RnnV l\8SBl Copyright IJ?. / t<. COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. Books Written by CHARLES WAYNE RAY Conditions of Life Is a very interesting little book that teaches valu- able lessons. Postpaid, 25 cents. Twentieth Century Christian Deals with the life and work of a Christian and the benefits that are gained by living right. Post- paid, 25 cents. Bible Questions Answered Contains 125 questions and answers on difficulties found in the Bible. This is a most useful and instructive book. This book is bound in cloth. Postpaid, 50 cents. The Radiant Life This book is elegantly and artistically bound in white vellum cloth; it is written in superb liter- ary language and style and deals with the social, economic, business and religious life of the indi- vidual. Bishop Mclntyre said of this book: "It is worthy a place in any home." Postpaid, $1.00. Heart Echoes This is a booklet of poems mostly written while the author was traveling in foreign countries and is very attractive. Postpaid, 25 cents. The Bright Side of Living Is a very dainty volume of 100 poems just from the pen of Nebraska's newest poet and deals with all varied phases of life. Every reader will be highly pleased with it. Bound in elegant vellum cloth. Postpaid, $1.00. Send orders for books to C. W. Ray, Lyons, Nebraska. Charles Wayne Ray, Poet THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIVING ■ET- CH ARLES WAYNE RAY, A. M., D. D., Author of "Bible Questions Jlnswered", "Heart Echoes" "The Radiant Life" Etc. Copyright, 1916, By CHARLES WAYNE RAY Right of translation reserved Publishers THE CLAFLIN PRINTING COMPANY University Place, Nebraska 'CI.A4*»3yy51 y-i , -r / . CONTENTS Dedication _ 12 The Happy Hoosier 13 Keep Smiling _ 15 Old Year Dying 16 By the Sea of Galilee 18 Summer Dreams 20 The Bright Side of Living 20 My House _ 22 The Boy's Play 23 Troubles That Never Come 23 When a Feller Needs a Friend 24 Tim Penny 25 Why I Stole 26 Jesus Save Me 27 Faith 28 The Dawn at Sea .'. 28 The Starry Night 29 Mother 30 Acrostic 30 Thinking 31 Poetical Medley 32 Standing Alone 33 Battle of Life 35 Don't be in a Hurry 35 Crossing the Delaware 36 Weep With Him 37 Springtime in the Woodland 38 Song of the Bird 39 My Little Farm 40 Th' Auld Gate 41 The Fussy Farmer 41 10 The Bright Side of Living Happy Farmer 42 Nebraska Gem of the Prairie 43 Sorrow Everywhere 46 The Miser 47 The Highway 47 True to Your Duty 48 Slaying an Enemy 48 Waiting Time 49 I Want to Keep Living 50 Curing Gossipers 51 Only a Tear 52 At Virgil's Tomb 53 The Arab Bedouins — . 54 My Neighbor 55 Faithful Mohammedan 56 My Friend 57 The North Wind 58 The Broken Heart 59 John Luschen , 59 Buying a Gun 60 Hide Away 61 Bella Signorina 61 Happy Lives 62 Venice the Beautiful 62 Back to Italy 64 Call of the Sea 65 Count Yourself Rich 66 Man is Often Blind 66 Loch-Lomond 67 The Honest Laddie — . 68 The Unnoticed 69 Those Troubles 70 How the Soul Lives , 71 Funny World 72 King Pharaoh 73 The Poor Dog 74 Dreary Old Age 75 The Bright Side of Living 11 Winter Has Come 75 Keine Brot 76 Meine Heimat 77 My Cottage 77 The Beggar Boy 77 Writing Verses 79 Mercy Show 79 I Love Him 80 Getting a Welcome.... 81 Sleep 81 The Night Before Christmas 82 Tomorrow is Christmas 83 Nature's Temple 83 Acrostic 84 The Poet's Theology 84 The Broken Pansy 85 Fleeting Life 86 Easter 86 The Red Bird 87 You're Out 87 Work 88 Man's Fate 89 The Good Man Dies 90 The Window of the Soul 90 When all Our Ships Come in 91 Waitin' for Fame 92 The Halted Traveler 94 Abraham Lincoln , 95 Sonnet of Gladness 96 The Dying Soldier 97 Eulogy to Our Heroes 98 The End of the Road 99 A Misty Day 100 Evening Bells 101 Pushing Out to Sea : 102 Home at Last 103 DEDICATION To the precious memory of my true devoted parents, William, R. Ray and Hester A. Ray, of Riley, Indiana, this little volume of poems is ten^ derly and lovingly dedicated by THE AUTHOR. The Bright Side of Living 13 THE HAPPY HOOSIER I met a happy Hoosier on a summer day, * ' Give me a dime, ' ' lie said, ' ' I pray. ' ' But I said to him, "I'm broke you see. You can have any dime you find on me.'* "When I informed him I was broke He didn't even v^ait to joke; But a happy Hoosier still was he Although he got no dime from me. Then he hastened away without a frown As tho' I had given him half a crown. I don't know why we need to cry Or often heave a mournful sigh. Whether in truth you're really broke Or just pretend it in a joke. If you travel round in this big world, You'll find a lot lof folks need gold ; For, 0, so many that you see Have just been broke, or soon will be. But what is gained by feeling bad? Cheer up my friend, and don't look sad; For it doesn't cost much to give a smile But it will wear for many a mile. I am so glad the air is free And so is talk in some degree; But when you've money, don't forget To pay your bills without regret. 14 The Bright Side of Living Now happy Hoosier come again And always make your story plain ; Speak to the point and don't stretch out All the news you know about; For there 're so many bores in life Who fill the world with pesky strife ; They yisit with such a clattering tongue That you are glad when thej are gone. Let me kindly you implore Leave in time to call once more. Happy Hoosier keep your smile, It will wear for many a mile ; In the sunshine, in the shadow, On the hilltop, in the meadow, Even when the world is dark In your heart may be a spark. Never waver in your scheme If you have a worthy theme. Happy Hoosier keep the track For you'll draw some others back, Who, in other days gone by Left the path but heaved a sigh. Out in doubt and deep dismay They have spent the long, long day. Now to you is left a mission. Go on a divine commission: The Bright Side of Living 15 Cheerful, glad and happy be Good luck ever stay with thee; Keep your smile, altho' you're broke It's a treasure, not a joke. KEEP SMILING Just keep on a smilin' And scatter all frowns away, Then your life will be more happy And your heart will be more gay. For the smiles will cure the blues; Then let the sunshine in, And cheerfulness will help you In all your struggles to win. So don't forget your smilin' When the day is dark and drear, And the task is long and irksome And no one says ''take cheer." 0, it's smilin' always smilin' That'll brighten the darkest day. Yes, 'twill fill your soul with heaven And 'twill lengthen out your pay ; For frowns and scowls and worries Kill many big, strong men, And defeat them in their duties, Hindering nine out of ten. 16 The Bright Side of Living But smilin' lifts the heavy heart And brightens the eye that's dim; It fills and thrills and generates The povrer that gives men vim. So, break up the frov^ns and wrinkles With many happy daily smiles; And your heart w^ill keep a &ingin' While you travel miles of smiles. THE OLD YEAR DYIN' I was jist a thinkin' How the year is almost past, Ah, this very night I'm thinkin'. Is the night that goes the last. I am thinkin' of the days That one by one sped by And now it seems a little sad The old year soon must die. But dyin' comes to everything, To man and beast and bird. And I reckon it comes to passin' time As you have often heard. If I could jist go back a step And change a day or two, I vwuldn't be a carin' If time and I were through. The Bright Side of Living 17 But it's jist as true as ever That a day we can't recall, But it's also very pleasant God is good to each and all. So I am jist a thinkin' Of the good I've tried to do While the old year is a dyin' And the new a comin' too. But, as I keep a thinkin' To me it's doubly sad To know so many duties I've done so very bad. I couldn't be a saint Like Uncle Deacon Brown, And always keep a wearin' , My religion and a crown; For cows I've been a milkin' And pigs a feedin' too And workin' all around the farm To get a cent or two. But cows and pigs don't care a whit Whether you're a saint or sinner, But if they're cold and hungry They simply want their dinner. That's jist why I'm a thinkin' About the year that's past; And wonderin' how it happens I lived to see the last. 18 The Bright Side of Living Well, I jist about decided That God does not intend That I should break my neck Tryin' all my ways to mend. Yes, I hear a bell a ringin' And its chimes are very sweet; I think it is our sexton A callin' us to meet. So I must be a goin' And thinkin' as I go; For the old year is a dyin' And the new a comin' too. BY THE SEA OF GALILEE (This poem was written by Rev. Chas. Wayne Ray, D.D., on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, June 23, 1907, while he was on a tour of the Holy Land.) It is on a Sunday's morning All alone I speak to Thee, As I'm sitting by the sea-side On the shores of Galilee. Can it be. Oh, Lord of Heaven, That I'm here beside the sea; All alone beside the waters In the land of Galilee? Oh, beautiful sea of Galilee, My hand I bathe in thee. As thy billows wash the lea Where my Jesus used to be. The Bright Side of Living 19 Here my Savior w^alked in darkness As He sought to save the lost; And to care for His disciples As their ship in danger tossed. Long, long years have passed since then Yet my Lord will come once more, To welcome home on the glory shore Many whose sorrows are o'er. Help me Jesus, by the sea-side To surrender all to Thee ; And to always love and cherish All that God would have me be. Help me Savior now to enter In a closer walk with Thee ; May my all to Thee be given On the shores of Galilee. Yes, I'm coming blessed Jesus, For that fellowship divine, And I learn from Holy Scripture All those blessings shall be mine. Now I see my way is open At the door my Savior stands; Soon I'll run to greet Him And to clasp His blessed hands. The act is done, Oh Prince of Peace, And I have once more found release, Seal my deed with solemn grace. May my joys of Heaven increase. 