3537 H ' -O^" J^^^ ^ ^ .^^^- V 'bV ,»* 'V^-'/ V"^\/ "\.*^'?*, 0° .«i^> °o -^^V.-- -^^ :«<_ >. c'?^ -r i V t» * • o* ^ «o » » • • ' "^ \^ .^^ - O ^0 ^ s * • ;* V V" • ) B A * ,G vD "•3F aV^ <" 349 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL Along the Gypsy Trail A Book of Verse By MYRTELLA SOUTHERLAND 1921 The Stratford Company, Publishers Boston, Massachusetts Copyright 1921 The STRATFORD CO., Publishers Boston, Mass. AUG-8'21 The Alpine Press, Boston, Mass., U. S. A. 0)CI,A622356 Sebication To E, J. G. "Someone To Believe In Me" Introduction "Lady, I thank thee for thy loveliness," A poet sang and sweetly long ago When all his heart a glamour was, aglow For very love that came to him^ to hless And touch him with its perfect happiness. These beauteous words, as music sweet and low. Echo within my heart for I, too, know That gratitude as dear as a caress. I thank thee for the loveliness that lies Within thy kindly spirit, for thy smile Upholding me the happy livelong day; For all the beauty of that Paradise We too divine and rest in all the while, For every lovely dream upon the way. CONTENTS Along the Gypsy Trail . . . . . 1 Someone to Believe in Me . 6 To Those I Hold Most Dear 8 Awakening .... 10 My Need of You . 11 Because You Passed My Way . 13 Sometimes I Sing a Song . 14 There Will Be Gladness . 15 April's Here 17 Now As I Walk With You . 18 Sweet Reward 19 The Temple . 21 How Beautiful Is Faith 22 Faith, and Standards High 23 When You Are Smiling 24 Life Well Worth the Living 26 Let's Be Easy on Each Other 29 Suppose . , , , . 31 CONTENTS Tryst . . . » . Brookside .... Shelter .... Realization Silence and Song A Miracle .... Dawning Love Weave It All of Dreams A Song of Youth Enchantment Stars in Your Wide Blue Heaven Love Song When You Need Me . Why Am I Sleepless ? The Magic of Spring . Stephano .... Country Skies Keep the Dream Time to Rise Up, Smiling . It's Love .... The Blue-bird's On the Wing CONTENTS Maytime Happiness . When Lilacs Bloom The Heart of My Friend . Come With Me and Beauty Know The Spring .... The Changeless That Which Yon Adore 1 Saw It in Your Face When May Peeps Through the Grasses Revelation .... Companionship .... Amicitia Absence Because You Loved Me May, You're Singing . The Greatest Boon Friendship Helps the World Summer and June Caress Without Love .... T Have Made My Home Sweet CONTENTS Let 's Build a Little Altar . Constancy Speaking of Eyes Ever Your Friend Alchemy .... On the Hillside . The Call of the Woodland . A Token of My Love . The Gypsy Poet by the Brook Perfect Days Lane and Meadow Remember This . ''Never Mind, My Dearie" . Red Raspberries . It Can't Be Always Summer 0, 1 Have Wondered . What Would Your Love Mean One Day's Adventuring Rock-A-Bye An Old-fashioned Garden . Light and Shadow CONTENTS Reality of Dream . 121 Mother's Blessing . 123 Through Me Thy Music . 126 Thank God for You, My Dear . 127 Nocturne .... . 129 Rest Thee in This Tender Word . 130 Walled-in Gardens . 132 A Friend's Eternal Joy . 134 The Lover Sings . . 136 Tribute .... . 137 High Lights . 138 . 139 Sonnet — To the Memory of Mot] tier . . . 140 The End . 141 Our sincere thanks are due to Edgae A. Guest, of The Detroit Free Press, in whose column, ''Breakfast Table Chat," many of these verses have been published, and to whom the author is deeply indebted for his faith and encouragement ; to S. H. P., H. L. F., H. E. W., and A. W. P., whose help and advice have been invaluable and will always be gratefully remembered; to the editors of The Springfield (Mass.) Republican, Delphian Quarterly, Musical Art, Ladies' World, Nautilus Magazine, etc., for permission to reprint in this volume poems previously appearing in these publication,s. ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL Let's go a-gypsying across the world! Some golden morn beyond the roseate gleam Of early dawn, earth's blossoms all impearled "With dew, let's take the trail to song and dream ! O my beloved, to a sunny land We'll fare across the beauty of the hills, The greening vales, and there we '11 understand Through light and laughter and our gypsy wills What joy earth has in store for us who love ! We'll see the evening star fade into dreams, We '11 watch the dawn break splendidly above The mountain tops, the valleys and the streams. Aye, languidly our caravan will go Along the lowland rivers, through the dells 1 2 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL And, gypsy-like, before the Sun is low We'll call upon him for his wonder-spells To make us see with eyes how brightly keen The beauties of the trail, the splendor, too. Enveloping the hillsides and the green, Soft, daisied meadows 'neath the sky of blue. darling, clearly then you'll see my face And read its tenderness the long sweet way. As ne 'er before its pure love you may trace As lilies on the lake at dawn of day. Ah, Eomany shall be our song and name And for the wonder of a mystic sign The rose shall be our own and for our fame. Our wealth and glory only the divine Sweet right of loving all the summer through, Faring through all the fragrance of the way Together, dear, how happy, glad and true — Smelling the perfume of the new-mown hay! 1 think that I could even beg for you In wondrous pleading of my two dark eyes ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL 3 Or steal from cornfields in the early dew And roast tlie fresh young ears, yes, gypsy- wise. The afternoon beside you I would dream — Of course our gold we should have cast away — And silver trout we 'd lure from out the stream To broil across the coals at close of day. The sunset, dear, beyond the farthest hills, What happiness to view it at my side And drink good-night from little rippling rills ! just to hear you call me, love, your bride Were music sweet ! Then cedar boughs we 'd bring For our soft bed, the sky with stars im- pearled, — love, dear Love, this song alone I sing, ''Let's go a-gypsying across the world!" You do not know me, my dear, at all In this conventional and distant clime ! 4 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL We cannot understand onr spirit's call And all the wonder of our dreaming time, So far away as oft, it seems, we 're thrown. You in your little corner, I in mine. Each buried in the task that is his own. And so we miss the height of the divine. Our dreams, we '11 let them mount unto the skies And, like a rocket in its light unfurled, Burst into rainbow, make us gay and wise. Let 's go a-gypsying across the world ! You have a gypsy heart and so have I, Loving earth 's beauty every radiant hour. Let 's be renewed ! Our youth, it must not die. Too, we have need of all our strength and power. And this, my own, we'll find — ^you know the Bay- Out in God's sweet fresh air and sun and shine ! Let's take the old, the lyric gypsy way And have a new experience divine. ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL 5 Ah, we'll return, my sweetheart, you and I, Sun-kissed and brown and happy without fail ! Let 's go a-wandering, love, beneath the sky Along the beautiful, the gypsy trail. ALONG TEE GYP ST IB AIL SOMEONE TO BELIEVE IN ME ' ' Someone to believe in me, ' ' What a happy song to sing, Full of joy and melody As the birds upon the wing In the Maytime, soaring high Toward the lovely turquoise sky ! All the world is brighter then; Cheered, we seek the goal again. "Someone to believe in me," What we thought was failure seems Just a step to victory On the pathway to our dreams. Soon a nobler purpose springs In the heart of him who sings Words like these, sustaining, sweet. With encouragement replete. ALONG TEE GYPSY TRAIL ''Someone to believe in me," Who would falter by the way, who could discouraged be With such joy as this to stay, Strengthen him, sustain and lift ? Isn't this a perfect gift, Better far than gold to send To uphold a faithful friend! ' ' Someone to believe in me, ' ' this phrase with joy impearled, Full of strength, sincerity. Is the sweetest in the world ! Faults will fade and noble creeds Touch the heart to splendid deeds. All the world transformed must be With ' ' Someone to believe in me, ' ' ALONG THE GYFSY TRAIL TO THOSE I HOLD MOST DEAR When all the years have gathered round the gladness of my heart And I shall know it 's nearly time from this life to depart To fairer realms and greater tasks, may no re- gret be near For love withheld or joy denied those whom I hold most dear ! I want to have, all my days, no selfishness to rue And know I freely gave my praise, my fond affection, too. To those who mean the most to me, dear hearts I'm dreaming of, I want to feel I gave my all of laughter, light and love ! ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 9 And so though I may know regret for this or that I've done, That little tasks I brushed aside, nor greater goals were won. Still I shall be most happy when my last sweet hours are here If I have given of my best to those I hold most dear. 10 ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL AWAKENING My heart first woke to Music. Beauty, then you came ! Soon all the world was sunshine Because I heard your name. Now Music overwhelms me While Beauty holds me long, But You, because I love You, You waken me to Song ! ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL 11 MY NEED OF YOU The earth has need of April rain To wake the flowers from idle dreams ; The chanting, gushing springs again Must come to aid the mountain streams. The roses need the sunbeams warm To make them flourish, bud and bloom ; Then later through the winter's storm The snow protects them in the tomb. The darkened night has need of stars, Of crescent moon and fairies gay, And without the glinting bars Of sunshine saddened is the day ! But more than all this need of things For chosen loveliness and true, — Of which my spirit ever sings, Is my eternal need of you. 12 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL I need the quiet words you say To make my path an upward trail ; I need your smiles along the way, Without your kindness would I fail. Your love so pure and sweet I crave ; Your ideals, high as heaven's above. From hour to hour, from birth to grave How great my need of you, love ! w ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL 13 BECAUSE YOU PASSED MY WAY I AM as happy as a summer's day Because you passed my way. As happy am I as the day is long Because I hear your song. As happy shall I be through all the year Because you will be near. 14 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL SOMETIMES I SING A SONG Sometimes I sing a song For one I honor well, But I cannot reach The wonder of his spell ! I have no wisdom great, Mine is no studied art ; I only have the dreams That lie within my heart. And so I hope he will Give pardon when I fail ; I, in my simple songs. Seek, too, the Holy Grail. ALONG TEE GYPSY TBAIL 15 THERE WILL BE GLADNESS Thebe will be gladness this happy new year, There will be dreams that are fairer than all ; There will be little of trouble to fear, We shall have blessings, whatever befall. New friends will brighten the way and the old Still will grow dearer, new strength will be OTirs ; New hopes will come with their joys to unfold. Paths will be sweetened with sunshine and flowers. There will be laughter on lips that we love, There will be smiles to endear and to charm ; There will be rainbows and starlight above. Guidance to help us and keep us from harm. Answer to prayer shall be ours and desire, Not one may turn from his hope in despair ; 16 ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL Eest there shall be for the soul who may tire, Skies will be cloudless and all will be fair. This is the faith we must harbor and hold, This is the joy that should rest in the heart. Life holds a promise that 's brighter than gold- Ours but to trust and to do well our part ! ALONG TEE GYPSY TRAIL 17 APRIL'S HERE Daffodils, Greening hills ; Bright and clear, April 's here. Larks a-wing Soar and sing; Rain or shine, April 's fine. Lilac blooms And perfumes Now are near — April's here. 18 ALONG IRE GYPSY TRAIL NOW AS I WALK WITH YOU Now as I walk with you eartti 's flowery ways, The thought comes, ^'May I never fail your heart Or give you any reason for distress ! ' ' may I give you all my tender praise And keep you always ! Only death may part Dear friends who know such trust and hap- piness. ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 19 SWEET EEWARD Feibndship means, to say the least, something glad to make the day Brighter, for it's very like sunshine on our happy way. When there comes the time that we, in the rush of many things. Miss the faces that we love, something swift and eager springs Deep within the heart to say, ''I must see my friend today ! ' ' Then, it's strange but it's true, as you think of her or him With that smile upon your face no rush of af- fairs can dim, Very likely at your door there 's the old familiar ring. 20 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL How your heart leaps and at once all the world begins to sing! that hour holds something fine, that 's the hour for yours and mine ! *'Love and friendship," simple words, but how beautiful and bright, Linked together as they are in a welding of delight ! Life in all its varied change swiftly moves but for our sake, Though the lovelier it grows, here's a tie that cannot break. So in life, its deeds and dreams, here is sweet reward, it seems. ALONG THE GYPST TRAIL 21 THE TEMPLE I BUILT a temple for my soul, So high it towered into the blue, And every brick, a noble thought, I garnered from the heart of you. how to light the temple fair And beautiful as paradise 1 A lamp I then beheld, ah me, — It was the love in your blue eyes ! 22 ALONG TEE GYPSY TBAIL HOW BEAUTIFUL IS FAITH How beautiful is faith from day to day, Ah, perfect faith in life and all it brings : Bright hopes, fond dreams for which the spirit sings. Faith in the friends that bloom along the way Like roses sweet, the friends who kindly say The truths we need, a thought to give us wings, Upholding us — the lovely, lovely things. Birds, blossoms, bees, the golden gifts of May ! let us keep above all else this true Dear faith of ours in men and all things fair ! Would we not rest in sweet belief that naught Of pain may come to hide our skies of blue For long 1 Yes, let us laugh at doubt and care And be what we would be in deed and thought. ALONG TEE GTPST TRAIL 23 FAITH, AND STANDARDS HIGH To keep our standards high from day to day, To win perfection at the journey's end, To see the glad things as the road we wend Across the world or just the short, sweet way That leads to home, ah, to the roundelay Of endless song! A little gift to send, A book, a flower, a letter to a friend. And keep our own soul's trust — this is May! May of the spirit, love ! To keep our faith With men and year in year to measure up To their high hope for us and gladden, too, A few dear lives — so shall we e'en greet death With smiles, and deem it not a bitter cup. But let me surely keep my faith v/ith you ! 24 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL WHEN YOU ARE SMILING Whejst you are smiling, life seems Most wonderful in song and dreams ! No matter where I turn I see The happy things and then to me Come swiftly winging on their way From sunny lands and far Cathay The sweetest songs heart ever heard In vocal or the printed word. When all is joy with you and bliss, It 's like the wonder of a kiss That takes away in sweetness all Save that which makes life beautiful ; For when you're happy so am I, Life dances on in melody. But when your peace has fled away I walk with Sorrow all the day. ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 25 There is a harmony of heart That knows and feels and plays its part So well, though even distance lie Between us, still it cannot die ; And so in all our day's employ Let's fill our happy hearts with joy That we uphold whom we love best And give the world our loveliest ! 26 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL LIFE WELL WOETH THE LIVING Life is well worth the happy living of it And sweet reward it brings us all the way Until it seems we truly grow to love it And cherish it more dearly day by day. How many are the pleasures of its bringing That fill our hearts with happiness and mirth ! How beautiful the song it 's ever singing, The truth that lights us o'er the paths of earth ! Sometimes so full of promise and of beauty Its moments are that we are hushed and thrilled And even in the simplest little duty Our throbbing hearts with thankfulness are filled. Such lovely moments very often follow ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL 27 The greeting of a comrade, hand in hand, "When like a bird across the hill and hollow We fly to find true hearts who understand. And often, too, this swift exhilaration Comes to us wholly for remembrance dear, Some hour lived over in our meditation, That brought us gladness, some sweet yester- year. But many things there are beside affection That bring the glow that lights the very soul And send us singing on in the direction In which we shall attain the longed-for goal. There is the hour of study which has brought us New visions and new dreams and new desires That in the meshes of their lure have caught us And held us awed before immortal fires. There is the thrill, the glow of high attainment. The gratitude some service we could give Else were our souls crushed sadly in arraign- ment. There is the happy hope whereby we live. 28 ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL The hope, the trust, the knowledge sweet un- folding Of world beyond bright World, of Souls Di- vine That wait for our new sight, our Fresh Behold- ing, faithful friend! comrade! Sweetheart mine! From hence we go, spurred on to new endeavor, Eewarded well with all the heart could crave. Ah, life is worth the living, yes, forever, From birth to Birth beyond the shining grave ! ALONG THE GYPSY TEAIL 29 LET'S BE EASY ON EACH OTHEE Let's be easy on each other! When you think I've failed, just say, ''What do I know of her burdens Or her struggles on the way?" Keep your faith in me whatever Is the moment's high employ, Or its sheaf of sorrows darkly Overshadowing the joy. Let 's be easy on each other ! If that kindly note should go From your voice, I'll say, and gently, "All his cares I do not know. But I'll be so true and steadfast And so well I '11 play my part Something of my joy will reach him And renew his troubled heart. ' ' 30 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL Let's be easy on each other! What are we to judge, indeed? Let's be happy all together, Answering to every need! Then the world will be all sunshine, Understanding all the while, And we '11 catch life 's fleeting beauty, Love and laughter, song and smile. ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL 31 SUPPOSE Suppose we just remember The sweetness and the light, The charm and golden beauty, The wonder and the bright Dear things of life and ever Go over them and o'er And then upon the sorrows Just smile and close the door ! 32 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL TRYST The daffodils are calling me, The clover blossom and the bee But, love, it's only, only thee Calling, calling. O take to him this tender word, That all my heart with love is stirred For him, and tell him, little bird, I 'm coming, coming ! Out in the fields where all is green And beautiful and sweet and clean, Where fairies dance through all the scene I '11 meet him, meet him. ALONG TEE GYPSY TRAIL 33 BROOKSIDE I WOULD lie upon my wide green lawn beneath the cherry tree, All white with blossoms, and just let the robins warble down to me, The sunshine kiss my laughing face Out in that happy dwelling-place ! Wouldn't I love to bury, too, down in the arbor- vitae trees My face for all their fragrance sweet, and dance to springtime 's melodies, But eyes are all along the way Seeking the commonplace of day. Ah well, I know another home, its lawns are green and wide and deep. And rolling fields lead to the brook where I could lie and fall asleep. 34 ALONG TBE GYPSY TBAIL And not a soul would know or care If robins nestled in my hair! Beneath its towering trees of pine beyond the library I might Do as I pleased, secluded there, close to the road, in long delight. ''Brookside," with your guards of pine, Some day, I think, I '11 claim you mine ! And there my friends shall come and we will drop our cares ; just like a child 1 dream each happy heart will sing in freedom sweet and young and wild. And with my closer dear ones, too, I '11 find rich beauty fresh and new. Its hospitality will call glad strangers from the winding road And we will find new strength and joy within my welcoming abode ; The gratefires in the glowing fall Will burn to welcome each and all. ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 35 Just at the turning of the road, the first breath of the country way, You'll find me with my laughing heart await- ing you some summer day. we '11 grow young and glad and wise And play it is true paradise ! 36 ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL SHELTER Thunders may roll above my head And lightnings flash incessantly, But I am housed within your love, A shelter builded over me. And nothing born of earth or sky Can touch my glad heart with a sigh. ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 37 REALIZATION Sometimes there comes to us the fullest sense Of gratitude for hearts we dearly prize, Rare fellowships that bring sweet recompense For every grief beneath the sunny skies. The smiles that hover on our lips are fled In poignant understanding just how deep That feeling lies, how dearly cherished Is that rich beauty which the soul may reap. When such a feeling takes possession dear Of all my heart in some still hour of rest, Life 's deepest meaning is made brightly clear And at this shrine, of all earth's loveliest, I kneel and pray that year in happy year Our love be newly and divinely blest. 38 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL SILENCE AND SONG I LISTEN for the silence All sweet with May and spring But nowhere can I find it For happy birds that sing. I 'd worship you in silence Sweet as hushed holy things But in my heart forever Love sings and sings and sings. ALONG TEE GYPSY TRAIL 39 A MIEACLE I KNOW it was a miracle That brought us two together To find our joy here, side by side, Through bright or stormy weather. you remember it was May, My little song resuming; The fragrant shower and then the sun And all the world was blooming. 1 know right well it was no chance Of fate or Maytime weather, But O it was a miracle That brought us two together ! 40 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL DAWNING LOVE If we two are to know at all The beauty of a dawning love, let it be in silence sweet Of earth below and sky above Before the singing birds come home From that far, dreaming, lyric south ; And listen to this word of mine, Lay not a kiss upon my mouth Nor touch me with that hand of yours, — But in your eyes I would not mind If there a tender song of love Some golden moment I should find ! ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 41 WEAVE IT ALL OF DEEAMS If you long for love that lasts, Plan no starry tryst, Let the hours pass by in dreams. Golden and unkissed. If you long for love that stays And will understand. Only glance into Love 's eyes, Barely touch his hand. If you long for love that grows More and more, it seems, Radiant and beautiful, Weave it all of dreams ! 42 ALONG THE GYPSY TEAIL A SONG OF YOUTH You stood before me, fine and strong And handsome in your glowing youth ; Your voice was like a clarion song And you a trumpeter of truth. A god you seemed from ancient hours Upon the hills beside the sea And I, a goddess, wore the flowers You wove, a garland just for me. We two there at the height of May, Both children of a modern time, Yet harking back unto the day Of early flowing Grrecian rhyme ! ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL 43 ENCHANTMENT Insistently and sweet the woodlands call — Through all the old loved tasks I hear the song Which, as I listen, holds me in its thrall. 0, 1 must follow, well I know, ere long ! And, as I walk, the bobolink will spring Up from the flowery hillsides and the grass Of meadows, wind-caressed, to soar and sing As I, enraptured, smiling, onward pass. The incense of sweet clover speaks to me The adoration of the radiant earth That lifts its face to fair infinity For joyfulness, tranquillity and worth; For beauty both of loveliness unseen. Unknown as thought beyond glad thought will lie, 44 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL And loveliness beheld, the blue between The fleecy snowdrifts of the summer sky. E 'en as the earth holds in her fond embrace, Wherever shimmering stream and lake abide, The mirrored sky, so I behold your face — In spirit you are walking by my side ; At sweet returning and at close of day And through the night, dear, wide-eyed as I rest, And in my dreams the thought of you alway Is mirrored in my heart and I am blest. ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 45 STARS IN YOUR WIDE BLUE HEAVEN Stars in your wide blue heaven, What do you dream of, pray? What is the shining vision Keeping you till the day? Are you so rapt in watching Over my sweetheart 's face. Just as the Star of olden Over the Manger 's Grace ? 46 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL LOVE SONG The roses fade and droop and die, Their petals falling by the score, When June drifts into warm July, We see their beauty then no more. The sunset in the distant west, That opal glimmering and glow. Fades all too soon with eve and rest. Ah, that its beauty had to go ! But the love I bear for you, More beautiful than any sky, Than any rose, my love so true, Will never fade and cannot die ! ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 47 WHEN YOU NEED ME When you call me I will follow Over hill and Vale and hollow With the swift wings Of the swallow. Call me in the Happy Maytime, In the balmy Fragrant haytime ! Too soon passes All our playtime. When you need me And would borrow Strength to aid through Joy or sorrow, 48 ALONG TEE GYPSY TRAIL Beckon only, ''Dear, tomorrow!" When yon breathe my Name, I hear you. With my love and Faith to cheer you, believe I 'm Ever near you ! ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 49 WHY AM I SLEEPLESS? Why am I sleepless? Ah, where 's the repose, Sweet as a petaljhat falls from the rose, To touch my eyes softly the long night through ? Why am I sleepless? I'm thinking of you. 50 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL THE MAGIC OF SPRING . There's something magical about the spring To wake our hearts to gladness more than all The happy year. Is it the robin's call As on the branch he now begins to sing With such rejoicing in his caroling? The golden glint of sunbeams as they fall, The crocus blooming by the garden wall, The daffodil, the blue-bird on the wing? All these, but most of all within the soul The magic lies ; a spell to make us see The world reborn in beauty out of pain, A song to make us happy, gay and whole, Something to set our prisoned fancies free, Bidding us hope and smile and dream again. ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 51 STEPHANO O Stephano, he loves to go out where the winds are straying, His organ strapped upon his back, and with his happy playing Charm all the little children's lives as laugh- ingly they follow His music gay across the hills and through the vale and hollow ! Stephano, he loves to go where villages are lying In all their rare content and joy and, like a wild bird flying, Bring to the children carols sweet while Beppo takes each penny Or, lifting up his crimson cap, bows if there aren't any. 52 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL Stephano, lie loves to go where streets are winding gaily Down to their end for little girls and boys that follow daily ! He tosses Beppo balls to catch and now and then a cherry That fnnny little creature eats, as round as any berry. Stephano, he loves to go and play his organ sweetly , For shut-ins by their windows, who are happy there completely Wliile Beppo turns his cart-wheels odd and all the children clearly Are charmed with this quaint organ man, the pet that he loves dearly ! Stephano, I'd love to go an afternoon in summer . Like you and charm the children dear, each happy little comer. ALONG TSE GYPSY TRAIL 53 The golden sun, the fresh green lawns, the laughter and the glee, sir, The music on the sweet, warm air — ah, these appeal to me, sir ! O Stephano, where'er you go in sunshine and bright weather. May hosts of little children gay and you laugh on together ! Pray take my wishes, sir, along to them upon your way, sir; And, Stephano, before you go, you're just a bit of May, sir ! 54 ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL COUNTEY SKIES Some love the lure of cities And all their rush and din, The noise and strife, For city life Is where they would begin To toil for fame and fortune. For honor, gold and pelf. But country skies And melodies And one can be himself ! A day out in the meadows Beneath the forest trees, The river's edge And man may pledge His faith there at his ease ; He learns with deeper insight ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 55 Life 's blessings here and now And clearly sees Its mysteries Solved on the Summer 's brow. He takes his fishing tackle And baits again the hook And lies to dream Beside the stream, Or a familiar book He reads there at his leisure, And ponders for a day What he loves best And takes a rest The good old-fashioned way. A day out in the open Beneath the country skies Beside a pool Where all is cool And life 's in fairest guise Is Just what you have need of 56 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL To make you glad and whole. why not go Out there and know Rich joy of heart and soul? ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 57 KEEP THE DREAM Through all to love and keep the dream That haunts the soul with high emprise ! What matter though the hours may seem To pass in such a varied guise ? Through all to hold more precious far Than gold or any shimmering star The hope which bids us still to strive And keep that dream we love alive ! Fair fields are blooming past the gate That bars us for a little while Away from all their beauty ; wait And soon we shall be free to smile And claim their loveliness as ours. We '11 walk through all those brilliant flowers And wonder at impatience shown, So soon these blessings are our own. 58 ■ ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL Through all to keep and love the dream That haunts the soul with tasks to do, Through little things that always seem To take our time and talent, too! To keep the dream and love it well And say beneath its starry spell * ' One thing, at least, each day I '11 try To make success and dreams come nigh!" Our highest hopes God-given are And shine before us day and night Like to the sun and evening star To guide us with their hallowed light. keep their beauty all through life ! This is the purpose of the strife, Through effort to attain an end. So keep the dream, and win, my friend ! ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 59 TIME TO EISE UP, SMILING Time to rise up, smiling. Time to hope and plan ; Time for thought and action And to say, '^I can!" 60 ALONG TEE GYPSY TBAIL IT'S LOVE It 's love that gives me strength, my dear, And joy along the way; There 's nothing else I know, my dear, To brighten so the day. It 's love that gives me heart, my dear, To laugh at every care ; It 's love that gives me hope, my dear, And drives away despair. It's love that gives us courage, dear. To follow out the plan God holds for us to give us cheer And help our fellow man. ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 61 THE BLUE-BIRD'S ON THE WING Ah love, the blue-bird's on the wing again, Flies like a dart from towering tree to tree, Dips low and sweeps the happy heart of me Up to the sky and bids me sing again For all the beauty of the spring again We two have loved with bird and bloom and bee, And all the wonder of its sorcery, Song after song that it will bring again. Sorrow has fled and Fairy Joy once more Beckons and laughs and lures me as of old Out to the hills and brooks, the meadow lea And promises the splendor of her store, Increased, enriched unto a thousand fold If only you will smile and dream with me ! 62 ALONG TEE GYPSY TRAIL MAYTIME HAPPINESS The green is in the maple trees And the cherry trees are white, The plum tree is a beauty now And the peaches a delight ; It's the time of all the seasons When the world is at its best For its delicate, bright blossoms — It's the month that's loveliest. In a day or two the lilacs Will be blooming on the bough And the world will be more fragrant And more beautiful than now ; There are daffodils of yellow And the tulips, looking up, In my garden beds remind me Of the saucy buttercup. ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL 63 There, I must once more be faring To the woodlands wild and free, Where the dells are like a picture And as fragrant as can be; I must take my faithful collie, With his wonderful brown eyes Telling me how he enjoys it. For a walk beneath the skies. we know the wooded meadows South of town, the Valley way On the north in all its beauty. Where the little children play; There's the college grove, the campus In the summertime and, too. We've the friendly Eaisin river With its beauty ever new. What a happy thing forever Is the Maytime when we fare Through earth's fragrant blooming wonder, Not a doubt and not a care, 64 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL Thanking God for every blessing, Gaining courage for the strife, Smiling sweetly to remember Every perfect gift of life ! ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 65 WHEN LILACS BLOOM When lilacs are in blossom and the air Is sweet with their perfume and birds a- wing Carol of youth and all the joy of spring, And everything is fresh and very fair, O that 's the time to lose your weight of care, For privilege of living laugh and sing And to all sweetness of remembrance cling, The time to think and dream, to do and dare ! The sun and stars shine on more brilliantly And new-found joy is with us more and more In this, the hour of laughter, song and lyre ; New power is given to the soul to see The happy things of life and to explore The uplands leading to the heart's desire. 66 ALONG TBE GIPSY TRAIL THE HEART OF MY FEIEND God must have made thy heart a treasure-hold Of loveliness, for therein, friend, I see Much that is beautiful and bright as gold That daily brings rich happiness to me. How pure the joy there reigning all the time With sympathy and understanding dear. But more than all I honor its sublime High purpose, its great ideals year in year. How happy am I that this treasure-trove Includes no dross of cheapening alloy, The little faults that might estrange my love And darken all the wonder of my joy! friend of mine, whose true worth nothing mars. En thee my soul is lifted to the stars ! ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 67 COME WITH ME AND BEAUTY KNOW COME with me and beauty know, 'Tis Maytime and the world's a-glow! How lovely all the earth about! The lilac blooms are peeping out And there's a fragrance on the air To woo us from the realm of care And all our sorrows to destroy — This is the isle of perfect joy! The cherry trees are all in white, The symbol of their glad delight. The robins chirp and seem to sing Of scarlet cherries that will cling Unto the branches now in flower In just the passing of an hour. This is the time when dreams come true For you and me — for me and you. 68 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL The peach trees with their rosy glow Are loveliest of all, you know, So delicate and such a hue ! Now is the spirit born anew And every heart throbs to a song ; New hope is born to make us strong, New inspiration floods the soul And whispers of the cherished goal. The apple orchards all are sweet With fragrance and 'tis here we meet The spring with smiles ; here we confess Our simple world's fresh loveliness. Yes, come with me, we'll be as one Though never here beneath the sun Have I known you — have you known me. Ah, for that dear discovery! ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 69 THE SPRING ** Trickle, trickle, trickle," hear it softly sing, How I love to listen to the bubbling spring ! Always glad and happy, jubilant and gay, — Little, but it's flowing swiftly on its way. ''Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle," how it laughs all through Days of summer, looking to the skies of blue! Doesn't get discouraged, laughs and lilts along To the mighty river with its merry song. ''Ripple, ripple, ripple," never stops all day, Calls out to its comrades all along the way "What a world of beauty, shade and summer sun ! ' ' — Working, laughing, singing till its goal is won. 70 ALONG THE GYPSY TEAIL THE CHANGELESS There 's one thing I have noticed day by day As I go faring through the verdant bowers Of loamy woods to gather fragrant flowers And that is this, along our happy way, How little do we change ! The same bright ray Of hope sustains us. Through the busy hours The soul responds to the familiar powers Of the same joys, desires and moods of play. How happy am I that I always find Old friendships sweet, yes, dearer year in year. Old loves still lovely and more beautiful As time goes by, with kind hearts just as kind, Upholding us in times of doubt and fear And even a radiance in the dutiful ! ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL 71 THAT WHICH YOU ADOBE ''That which you adore unfolds for you." W. L. C. Ah, that which you adore unfolds for you In wondrous beauty and in light and song ! The skies above you gleam more brightly blue When love has come for something sweet and strong, Nobility of purpose or of plan, A vision lovelier, more perfect art, A glimpse into the brotherhood of man. The fragrant path unto another's heart. Because we love a thing the Law attracts It nearer to us day in happy day And every deed born of our worship acts Like some great magnet to draw things our way. , 72 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL How subtle is the sense we are adored! How beautiful may be unfolding truth, The magic of the universe restored Unto the heart of laughter and of youth! Ah, that which you adore unfolds for you ! Light-heartedly with Pan through all the spring, In perfect gladness as your dreams come true, What lyric wonder you Avill find to sing I Because of my dear adoration, love. For you I know new beauty will unfold And, like a star that hovers high above, Eeveal to us its heart of gleaming gold. ALONG TEE GYPSY TRAIL 73 I SAW IT IN YOUR FACE I SAW it in your face, The wonder and the light Which love must ever trace, So beautifully bright. No heart of all that crowd Blithe, gay and debonair, Could dream that e'en aloud You claimed me then and there. But I knew it, I With you in that fair place, That love had come for aye — I saw it in your face. 74 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL WHEN MAY PEEPS THEOUGH THE GEASSES It's such a happy time o' year with loving friends about you And not a care to trouble you and not a soul to doubt you, When all the trees are leafing out and robins, too, are singing, With hosts of little feathered friends theiir homeward journey winging. It's such a happy season when new joys are ours for winning. When garden beds are planted and the flowers are just beginning Way back there in the seed to grow as human love and laughter From little seeds we're sowing now and shall in the hereafter. ALONG TEE GYPSY TRAIL 75 It 's such a wondrous hour, indeed, when all the woods are waking To little songs that here and there their happy way are making Across the meadows and the hills, through grasses sweet and clover. such a happy time to walk with comrade, friend, or lover ! The springtime is the fairest time, we make a wonder of it, Rich beauty after winter's grey, how could we help but love it? And so for blossom, bird or bee, for romping lads and lasses It 's such a happy time o ' year when May peeps through the grasses. 76 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL REVELATION Can it be the sweetest story is the story unre- vealed? Is it true the rarest garden is the garden far a-field? Even heaven is the fairer that its glory is con- cealed? ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 77 COMPANIONSHIP Weth beauty all our days are brightly blessed Who know the loveliness that never ends In glad companionship, when heaven sends Us comrades true and, at the soul's behest, The kindred hearts we love. Ah, life is dressed In colors fair as Autumn 's as she wends Her way down olden paths, to treasure friends Thus happily, and we are at our best ! For friendship opens many a door unseen And leads to lands of pure delight as well We might have missed, explains the little things That make life dearer, the soul we might have been Or yet can be and casts a golden spell About us till the spirit sings and sings. 78 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL AMICITIA Theee's something deep and tender, true and sweet In friendship that has never been defined, A beauty fairer far, unto our mind. Than full-blown roses blooming on the street Of summer morns, when zephyrs faint and fleet Blow softly by; an understanding kind Which in no other realm the heart may find, Sustaining strength with endless joy replete. Ah, who shall sing or who interpret here That fullness of our faith in friendship found. Or who shall chant in tender notes and clear The rich, the pure devotion, the profound And deep regard for those we hold most dear, Unless from Love's own voice the song re- sound ! ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 79 ABSENCE Deae one, the miles of space, When we believe. Are but a trysting place. Where we receive Love that, on angels ' wings, Yearns to relieve. 80 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL BECAUSE YOU LOVED ME Because I knew you long ago And that high purpose of your soul Inspiring me to delve and grow, I kept my eyes upon the goal. Because the heart of you was sweet, Because your tender smile is mine In memory, life is complete And every passing day divine. Because you loved me, more than all, I'll try to find that bit of praise Within my heart, whate 'er befall. God love and keep you all your days ! ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 81 MAY, YOU'RE SINGING May, you're singing as you're swinging Through the forest green. And your laughter follows after In the woodland scene. Are you dreaming of the gleaming In your sweetheart's eyes As you're dancing and advancing To your melodies? May, I follow, hill and hollow, And I 'm singing, too. Through the clover of my lover And his eyes of blue. 82 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL THE GEEATEST BOON Were I to ask the greatest boon in life, the fairest gift, The inspiration of its joy, its strength to cheer and lift, I'd search my heart in tenderness to answer, ''Only this. Of one I cherish, friendship true and all my days were bliss!" Were I to crave a jewel rare, more beautiful to prize Than any gem that ever shone beneath the sunny skies, I should not ask for treasure from the Indies or an isle Of buried gold but only this, a friend's regard and smile. ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 83 Or sought I heaven on the earth, as, truly, friend, I do. In your companionship I'd find that bright Elysium, too; Were I to lose life 's choicest gift, I know that it would be To find the garden of your heart a desert land to me. 84 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL FRIENDSHIP HELPS THE WORLD Feibndship helps the world along, Wakes to dreams and golden deeds, Touches every heart to song. Answers all our simple needs ; Friend, yon understand with me Life is beauty, full of grace. And its loveliness I see When I look into your face. ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 85 SUMMEE AND JUNE Surging a song, dear, and humming a tune Bring me the nearer to summer and June ; Hearing you speak in the voice that I love, This is the gladness I'm e'er dreaming of. Seeing you smile on your pathway of flowers, Watching your grace in the sweet summer hours. Touching your hand as it steals over mine, Here is a breath of the summer divine. Tell me again of your love deep and true. here 's the song that will keep my sky blue ! Love, what is better or dearer than this, Save it were touching your lips with a kiss? 86 ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL CARESS How sweet the tender ways of love, The little things we dearly prize, But sweetest in the world to me — That fond caress within your eyes ! ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 87 WITHOUT LOVE What would the world be like, my dear, If love in all its phases. Its simple songs, its kindly words. Its tender looks and phrases Were stolen far away to be A new world's gladness? All of sadness Our days would seem to you and me, Sadness. What would the sunny mornings be Without your sparkling laughter. The lyric noons, the twilights sweet, The long nights following after. If love were taken from our dreams ? Today, tomorrow All of sorrow Life then would be, or so it seems, Sorrow. 88 ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL I HAVE MADE MY HOME SWEET I HAVE made my home sweet for the dear thought of you, I have gathered bright roses all fresh with the dew; I have placed them in vases about all the rooms For here it is, darling, my love for you blooms. There are pink ones where softly my music I play, There are white ones where morning receives me at day; There are red ones for love in the room where I write And dream of you, dearest, from morning till night. ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 89 LET'S BUILD A LITTLE ALTAR Let 's build a little altar And kneel at break of day Before the task, beloved, Then go upon our way ; For such a bright beginning Will surely help along And wake our world to beauty Of melody and song ! 90 ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL CONSTANCY The roses bloom in sunimer hours And naught as beautiful is seen ; They blossom in earth's fragrant bowers, Eich colors lifting o 'er the green, But soon — too soon — ^these petaled flowers Fade gently from the glowing scene. all my dreams are fair as they, As bright and beautiful they are As roses lighting up the way Or yonder hallowed evening star, Yet may they shine on endlessly And naught their radiant beauty mar ! May I be constant, may I hold And keep my sunny dreams all bright ! may I treasure all their gold And all their beauty and delight Until I die, till I grow old And fare into the lovely night ! ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 91 SPEAKING OF EYES Speaking of eyes, forget not the grey ! These are sincerest and truest, they say. How I have loved them, ah yes, and have seen Here are the pure and the strong and the clean. Back of them shine the ideals of the soul Making us happy, contented and whole ; Here there is nothing but sweetness and light, Dreams that are lovely and hopes that are bright. So as I journey along on my way, Here is my greeting, as well, to the grey; Here are the comrades, the dear ones and friends Heaven in its goodness and verity sends. 92 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL EVEE YOUR FRIEND '^EvER your friend," she wrote, ''Ever your friend, ' ' — O, it seemed then it was the fairest thing That could be phrased ! It was a song to sing, And while upon life's happy way I wend 'Tis often on my lips. It will defend My heart from grief and like a jeweled ring Bind me with joy and happiness to cling And make me brave and glad until the end. O life, youVe brought me many gifts, I know, But this was very, very fair to me And at your feet in gratitude I say, ''What if I fail, what if I win or no, Most beautiful my days will always be In tender faith between us all the way ! " ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 93 ALCHEMY A FEiEND to share our pleasures, our happiness and dreams, To fare the road beside us o'er meadow-lands and streams. To joy with us in every new gladness and de- light, then the world is happy and everything is bright ! A friend to share our sorrows and lighten all our care, To lure the golden sunshine and make our world all fair. To give us strength in weakness and courage through the strife, — Not glory, fame or fortune, but friendship glad- dens life. 94 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL It may be distance severs us from their sunny smile And yet in spirit with us they wander all the while ; Through shining joy or error and blind mis- chance they seem The alchemy that touches life all to golden dream. ALONG TEE GYPSY TEAIL 95 ON THE HILLSIDE Some morning in summer at rising of sun, Just leaving your commonplace duties undone, For a few hours of rest to your soul fly away To some favorite hillside at dawn of the day. A note-book, a pencil, a volume of rhyme, A watch to be able to measure the time, An orange, a sandwich to stay you and then You call to the collie to frolic again. You haste to the pathway that winds to the green. The beautiful hillside, your favorite scene; The great lofty trees arise, laughing and gay. And how the branches the summer winds sway! You catch the new songs of the birds as they sing, 96 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL In the deeps of the coolness their joyousness fling. yes, for an hour or two lay on the shelf All save the keen joy of just knowing yourself I Here now as I sit with this beauty around, Methinks the true peace of my soul I have found ; The oaks and the elms and the sycamore trees Bear evidence quaintly of days such as these. For carved on their boles are initial and name Of long-ago children my fancy may claim. it may be the same clear-eyed mirth and sweet rest They knew, the identical joy of my breast ! 1 think I could sit here the whole summer day To hear yonder tree-tops so musically sway And then get acquainted here now at my ease With the sweet summer fragrance and bright melodies. Just scribbling and giving my collie a pat, ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL 97 Relaxing and lazily happy, all that — And some day we'll come with the purpose to stay And lie in the shadows the whole summer day ! 98 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL THE CALL OF THE WOODLAND Ah, once I thought it was the swaying grasses, The sweet winds blowing music through the reeds, The songbirds voicing all their joyous creeds, The blossoms blooming on the hillside passes In rose and violet and golden masses. The butterflies, the bubbling brook that pleads, — All these, I fancied, answered to my needs As long ago to laughing lads and lasses! But now I think it 's something richer, deeper That calls me to the woodland for my singing And like the morning sun awakes the sleeper Gives me new light and sets my soul a-wing- ing: It is the strength of trees to great heights reach- ing. It is their hope and faith for my sweet teaching. ALONG THE GTPSY TRAIL 99 A TOKEN OF MY LOVE I HAVE a bed of roses That bloom alone for you And though I may not send them, A token of the true, The tender love I bear you, From all their petals curled I blow their fragrant sweetness To you across the world. The golden sun above them, Of this there is a share To make you gay and happy And all your pathway fair. The rains that wash their petals Will wash your pain away. Their beauty cheer and keep you Forever and a day. 100 ALONG THE GYPSl TRAIL THE GYPSY POET BY THE BEOOK' Out toward the Valley there's a place in sum- mer where I love to go, Sit by the brook and idly trace some vagrant letters in a row; Behind the hill beside the road beneath those towering trees I dream And sometimes o 'er a little fire I cook beside the lilting stream. Here it is so beautiful ! There are no words in which to tell How lovely ! I could reach and pull the grape- vines down to swing in. Well, One day I thought of flowery fields and of that balmy, fragrant place. Sheltered and green and so enclosed from sight of any human face. ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL 101 I packed my lunch and took my books and set out early in glad mirth. ' ' This is the fairest spot, ' ' I thought, ' ' God ever set upon the earth!" But when I reached my shelter green a gypsies ' caravan was there, A gypsy boy stood by the fence, with laughing eyes and curling hair. I dallied on across the bridge as if I had no interest in Their camping place. A friendly tree I found, my pleasure soon to win, Up in a lane, but when the night was near I cut across the stream Another place and there he lay penning a little idle dream. A year went by. I said, ''I'll go once more to that old favorite spot And cool my face down in the stream ' ' — it was so warm and melting hot. 102 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL. I stayed the morning, listened to the singing birds, the babbling brook. The humming bees ; I laughed and sang and read a little happy book. But yonder sunshine grew so bright, beside a moss-grown log I lay. My parasol above my head, and dropped in slumber quite away. Ah me, its rose-wreath must have lured into that little sheltering glen His heart once more, for there he stood, that dark-eyed gypsy lad again ! His gaze awoke me with a start. I glanced into his face and fled. Flew up the hillside path nor looked below or heard the words he said, Until at last the gate I reached, and there he stood, my little book Clasped in his hands. still I see that gypsy poet by the brook! ALONG THE GYPSY TEAIL 103 There's just enough of gypsy blood in me, I think, to make me dream, How would it be these golden days to idle by a laughing stream And follow Summer where she goes singing across the valleys sweet. Or strike the gypsy trail in fall, the autunm leaves beneath my feet ? 104 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL PERFECT DAYS SuMMBE in a northern clime Where all's fresh and cool, Jotting down a little rhyme By a shady pool ; Songsters in the maple trees Sing their roundelay, such simple joys as these Make a perfect day ! Winter in a southern clime. Here's the rose of joy. Blossoms and a song, a rhyme For the heart 's employ ; Love and light and laughter, too, Where the palm trees sway And the skies are deeply blue. What a perfect day! ALONG TEE GYPSY TRAIL 105 LANE AND MEADOW I LOVE to gather in the lanes Wild roses and sweet clover, But most of all I gather there Fond thoughts of you, my lover. I love to walk the meadows sweet, Dance o'er their airy spaces And stoop to gather by the streams The little violet faces. But wheresoe 'er I go I find One face, the brightest, clearest That means the whole wide world to me And that is yours, my dearest ! 