m$i^M tt BY ^"oXIE k M; i i 'Vs Kids" 66 \}s K\ds" C. C. BUMGARNER /"oXIE ^ #^''lv \ ,^ FEB 18 72 C1A657985 t6 Vs Kids'' Copyright 1922 C. C. BUMGARNER Digitized by tine Internet Archive in 2011 witii funding from The Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/uskidsOObumg 66 Vs Kids'' Published For the Author By CHRONICLE PRINTING CO. Logansport, Ind. ^Vs Kids'' DEDICATION It is to the friends (?f my ChildlioocI, with their little fears and fancies. The pals of later years with their advice and counsel, the older folks that were glad to satisfy my curiosity, and entertain me w^ith their memoriea of a Icng gene pioneer existance, w^hose log school houses, corduroy roads, wild game, and Indians, deep swamps and dense forests, dances and husking bees, appealed to my inner soul, and to the numerous littAe psis I love to study that this little book is dedicated. "Vs Kids'' us KIDS We're fuU. of life and innocenc; Our playground everywhere; We know but few unpleasantrics, Our lives unscarrcd by care. Today, is all the day w^e know, Just now is when v^e live; The past to us is just a blank, We take just w^hat you give. The future is our fairyland, To'rd w^hich w^e fondly raze; Its doers to us are opened At the slightest hint of praise. Our little questions day by day Are steps that must be trod; Curious little souls are w^e, With parents- — As our God. We're what v/e are untainted. And the future only bids To develop us, as w^hat we are. In it's Fairyland Us Kids. ''Vs Kids'' GRAN' PA John Weirich: he's a gran'pa Of the good old long ago, The years have bleached his raven locks, Until they're w^hite as snow He knew this good old Hoosier State, From infancy to now^. And his keen old mind remembers, Each when and why and how. John Weirich: tho he's ninety-two Recalls the past, as w^ell As tho it w^as, but yesterday. And pleasantly can tell, Tis John, I gladly introduce A youth, tho ripe v/ith age As the Gran'pa of the stories. That you'll find from page to page. iO ii Vs Kids'' GRANTA STORIES My gran'pa he*s i'st awful old /in* sets 'round in his chair; He nioves it in the summer Where the shade is, here an' there. But in the winter, when it's cold lie wears a big old blouse. An' spends his time jes' ever' day A settin' 'round the house. An' in the evenin' gran'pa Lets me come sit on his chair An' he tells me lots o' stories, That he learned 'ist ever' where. He tells 'bout when he's 'ist a boy. So avi^ful lo7ig ago; A^nd Kow boys are so different Fram the boys he used to know. They cridn't get to play baseball, Ner r?de around in cars; They didn't have 'lectrij lights An' gates w^uz only bars. i'h'-y hardly went to school at all, Aj:' hunted for their meat; An' they had bears, to shr;ot at. An' squirr'ls an' deer to eat. An gran'pa says 'at piger.ns "^H u? so thick 'at when they d lis% You couldn't see the sun at all A shinin' in the sky. 'Vs Kids'' a They lived out in a great big woods> A long, long ways from town, In a house 'at's made from little logs With no fioor, but the groun'. They didn't have no cook stove, But he 'scribed so awful plain, Ho^Y his ma cooked in a kittle In the fire place, on a crane. An' he said they raked the ashes An' the live coals out below. Where they baked corn pone, and taters. When he's young, so long ago. They hitched cow^s for horses. An' made lumber with a ax; They raised a kinda weed fer clo's— Gran'pa calls it flax. But ma's a-callin' me to come Gee, it keeps me guessin'; I'll tell you more 'bout gran'pa When I've took my music lesson. ^2 ^'Vs Kids'' GRANTA^S RIFLE Gran'pa's got a rifle That he used so long ago, When he was jes' a youngster Like me, an' kids I know. An' nen he had some huntin' dogs, He said one w^as a cur; 'At's jes' a measly onr y dog, But good fer fer ketchin' fur. They's lots o' 'possums, minks, an coons To ketch, when he's a boy; An' when his pa gived him that gun Gran'pa's wild with joy. They's turkeys too, 'ist runnin' v/ild That Granpa said he'd call, An he said thy wuz fatter'n fools From eatin' beechnuts, in the fall. An' lots-a fezants lived around The place, where gran'pa did; Don't you bet, 'at it wuz fun To live when he's a kid? An' gran'pa said theys injuns too. That sometimes he 'ud see; Especial, when they'd go to town Fer lead an' powder, salt an' tea. "Vs Kids'' i3 He's talked with little injun boys 'At's bout his size, he liked them most; When he wuz where they's tradin' 'Round a place they called The Post. My! Granpa walked a awful ways When school wuz goin' on; But teachers whipped jes' awful, An'he's glad when schooltime's done. Gee! 1 mus' hurry an' git home I'll tell you more w^hen I've a chance But I mus' stay with gran'pa, While the folks go to a dance. COIN' TO MEETIN' Las' night Gran'pa telled me how They us-ta go to meetin', An how the menfolks talked outside, A-shakin ban's an' greetin. The preacher an' the folks he's w^ith Jes' always got there late; The "wimmen an' the kids w^ent in, While the men stayed cut to w^ait. i4 "Vs Kids'' The preacher cum 'bout twict a year To preach to 'em an' offer pray'r; He road a horse, so Gran'pa said, To take 'im here an' there. They didn't have no music things To play on, when they'd sing; Les' sum-un had a fiddle That he cud play, an' bring. An' meetin's lasted half a day. An' sometimes half the night; Gran'pa said the preachers then. Could preach an' pray, a fright. Sometimes he said it took a day To get back home agin; An' nen fer most a month er more His Pa 'ud pray like sin. They wa'nt no roads to speak of When Gran'pa wuz a boy; Cept the kind they made o' brush an logs, An' called 'em cord-er-roy. The neardest naybcr Gran'pa had Lived 'jes four miles away; An' they had kids like he wuz, But 'twas too fur off to play. Say, I'll bet a kid like that 'Ud grow to be a dub. But I mus' go, cause Pa an' Are goin' to a euchre club. Mc Vs Kids'' THE BEAR STORY 'Lo Bill! Las' nite my gran-pa told Some more, when he's a kid; An' I'll tell you, like he told me 'Bout what he said he did. He said he waked up one dark night, When he wuz 'bout fourteen The dogs w^uz fightin' awful, An' 'twas dark as he had seen. His pa wuz up an' called him To git his gun an' hurry; Fer the dogs w^uz fightin' somethin' Aw^ful big and furry. They lit a bunch o' taller, That w^uz tied w^ith sticks and tarred An' thrcw^ed it where the fight wuz. Right cut in the yard. An' w^hen the blaze got bright enough So's they seen ever'w^here. They found the dogs wuz fightin' A great big ole black bear. An' gran'pa said, Bub I wuz skeered, But couldn't run somehow^; Fer that bear looked ez big to me Ez our old muley cow. An' his pa said, "go keerful son. An' w^atch clost w^hen ye shoot; An' w^hen ye do, don't ^//ait aroun' Ef he don't fall, you scoot," i6 a Vs Kids'' An gran'pa watched to git a shot, His finger on the trigger; An' all the time the doggone bear Kept gittin' bigger'n bigger. Then purty soon his chance it cum, When he*d got purty near, An' he shot true, like heroes do, Right square behind the ear. Then gran'pa runed into the house To tell he'd killed a bear But I mus' take my paintin' lesson; Gee! wisht I was there. BUYING NEW BOOTS Say! gran'pa told a 'nother one Las' night, w^hen him an' me Wuz settin' in his big arm chair, An' w^e both laughed. O gee! Ycu see, when gran'pa wuz a boy Shoes w^uz most unknown; An' beets an' moccasins wuz all That folks w^culd w^ear, er own. "Vs Kids 99 17 An' when a boy wuz big enough To wear boots on his feet, A pair o' boots with nice red tops Made Hfe fer him complete. But new boots cost a aw^ful lot, An' money was so skeerce. The things boys done to git 'em Sometimes w^uz simply fierce. Well, gran'pa worked an' saved an saved, When he had time to spare. An' after many months he had Enough to buy a pair. He said he wuz so tickled Cause their tops w^uz shiny red. With copper strips across the toes. He w^ore em most to bed. His pa, he had some taller That he