20 The Bright Side op Living Now I'm sitting by the sea As the waves leap up to me, Each one sparkling seems to say "Trust the Lord, and you'll be free.'* So I'm sitting here alone, Far from friends and far from home ; Only two, my Lord and me On the shores of Galilee. SUMMER DREAMS The sweet dreams of the summer Of the field and bird and rose, Open to me the charms and beauties That in the woodlands do repose. The fragrance of the flowers bloom Kissed my sad cheek with a smile, Now as I work the long, long day I feel that life's worth while. But summer soon is gone and then — Comes the winter snow so cold, But I will cherish the summer dreams For they're better to me than gold. THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIVING Man's life is more than a living to make. Death more than a grave in which to lay, But touched by a tenderness divine That man shall with God's angels play. The Bright Side of Living 21 A good heart is always a splendid thing For it gives man hope which is sublime, And dispels all fears and false alarms, Then whispers, ''Live throughout all time." Our lives are just what we make them And we are making them every day; They cannot be all sorrow nor all gay Nor will they be all winter nor all May. But sunshine and shadows — joy and pain — Cold frosty winter and SAveetness of spring, Are some of the cares and pleasures That to you this world will bring. But brightest and best of all living And no man is ever denied that delight. Is the heart that's happy and contented. And bears no wild fear of the night. Bright days of yore — bright days before — Thine own forever shall one day be, So why fuss around and always complain If the bright side of life you would see. Keep smiling when your heart is heavy And sing when your cupboard is bare, Then the birds will come and feed you And you will have plenty to spare. Oh, why should we ever go fretting, Bending low with our burdens and care, "When the world is so bright and so happy And the bright side is found everywhere. 22 The Bright Side of Living So I'll smile when the days are cloudy, And sing when the cupboard is bare, For I've found the bright side of living And the world has for me little care. MY HOUSE I will lay away A penny a day To buy a home In which to stay; But a long, long time It is sure to be Before I can pay My home all free. But just the same I mean to try, And save some pennies Before I die. But a penny a day Comes in so slow It seems my pennies "Will never grow. Working for pennies For many a day, I saved up five For my house to pay. So my house is built And I feel safer, For it's all made up Of thick brown paper. The Bright Side of Living 23 THE BOY'S PLAY Come sit on my knee, little man, And listen to what I shall say, For the summer will soon be g-one And so will the summer play. The winter's cold wind and snow "Will drive all the birdies away, And the posies like those you picked, Frozen on the ground will lay. But do not weep, my little man. For the winter play will come, And jolly sleigh ride and rabbit hunt Will lure you out from your home. No one likes these sudden changes From cold winter to the spring. But all through life they're coming And they'll joy or sorrow bring. So always live, my little man. The best you can each day, "Whether at the hardest work Or in the happiest kind of play. TROUBLES THAT NEVER COME The troubles that never come Make the hair of many gray, And the sorrows that some carry Could have been left by the way. 24 The Bright Side of Living The fearing and the fainting heart Weakened by a fancied loss, Is the one that often pines the most And feeds on ashes and dross. Then why should a mortal man Yield to a deceptive foe, And why will he allow himself To be enslaved by a mythical woe? 0, man, awake and arise And with courage enter the fray, Do not go forth in pining But battle for right each day. WHEN A FELLER NEEDS A FRIEND May I ask you one plain question — And I'll on your word depend — ''Please answer me in honest truth, When does a feller need a friend?" I'll tell you what I truly think. And for you will theories bend. As I point you to that cloudy day When a feller needs a friend. It's the day when your money's gone And to you nobody will a penny lend. When you've no job and are awful sick — That's when a feller needs a friend. It's when the cold world does condemn And no one will rise and you defend, When your honor's trampled in the dust — Then's when a feller needs a friend. The Bright Side of Living 25 It's when you've lost your store and all, And broken fortune you're too old to mend, When you give up hope and cease to try — That's when a feller needs a friend. When you feel all alone in the world And there are none to whom you can send To ask for a lift to get started again — Then's when a feller needs a friend. 0, if somebody only knew and would help Those who are ready to sever life 's trend. And render them kindly deeds of love — For that's a time a feller needs a friend. But let us all remember as we live It's just as needful to be that friend And help the man who's down in the world As it is for the feller who needs a friend. He needs your help to rise and journey on And you need his painful wants to attend, To enlarge and cause your heart to grow For God and the feller who needs a friend. TIM PENNY Tim Penny was a Christian man I guess you heard him say, But he never did a lick of work And said he couldn't pray. But yet Tim always went to church And never missed one day, But he would knock the Sunday school And yet he wouldn't pay. 26 The Bright Side of Living The preacher and the choir came in For a load of fiery blame, The ladies' aid and the stewards — He gave them hell the same. But Tim v^as not an apostate Made vile — but yet no better, For he v^as just a chronic kicker And he lived it to the letter. No one could please. Tim Penny For he'd alv^ays growl and fuss, He saw some bad in every saint And would die if he didn't cuss. So when you meet a grumbler And hear him whine and fuss, Please think of old Tim Penny Who died when he couldn't cuss. WHY I STOLE I stole and what do you think That all my friends will say When they hear that I was wicked And did act in this bad way? I know just what they'll think And the brand they'll put on me; They'll call me 'Hhief and robber And a lost man he will be." All know stealing is not right And that men should honest be, But on me they'll show no mercy. For I'm a preacher as you see. The Bright Side of Living 27 But now I really do not know Why I should act so bad, To steal when I ought not to For my Bible says it is bad. My friends don't be too hard on me, Please don't blame me when I say, That I was so tired and weary That I simply stole away, (to rest.) JESUS SAVE ME Jesus, save me, ever save me, When my feet are on the brink; Come thou near and lift me Lest I in the mire shall sink. Save me from the luring tide When my heart is beating low; Be ever near and turn me back When I to the pit must go. Jesus save me from the fall When the storms of passion roll; Be the Watchman at my gate ; Come thou Guardian of my soul. Jesus save us every moment As we through the valley go; Help us find the faith of power And to use all that we know. 28 The Bright Side op Living FAITH I want a faith that's growing, Ever reaching out and knowing, And always ready in bestowing Many good deeds daily sowing. A faith that does believe in all. That doubts can never thrall, But puts its trust in great and small And listens daily to God's call. Faith is ever man's vital need, For without faith the heart will bleed, And high and low should intercede The cry of faith God will always heed. THE DAWN AT SEA The sparkling sun lit up the dawn And kissed the crystal billows. So every wave with a silver thread Looked like the snow-capped willows. A day so bright cheers every heart And kills our selfish notions, For as our ship sails proudly on We have no sad commotions. Bright day at sea continue on And give us dreams galore, So may we live and shout to see That land we left before. The Bright Side of Living 29 For every day's a little life The setting sun cloth close, And every heart however sad Will smile to scent a rose. Then peaceful, quiet, silvery sea Bear our ship to yonder shore, And safe at home from ocean roam Your charms we shall adore. THE STARRY NIGHT A misty veil falls on the earth, The sun goes out of sight, The little stars peep out at you And whisper, ''it is night." The birds go home to roost, The cattle and horses rest. While all about the veil of night Makes man and nature blest. There is a solemn loveliness About the starry night That makes man always feel The blessings of the right. Then view it from the hilltop As the curtain rolls below, And watch the chasing stars As forever on they go. There is no grander beauty Than the quiet starry night, As it drops the veil of sleep And fastens the eyelids tight. 30 The Bright Side of Living Then sleep and be refreshed For the night is nature's friend, And it will always come and go Until the earth shall end. MOTHER I had a mother once, And so great was she That all my troubles lighter grew When she would say : "Cheer up, my boy, There'll be some brighter day.'