106 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL REMEMBEE THIS Nothing goes but something lovelier 's near To take its place ! In moments of distress, Dear heart, remember this and it will bless Thy way until life's gladness will appear In largess and in bounty all the year. Anticipate ! Believe ! And happiness Shall come to thee and all sweet loveliness. Strength to relieve be thine and joy sincere! miracles are on their way through faith ! Have we not proven, dear, that this is so ? What holds the future? Wonder, triumph, bliss. Dreams all come true and Sorrow's just a wraith, Dear friend, if we compose our hearts and know That lovingly He cares. Remember this ! ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 107 '^ NEVER MIND, MY DEARIE" When little tads on summer days Trip in the tangled grass and fall, They fly to mother 's tender ways And soon they do not care at all. For ''Never mind, my dearie," Her gentle voice will croon. A tale she tells Of fairy dells Or frolics on the moon. When older we have grown and meet A loss or any little thing That grieves, there still is glad and sweet To make us smile and sing and sing. For ''Never mind, my dearie," A tender voice will say, 108 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL And then and there The world's so fair There's splendor all the way! ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 109 RED EASPBEEEIES Eed raspberries fresh from the drooping vines, And you may have your meed of royal fare ; For me their flavor is a thing that shines With thoughts of youth and laughs away all care. They waft me back to happy childhood days, To memories of father long ago In happy hours that know my sweetest praise, — We gathered them together, row by row. 0, 1 was just a merry little maid There with my dolly underneath my arm! At picking berries like a game I played That held for me a sunny, elfin charm. Eed raspberries and thick, rich cream, ah me. What banquet could be finer in the land f father mine, let's wander happily. As long ago, to seek them, hand in hand I 110 ALONG TBE GYPSY TRAIL IT CAN'T BE ALWAYS SUMMER It can't be always summer In a land of northern clime Nor can meadows green and fragrant Beckon to us all the time ; The roses bloom in beauty As they climb the cottage door But it's only for a little And their loveliness is o 'er. It can't be always summer, But the memories that cling And the beauty that refreshes Which the true heart loves to sing, Make eternally a season Of pure sweetness and delight And we know the cycle's swinging To a summer just as bright. ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL 111 It can't be always summer In the joys tliat touch the soul, Yet the memories that gladden And the hope that keeps us whole ! For we smile in looking backward To the pleasures we have had And we sing to dream of deeper Loveliness to make us glad. 112 ALONG THE GTPST TRAIL I HAVE WONDERED 0, I HAVE wondered sometimes If the dearest experience, The highest dreams and wonder Of earth's bright excellence Are not to love unanswered, To treasure as our best An adoration lying Deep hidden in the breast? There 's something almost holy In such a love as this, That knows no sweet confession And never dreamed a kiss ; It's like the tender starlight That shines upon a world Of hidden bloom and fragrance 'er meadows dew-impearled. ALONG THE GTPSY TEAIL 113 It's like the dawn impassioned And still and white before The splendor of the sunrise, To love thus, to adore Another heart in silence ; Too soon the wild birds sing And make a laughing riot Of all the dreaming spring. 114 ALONG TEE GYPSY TRAIL WHAT WOULD YOUR LOVE MEAN What would your love mean? This question I hear. All the bright beauty The world holds, my dear. What would your love mean? The touch of your hands? Heart to heart, truly, love understands ! What would your love mean? All earthly joys, then Heaven descending To gladden again. ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 115 ONE DAY'S ADVENTUEINO (To F. V. K) One day's adventuring out where The meadows and the fields are fair With blossoms and the fronded fern, But when it 's evening home I turn. One day's adventuring sometimes Among the bookshops and sweet rhymes, An hour or two for music, then It's home I long for once again. One day's adventuring, ah yes, It brings me joy and happiness. But when the twilight settles down It 's home I want and my home town ! One day's adventuring to see Old friends who mean so much to me, But when it 's night I long to hold A little boy with hair of gold. ^ 116 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL One day 's adventuring and then Back to the one I love again; Sweet welcome! Kisses! Laughing eyes! We three and home — that 's paradise ! One day's adventuring, indeed, Brings riches to my sunny creed Of light and joy for every soul To make him glad and keep him whole. One day's adventuring, one day, Out where the sunbeams laugh and play Among dear friends where I would roam But when it's evening, take me home! ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 117 EOCK-A-BYE Little sonny in my arms, how beautiful the charms God has given you, your eyes Bluer than the summer skies. Lips of coral, wreathed in smiles ■ — Ah, they'd lure me miles and miles! Cheeks like petals of the rose In the twilight's sweet repose. Golden hair in ringlets curled. Dearest heart in all the world. Little hands, hands just like mine. Lead me all the way divine ! 118 ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL AN OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN Theee^s a dear old-fasMoned garden That I pass by every day "Where the yellow roses blossom And the dancing shadows play ; There the sunlight is the brightest And the lilies fairest yet, In that dear old-fashioned garden That I never can forget. There 's a little laughing fountain In the shadows dim and cool Where all day the birds are warbling And they're dipping in the pool; There the water trickles over Little pebbly stones and goes Down the way of water-lilies To call on the rambler rose, ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 119 0, it long has been my fancy That the dreams of all the world Have been fostered in the garden, Here with joy have been impearled, — For the dearest, little laddie. Though he's only three and three, Is the dream that makes me happy And he 's waiting there for me ! 120 ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL LIGHT AND SHADOW There is light at the break of the morning And, mingled with hope of the day, Its rose and bright silver and turquoise Drive all the dark shadows away. There is light in the blossom unfolding Its beauty for lovers to see. In the radiant stars that are beaming Their loveliness down upon me. But the light in the face of my darling. His memoried smile all the day, Is brighter, more lasting and lovely And drives all the shadows away! ALONG THE GTPST TRAIL 121 REALITY OF DREAM There are roses in my garden, though they may be fast asleep, And the vines of ivy climbing o'er the walls about me creep In a tenderness protecting, though to others they might seem Bleak and bare — to me they're lovely in reality of dream. There are lilac trees in blossom in the sunshine bright and warm. Though perhaps you'd not behold them in the raging of the storm. And the arbor where the grapes lie, heavy, pur- ple, waiting me, Is a thing of beauty; truly, which perhaps but I could see. 122 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 0, it isn't absolutely necessary to know here Just the very actual presence of some loveliness most dear, For in dreams 'twill come to beauty, naturally then to flower. Budding, blooming, bearing sweetly in life's own beloved hour. So the dreams we all may fashion in reality are true, Just as gardens will be blooming and the skies the deepest blue; We have only to keep trusting, planning, striv- ing to that end, And we reach the goal we long for in a little while, my friend! ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL 123 MOTHER'S BLESSING (For Victor) LITTLE son, you whom I love Above all else in this wide world, Your babyhood I'm dreaming of, Your golden ringlets tightly curled ; And then there came the day when these, The curls I loved, grown long and fair, Were lost, to saddest melodies. The day they cut my baby's hair. But so beautiful your head Looked then to me that all the tears Which in my anguish I had shed Were dried, as oft the daylight clears Beyond the rain. Well, soon to school You proudly went and once again, In losing to that splendid rule, I had to know my hour of pain, 124 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL But all your baby tricks and wiles That charmed me in that early time, Your baby prattle and your smiles Are in the picture and the rhyme ; Endearing hours, enchantment sweet And love and laughter all in one. Ah, babyhood is all too fleet And vanished, nearly, ere begun! How beautiful are all these years Now of your boyhood, glad and fine ! I know no grief or pain or tears. This is the hour of joy divine; This month you will be ten years old, How can it be my tiny one With all his clustering curls of gold You are, my splendid little son? What fascinating hours of play You know from morning until night, With every day a happy day Filled with its change and rare delight ! The books you read, your artful talk ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 125 As side by side, good comrades, we Go out for just a little walk, The plans you fashion hopefully ! 