, 
 Don't want it always bright 
 Rain clouds are sometimes welcomed 
 But not now, for a couple of nights. 
 
 We'd like a long vacation 
 In time of tobacco hoein, 
 When city folks are on the move, 
 We'd like to be a goin. 
 
 And, say, you fellows know how 'tis 
 When you've taken your gal to a show, 
 You're glad to have it Sunday 
 In the morning, don't you know? 
 
 The farmers would like a season once 
 To grow a fancy crop; 
 With lots of rain and sunshine 
 And no hail nor drouth to stop. 
 
 Some would like an airship. 
 Think they'd like to fly 
 As they read about the other folks 
 Who sail up in the sky. 
 
 35 
 
Some folks would like an auto 
 They claim all else is trash; 
 They surely have the craze 
 But they haven't got the cash. 
 
 So we all are looking for a change 
 In this weary world below; 
 Every meeting night at the grange 
 We find it even so. 
 
 That's why we come to Manchester Grange. 
 That's why you came to Hillstown. 
 It's time now you had another change, 
 So I'll go away back and sit down. 
 
 36 
 
DEC^j7l9t1 
 
One copy del. to Cat. Div. 
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