* ACROSTIC Voices of the lilies In the meadow and the dell, Calling man to duties That in future years will tell Of the sweetest golden pleasures. Rich in blessing for thy soul, You may reach this happy goal. ACROSTIC How many are God's blessings Open to us every day, Promises of His goodness Ever cheer us on the way! The Bright Side of Living 31 THINKING Think, boy think, as you older grow And many a valuable lesson know^, For thinking makes the young mind grow, And in the life will blessings show. Think, and then will thy path be clear And you shall miss the many a tear That does so oft in the face appear, For thinking not makes man to fear. Think, and you can chain the air And to the heavens build a stair; Then make thy home so happy and fair, At night you'll sit in your evening chair. Think, and time shall wait for thee And mark the stages that shall be In your upward climb of wholesome glee For honor, fame and fortune you shall see. Think, and the rushing crowds will stay To hear what you will have to say. And you shall mould like softened clay The minds of men, both near and far away. Think, and power of soul shall rest Within thy mind and in thy breast, And you shall be most nobly blest Then gain from earth the very best. 32 The Bright Side of Living POETICAL MEDLEY Long, long days In their frays Time soon betrays But never stays. Man often prays And then delays In his evil ways And resolution slays. The boy portrays In the month of Mays, Children have plays, The girls wear stays. Forests have jays, The sun has rays That makes the grays In the ocean sprays At the middays. The general arrays, The captain hoorays, "When the stowaways No fare ever pays, When the tide sways To the open bays Of the distant Malays. Kings have their says And send large relays, Bearing golden trays To open leeways When some critic flays Their many holidays. But poets write lays And hope for repays. The Bright Side of Living 33 For poems always Dread fear allays, But never prepays Wisdom that brays, But soon decays Like nev5^-mov7n hays. STANDING ALONE Long ago in a broad v^ide field. Near a road stood a lonely tree, Battered and torn by many a vrind Still it stood there in its glee. For beaten by the blasting storm And tested in v^^inter and summer, Bov^ing and bending still it grew And it stood there all the stronger. It grasped every tussle with the wind As alone it seemed each year to say, The oak that stands alone in the field Oft remains there for many a day. A lone boy worked at a hard daily task While the others went off to play, And day after day he stronger grew As he constantly worked away. Until he stood at the end of the race, Tested and tempered and very strong, And admired and honored by every one There he lived after working so long. 84 The Bright Side of Living Yonder a lone man battled day after day In the struggle with vice and sin, And after every failure would say, *'I11 keep on in the fight and vdn.'' Year after year he battled alone With appetite, passion and pride. And like the lonely oak in the storm He struggled away with the tide. But the lone man stood undaunted ■ When he kept the Cross in view. When appetite, passion and pride came up What struggles he had none knew. But after the battle the lone man stood The victor at the close of life, And brightly smiling was heard to say, *' 'Tis the end of my long bitter strife." < "Then you shall die, you fussy man," The north wind howled away, And the fussy farmer began to think What he to the wind should say. But the bright sun warmed the earth And the frost all melted away. Then the fussy farmer found in the fall That he had plenty of corn and hay. His labor was not lost at all, But all his crops were good, And the fussy farmer in the fall Found that he was blessed of God. Don't be in a hurry to fuss, my man; Don't damn and curse the earth, For if God don't come the devil will Then you shall have a new hearth. HAPPY FARMER A farmer sat in his easy chair. Smoking his pipe of clay. Watching the little clouds of smoke As they slowly floated away. I have planted corn each year And harvested my wheat and hay, Always raised some hogs and cows And have made my farm to pay. The Bright Side of Living 43 But now we're old, my wife and I, Yet long we toiled together ; Some days were dark — some work hard — But we labored in all kinds of weather. We planned and worked and saved And always tried to do our best, But now the working days are o'er And we're going to take our rest. "We'll go and visit Tom and Bill And try that city life awhile, Yes, we'll take it easy, wife and I For we've traveled nigh on sixty mile. Yes, the farm is all paid out, But it took a long, long time, how we pinched and saved And did not even waste a dime. But those were happy days for us For our hearts were always glad, When sorrows came, we trusted God And they did not seem so bad. The joy we had in our planning Brought the sunshine in our home, And now after sixty years are passed We can claim it for our own. NEBRASKA GEM OF THE PRAIRIE It is like a dream of yesterday That chases pleasant thoughts away. As we travel back for fifty years And watch the coyotes chase the steers. 44 The Bright Side of Living Over the prairies broad and wide, Rolling west from the Missouri side, Dotted with valleys and wasted plains With buffalo grass and sage brush chains. For five hundred miles it stretches away Untilled and unsettled for many a day, 'Twas a seeming tract of worthless land Claimed by a roaming Indian band That hunted the buffalo, fox and bear And traveled and camped but didn't care To plow and sow this vast domain For undisputed had been their claim. But one stormy day a stranger came A Yankee farmer was this man's name. Who viewed the prairie land with pride And thought he'd for one year abide — To see if corn and wheat and rye Would grow for him if he would try To plow and sow this western plain For land back east was a costly strain. So he built a hut with the earthly sod And began to struggle with sand and sod. But year after year this Yankee stayed, Not because farming in this new land paid. But each passing year caused him to see That he was poorer than he used to be, And so he could not move and get away, But in this wild land he had to stay. The Bright Side of Living 45 Then Germans, Swiss and Belgians came With purposes all about the same; They wanted a home and one fair chance, So many picked homesteads in advance. But now these fifty years are sped And that w^orthless land is a flower bed. It is rich as any soil that doth lay Along the path of the farmer's way. Go travel the valleys and prairie plains Of Nebraska farms of fruits and grains, And beautiful farm houses you will see As fine as any farmer's home need be. Gone is the buffalo, bear and coyote too, And the state has gained in wealth most true, Until towns and cities dot every plain And to market the railroads carry the grain. The schools and churches are the very best And our boys and girls pass the Harvard test, While in every part of this western state The peiople are strong and rich and great. They have always nurtured wholesome power And have stood for advancement every hour. They have built an empire vast and great And named it Nebraska before 'twas a state. Chorus : 0, Nebraska, the gem of the prairie, The home of the true and the merry. Stretch away, stretch away in glory, The coming years will tell a story Of thy greatness, wealth and power to be For thy people are loyal, pure and free. The Bright Side of Living SORROW EVERYWHERE A little bird sang a song in a tree But he sang in a sad refrain, And I wondered why his little tune Had such a gloomy strain. One day a little boy cried out, Who lived just over the way; With a broken heart he cried And moaned all the livelong day. Then into a humble home I went But sat in a long reverie, For a mother with tear-stained eyes Poured out her sorrows to me. Slowly I walked up over the hill And kept walking so far away Till I came at last to a villa That overlooked the sea so gray. I'll enter here, I said to myself, And feast with the rich and gay ; Here I'll forget the sorrows I met This beautiful sunshiny day. A strong brawny man bowed to enter And pushed out a chair toward me As he brushed a stream of tears And turned his face to the sea. Then he wept as he told his story, With his head bowed to the floor. For more sad was he than boy or bird. As deep sorrow had entered his door. The Bright Side op Living 47 Thus everywhere I have traveled Through the land and over the sea; I have found some gloom of sorrow Poured from every heart to me. THE MISER There is no voice can wake the soul Of him whose heart is hard and cold, Who hoards his money all his life And sells himself a slave to gold. could he see the world's delight And taste the pleasures of one day, Of living in unselfish bliss He'd scatter all his gold away. No longer in that greed of gain Would his poor soul be found, But like a prisoned bird set free His heart would leap and bound. **But I will pass his cottage by And waste no time with him," The angel said and winged his flight And left the miser fast and grim. THE HIGHWAY My lassie '11 take the highway, But I'll gae by the brae, And I'll be hame in the evening, But where vnll my lassie gae? 48 The Bright Side of Living TRUE TO YOUR DUTY Fear not to do your duty Even though it is very hard, But remember in the doing Neglect v^ill sure retard. Be faithful in the small deeds, Do each one your very best, And never shun nor shirk them For they are your final test. Be true to the vt^ork you're given And ne'er desert your post. When the books of life are opened You'll rank in the heavenly host. SLAYING AN ENEMY It was a hard, hard fight And many a scar had I, For all night long I fought Till I thought I'd surely die; But