used most ever' night. To greasei his boots to keep 'em soft An' not git stiff an' tight. One night gran'pa greased his boots An' set 'em w^here the heat Would make the grease go into 'em. Then they's soft on his feet. An' nen he went to bed, to sleep. But couldn't sleep no mor'n sin; He's so anxious fer the daylight When he'd wear them boots agin. i8 'Vs Kids'' But they had bin set up too close, An' in the night the heat Had burned an' scorched an' wrin- kled 'em 'Till they wouldn't fit his feet. Then gran'pa cried; las' night he laughed, At how his spirits fell But Bill let's hurry on to school, I'm sure I heard the bell. GRANTA'S DREAM Gran'pa told me 'bcut a dream He had long years ago. About some funny animals 'At you an' me don't know. His ma had told a story, Jes' before he went to bed, An' when he went to sleep that night He saw 'em all, he said. 66 Vs Kids 99 19 There's a big-eyed Cor-yu-gal-us That lived up in the trees; An' the long-billed El-so-dik-tum That lived on bugs an' bees. The little Gol-sin-os-it-us, No bigger than a mouse, The great Vi^inged Com-w^e-loo-de That could fly off w^ith a house. There's the sneaklu' Zin-ke-tur-mun That w^ould steal bait outta traps; An' the Spuamp-snort's voice wuz 'zactly Like the sound o' thunder claps. The Bim-ble-der-do's little eyes Dripped tears like fallin' rain; An' the Bizzle-Bug 'at bit 'em 'Till they all v^^ould yell v^ith pain. The Alli-gan-tis jes' v/ould set An' laugh fer hours an' hours; An' the hungry Til-de-woo-dum That lived on smelly flowers. But the Gizzle-dink-de-w^alk-us Wuz the queerest one of all; He'd stand an' look right over trees, He's 'ist so slim an' tall. His legs Vk^uz jes' like broomsticks An' his toes as thin as vv^ire; He's alius cold, an' warmed hisself By standin' crost a fire. 20 \ "Vs Kids'' Ther's lots of other funny things 'At gran'pa claimed to know, .But I mus' go mind gran'pa While the' folks go to a show. GRANTA SAYS My Gran'pa says: at long ago, Womens dresses came down low. An' w^aists came almost to their ears, That w^omen all had modest fears. But nowadays the dress has changed, From low to high the hem has ranged, And life for w^omen seems complete, To have the hem and w^aist line meet. WHEN MAMA BAKES A CAKE Our home is just the limit. No chance to romp and play; We slip around like shadows, There's just no other way. Mama's strict, oh gracious. She smiles, but not so kind; We play outdoors entirely. With anything we find. Dick w^orks around the w^oodshed. An' pa stays at the barn; An' gran'pa goes up to the store. To hear some fellow^s yarn. The neighbors knew the symptoms, And net a call they make; For it ain't safe to move or speak. When mama bakes a cake. ''Vs Kids'' 2i MY KITTY One day iasc spring my mama Jnad sent me to the store, hor a box of tacks to tasten, i he carpet to the floor. And as I mcsied homeward, Just lookin' ' long the atreet; i he cutest, softest, kitten, Came rubbing round my feet. I picked it up and brot it home. An' begged that it might stay; FVlama don't like kittens, cause They're always in the way. But 1 just coaxed my bestest. Till mama says all right; I'll let it stay. But mind you, It goes outside at night. My kitten grew to be a cat, I fed it scraps and milk. Until its fur was softer, Than the finest kind of silk. I called, it Tom; for papa said: That's what cats should be called. And why folks spoke of Tom cats. When at night they squalled an squalled. Well: Tom and I were happy, As you might well suppose. I wheeled him in my doll cart, All dressed in Dolly clothes, I'd put a bonnet on his head. 22 "Vs Kids" It's just the proper size Why you could tell he's happy, By his purr an' dreamy eyes. One day Tom came up missing And 1 called him everywhere, I asked most all the neighbors. But they said he'd not been there. I almost felt like crying For I feared that Tom v/as dead. Some dog had maybe killed him. And chewed his pretty head; But when papa came that evenini And. had been at home aw^hile, He called me to the coal shed And I saw he wore a smile. He said: look in here kiddie. Now^ what you think cf that, My Tom: had four w^ee kittens Ain't he a funny cat? THE DOLL STORY 1 want to tell a stoory, It won't take very long. About my little Dolly, I'm sure there's something wrong. She used to call me mama. ''Vs Kids'' 23 As plain as she could speak, But her insides must be busted, For her voice is awfully weak. Doc Hatfield took her temp'ature. An' shook his head so wise. He felt her tiny little pulse, An' put stuff in her eyes. You see her hair is slippin*. The paint's gone from one cheek, One darling ear is missin' An'' her tummy's sprung a leak. One leg is loose and twisted, Tw^o toes are lost an' gone, One eye is always sleeping. Something must be quickly done. I feel so awfully sorry. She's in the shape she is, I spect she'll soon be dyin' With the light'nin' rheumatiz. Won't some one kindly tell me, In a way I'll feel assured. What medecine is safest So my Dolly can be cured. My mama says she'r* hopeless. And will always be quite lame. Papa says she's ruined. But I love her just the same. 24 6i Z ^ ^99 Vs Kids LrL SQUIRREL Li'l squirrel he's jes' a worKin Busy like a bee. Jes a streak a flyin Up and down the tree. Hidin' nuts fer winter, When the snow is here; An' he has to stay inside 'Till springy days draw near. Li'l squirrel, he's workin' Like he'd never stop. High up in the nut trees 'Clear up to the top. Picks the bestest goodies, Nen away he run, Hidin' nuts all dsy long, Jes like he'd net ret done. Li'l squirrel he see me, An set dov/i on a limb, Shake his bushy tail an' bark. What for I bother him. He ain't no time for loafin*, The time, it's slippin' 'way, He got to git his w^ork done — Got no time now to play., ''Vs Kids'' 25 Li'l squirrel he tell me Cold days comin' soon. Trees all bare and empty, Sun ain' up 'till noon. Wind'll be a blowin', Snow flakes wheel and whirl, Better put up plenty, Like this li'l squirrel. MY DAD A bunch of bright eyed youngsters Were listening one day, To a story, and as I passed by, I heard the teller say: There's someone dow^n to our house. Said the smiling, happy lad, That can tell the bestest stories, An' you'd Hike 'em, too My Dad. He makes me kites, an' sleds, an' things. An' w^hen he's home at night. When chores are done, he shows me how^ To do my sums all right. He kncw^s 'bout wars an' soljers. And Injuns an' Buff'loes; And he know^s when the sun goes down, Jes where it aWays goes. "Vs Kids 99 He's b'en on ships off somewheres, I forget jes' where he said, But it's where you pick up cokienuts, An' there's trees, whose fruit is bread. Where monkeys, an' parrots, an' cockatoos, Live out in the woods in trees; But folks have to sleep in hammocks, 'Cause there's bugs and worms and fleas. He's hunted up in a great big woods Where the trees ain't like we got; The rug w^e've got in our sittin' room Come off uv a bear he shot. He's told about hearin' a panther scream. When it's huntin' something to eat; An' he's heard 'em call to their mates way off. That they'd fcu'd a trail of meat. My Dad can ta^k for hours an* hours 'Bout things Ive never seen, 'Cept when I go to a picture show, An' see 'em on the screen. He's been most ever'where, I guess. An' seen all there w^as to see; An' heard all there w^as to hear, I guess, So he could tell it to me. ''Vs Kids'' 27 MY OLD DOG BLUE He's jes' a dog, my old Dog "Blue", The bestest friend, I ever knew; He follers me most ever' place, A smilin' with his homley face, A huntin' for some cat to chase My Old Doy Blue. He'll walk along with me 'ist grand, Jes' glad it seems, to touch my hand, His nose'll touch my finger tips. An' w^hen I'm makin little trips, To go uptow^n away he slips My Old Doy Blue. Outside the door he'll wait for me jese' like he's happy as can be; Nen when I start to w^alk aw^ay. He alius wants to run an' play. Like he's afraid I'd make 'irn stay- My Old