0, I shall know a mother's pride With every year that passes on And we will dream here side by side And joy in all your honors won. True, I may know again a day Of sorrow when you leave me here But I shall have our dreams alway, God knows that they have been most dear ! No world so wide, no path so long We cannot find each other's smile And life will be ' ' one grand, sweet song, ' ' Whatever fate the afterwhile Shall hold for us, heart of mine. Of joy or sorrow, honor, praise. May mother's love, a blessing shine To make you happy all your days ! 126 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL THEOUGH ME THY MUSIC God, break me like a wind-tossed reed And with Thy fragrant breath Blow through me to a heart in need Until it tarryeth , "Within the realm of blessedness Thy children find each day In this bright world of happiness. Through me Thy music — pray ! ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 127 THANK GOD FOR YOU, MY DEAR Thank God for you, my dear ! Thank God for you, For you have made me happy as a queen In that you love me and so kind have been That every day my skies are clear and blue. Thank God for you, my dear! Thank God, indeed, Your loving presence fills my heart with joy Which nothing in the world can e 'er destroy. He gave you to me in my hour of need. Thank God for you, my dear ! Thank God, I say. Consider, did He ever send a friend So wonderful, beginning unto end. As you have been to me the long, long way? 128 ALONG TEE GYPSY TBAIL Thank God for you, my dear, and may I bring Something as sweet to you in love 's return ! Your every hope, a candle bright to bum, Be granted, — in your heart Eternal Spring. ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 129 NOCTURNE The wind all day was crying out your name And with the night came tears. I had not known how beautiful a flame All — all these years — Had burned within my heart until at length The mingled tears and rain Put out the last bright ember of my strength. Life ! Love ! How vain ! 130 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL REST THEE IN THIS TENDER WORD Be still and know that God is Love And Love like His can never fail. In all that thou art hoping for, Through summer shine or wintry gale, Remember, He is guarding thee From some bright, beautiful Above And He will give thee strength through all. Be still and know that God is Love. Be still and know that God is Love. No sorrow can come nigh to grieve Thy heart for long. keep thy faith And faith in turn thou shalt receive I Through all the day a charm will seem To touch thee, all thou dreamest of; New hope will shine to make thee glad, Be still and know that God is Love. ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 131 Be still and know that God is Love. Let go and rouse thee from despair For thou shalt find true happiness In His sustainment sweet and care; Lift up thy face to perfect joy, Go forth thy splendid soul to prove. rest thee in this tender word, Be still and know that God is Love I 132 ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL WALLED-IN GAEDENS don't you love the dear, old-fashioned gar- dens Where fleur-de-lis and valley lilies bloom, The gardens where the roses all are budding And soon will be so sweet with their perfume ? How like a snowdrift yonder the spirea, Those great old bushes bending down in white ! The peonies are opening in glory And ready now to cheer us in delight. Or what could be much lovelier than lilacs, These Persian beauties, royal as a queen? The daffodils are always bright and jaunty And add their charm and color to the scene. ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL 133 But sweeter yet the dear old-fashioned ladies Who smile and tell you all about each flower ; Who helped them plant the vines, the blooming hedge-rows, The happy days they knew there, hour in hour. don 't you love the gay old-fashioned gardens, Walled-in and fragrant, radiant and fair, But most of all the dear, beloved faces One dreams of, walking in the silence there ? 134 ALONG TEE GYPSY TRAIL A FRIEND'S ETERNAL JOY Friendship — ''It is for aid and comfort through all the passages of life and death." — Emerson. How happy am I that my friendships mean Something eternal, not a transient honr Of rapture and pure joy how sweet and clean Then soon neglected and devoid of power Of inspiration and of kindness here ! A friend, to me, means so much more than this. Shrine of my endless pleasure, hope sincere, Light of my soul, creator of my bliss. Dear, when I take you to my heart, 'tis not A whim, a frail fond fancy unto me, Enchantment gay and soon to be forgot, A little roseleaf of my memory. ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 135 I do not count my friends a trifling joy But something holy, meant for worship sweet And worthy of a love naught can destroy, Not fascination merely, bright and fleet. A true friend never could I put away With just a handclasp and a greeting glad, I want to feel him in my heart today, Cherished and loved, else were my spirit sad- — Too sad for singing — and each passing year I want to love him more and make him see Though I, too, prize the world, its mirth and cheer. He is the sun eternally to me. 136 ALONG THE GYPSY TBAIL THE LOVER SINGS You are the sunshine of my happy day, Warming my heart in all your tender love, A joy of which I 'd never have enough Were I to tread the flowery, fragrant way To far eternity. Where planets sway In yon, deep, darkling blue there high above, You are the moon at eve for dreaming of. The starlight, too, in all its soft array. Each hour seems like a miracle to me. So much it holds of worship and of mirth, Devotion such as lovers never knew ! From early dawn to twilight's mystery Your beauteous charm it is that lights the earth, — The night is heavenly for love of you. ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 137 TRIBUTE I WANT to say that you have been to me So beautiful an influence each day Of my whole life since first you came my way For me to honor, never can there be That stretch of lonely hours, but vividly I find life 's color with its song and play, Its earnest reaches beyond all the grey And I smile on so much more happily. Rich hope I find in each glimpse of your face. I look to see its radiance, somehow In just that flash I am uplifted, friend; The world's not quite the same, it has new grace. New loveliness and beauty, this I vow, And so I hope it will be till the end. 138 ALONG TEE GYPSY TRAIL HIGH LIGHTS We never see a clouded sky- Without some silver in it ; Through every day that passes by There's many a golden minute. No sorrow but has beauty, too, Upon the canvas painted — Nor any hour we 're passing through That is not sweet and sainted. ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 139 THE SONNETS OF ROSSETTI At last I found the beauty I had sought Within the pages of an olden book Where, lying at full length beside the brook Amid that lovely silence, though I caught The faintest bird-songs, I had laughed to naught My doubts and fears. Only a glance, a look — All heaven opened in that little nook And I was lost in wonder of sweet thought. What wealth the poet down the ages sent In sonnet after sonnet, gleaming gold ! How rich was I ! How blue the sky above ! Homeward at last, enchanted, on I went For life had blossomed, aye, a thousand fold More beautiful, and I — I walked with Love. 140. ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL SONNET TO THE MEMORY OF MOTHER What is there lovely, beautiful enough To say in praise of thee, mother dear, And all we knew together year in year Attuned to thy most deep and tender love, Thy fond devotion? I am dreaming of The songs, rocked at thy breast, I oft would hear Thee sing at twilight and of thy sincere Enjoyment of earth's beauty — Heaven's above. Thy flowers still bloom, thy paintings on the wall Grow lovelier for these can never die, These soft pastels that breathe thy spirit sweet ; Thy books, thy letters dearer now than all Are brightly filled with endless melody. How can I wait until we two shall meet ? ALONG THE GYPSY TRAIL 141 THE END Ah, brother, unto thee my final tribute Of pure devotion as we fare our way Toward heights of which we dream in tender longing — Here is my thought of thee from day to day. A smile upon thy face, go forward bravely, A dream within thy artist soul, climb Toward immortality o 'er mountains lofty Until thou reach at last the Truth Sublime! H 70 86 \*^^'^^*V" 'V'^'^'V^^' ^^^^'^^'^^^ ^^0^ '. * * A ^ -^"^ ♦■ 6^,^ • (^ -^ Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process ■^pv C^ ^J^vABCwLo "^ ^^ Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide vP V " SS^^S2^^ I "^"^ Treatment Date: Oct. 2009 ^ %> %^^^* J^ '^ PreservationTechnologies -i.*^ .^°"' \^ A ■^*£(i A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECTIONS PRESERVATIOI 1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township, PA 16066 (724)779-2111 %^^^^ ♦ O o K - .0 "^^ * » 1 1 • ^ V- ^^^ "oV •^cS^ 'b V" liiiii»miiiiiiir ^"'^^''^ss 018 407 928 8 ^