still I fought like a Tartar All through that night of pain, And V7ondered if v^hen morning came My enemy would be slain. At last I made an awful hit And thought the conflict o'er, But when I looked for my enemy He gave me one dig more. The Bright Side of Living 49 So all night long I fought my foe And hoped at early dawn to see That I my bitter foe had slain. Morning came — I only found a flea. WAITING TIME Waiting at the gateway Is what most of us have done, And looking for the coming Of a certain loving one. We've asked it o'er and o'er: '*I wonder why he is so late," But still we kept on waitin', Down by the old garden gate. This is one sad part of living And it seems it's always been, That some keep others waitin' Till the shades of night come in. Mother, father, wife and sweetheart Oft have waited long in fear, But there came no word of comfort And the waiting was so drear. Some keep waiting to begin What long ago they should have done, Waiting for the shoes of dead men Or for fortune to come from some one. Waiting to build their own home. Or to move from the city to a farm, They've wasted a score of years And the waste was shiftless harm. 50 The Bright Side of Living If man would only do today With all his might and power, The duties that the day requires In the sunshine and the shower, He would change many stormy clouds And be far richer on tomorrow, For like a noble king he'd be Shielding himself from many a sorrow. I WANT TO KEEP LIVING Brighter, still brighter My soul grows each day. For I am always trying To find the brightest way., And I find it very easy So will give the reason why. For the brightest day of living Is some day before you die. For living is just doing The deeds you've always done. But filling them with sunshine And not missing any one. So I want to keep a living Until I have to die, For the brightest day of living Is some day before you die. The brightest day of living Is the day that's passing now; If you will just remember And wear a smile upon your brow. The Bright Side of Living 51 The brightest day of living Is this day that we live now, If you'll fill it full of sunshine And carry smiles upon your brow. CURING GOSSIPERS John Barley had a billy goat That wore a long necktie, And he fed him on foul gossip ers Till the goat thought he'd die. John Barley took his goat so sick To a sewing bee one day, And after he'd been there awhile They gave him a little tea. The goat began to sniff and sneeze And out jumped gossipers, three ; At once the goat began to mend And soon was well and free. Now when he's fed on gossipers He runs to a sewing bee, For he can always sniff and sneeze When he gets a little tea. At a sewing bee with a little tea The gossipers jump out quick. So what's the use for men or goats From the gossipers to be sick. For if you've had some gossipers Just run to a sewing bee, And you'll be cured in a little while When you've had a little tea. 52 The Bright Side of Living ONLY A TEAR 'Twas only a tear That fell from her face, As she labored and suffered All the day in her place. 'Twas only a tear On her cheek so fair, But after it dried The burn was still there. 'Twas only a tear But it burned its way, And wrinkles were left On her face to stay. 'Twas only a tear As the night came on, But her heart was broken For her lover was gone. 'Twas only a tear, But it told of that love, That bound their young hearts With the ties from above. 'Twas only a tear. But it falls every day, From some broken heart That bleeds all the way. The Bright Side of Living 53 AT VIRGIL'S TOMB I came one day to a poet's grave, Who lived long, long ago In that beautiful land of Italy, But now he sleeps on Posillipo. Onward I was rushing in my glee. Never stopping in one place to stay, Until I came to Virgil's tomb And read the epitaph where he lay. I paused as though a living poet Spoke to me his last request, *'Siste viator pauce legito Hie Virgilius tumulus est." For though he had slept for ages past And his voice had long been still. It seemed to me that he spoke that day As I lingered on that Neopolitan hill. Stop ! Traveler, read ! And how these words Aroused my soul to tarry at his grave, And meditate upon that mortal dust Of Virgil who was both wise and brave. The busy throngs have been passing by And two thousand years have sped away. Yet many have missed the poet's song While Virgil here in this casket lay. Poetry, story and love's sweet song Are the charming lessons from Virgil's pen, But 0, how many in the rush of life Neglect the stories of such good men. 54 The Bright Side of Living ''Stop! Traveler, and wait awhile," I read, ''This is the tomb of Virgil", it said Carved were these letters on the stone Of this Roman poet who so long is dead. THE ARAB BEDOUINS I crossed the sandy desert Through Arabia's dusty plain, And saw the dark-skinned Bedouins As they tramped the barren main. They wore no hats, no shoes, No smiles shown on their face, But scanty dressed and woe-begone They still survive — a sad, sad race. They seem like travelers come from far, No settled homes have they to keep. But when the mist of night descends They pitch their tents and sleep. The race holds mysteries all would know, Hemmed in by the fates of the past; Still these dark-skinned Bedouins live. And shall live while time shall last. Weak, superstitious and ignorant, too, They tramp the boundless dusty plain. This poor benighted race of ancient men, Thirst and famine have the thousands slain. The Bright Side of Living 55 I saw them in that wasted land Where the pagan's bond doth bind, I read their woes in each sad face But I failed life's joys to find. MY NEIGHBOR A priest and a Levite once passed by And left a wounded man to die — Was that priest or Levite you or I? It was on the highway to Jericho This man for business had to go, But robbers by the way laid low; They struck him with a pointed spear And took from him all that was dear: In scorn they gave him one last jeer. A good Samaritan came down that way And saw the suffering Jew as he lay Almost dead, we can most truly say. The Samaritan served him in his need. Carried him away on his own black steed, Paid an innkeeper for his room and feed. ''When I return I'll pay thee more Until this suffering man is o'er The wounds that he from robbers bore." Beautiful lesson from that passerby Who found that Jew almost to die. Was that Samaritan you or I? 56 The Bright Side of Living FAITHFUL MOHAMMEDAN Five times one day I saw him stop and pray; 'Twas Mohammed's priest Par in the land of the east. In the ancient queer old Cairo The Moslem priests are on the go. True to all their binding creed It has long been well agreed, The sheik is more prompt to pray Than Christians are some vows to pay. True to the letter of his Koran law He bows and bends, but finds no flaw ; His very soul would be lost indeed If he should fail his prayers to read; Or if he'd fail to hear prayer's call Under the law he'd have to gall. I saw him in yon busy street. With him on barren plains did meet. So the Christian man can little say Against the Moslem's faithful way Of keeping true to the Koran's letter And trying each day to worship better. We fuss and rail against his creed And make the Moslem's poor heart bleed. The Bright Side of Living 57 I wonder if the day won't come When Christian — Moslem will be one, And bow at the altar side by side, Then find that both in God abide. MY FRIEND I love my friend And I'll tell you why — I love this man you see, Not for his wealth or power; Not for his help to me: But I love him first, This friend of mine For a tender heart hath he. I love him for he is as true And faithful to that tie As are the laws of nature That come from God on high. He is my friend of years ago, This man that here you see, A binding tie of faith and love Binds this good man to me. The mention of his name brings joy And then to see his face. Clasping his warm strong hand Fills all my soul with grace. So when I count my treasures And in heaven I lay my store. Among the things I'll prize most dear And count them cheaply won, Is the cherished thought of him And the good to me he's done. 68 The Bright Side of Living THE NORTH WIND I hear the howl of the wind From the north land far away And it makes me shiver and shake, For I have no place to stay. I feel its slimjT- biting tongue And its blasting fangs sting me, But still I must tramp onward For nobody ever cares for me. 