Doy Blue. Ma says at w^hen I'm gone to school At dog jist acts like he's a fool; He'll stick his ears up, stand an' gawk At folks 'ats passin' on the walk, '1st w^atchin' fer me like a hawk- — My Old Doy Blue. 28 t6 Vs Kids'' One time he got some poisioned mea^; When he wuz findin' things to eat; An he "ist looked so sick an* sad Gee, but Pa was awful mad, *N w^hen he's better I's so glad— My Old Doy Blue. He's jes' a dog, my old dog Blue, But he's fer me plumb through an' through, He's always glad to be with me. If only close enough to see. An' w^hen I'm happy so is he My Old Doy Blue. MY TEACHER I've got the nicest teacher 1 think I ever had, I want to be so awful good, Jes' somehow never bad. ''Vs Kids'' 29 She's got the softest fluffy hair, An' big deep hazel eyes; An' helps the scholars ever' one, That really, truly tries. She wears the cutest aprons, An' she's got the sweetest smile; The kids they all adore her, Ever' one an' all the w^hile. Her voice jes' sounds so coaxin'. An' she speaks so plain an' low, You jes' must understand her. That's w^hy w^e love her so. An' teacher's got a feller That drives up in his car 'Bout tw^ice a w^eek to see her He must live aw^ful far. But always she's a-waitin' When us kids come to school, An' w^e all w^ant to please her, But never break a rule. MY MA My ma she's a member Of a literary club, 'Cause she don't w^ant the neighbors To think that she's a dub. An' don't kncw^ how^ to write an' read, Ner w^hat' a-goin' on. Round the w^orld most ever'w^here. An' what the leadin' folks has done. 30 "Ds Kids" My ma can write up papers About old guys that ain't; An' bout a lot o' fellers That painted things with paint. An' she knows all bout odd things Fur off, an' how they looks; 'Cause she's read 'bout 'em Here ot home, in magazines and books. An' nen soometimes, when bedtime comes, Theere's stories she tells me Of Goblins, Sandmans, fairies. They're cute as they c'n be. An' my ma knows. Oh, ist a lot! 'Bout what my pa don't tell, When he comes in way late at night Explainin' he ain't feelin* well. But when ma starts to bakin' An' makin' things she makes, There ain't nobody's ma on earth Makes ccckies like she bakes. I don't jes' know^ w^hai: all it takes. To make the cookies 'at she bakes. But they're the best I ever saw — • Tell you what, I'm strong fer ma! 'Vs Kids'' 31 MY NEW PANTS My ma maked a pants fer me, Frum a pair wored out by pa. You oughta see em, Gee-ma-nee Ther the worst I ever saw. She maked 'em button up the sides An fas'en to a band, Jes' wait till I'm hoppin' rides An tliey pull loose, my land. They're awful floppy ' round the knees The seat is low an' loose. An' thru the sides a chilin' breeze '11 giive me pimples like a goose. Ma says they're plenty good enough Fer me to rip an* rear, An 'ought to hold me cause ther tough A clim'in' ever'where. When girls com near I'm gonna hide Cause my pants look so raw. An' I don't like 'em, nen beside The kids '11 call me **pa." PUMPKIN PIE See them yeller fellers shinin* on the groun'? See their bulged out, wrinkled sides :3cattered all aroun' Time they's bein gathered An' stored back in the barn, Cause Old Jack Frost's a comin' An' they'll soon start huskin' corn. 32 "Vs Kids 99 An' tain't fur off till Hallere'en, An' nen on posts an' places Where little kids '11 git all scared You'll see their grinnin* faces. An' Pa, he'll sort o few to keep An' put 'em in the cellar An' pick one cut to save fer seed- Some nice big yaller feller. An' Ma, she'll cook 'em one by one, An' can 'em brown an' dry, Sc's she can have a-plenty To work up into pie. An' nen when comp'ny's comin' She'll bake up three or four Big pies, an' put 'em out to cool, On a bench by our back door. An' all the famb'ly likes 'em too, An' pa'll say to ma, 'Most ever' time she bakes 'em: Them's the best, j ^^^^^ ^^^^ An' Ma, she'll say: *W'y Henry, You knovvr and so do I, It's a reg'ler famb'ly failin' To v^ant more pumpkin pie." ''Vs Kids'' THE EARACHE Oh boy, las night I waked up In the middle ur the night, An' my ear was hurtin* awful I couldn't sleep a mite; 1 rolled an' tumbled in the bed A hopin' day wuz near, An' finally jes' laid an cried It hurt so, in my ear. An' purty soon my Ma she heard Me cry, an come to see, An' asked whatever on the earth Could be a ailin' me. An' when I said it wuz my ear She talked jes awful nice, Put said *at I wuz payin' Fer slidin on the ice. An' nen she went an* got some grease An' het it good an hot. She said 'at grease when heated Wuz sure to hit the spot. She held my head down sideways V\ll solid on her knee, And poured 'at grease into my ear An' Oh my! Gee-man- ee! 34 'Vs Kids 9* I hollerd jumped an* twisted I thot I'se bein' killed. An' grease wuz jist all over Where it wuz throwen an' spilled. But ma jes grinned an' set there An w^hen I'd cried a bit, I started in a grinnin' too Fer the old earache had quit. WHEN MAMA'S SICK My but home's a lonesome place For kids to have to stay, No smiles w^e see on Daddy's face And we don't get to play. The house is just so dreadful still And solemn as a tomb, We feel the silence like a chill In every hall and room. The house must be all quiet And we must play outside, We get so tired out doorS all day We've cried, and cried, and cried. We get so lonesome for the time To all be sitting round The table, glad and happy. Its the best place yet we've found, And baby Jeanne, don't understand Why we can't romp and play And wondrs why she has to be So quiet all the day. ''Vs Kids'' 35 The doctor drives up to the house And meets nurse at the door, They slip to mama's bedroom And stay an* hour or more. The place just smells so awful From medicine he brings, And when he leaves he moves jes like He's steppin' on some springs. Today our Daddy called us in And hugged us close and tight, And said *at mamas better An* soon would be all right. Tell you w^hat we're tickled And hope she gets well quick. Cause home jes ain't no home at all Whenever mama*s sick. MY PA My pa he says — An' gee, he knows, Jes' -V'Thy the v/ind blows When it blows. An' why the sun shines When it shines, An jes' why miners Work in mines. S6 "Vs Kids He kijows why leaaves) Come out in spring, An' what the birds say When they sing. An'he c'n tell Before a rain, Bout when it's comiin' Jes' as plain. An' when the wild flowers Bloom around. He knows the places Where they're found. An' he c'n tell Where birds nest, too. By how they act An' what they do. An' when there's young ones In the nest, Fie knows what worms They like the best. He knows jes' how 1 u find wild bees, An* follow where They live in trees. He know^s jes' wrhere The fishes stay, In dark deep w^ater. Hid away. *'Vs Kids'' 37 At riiglit time 1 ciimb on his knee, An' he'll tell stories Jes' tc me. He tells me bout When he's a boy, He never had A single toy. He had the mostest Chores to do, Isi ever' day Before he's through. Hi:5 folks ist had Plain wood to burn, An' he w^alked miles To school , to learn. They's lots o' vsroods, An' swampsi an' bogs. An' sometimes folks Ud see wild hogs. The woods w^uz full Of squirrels an' coons. An' grapes and berries An' mushroons. An' nights w^hen its 7 oo dark to shoot, "i he ow^ls 'ud come An' hoot an' hoot. 58 66 Vs Kids 9* An through the roof at night, Pa said. The stars 'ud shine Right on his bed. There's times I'm glad I wa'n^ a kid, An' had to do Like rny dad did. GOIN^ WALNUT HUNTIN' Gee, the time is here at last! Summer days are gone and past, Frost's abitiii' hard an' fast. Let's go walnut huntin'. Out there in the fields somewhere, 'Long the fences here an' there. Where the country folks don't care. Let's go w^alnut huntin'. Say, 1 know those trees by sight. My hopes soarin' like a kite. Dream about 'em in the night. Let's go w^alnut huntin'. Get my hands all stained an' brown, Shelhn' nuts piled on the groun'. Keep em hid w^hen Ma's aroun' From goin' w^alnut huntin'. I'm so anxious I could cry, Dcindy days a-slippin' by. Boy, Oh Bey! I'll say they'd dry. Let's go walnut huntin'. 