'Tis such a misery to be poor When the north wind sweeps along For it even chills my soul With its cold and mournf al song. It howls and then it whistles And rocks the earth in its tread, Then drives the poor man on Till he wishes that he were dead. But I can bear the north wind Better than a saloon man's grudge For it bites my body and soul Until I dare not budge. Howl and bite, thou winter wind! You are no worse to me Than he who gave me drink for gold And a drunkard made me be. The Bright Side of Living 59 THE BROKEN HEART All broken and sad Bleeds my heart today, For they've taken my sweetheart; They have taken her far avray. And I've no desire to linger In this villa by the sea, Unless they bring back my sweetheart 'Twill be the death of me. All alone I weep for my dearie And nobody can comfort me, For my heart is sad and broken "While I suffer by the sea. I am so crushed by sorrow And my heart bleeds every day, For I'm looking for my sweetheart Or I want to go away. JOHN LUSCHEN John Luschen is a mighty man, His soul is so big and free, He always fights for God and right And will not from duty flee. He has a heart that is so big So all his friends do say, John Luschen put a string on it So he would not give it away. In daily life he is a power, As all his friends do feel, He stands a high man in the church And his soul is full of zeal. 60 The Bright Side of Living BUYING A GUN I want ter buy me a gun, The biggest what you got, That'll shoot cannon balls And all that kind of shot. Yes, I mean one for a nickel That'll kill most anything. For I'm going to hunt bears And wild turkeys on the wing. I must have some bullets too, The kind what's made of paper So when I snap the trigger down, Them little boys will scaper. No not like that, nor that, But one what's got a string. Just fastened to the bullet So when it hits, it'll sting. You've got it right for sure, A popgun is just what I mean And here 's the nickel what I had For I've kept it in my jean. Off went that boy so happy And as proud as an earthly king, For he had bought a gun himself And one that was sure to sting. The Bright Side of Living 61 HIDE AWAY The earth is full of sorrow And it follows us every day, But always keep up cheerful Or hide away, hide away. Troubles — you'll all have them Wherever you work or play, But do not get discouraged Just hide away, hide away. When you're so tired and weary And don't know what to say, Lock up your store or office And hide away, hide away. When sick and sad and troubled And short of both work and pay, Thinking that life is not worth while You'd better hide away, hide away. If many days are dark and dreary While you try life's game to play, Don't run away from your duty But quietly hide away, hide away. You will gain much new vigor For the battles on your way, If you do not fuss and fume But just hide away, hide away. BELLA SIGNORINA bella Signorina Italiana lo me ne andro lontano Datemi per favore la vostra parola Edio fabrichero una capanna E voi verrete con me. 62 The Bright Side of Living HAPPY LIVES Deeds of smiles and sunshine Mingled with the tears, Drive away man's troubles And sweeten all his years. Bright and happy faces Give new life each day, Sifting out the sorrows And bringing joys to stay. Tender words of kindness Make the cold heart warm, Every one may speak them With a gentle pleasing charm. Rich and poor alike today Can fill this world with love, And make that lowly hovel Like the mansions up above. VENICE THE BEAUTIFUL Charmed by its silent romance With watered streets of blue, I landed once in Venice When the Campanille was new; Fantastic, quaint and weird Was the thrill to me that day, While rowing with a gondolier To the Belle Vue for a stay. The Bright Side of Living 68 The streets all were noiseless For gondolas skim the way, As hacks and busses all are boats And on watery streets they play. Delights to me were priceless In fair Venice on the sea, As I learned its ancient history What its glories used to be; For silent marble tongues proclaim The glories of its living fame, As from the time-honored Rialto Immortalized by Shakespeare's name; From Saint Mark's sublime cathedral And that Doges palace grand. And the mounted four bronze horses Napoleon brought from Turkey's land. Thus into Saint Mark's square I went Where Venice glows in luster bright, There pigeons come to feed and play And Venetian singers charm the night ; Then on the grand canal they stay And swell the air with sweetest tune. Cheering the hearts of weary men While overhead peeps out the moon. Venice is a city of man-made charms As it grows up out of the sea, And those clever Venetian merchants They would make a prince of thee; So when you travel o'er land and sea And men of many races you meet, You'll find none at all more genteel Than those in Venice that do you greet. 64 The Bright Side of Living BACK TO ITALY Beyond the wide deep ocean, I want my home to be And my heart has been a yearnin' To go back to Italy. I miss those charming people That I met beyond the sea And now I am just waitin' To' go back to Italy. The mountains and the sunshine, And the smiling folks you see Just keep the heart a beatin' To go back to Italy. I hope the time is coming But I don't want days to flee, Still all the time I'm plannin' To' go back to Italy. Sailing back on the ^^Mendoza," such fun as that will be "When launched upon the ocean To go back to Italy. Write at once, ye Temple tourists And send on your names to me Then we'll book you for our party To go back to Italy. Count the jolly days that's coming On our ship crossin' the sea When the Temple tourists gather To go back to Italy. The Bright Side of Living 65 CALL OF THE SEA I am enticed by the call lof the sea As the waves leap up to the shore, And I long to board a gallant ship And sail abroad once more. I love the deep blue ocean And the billov/s under the sky, But once in a storm on the waters Is enough when the waves are high. Of all the beauties in the world On the land or the sailor's sea. None are so grand and beautiful As the boundless ocean to me. Roll on thou swelling ocean tide. Carry safely my ship and me For I know thy tide is changing As far as man's eye can see. Dancing and skipping and singing. Like young girls out at play Thy waves keep up a romance And are courting from day to day. Freely you bound in a moving tide And laugh as you roll away, And sing to the sailor on the deck, And keep his heart in a fray. Beautiful charming ocean waves. Sing to man's heart each day. And you will drive all troubles out, And make his heart more gay. 66 The Bright Side of Living COUNT YOURSELF RICH Count yourself rich immensely In treasures beyond compare, If you have health and vigor And do all your trials bear. Life is worth the best we get Of the things that are most dear, If you would travel the happy road You'll find it begins right here. Sing and laugh and you will have A host of most loyal friends, Who will always welcome you For some joy on you depends. County yourself a king in the world While you daily work at your task, And never give up and say, "I can't." But work on vour best to the last. MAN IS OFTEN BLIND So fast man hastens on his way Trying to find the happiest day He often goes so far astray. For short is pleasure's sweet refrain And afterwards is long, long pain For what is lost we ne'er regain. Misfortune oft is coming near But her footsteps does man seldom hear Until he is caused to weep and fear. The Bright Side of Living 67 But why should man be deaf and blind Regretting to leave his w^ealth behind When in heaven he'll better riches find? For what escapes four misty eyes Blinded by the dust of a worldly prize May be the purest gold of Paradise. So hasten away and quick devise In some way to ascend the skies And captivate the richest prize. So never think that looking wise "Will open the gates of yon Paradise For dust may blind your sleepy eyes. LOCH-LOMOND I once sailed o'er Loch-Lomond On a bright and pleasant day In the bonnie land of Scotland Where I whiled some days away. take me back to Scotland Down on the bonnie brae And let me see the lassies In their happy daily pla5\ But I am far from Scotland Far from the bonnie brae But I hope again to see it Still my heart is saying nae. Let's sail the deep blue ocean To the bonnie land o' brae And visit with the lassies And watch them in their play. 68 The Bright Side of Living O bonnie land of Scotland My feet are turned away wad some sailor tell me To Loch-Lomond I may gae. THE HONEST LADDIE My wee bonnie lassie Where will ye gae today, To the braes of the lowland Or in the highland stray? You can see I'm just a sailor Come from the watery way, But if you'll accept my company We will saunter by the brae. I hae nae fame nae fortune And I hae nae worry and care, But I'll be a winsome fellow And will not my shillings spare. Come wi' me ye bonnie laddie And we'll gae down by the brae We'll cross o'er Loch-Lomond And pick some flowers o' May. So wi' tha' bonnie lassie He spent mony a happy day Rambling o'er the highlands And down in the lowland brae. Nae fame nae fortune had th' laddie But an honest heart had he And he won the heart o ' th ' lassie Down on the banks o' th' Dee. The Bright Side of Living 69 THE UNNOTICED Up in the mountain Blooms a little rose, Sweeter than a house plant In its high repose. Up in the human heart Grows a purpose strong, Fighting for the right Against the deadly wrong. Up in the busy crowds Plod many weary men, With torn bleeding hearts They go and sin again. Up in the foul dark attic Some children starve each day. For cruel vice and sin Have taken their bread away. But up in the realms of God In those mansions far above, Rich and poor go hand in hand Housed in that richest love. Up in the souls of men Our God would there abide, Lifting all human nature To be a heavenly pride. 70 The Bright Side of Living THOSE TROUBLES My neighbors all keep say in' How hard the times will be Then fuss about the price of corn And would most discourage me ; They say the war is comin' on And the bank stock goin' down That taxes will be goin' up Then hard times in our town. "Well I duno if they are right Or if I am in the wrong, But just the same I smile away And sing a cheerful song. My note is due 1 I know it is And I that note will pay If I but have one meal to eat And that be straw and hay. Some say winter's coming soon Then coal we'll have to buy, But I just keep a smilin' on And do hope I may not die. Jones he sed terbaker's up And eggs and taters have fell Hogs and chickens too are low And his wife she hain't so well. what troubles some folks see And how they kick and growl so grim You would suppose that God was dead And this world was in a svdm. The Bright Side of Living 71 Then all the same I don't give up But keep smilin' all the day For troubles are what we make them To keep or send them away. Happy? "Well I guess I am, Sir, As happy as a poor man need be For I have a place to eat and sleep And I trust the morrow to see. There hain't no use of fussin' When things don't come our way But work the harder, dig and save And smile your best each day. HOW THE SOUL LIVES Think a kind thought my soul Then you will have joy today, And shall drive from your soul All the evil thoughts away. Pray a prayer for thy neighbors That they may prosper each day, And joy and blesings w^ill come As you travel the toilsome way. Sing a song of redemption 'Twill cheer the saddest of men, For the beauty and glory of living Is to him who a servant has been. Serve and you will be happy And brighten the souls that you meet, Lifting the sorrows and the burdens Your life will be fully complete. 72 The Bright Side of Living FUNNY WORLD This is a funny world for sure And how some folks will dig, They'll starve and skimp along And ride in a rickety gig; They'll talk about the neighbors And whine about the crops, Some always fuss and grumble As they eat their mutton chops. It's a world of trouble too And nose around and gossip, And try to find some evil tale From which to gain some profit. Some people will save and keep And hide their pennies away, They never find any comfort For they slave most every day. They daily keep a thinkin' That they may starve to death, And sio they keep a workin' While they hardly draw their breath. They find no pleasure in the w^orld For that might cost some money, And thus they always rob themselves For they miss the choicest honey. The Bright Side of Living 73 KING PHARAOH All saddled and all bridled And so gallant rode he, Out from the homeland Toward the Red sea; He was a proud despot And they were his slaves, Out rode the mighty Pharaoh With his fighting braves. Swiftly moved the royal host Against that Jewish band, And soon they saw the Hebrews Wait long upon the sand. Frightened were the untrained Jews As on the shore they wait, Then looked each other in the face And read their own sad fate. But kingly Moses with the rod The sea, he soon divided Then quickly marched those Jews across For their fears had all subsided. But all saddled and bridled And so gallant rode he, Out went the mighty Pharaoh Far into the Eed sea. On moved his mighty host Not one remained behind. Out into the deep Red sea The fighting braves went blind. 74 The Bright Side of Living The ocean waves swept all away Not one returned to tell, How that mighty host went down Or in what graves they dwell. All saddled and all bridled But rideth forth not he, For Pharaoh and his mighty host Sleep in the grave of the sea. THE POOR DOG I heard a poor dog howling As though his heart would break, And I guess he had his troubles For he kept us both awake. Both dogs and men have troubles That oft come thick and fast. But the man who keeps his troubles Makes them much longer last. And the troubles that doggies have Are just as hard and true, As are those little troubles That bother both me and you. Man's troubles seem such giants And they spring up in a night, That it keeps him always busy Trjdng to drive them out of sight. I should be truly delighted As through this dark world I go, If I could lift all the troubles Of both the men and doggies too. The Bright Side of Living 75 DREARY OLD AGE Gone from my heart are those days When I was young and strong and gay, Gone are those friends I used to know, Gone like flowers that bloom in May. Once I had a home and loved ones And was happy as happy could be, Now I'm alone in this dreary world And nobody ever cares to see me. But day after day I am waiting As I older and weaker do grow, For I, like the leaves of the forest, Will fall to the cold earth below. Yes, gone are those happy friends That once my soul did gayly thrill, But long since were mustered out And now sleep down over the hill. WINTER HAS COME The leaves fall from the trees And the flowers droop and die^ The robins to the southland go And the north wind heaves a sigh. Silently skips the biting frost O'er the flowers in the dell. And laughs in its merry glee For summer has said, *' Farewell." 76 The Bright Side of Living We feel the bite of its icy tongue As it nips the school boy's nose, For it has driven the summer avray And no one can tell where it goes. That summer is gone we all lament And sigh as the winter we greet, But this is part of God's wise plan To make man's life complete. So do not weep when summer is gone Nor despise the winter snow. For God has made the universe Far better than man does know. Winter and spring, summer and fall, God has planned them each and all, Making the grass and flowers to grow And causing the leaves to fall. He sends the frost that bites the bud And that stings your fingers too. He brings the winter from the north, Still He loves and cares for you. KEINE BROT Ich habe keine brot Fur diesen kalten tag, Wo kan ich das finden Ich kan nimmer sag. Ich vill durch dem strassen Sehr schnell da gehen, Aber wenn ich brot nicht finden Zu meine heimat vill ich gekommen. The Bright Side of Living 77 MEINE HEIMAT Ich vill zu meine heimat gehen Auch finden ich ihn so kalt, Ihii ist meine allein heimat Und das ist alles das ich gehabt. Meine ist eine kleine heimat Und ich habe keine ander, Aber ich meine heimat liebe Ihn ist jemals wunderbar. Einmal vill ich nicht zu kommen Zu meine heimat nimmermehr, Dann vill ich mein Gott besuchen Und ich vill hinauf gehen dar. MY COTTAGE Down in the valley Beside a little stream, There is my cottage And light in it doth gleam; There dwells my sweetheart Like a little queen, Down in the valley By that little stream. THE BEGGAR BOY I am so tired and hungry, Sir, And I have no place to go, For I am just a beggar boy A trampin' in the snow. 78 The Bright Side of Living When I go beggin' at the door The rich folks frown and say, **We are going out to dinner And have no bread today." But on I keep a trampin' Through the cold and bitin' snow, And wonder if the people think That I've no place to go. Yes, I'm just a beggar boy, Tired, hungry and foot-sore too, Trampin', trampin' all day long But I find no work to do. For when I do ask for labor The people just scowl and say, ''We do not hire any beggars So just tramp on away." Father and mother both are dead But they too were so poor. That all my life I've been beggin' And a goin' from door to door. ''Come in," did you say, "for supper And sleep tonight in a bed." That sounds like a dream to me The poor tired beggar said. But after the meal was ended The beggar stirred not from the chair, But a sweet smile covered his face As he slept all free from his care. The Bright Side of Living 79 WRITING VERSES I'll dip my pen into the ink Then squint my eyes and blink, And after while try to think. If I could jot one poem down That would arouse my native town I'd count it worth a silver crown. But writin' poetry seems a joke When you're hungry and also broke But still I'll try another stroke. Writin' verses seems just play Still it's harder 'n pitchin' hay, Rhymes don't always come your way. Stoppin' here to start once more I'll have your patience to implore, So I'll give up and call it o'er. MERCY SHOW No advice have I to give Rather do I strive to live Better than I've done before, But I've missed it o'er and o'er; Mercy now I freely show. Once no mercy did I know, But this lesson have I learned Sinners not the saints are spurned. Long it took me this to learn That mercy will itself return. 80 The Bright Side of Living We scorn and kick the man that's down And on his reformation frown, We do him harm — and stab his soul Rather than help him to the goal. Now I will hasten to mercy show For I myself have been sio low. My mind and heart in mercy glow And I will always mercy show. I LOVE HIM Deep in my soul I love Him, I fondly would ever be true Christ, my dear loving Savior, I fully surrender to you. In life so often I'm tempted And often I fall by the way But I long to love Jesus forever And walk in His paths every day. His love has a power that changes The vilest of sinners to be Like the angels that live in heaven And He loves poor sinners like me. So I '11 leave my faults and follies And break from the pleasures of sin For I know that the Spirit of Jesus Will enrich my poor soul within. The Bright Side of Living 81 GETTING A WELCOME We will always get a welcome As Ave walk beside the stream, We'll get it from the flowers When we walk upon the green. In the eool and shady forest Where squirrels and birds are seen, There we'll always get a welcome When we walk upon the green. So in every path of living Where the tracks of men are seen, Some will always get a welcome When they walk upon the green. Every man who does his duty And to the right doth ever lean, Will always get a welcome When he walks upon the green. So if we would teach a lesson Let us love and not be mean. Then we'll always get a welcome When we walk upon the green. SLEEP The angels pin the eyelids down And rock man's soul in sleep. They stay near by the bedside And a vigil watch they keep. 82 The Bright Side of Living I think there must be angels That travel with us in the day, While others come at the sunset And all thro' the night they stay. So v^hen your eyes begin to blink Just know it's the angels' kiss, For swift from the dome of heaven They bring you some of its bliss. Then in the angels' arms you rest And pass to that dreamless land, While 'er thy soul they keep a watch Sweet spirits of that guardian band THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS It's the night