'Vs Kids'' 39 Fix gaps Vm a reg'ler dunce, Says I dream o' walnut hunts. Gosh, you ain't a kid but once Goin' walnut huntin'. Can't you see 'em showin' brown On the shed roofs round the town, Where kids got em dryin' round. Let's go w^alnut huntin'. Shut your eyes now, can't you see, Vv^alnuts hangin' on the tree? U you can't you ain't like me. Let's go walnut huntin'. Got my sack all hid away 1 ain't got no time fer play. Gem' after school today, Gain' w^alnut huntin'. * COMP NY'S COMIN' " Gee! there ain't no time to play, Runnin' errands all the day, Tciin't right to treat a kid that way Cause comp'ny's comin'. A feller's runnin' here an' there, Sumpin needed ever' where, Darn! it don't seem like it's fair, Cause comp'ny's comin'. Got to go git extra chairs. Fa he's dressed, an' puts on airs, Ma's the only one 'at cares. Cause comp'ny's comin'. 40 "Vs Kids" Got tc do jist like I'm bid, Tilings before I never did, Gosn it's tough to be a kid» V^hen comp'ny's coming'. Ma sVie works ist like a streak, Done more today than all last week, Pa a stepping round all meek, Cause comp'ny's comin*. Got to w^ash my face an' feet, ^ear a shirt w^hite as it sheet. Life has plumb lost all its sweet, Cause comp'ny's comin'. LITLE CHUNKINS Li'l Chunkins come to our house All daddy's proud, oh gee! He stays 'round home, 'bout all the time An holds 'im on 'is knee. He's got the littlest wrinkled face An' sleeps most day an' night. But when his eyes are open They're jist so clear an' bright. They keep 'im wrapped up awful warm In the softest kind o' clo'es. He ain't no hair to speak of, All' hardly any nose. ''Vs Kids'' 41 Hii liltle cheeks are jes' as fat, An' his tiny dimp'led chin; Ever time he works 'is mouth, Je?' goes out, an' in. His mouth's jes' like a buttonhole. An' each li'l tiny ear Don't look like 'twas big enough For a li'l mouse to hear. An' when he cries it makes you laugh, Its ,es' so low an' sweet; But m> he never cries unless He w^ants some milk to eat. He's got the lit'lest teeny feet, but 1 heard daddy say They'd grow^ an' be ist like a man's. So s he could w^alk some day. An' Mama she 'ists smiles 'ist like, A angel would, I know: Ever' time she sees 'im Seems like I ain't no show. Ken w^hen my mama holds 'im, She hugs him, oh, so tight; Her face jes' looks so sweet an' good. Like everything's jest right. Mama calls 'im darling Daddy says 'at Bill soun's fine; But he's my li'l Chunkins He's my brother, so he's mine. 42 66 Vs Kids'' WHEN MAMMA READS TO ME At a little kiddie party When they all had gathered in, And we truly making merry With their playful childish din. There came a time to listen, Came a quiet space to re»t. And each told to the others The things they liked the best. The boys chose sleds and airguns Skates, and tops and snow, Summertime vacations What they cherished, w^hen they'd grow. "Vs Kids" 43 The girlies chose their dollies, Needlework of every class. Books, and school, and teacher, To the last sweet little lass. 1 he youngsters in a ciiorus Clamoured, you're next Nell. We've told what w^e like the best, its your time now to tell Then little Nell unfolded To their childish ears The best the world could give her And her eyes were bright with tears. 1 love to have my bedtime come So I can o to bed, And feel my llittle piPow Cuddled 'neath my head. Then mamma gets a story book And sits v/here she can see, And I close my eyes and listen While my mamma reads to me. She reads the dearest stories And I seem to float away, 1 guess I go to sleep because I wake up and its day. ^^ ''Vs Kids'' THE DREAM DOLLY A little tot one morning Came racing down the stair, Eyes so brightly gleaming And ruffled streaming hair, Sh burst into the kitchen And with dancing eyes agleam She told a wondrous story Of a fairy dolly dream. Oh mama I had dollies By the roomfull and you see The bestest part about it There vv^as one that talked o me. She had the longest yellow^ hair, Her cheeks w^ere red and fat, Two darling dimples in her chin, And the cutest little hat. Her lips were just the sweetest And her tiny little neck Was just like any little girls. You'd say so too, I spec'. And when she smiled, O mama! Her little face w^as sw^eet. Just like a little angels. She's sweet enough to eat. 'Vs Kids'' 45 I picked her up and hugged her Oh My but! she was nice She kissed me, called me mama An' I hugged her more'n twice. Oh Mama! are there dollies, Like the one I dreamed last night? If there is, please can I have her Td hug her, Oh so tight. THE KIWANIS Yep, I jined the Kiwanis, Cause I like the bloomin' tribe; Ther the only bunch I ever met Thet really, trooly jibe. Ther energy's unlimited; And w^hen its once urloos'd The've an' ever growin', heavin' pow'r To git behind an' boost. Ther' minds air on the future An' its true ez holy writ No standard tread Kiv/anian Was ever know^n to quit. Ther the sort thet's alius busy Never w^hine er w^ince or shirk; Thr w^orkin' wrhen her restin' An' restin' when they Tvork, So work an' p\a.y are about alike, Ther really livin' when they rest. Ain't that enough to cause a guy To think Kiwanis are the best? 46 "Vs Kids'' PEP POEMS What's the use to crab and holler If the weathers dark and wet; What's the use to let your spirits, Make your life a losin' bet. What's the use to blame somebody Else for things they'd never do, When all the time the trouble Is you, my boy, it's you. The seasons change as usual. The rain and mud are part Of a plan, where we're included As our forebears, from the start. The sunshine comes accordin' As a rest, w^hen work we do. And the way you greet the daily grind Is purely up to you. Some time when skies are cloudy. And sunshine seems no more, Just stop and figger if you will Just check your blessings o'er. Don't crab good things of nature, Thought at timec they're far and few, There's plenty fellers in this life Would gladly trade with you. 'Vs Kids'' 47 Don't spit and holler, cliew and cuss About some fancied wrong; There's chances things could bo lots wuss, As life goes salin' long. Fergit your troubes, pack a smile, Git busy there's a lot to do; Clean cut your mind, and then you'll find. Your w^orld is simply you. DON T QUIT When you fee! your holt a slippin' On some good thing you'vs' been grip- pin', An' you find yourself a lookin' For a soft like place to drop; And it seemsi your cautious schemein'. Is a case of idle dreamin' Like the old tiixie day variety Where you're pictured at the top. Your pretty plans are shattered, All their fragments round you scattered You'll swear a jinx has seized you And is laughin' w^hile you die. 48 "Vs Kids'' You have watched fond hopes all vanish And grown moody, grouchy, clannish. And think you'd be, oh, better off, To kiss the w^orld goodbye. Think again, most worthy brother, Thoughts like that, you'll have to mother. Buck up and hang the tighter To the holt you have on life. For every inch you're slippin', Seme other guy is grippin'. Who is willing to do battle In a world that's full of strife. Ground that ycu are i ot attainin' Some ether gink is gainin' Some ether gink, that's got the nerve That you have not displayed. And alhough the dose seems bitter, Never be a M^orthless quitter; 'Cause the world w^on't back a scrapper. Unless he's unafraid. ''Vs Kids'' 49 WHY BOOST What's the matter with some fellers That they set around and grcuch; And every cussed word they say, You feel like saying *'ouch!" They never see the sunshine, 'Cept to say it's too durn bright; And the government's a ruin Never has ben runnin' right. The fruit crop's froze er sum'thin', The rain makes things too w^et; There ain't a job to w^ork at, 'Cause the rates ain't settled yet. They'll argie, kncck er quarrel, While the days are slippin' by; Never stoppin once to figger It would help to simply try — Try to see the good in