before Christmas And the snow's on the ground, While the children are waiting For Saint Nick to colne round. The little lads and lassies For this day have waited long. And the Christmas program's over But not the Christmas song. Seems everybody's smiling The lean and fat — tall and thin, And all the lads and lassies Are wearing a monster grin; For they're looking for tomorrow And that's the Christ's birthday. But little folks remember it As a day to romp and play. The Bright Side of Living 83 Eing out ye bells of Christmas And scatter gladness everywhere, ¥\0T so happy are the boys and girls They can hardly say their prayer. But it's time to hurry off to bed After the prayers have all been said, Hang up the stockings in the corner For this long night will soon be sped. TOMORROW IS CHRISTMAS I am looking for Old Santa Claus To come to me tonight, And I have long been wondering If he won 't bring a kite ; Or perhaps a little drum. But it'll please me just as well If he would bring a gun. But Santa is a good old man I've heard my mama say, And so I'll hang my stocking up But keep on at my play, And when it's time to go to bed I'll just jump in and say, *' Please, Santa, tomorrow is Christmas Day." ' NATURE'S TEMPLE Come walk with me in the woodland Where the song bird sings so sweet, Let us walk and talk together And there God's whispers greet; 84 The Bright Side of Living The beauty lof all the earth is here And the oak trees are great and high, Under my feet the green growing grass Is dotted with those flowers that die. Come sit with me in this shady dell By the roadside just over the hill, For nature has built her temple here And the worship is solemn and still. ACROSTIC Ramble over the wide, wide world, Over the ocean and land and sea; May all your travels And voyages prove Not one a loss to thee ; Covet the path the good have trod. Enough when you make way to God. THE POET'S THEOLOGY Here this call In trouble all Soon shall fall; For evil deeds Like tares and weeds Grow thick and fast But longer last. With neighbors bad The hearts are sad, But jolly friends On love depends. The Bright Side of Living 85 Many pi^ofess But live less; For Scriptures say All should pray. Wlien hopes die Some souls will sigh. If God you see Love must be Strong in thee. THE BROKEN PANSY I plucked a svreet pansy One bright summer day, But soon it had w^ilted And v^ithered av^ay. Broken and severed The flovrer will die, So will the little bird And so will you and I. Guard thy fleeting moments And check the angry spell, Then tomorrow you shall know That you acted mighty well. Yes, broken w^as the pansy And so is the wasted day, But the idle word not spoken Is the best that you can say. 86 The Bright Side of Living FLEETING LIFE Time, tide and flood sweep on, Days and nights too soon are gone; The boy and man are nearly one. Pain and pleasure is life's sum. Fleet, fly, thou fiery sun, Faster and faster the races run; Birth, baptism, marriage and death. It's hardly time to draw thy breath. Change, decay and resurrection be The messengers that do wait for thee. EASTER The blast of the winter snow Has been chased away by the spring, And into the throb of life we come With the joys that Easter bring. The whole world teems with life And the birds more sweetly sing. For man once more has a new life And it comes with the Easter spring. This is the high tide of all the year. Even the earth bursts open with life, And a new spirit burns in the sioul As Easter drives out all the strife. The Easter day is heaven's time To herald the resurrection morn. And proclaim in all the world around, That Christ anew from the tomb is bom. The Bright Side of Living 87 Come one and ^11 this Easter day, Let's turn our hearts from sorrow, And let Christ the King of Easter day- Fit us all for the labor of tomorrow. THE RED BIRD I am oome from the fragrant fields, Where the daisies bloom in the dell, My heart is aglow with sweetest peace For peace among the flowers dwell. I live in a swinging little palace In an oak tree great and high, And the boys and girls call me The red bird of the sky. YOU'RE OUT '' Striker three and you are out," The umpire called from the base, The batter left the diamond And another took his place. Soon the game is ended And the players will be gone. To rest and practice later Till another game is on. But life itself is one long game. The batters you and I, But what shall be the umpire's call When the time shall come to die? 88 The Bright Side of Living Striker one and striker two And every hit will count, But striker three and you are lost If the umpire cries, ''You're out.' Play hard and fast my friend, Make every strike your best, For soon you'll leave the diamiond And there'll be no other test. Striker one, and striker two, So swiftly goes life's game, But all can make the home run And win both life and fame. WORK Work and the world works with you, Shirk and thy time is lost, For all neglected duties Tou will pay tremendous cost. Work with a zeal and fervor And you'll have a smiling face. For the man who is in earnest Will always find a place. Work and your friends will miss you When you shuffle off from time. Work and the earth will praise you And your life will be sublime. The Bright Side of Living 89 MAN'S FATE The flight of the bird And the hot spoken word Are records iof the past, They cannot be recalled Nor can they be recast. So man makes his fate to be Like a binding band of steel, Fills memory with the things "Which bring him woe or weal ; He climbs the winding stair Through the duties of each day, Sometimes he drinks of sorrow And at other times he's gay. Man has fixed limitations, Some boundaries he cannot pass. But he works, dreams and fancies. And at times can wealth amass. Man is a shirker or a worker. He destroys and he builds, He fells the mighty forest And the rolling field he tills; He scales the height of wisdom And he sails the widest sea, Ecads the thoughts of God afar And he strives like God to be. Yesterday he lived in wealth But today he bends so low. And like the frosted lily wilts Then from the world he'll go. 90 The Bright Side of Living THE GOOD MAN DIES When the good man dies The earth at once replies, I've lost a goodly prize But heaven v^ill be more w^ise. But when a bad man dies, I w^onder v^ho then replies, For his spirit goes to the skies Just as if a good man dies. I v^onder who is most wise "When the good or the bad man dies, To be good who hardest tries. Which one the longest strives? The good man surely dies When he his God denies. And never longer tries To gain a home in the skies. And the bad man always dies When he the sin and self denies. And daily yearns and ever strives To gain a home up in the skies. THE WINDOW OF THE SOUL Many are weeping and sighing As through life's valley they go, Fretting and wasting life's joys As they harbor all life's woe. But lift up thy soul sad man And the world's glad blessings know, You need not pine thy years away Nor fixed in sorrow should you grow. The Bright Side of Living 91 Break the narrow view of seeing Just the dark and gloomy day, You were born to know the planets And make God's thoughts thy play. Shake off thy wandering fears of doubt And make thyself a god in sacred power, So let thy steps be measured might And all thy deeds as a fragrant flower. Let no bounds make three a narrow man But penetrate until you touch yon Scenes of uncorrupted and eternal thought And make thyself an immortal son. WHEN ALL OUR SHIPS COME IN You have often heard folks say When in trouble they have been, We're looking for a better day When all our ships come in. When all our ships come in From over the dreamy sea, For we believe they'll bring The fortune we long to see. It seems there is a speck In all folks just the same, They are looking for the coming Of a ship with wealth and fame. Vain hope that many have in life When loss and trouble corner them in. They try to put off the settlement Till their hoped-for ships come in. 92 The Bright Side of Living And so they look and wait and hope That they may some day truly win, "When they ought to work the harder Till their ships do all come in. When all our ships come in From over the boundless sea We'll live in peace and comfort And a jolly time 'twill be. But those ships with treasures rare May be far from the port tonight, And may have a stormy voyage yet Before you view their sight. Remember this looked-for time When all our ships come in, Never comes to the most of folks For theil* ships do not come in. Then I will work and hope and pray And try my daily way to win, For then I shall be doubly blessed If all my ships come in. WAITIN' FOR FAME I am waitin' just a waitin' For fame to come along And crown my idle moments And make me rich and strong; But so long I've been a waitin' For fame to come my way That now I am a thinkin' He's surely missed a daj^ • The Bright Side of Living 93 Waitiii', yes I'tn waitin' For a title to my name That cost no wiork or study But just pinned on by fame ; Gold and honor for my waitin'? 