others; Boost a little as they go; Give the other eller credit If he's got a credit due. Talk a litte more encouragin' To the feller cut cf ^.uck; Who's outlook stil! is hazy. And whose thinkin' works ars stuck. so 66 Vs Kids 99 See thesunshine as a glory That is ours to use and know; Understand a little better Knockers never have a show. Get the friendly, good-will habit, Learn to talk a little cheer; An' 'fere you really know it You'll be glad you're livin' here. Clearer thinkin' is an asset, There's a value in a smile, Thre's a w^elcome for the lad That's spreadin' sunshine all the w^hile. KEEPING THE TRUST At night time when the world is still, Most living things asleep, I sit and ponder o'er the day. Its w^orthy things, or cheap. I w^onder have I been the friend I promised once to be. When all the w^orld lay a'; my feet And. w^e were young and free. 1 w^onder have 1 Iiurt the soul, That trusted me complete. That soul 1 promised I'd protect That soul so pure and sw^eet. ''Vs Kids'' 51 I wonder, have, or have I not, Made god the trust I bear To her, who said, straight from her heart She'd trust me anywhere. I wonder have I hurt the souls Those little souls of mine That trust in me implicitly A trust that is sublime. Oh Power, that's greater far, than 1, To Ycu I truly pray, To help me prove strong in the trust I carry, day by day. GETTING THE PAY Accordin' to the holy w^rit, Of how^ this earth began, The Lord fixed up the bloomin' place Before he made a man. He decked her cut with stars an'sky, An' trimmed her up with trees: An' left a lot o' open space Fer playgrounds fer the breeze. The animals w^uz scattered roun' In pairs, to multiply; An' birds he scattered with his hand So's they w^ould have to fiy. 52 "Vs Kids'' He made the reptiles all to crawl An' live in bog or marsh; An' made a rule of fight or die Thet folks think mighty harsh. But say: There had to be a 'way Pervided in the plan To keep things bigger, be-::ter Fer he benefit o' man. An' so the ivcrl' ^vas started With the built in, one condition: That as long as life existed There must be competition. An' after Adam; Eve wuz made, An' when they moved to Eden, They found, things set an' ready, Most ever' thing they's needin'. But there's where competition hit The first blow^ that v/uz struck, Fer the snake made talk to Mother Eve An' busted Adam's luck. From then on, men folks fit 'er out In ever 'game they tried. They've found no alibi as yet To save a fellers hide. He's got to think an' act on time 1 o have a passin' f^rade, In ever' thing he's tried to do Or go an' hit the shade. 'Vs Kids'' S3 Ther' ain't no medinary place That he c'n stop to rest; If he does some one *11 beat 'im That c'n stand a harder test. So their ain't no use to argue, It's a batle all the way, An' the one that stic':^s the longest Is the one that gets the pay. OPTIMISM We dream, we think, we know, Yet idly pass the time with quip or smile; We watch the gloried days' departing glow And wait awhiie. We live, we see, v/e understand That dys of life are short and few; And like so many baubles in the hand Are bandied through. The golden days of life= and love And opportunity, are wantcn spent. In the valley of self-desire where round above Desirous souls are ne'er content. And these we see, and rashly class As fools; who'd seek to learn The facts; so easily to pass. And grandly spurn. S4 "Vs Kids" And yet, down deep within their hearts The pleasure seking throng Have confidence in those they spurn'd, To aid, w^hen things go w^rong. In time of need, or dire distress, The frilleries of life forgot, The human parasites confess The worth of those, that bandied not. Thus fortune smiles, and some Forsake the soiid, path they tread; Forget the darker days to come, And blindly, plunge, ahead. IDLE TALK This vs^orld is full o' idle talk And talk that is sincere: We listen to all kinds of talk, Each day w^e travel here. Ther's feller's kick on prices That they git or have to pay: Seme folks jist cain't be content When things ain't all their w^ay. Folks holler 'bout the landlords. And the high rent profiteers. As a certain brand o' crim'nal To be hung up by the ears. ''Vs Kids'' ss The coal man gits a cussin', And the ice man should be shot; And the butcher should be bundled To the place that's always hot. The drygoods man's a robber, The druggist is a fright; To hear some fellers tell it, There's nothin' run jist right. The railroads and the fact-ries To hear these fellers tell Have won themselves a corner In the darkest pits o' hell. The farmers and his helpers, Ought to craw^l sDmewheres an' die; It's his fault, so they figger That the price o' food is high. But on close investigation Of the ways these fellers live; And their plan o' give an' takcin'. Finds 'em strong to take, not give. We ain't time, to go to detril, 'Bout the things heard I'^-i^) life's walk Ther's too durn much to finish, To w^aste time on idle talk. 56 ''Vs Kids'' A DAILY FIGHT There's the glory of achievement In an honest labor done, The feeling of a victor When a battle's fought and won. There's an honor in the toiling In itself a super wage That comes but to the lab'rer Who w^ill gladly w^ork engage. To him or her w^ith mind intent On doing only best The daily toil is playtime^ And labor only jest. The supreme satisfaction That conies from earnest toil Simply proves the adage, "To the Victor goes the spoil." No matter w^here the labor In the office, shop or field— Completness of endeavor It's fruit is sure to yield. Then the rest! The gladsome rest-time! When w^e can sit and nod. Lets us realize more fully, Honest toil is near to God. ''Vs Kids'' S7 THE OBLIGATION If you had a good idea Or a thot that's worth the while. Us it brother; use it while you may. If you have the inside knowledge Of the value of a smile. Use it brother: e'er it gets away. If you've got the knack about you, To get en w^th tFii.qs you do, Use it brothr; its a precious gift. Or the power when you get started Tc put the tiling on tkru, You'll never need to ask a friendly lift. Old nature gives us everyone Some talent rich and rare, Us it brother; seek your talent out But she leaves us moral agents Our talents to declare, Brother show the world what you're about. You've a moral obligation That is yours alone to pay. Pay it brother; prove that you are square. For your success developes Others talents long your way, Labor brother; truly it is there. 58 "Vs Kids'* We're each a step in natures plan To better human cause, Step up brother: never count the cost. And a million other unborn steps Are ruined if you pause, And future generations will be lost. Search deep your inborn talents And find vv^here you arc best, Find it brother; e'er it is too late. That those of you that follow Will think of you as blest, And one who held ajar the future's gate. HOME AGAIN! The Robin and the Bluejay, The Bluebird, Finch and Thrush, Have driven north through rain and cold To meet the nesting rush. The crows, the hawks, the meadow- larks, The bittern and the ^vren- — In fact the entire feathered tribe Are glad they're home again. tt Vs Kids'' IN JUNE There's a world of satisfaction In the very sound of June; A kinship with the great out daors, With every voice in tune. The breezes slowly float along, The air is filled with nature's song, It seems that nothing can be wrong In June^ It's time for lovers everywhere, TAcir sf uis mite in June Hours ^hey sf tn-;d ail free from care Nea'.K Jun's i-ale ycilt.^/ moon; The fu'ure ail is gav and bright, Lir:lileJ with loves hean.ing light To them all things exist just right In June. The farmer has been through his teat, His crops are out in June; A space of time for him to rest A space that ends so soon. The cattle brouse heir tijnne ?^way. The little lambkir^s frisk and play; The horses dre?^ -^f new mown hay In June. 60 "Vs Kids" Thq swimmin' hole is patronized, For school is out in June, Each boyish mind is exercised, To some wild fancies croon. The circus with its funny clown. Wild beasts and all, has posted round The dates that they w^ill be in town In June. That w^ondrous something everyw^here Its presence tells in June, The earth, the sky, the very air Breathe a w^ondrous tune: It's rythm lowers, or its swells, A glorous music ever tells The time of times, for w^edding bells In June. The city feller plans and plans For Sunday's fun in June; Amusement guides he eager scans As restless as a loon. Some campfire he'll be lightin', Where mosquitoes he'd be fightin', Close to w^here the fish are bitin' In June. 'Vs Kids'' 6i THE PERFECT REST If in the grind., the daily grind Your very soul is worn, Your body racked and tortured, Ycur spirit sadly torn; It seems the limit has h^en reached, You've done your best ard failed, You've quit, you're done, to try no more You're sure your soul has quailed. But v/ait, just listen, and I'll tell Where rest is sure and sweet, A rest, as certain as the day, A rest, that's most completev A little ways and there you are, A patch of w^ocds; just trees Whose leafy branches answer Every playful passing breeze. A shady, grassy spot, wherin Are hidden watchful eyes. That w^atch your every movement. With a fearful, mild surprise; A place where rest is blooming Like a fragrant w^ondrous rose. Where you tr^de yrur lits of saddness For the sw^eet thc/ijhts of repose. 62 "Vs Kids" Where nature bids you welcome, Where wild folk, earth and sky, Teach thoughts of restful gladness As the time glides slowly by, Each small insect, in its searching For its food, its mate, it's quest. Takes your mind from resiles worry, In its place, there comes a rest. Just be quiet, lock and listen, Watch the birds flit, tree o tree. Note their shy and cautious manner Hiding close, yet w^here they see; Squirrels, sw^iftly moving shadows, As they go from bough to bough Fear a something, yet they w^onder What you're doing, anyhow. And the trees;those glorious guardians Guardians, yes, by far than more, Ever guarded by the oceans, Where they dash from shore to shore; They are there, to shield, protect you. They invite you, as their guest. To gladly teach the spirit And the truth of quiet rest. Take a lessen, srraight frcm nature If ycur scul is sore and wild. Listen closely to her teachings. As an earnest little child, Try to understand her meaning She alone still teaches l>est. She's the great, grand, glorious mother Go to her for perfect rest. ''Vs Kids'' 63 FISHIN' FEVER This is bout the time o' season That a feller ain't no reason, And he pines an' !c^^s for sumpin' AU excitin'. Hes a longin' in his liver To be settin' by the river, Per the sunshine sure has told 'im They're a bitin'. Guess some sort o' spook deceiver's Gone and give us fishin' fever, Per' the w^ater scent comes to us, and We commence to snifflin'. And vs^e long and crave, uneasy, Per the w^ater, coo), and breezy, And we know the bass are bitin', cause The suckers are a rifflin'. All the work-time we're a wishn* We w^ere w^here their tails are sw^ishin' As they feed among the shallov^'^s, Or in sheltered places lie. Y ep ! w^e feel we re easy w^inners As we limber up the spinners, Por we knew we're gonna get 'em, Bye and bye. 64 "Vs Kids'' BEHIND THE WHEEL When nature smiles her smile of smiles And beckons you w^ith all her wiles, And roads get good for miles and miles, Your job sees you a slippin*. The sunshine glows for hours and hours Right on the heels of springy show^ers, You feel possessed of woi^drous powers If a steering w^heel you're grippin'. There's mighty genii 'neath the hood, She's full o' pep an' hittin' good! You'd run her faster if you could And thought you'd be forgiven. When after hours are spent just so, Your cheeks present a healthy glow, You think and act en what you know- And life is wort! the livin' ''Vs Kids'' 6S **MUSHAROONS" Have you ever heard the music. In the patter of the rain:* There's a grand and rjiorious feelin' That you get When your very soul's in rythm, And the joyous sweet refrain Has a scothin' restful somethin' An' you aint a sad regret. Nice warm rain of balmy springtime, When all nature's turning green; Early garden vsrork is finished, All out doors fresh and clean; And the music of the rainfall, With the bass, the thunders' boom, Gives us nature bugs a cravin' Fer a mess o' musharoon. But, oh! boy! to think is tastin' If you ever had a taste; It's a memory that will linger An' can never be erased, There's a satisfyin' somethin' In the flavor that they bear; And when you've got a mess to eat It's great to k ov/ ycu're there. 66 "Vs Kids'' An' the glory in the findin' When you know where spawn is found. To be jfirst on the huntin' ground An' see 'em stickin' round; Just to pick and fill a basket, With the tender, luscious boys Make's a feller's thoughts hilaric, Just the kind his soul enjoys. But w^e first must have the rainfall An' the balmy days of spring, And must learn to know the music Mother nature likes to sing, Now's the time old nature lover, Can't you hear that w^elcome tune; Nice warm raindrops softly singing — - Time to hunt the musharoon. "RESTIN" In the early summer w^eather. Nature folks'll get together^ There's a Icngin' to be restin' by some stream. Where the baiiks arc grsen cT.d sunny, And you feel like ready money, With vv^orkin' time a dim and distant dream. 'Vs Kids'' 67 There's a calm, sweet, clean attraction In the water's easy action. As it glides around the rocks an' then away; In its depths are hidden treasure We can seach/ fcr, at our leisure When the w^crld gets warm and sunny 'long in May. There the w^ater's clear reflections Bring back childhood's recollections As w^e w^atch the current amble slow^ly on; And we catch ourselves a wishin' We were kids again a fishin' As we did in good. cJd days that now^ are gone. Levers' eyes the banks are scannin'. While their minds are ever planniii' To find some shady nook or shltered places; Where no other folks can bother And they're there tc spoon together The joy of living shining in their faces. In the stream we gaze a dreaming, Watch the mosses gaily strsaming. And w^e wonder what is hidden there below; Darker depths of water hiding, Hiding something, there abiding, Something fearsciTie, yet we want to know^. 68 'Vs Kids'' As the night conies on, we're leaving* Thoughts half gladness, half a grieving Baskets, poles and clothing, ready for the start, And as homeward bound w^e travel Over roads of stone or gravel There's a thankful feelin , grippin' at the heart. Glad w^e've been out there a restin' Where the joys of life w^e're testin', Glad to feel 'an know^, there's an an- sw^er to our dream. Dreams we have, that v/hen we're strivin', For the things that mean a livin' Theres a helpful rest in every lake or stream. THE FIRE DANCE In the early winters evenings When the frost is in the air. And the chill bites to the marrov/ As you bustle here or there; When the day of toil is ended And the evening nieal is through The home, and ccmforLS of a fire Feel mighty good to you. "Vs Kids'' 69 _^ ^.-tj— i\<,;a ^f Your chair drawn cl'^se beside it, The seething, restful ray. That dispells the chili about you As the flame tongues jump and play; If an open grate, you're lucky, For then before your eyes, Are the wonders of the fire fiends, For you to realize. They dance and leap around about And chase them^selves with frlee As underneath, the glow^ing coals Release and set them free; And as you watch these playful sprites Time vanishes, and then The scenes of childhood canter back To live themselves again. 