'Tis all the same to me, But what delays his comin' When his visit will be free? But I mean to keep a waitin' While others work all day For if he finds them workin' He will not stop to say, *' Can't you cease your labor When but once I pass this way?" But he'll always find me waitin' For I'm waitin every day. Still I'm here a waitin' Even if fame is late And I'm sure to be a waitin' When he passes by my gate ; I wonder how my name will look Carved out in bronze and stone; how my friends will envy me When I walk with fame alone. Waitin', still I'm waitin' And my hair is long and gray, But surely I'll not die Till fame comes by this way; What he'll give me for my waitin' Will be very hard to say, But fame will soon be comin' For I've waited life away. 94 The Bright Side op Living THE HALTED TRAVELER 'Twas on the way with the cross that day As the mob with hate and anger cried, That Jesus fell under the weight of the cross And the centurion lashed His bleeding side. Then a passing traveler was halted on his way And told to follow his new found guide, But Simon begged that he might be excused; The captain answered, ''Walk by the prisoner's side." On with the mob the Cyrenian slowly tramped, Gazing upon the blood-stained face of Him For whom he bore that heavy cruel cross. At last to see the soldiers nail Him with a grin. Perhaps that halted Cyrenian never knew that Power and love flowed mingled with the pain, Of the Christ who tramped in silence all the way To reach Calvary where loss was greatest gain. Then came the end so mystic, solemn and so sad That Simon the Cyrenian bowed to God and said, ''It gives me joy that I was halted on the way And bore the cross for Him who now is dead.'' In life you shall all have some sudden call And a halted traveler you and I may some day be, Finding that into service we too had drafted been And a neighbor's need had been the one decree. Swiftly along life's thorny path men do go, But are halted and hindered like Simon on his way Thinking that they've sad days to look upon. But Simon the Cyrenian ne'er saw a better day. The Bright Side of Living 95 You were one time halted on your pilgrim way But keep on climbing up Mount Zion and see That from its summit you shall view at last The glories of that Calvary were all for thee. ABRAHAM LINCOLN He rose like a giant strong This man so brave and true, He always did the right, Or as near it as he knew. Humble retired and meek was he As he worked at every task, Was never known to break his word But he kept it to the last. He stood a kingly man of men, Free from folly, malice and pride, Was a giant for all men's rights And his fairness shall forever abide. This name of Lincoln ne'er forget As the centuries shall roll away, For he stood a man of God we think And he lived it every passing day. From the common ranks of men came he. Schooled in adversity and poverty too. Sad and lonely was most of his life. But daily like God he steadily grew. "Honest Abe" he was often called By friend and foe the same, But few in all the world have had This title to their name. 96 The Bright Side of Living In the hearts of men he'll always live While the years shall come and go, But the gtood he's done for all mankind There's none but God does knov^. He fell a victim to murderous hate And sank in a martyr 's grave ; He died as he had always lived But he freed the white man's slave. He sleeps in a Springfield cemetery. Our Lincoln so noble and true, But he set a standard for right living That daily challenges me and you. SONNET OF GLADNESS We love our God and praise Him too For sparing us to meet with you; For sending sunshine with the shower And lending us the fragrant flower. We bless His name this happy day And on His altar here we lay, The broken heartstrings of our soul And pray that we may reach yon goal, Where tired feet no longer tread But crowns bedeck the weary head; And battling trusting souls of men Lay down the cross and peace attain. Come then and let us praise His name And love Him for His holy fame; Then all lOur earthly praises bring And laud and crown Him as our King. The Bright Side of Living 97 THE DYING SOLDIER He is dying, slowly dying In a hut down by yon mill, His face is pale and wan And he's growing cold and still, The soldier boy — brave and true, Who answered his country's call, He fought like a valiant Caesar And he was noble, gay and tall. Day after day he had tried to go And answered again the bugle call, But frail and -weak he daily grew As he was slipping beyond recall. In a lonely hut he was dying. There was none to bathe his brow. As his soul leaped out of his body And has gone to that eternal now. No grave was dug for his body And marker there was none to say — So no one can find his resting place Or tell where that brave boy lay. Quietly he slipped away from earth On the sands of yon southern plain, But for the grave of this nameless hero Many have long searched in vain. But he was mot alone when he left — For heaven's angel band came down And watched him through the night, Then crowned him with a golden crown. 98 The Bright Side of Living And they bore him away in triumph To that land of everlasting day, They dressed him in a robe of white And have taken him there to stay. EULOGY TO OUR HEROES Sleep on thou brave, brave heroes, All thy work was nobly done, But the long and bloody battles Claimed thy comrades one by one. You have faced the firing cannon When you heard the general's call. And you marched when sick and weary, So you've suffered each and all. No one knows the pains you suffered In the swamps and on the plain, While you tramped, toiled and battled Greater rights for man to gain. But mo more will bugles call you To face the cannon's smoke and roar. For you conquered in the struggle And that bloody warfare's o'er. Sleep ye wounded, weary bodies. Comrades of our nation's life. Upon high live all your spirits And in heaven there is no strife. But today from peaceful labors We were gathered at thy graves, And with love we dropped the flowers With the words — here sleep our braves. The Bright Side of Living 99 And we also waved that banner Of the red, the white, the blue, And we thanked the God above us That you fought as men most true. Comrades of our land and nation "Who in earthly battles trod. Form yourselves in grand procession For you now belong to God. THE END OF THE ROAD It's a long way to travel When you carry a heavy load, But surely there's a resting place At the end of the road. It's a long day to suffer When pains your body goad, And there seems to be no help Till the end of the road. It's a long task that keeps you Like the little climbing toad, As he keeps on in his climbing Till the end of the road. There are many heavy sorrows That come to man's abode, But some must carry them Till the end of the road. 100 The Bright Side of Living Men have been seeking wealth As through the world they rode, And they'll keep on in the seeking Till the end of the road. It's a long, long desire And a tiresome waiting mode. From boyhood up to manhood Till the end of the road. It's a long path leading Where tired feet never strode, But just over the hill Is the end of the road. A MISTY DAY Did it ever 'Occur to you my friend There will come a misty day, When clouds shall gather o'er thy head And the sun shall hide away? When the friends of youth are gone And alone you battle in the tide, While the earth recedes from your view What deeds of thy life shall abide ? But the misty day that you viewed afar And feared when that day would come. At last like the slow moving caravan It has scattered its mist in thy home. The Bright Side of Living 101 Your eye grows dim with the misty dew And your friends you no longer know, While around thy bark gathers the cloud And where, where, will thy spirit go? So with joy and vigor of a stalwart soul We meet in life and walk in the way, But soon we'll come to the end of the road To the beauty or gloom of that misty day. EVENING BELLS My boyhood life down in the dells Was often cheered by the evening bells Of church and school and that gay time When home was sweet and heaven was mine. But swiftly passed those days of glee And gone is many a heart from me That now in the silent city dwells And answers not those evening bells. Night follows day and soon is gone — But the church bell still is tolling on And echoes long in those shady dells A low sweet tune K)f the evening bells. And so will the tolling music be When my own soul pushes out to sea — Then other poets shall walk those dells And hear thy tune, sweet evening bells. 102 The Bright Side of Living PUSHING OUT TO SEA The evening comes at last And all friends turn to see When the Spirit stands at the door As we push out to sea. He speaks in tender tones A message so plain for me ''Do not go hence in v^eeping "When we push out to sea." Eventide and a low sweet tune Of a cooing dove in a tree, And the soul begins to know When we push out to sea. Passing from the little home To realms more pure and free may there be no weeping When you push out to sea. It may be a long, long journey But his bark will surely be A safe boat in which to sail When you push out to sea. Now the voyage is just begun And my Pilot I can see, So a long farewell I leave As we push out to sea. Eventide and the close of life Is the record that will be For friend and foe some day When we push out to sea. The Bright Side of Living 103 HOME AT LAST When I reach my Father's house Just over the crystal sea, In those regions of delight "Where my soul would ever be ; When I lay my burdens down And rest from the toilsome way, I hope to enter the gates lof gold And with Jesus ever stay. When my cares and toils are o'er And I'm free from the storms that be. My soul shall bask in eternal bliss Where I 've yearned for years to be. When I've come to the end of the road And the days of my life are done, If I reach that harbor safely My crown of life will be won. Yes, I'm trusting in the blood Of that man of Galilee, For He says in His written Word He died to set the sinners free. Chorus : To glory my soul yearns to go And the crown of His love to wear. Then I will be happy in Jesus For saints of His grace will be there.