70 "Vs Kids" In boyhood, girlhood, days once more We laugh and romp and play; Again we live those vvrondrous times That now are far away. These playful elfs bring back the days Forgotten, yes, yet know^n. And as in grand review they pass We claim them as our ow^n. There's nothing rests the human mind Nor drives away all care. As the fire dances in the open grate When the frost is in the air. ABOUT THIS TIME O YEAR As you travel through the country About this time o year. There's a feelin' in your system 1 hat you're glad you're here. The corn shocks ail in order, 1 he pumpkins peepin' out From the mass of vines about them Where they're scattered round about. You can hear the ens'lage cutters With their hungry, whirrin hum As the farmers feed the critter Storing feed for days to come. The plow^in' for the v/heat crop Leaves the fields all fresh and bare The different colored upturned earth A dryin' in the bAy.' The standin' corn is brown and dead About this time o' year. 'Vs Kids'' 71 Farm folks getting busy For huskin' time is near. 1 here's a sane sv/eet satisfaction As you view the country's wealth A ridin' over miles o' road. An buildin' up your health. The taxes may be higher, The price of grain be \ow. And places in the country road Where they've planted signs "Go Slow", But one thing sure and certain I w^ant to make that clear There's nohing bf^ats the country Abou this time o' year. AUTUMN FRIEND AGAIN ARE WITH US Autumn friends again are with us — Increased numbers day by day; And w^e see, or hear them singing, As w^e go along our w^ay. The cricket gaily singing In his high-pitched trilling hum. As he searches nooks all sheltered From the frosty night to come. The mud wasp w^crks intently. As she moulds her house of clay, And fills each rocm w^ith spiders As the barn is filled with hay. 72 "Vs Kids" The locust, fairly screaming, With his green, gauze, fairly wings; From th topmost leafy branches That his name was linked w^ith kings. And w^hen evening time comes stealing From where all day they've hid, Comes the sweetest autumn music, Never changing Katy-did. The goldenrod is blooming Showing all, its w^ealth of gold, Telling those that knov/ it, 'Tisn't long until the cold. The melons on the market. The apples on display. Tell that autumn's surely vv^ith us Frosty night not far away. The wild folks all are busy Hiding close their w^inter's store; Never failing signs to tell us, Autumn's almost here once more. INDIANA PER MINE Some fclk'll rave o'er forei^in cars An' seme o'er foreign tombs An' others tell of pictures To be found in foreign rooms. Seme tell of wondrous beauties And, of foreign ^ooks divine- — But so far I've concluded Indiana still fer mine. ''Vs Kids'' 73 There's no doubt lots of pritties On them restless furrin' shores; An' even wild volcanoes With their lava, smoke an' roars; But given 'em due credit Fer the way their w^onders shine I've got that ingrow^n feelin' Indiana does fer mine. Then comin' back across the pond Where freedom had its b'rth, It's proof w^e've got the best old place That's known around the earth; For furriners from ever'where, Think the old U. S. just fine — But I kncw^ that best of all the states, The Hccsier stats fer mine. Some sections of this U, S. A. Have climates that attract. Some advertise their timber As a real financial fact; Some sections corner all the cash; Some raise fruits so line Still, somehcw^, Indiana Is the state I v^ant fer mine. She's got a little, of most all Of good things that they tell. She dees meet everything they do And does it mighty wT-ell ; She raises crops they'll never beat Inside her own state line I'm still a plain old Hocsier, With the Hoosier state fer mine. 74 ''Vs Kids'' TRASH PILES A bunch of children playing Round a pile of burning trash, Will do a lot of risky stunts That older folks deem rash. They play and poke the fire and laugh At smoke that floats away, Take chances of burned fingers, In what they think is play. They little dream of dangers. And resent advice of years, Until perchance a burn is heirs. Then help, relief, and tears. The world is full of trash piles. Where wasted time is burned. Their fire is fed by idleness Of those, as yet, unlearned. These trash piles ^vaiting ever For the unlearned, idle mind To feed them, keep them burning; They're so easy, too, to find. Wasted time and money. Wasted thoughts and deeds, Selfish satisfaction These the trash pile breeds. Unclean minds and morals. Licentious desire. Keep the trash piles burning, Fiercer, hotter, higher. ''Vs Kids'' 75 Yes, the world is full of trash piles, And mankind feels the flame, Lives by thousands seared and wrecked, But still they play the game; Heedless of the warnings, Reckess in their w^ays, Breaking smoke from trash piles, Wasting glorious days. Laughing at the future, The past means naugi t; 'tis gone, Living lives for trash piles, Ever burning on, So always v/e've \\3A trash piles, And while there lives desire For selfish satisfaction, We will have the trash pile fire. A CHILD'S PRAYER Last night when v/alkins? homev/ard, The day's toil left behind; My thoughts on home and quiet Thoughts of a peaceful mind. I passed an open w^indow, And on the evening air A childish voice was wafted The plea of a childish prayer. I paused, then stepped to listen. Just w^hy, I couMn't guess; But the plea of the child had met me As an angel's soft caress. 76 "Vs Kids'' And. I listened, yes J listened To that voice, so free from care, As it asked of the Heavenly Father In that childish evening prayer . Asked a blessing to rest on Mamma, As it really, truly should; 1 iiat stiength be given to Papa, That the asker, be kept Qood. That the Vvor!d be rriadc ever better, And it seemed I was rooted there, As I listened, strangely, gladly. To that childish evening prayer. Then the prayer abruptly ended And I started home again; In iny mind v^as a happy something, As I thought of the child's "Amen/' And home seemed grander, better, As ! sat in my evening chair; And I tbarked the Lord I'd listened To that childish evening prayer. THE RECORD KEEPER 'Way back in our brain cells. Seme place v/her^ mem'ry stays, A record keeper surely dwells; A v/ritin' do-wn our days. Each little ti: y happening. That comes along our way. Is Mrritten, carved or painted In a way to make it stay. ''Vs Kids'' 77 The most of them forgotten, Sill they're kept, without a cost And it's very seldom ever '^j hat a single one is lost. For instance: From the long ago Let's see if I'm mistaken A drov/sy younpst'^r, ^arly dawn The fum^es from frying bacon„ A heavy footstep round the house. As morning sun creeps higher. An' the good old sound w^e used to hear When Dad shook dcTvn the fire. A sweet voice hummed a little tune, A dipper bumped a pail; Then out there in the woodland The call of scattered quail. And on the quiet moruing air A music pure and fine. As the neighbor sent his Whoo-ee, Calling breakfast to his swine. The mooing of the cattle A the break of coming day; The rattle of a w^agon, Along a country way. The old pump's noisy, plaintive w^hine, A coffee odor in the air. Rattling knives, forks, an' spoons Sounds of life most everywhere. 78 "Vs Kids'' They live those hidden treasures, A wealth we gladly save; Hidden safely somewhere As we journey to'rd the grave. Blessed childhood memries That live to never die, And lighten a life of labor As the days pass solwly by. FRIEND WIFE When a feller starts to thinkin' That there's w^crthw^hile things in life, It's a cinch his thots are centered Rcund a loving little w^ife. He'll start his day iTiuch sooner, There's music in his soul, His step is more decisive And he seems to have* a goal. His shoulders shcw^ more squarely, 1 here's a keenness in his eye. The w^orld he meets more fairly Than he did in days gone by. There's a quick'ning oi his pulses When his brain swings into line. And he's there at every angle, Gcin' strong and fine. He'll tackle any obstacle 1 hat he can think to do; And he'll labor, sw^eat and figger 'Till he puts the task on thru. "Ds Kids 99 79 He seems to be a human fiend, For things that he'll get done; And seems to need no breathin' spell in battles, 'til they're won. There ain't a chance to beat him, Nothin' 'pears to him as strife; And the world must take the sidin'. For the guy that's right w^ith w^ife. JERSEY CREAM Some folks are easy satisfied An' take life as it comes; Ther's others chase some wild, fan- tastic dream. Some folks don't crave fer things untried. An' some are seein' slums; I'm dippy 'bout my coffee, with a lot o' jersey cream. Ther's cravin's run to furrin lan's An' others run to clo's; Ther's others run to underw^ear, that ain't a sign o' seam. But mine is jest a happy man's, Th entire family k-^cw^s, An' it takes me straight to coffee, w^ith a lot o' jersey cream. 60 "Vs Kids'* Ther's fclks'll go to bed at night A-cravin' hours o' rest; Er cravin' fer a flat that's het with steam. The future all to me is bright, An' things a-lookin' best, When I've got a cup o' coffee with a lot of jersey cream. It seems folks crave the strongest Fer the things they've never had; An' the eye betrays the owner, with its hungry, anxious gleam. But 1 feel I'm w^ronged the wrongest An' th morning sure looks bad. If I'm kept aw^ay from coffee w^ith a lot o' Jersey cream. THE FAMILY MAN Are you a family feller With some youngsters stickin' round? 11- at are ready with their kisses Every time you're found. That are proud to call you papa, And to tell of things you do. And w^ill fight to prove its proper That the v/orld belongs to you. Do you see their little failings? As reflecting just your ow^n. Little locks and actions That will be you w^hen they're grow^n; And do you see the w^orship ''Vs Kids'' 81 That they give to you each day, As they sit about the table In that happy famiiy way. Can you share their little troubles, Help them sing their sweet refrains, Seethe their little bumps and bruises. Ease their tummy aclies and pains, Send them cfiF to sleep at evening. Just content to know you're there, Feeling safq to know you taught them How^ to say their evening prayer. Are they glad to see you com.ing When the day of toil is done, And open armed and laughing, Ccne to meet you on the run. If ycu have all these I've mentioned. And those kiddies understand Life has no more to p:ive you, You're a king. A family man. MOTHER LOVE A man may fight the battles That it takes for daily bread. He may win the verbal struggles That w^ill push his state ahead. His mind m^y wc:k such .veneers That the v/orld., his feet w^ould kiss He may be the world's great hero, Yet the best of life he'll miss. 82 'Vs Kids'* For, he'll never know what baby means to mother When she holds her offspring close up to her heart; He'll never kncw^ the plans, her plans, no other; When baby, grown, w^ill take the leading part. He'll never knc^v, her flights of wild ambition. Nor the depths, v/hen sickness comes, of her despair; He'll never know^ he's privileged on condition That he stand w..!: !*cr twixt baby- pain and care. He'll never know her heartfelt satis- faction. Her little fears and thrills, as day by day. She notes, as baby growls, each mood and action. Nor know the strength of prayers, that mothers pray. Yes, man may rise to heights of pov/er and w^isdom That are second only to the ones above; But the power that planned and builded all creation, To woman gave its best A Mother's Love. i6 Vs Kids'' 83 THE WHINER I know that luck's agranst me, No chance for me to win. I lose at every cussed game, That I get started in. I work as hard at things I do As any mortal could. But every time it's just the same Ai d don't work Hke it should I grab up things that shouldn't slip And swear I'll never quit. But some guy with a firmer grip Just shakes me loose from it. I get up early in the day. First at some good things door And find that luck is not my way Seme gi:-k was there t'iie night before, Seme combination of events, Just heads me cfT won't let me win. Bad luck just follows all the time, To queer me e'er I've started in. S4 "Vs Kids'' LIFE'S RIVER When we leave the sheltering shore of life Our home of youth and song. And swing out in the current To be swiftly borne along. Swing out in lifes broad river It is best to take an oar That you guide your craft more truly Till you reach the other shore. Let your craft be some idea That can anchor at a goal Let endeavor be your watchword Rcoted deep within your soul. Let the demon of Ambition Be the power to urge you on, That the oar of thot keep moving When it seems that hope is gone. Light the darker w^ays with know^ledge That procastinations rocks And the snags of doubt about you Are rceived with lesser shocks When eddy spots of ease appear Where idle pleasures wait Let an earnest understanding Of life's assets, guide you straight. ''Vs Kids'' 8S And whsn you reach life's rapids Wl-ere succcsssl g^iy I'oar, ■ut a v/n Shcut a v/nrnir:f^ tD chcL^ near you i>t.ccp L.:c snore. then when ycu've reached life's ocean And it beckons ever on. Ycu/11 have kft a i . r i^uj :— eni'ry When the shore line's past and gone. Theres a price to pay, for hearts desire A price that must be paid. When we make of emotions a raging fire And have danced to the music made. Theres a selfish thot in hearts desire When we'd forget all cares, And hearken to that of which we tire And the payment comes unawares. The future is blank where hearts desire Is sought, and fondly caressed. And its pleasures are priced higher and higher, As we're led to its rotten crest. The road w^e travel to hearts desire Is strew^n w^ith human wrecks. With hearts wrung dry, and souls yet dryer Of the things a world respects. 86 "Vs Kids'' The price we pay, for nearts desire Is a hudless nations debt. And its childless homes, can but inspire Grave fears and sad regret. Like the rainbo^vs end, is hearts desire And at last with failing breath We realize the entangling mire Of hearts desire. Is Death. LIFES SECRETS In the iner chambers of the soul Of each of the hirniiin kind Walled in, and guarded jealously Lie secrets, the world shant find. Secrets that torture the ow^ners mind Sf^crets "A^pp'^e freed/~-n'>. me'^n a<^ath Secrets w^e'd keep from the w^orld about To cur last weak, fleeting breath. Secrets that rage to be released That tarnished honor be cleared. Secrets doomed to die w^ithin That innocence not be seared. Secrets that guide on the narrow^ w^ay To >3i!ccess, in ihc worldly plan. Sec Yets tF?:t rnek'^ I's r^nrnaritc ns In this seihsh world of man. "Vs Kids 99 Secrets that strengthen the owners aoul When he knows them safely bound. Secrets that teach life's sterling worth And w^e tiavel en finTier ground,. Secrets w^e'd gladly forget, to die Of folly, desire, or pride But ever their rumbling, deep within Warn that they haven't died. God! how they tear at the inner soul Their threats ard desire to be free, Are hells damnation, concealed from all. To the end of you and me. DOUBT Theres a river that flov^^s Thru the life of man, As the rivers o earth To the sea. Subjecting his days To its moody plan. No mind from its current, free. Its rapids so sw^ift And cataracts wild; Are the power That control his all. Where he's tossed, as a bubble And ever be guiled. To a haven w^here naught Can befall. But always; e'er reaching "Vs Kids" TKat spot cf cur dreanis. Rcu.gh waters are gathered abcut, Where cur brain terrcred fancies Reality seems. For we flcat on the River of Doubt. MOTHERS PALS To her: who up to maiden hood Has guarded well a lass. A^nd taught her well a life of good Ar^d let no evil pass. Has guided true those girlhood steps, Since first she tried to walk. Explained from primer on the prep, ^'^r"^f:'f]y hov^ to talk. Knelt by her bedside, as she slept. And prayed for guidance true. That she believe, wrhere doubt had crept, ^'he still could come to you. Tci!id on and hoped a goddess strong F^r her, you'd alvsrays be, That when she met an idle wrong. To vou she'd gladly flee. To her: the mother. You are now Where the road of life divides. No fond farew^ell, nor curteous bovsr M^ " Kjr-K <~ KgCT" ■''^'•^ <^ «'idf*s, Tfc, 'n