Class __t:S_Xli_^ Gop}TiQhtN«____U^ Ci}F)LRIGUT DEPOSm Dreams and Visions OF An Engineer By Hiram N. Smades Copyright, 1920 by H. N. Smades MAR 23 1920 ©Of.A5S6157 TO THE EISIQINEERS OF AMERICA This is the work of A Mechanic and published by request of friends PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR WATTS, CALIFORNIA CONTENTS PAGE Glad Spring 10 Youth 11 I Think of You 15 The Robber 16 On the Old St. Lawrence 17 Gone to the Hills 19 Dear Old Clothes 20 Jack and 1 21 The Exit 23 Away With Fear 24 In Childhood 25 Los Angeles 27 They Are Gone 28 The Man With a Million 29 Destruction 32 A Nightmare 33 The Restless Sea 35 The After Glow 36 Hiram's Trumpet 37 Reverie 39 Our Mansion 40 The Angel's Whisper 41 Heart Throbs 43 On to Berlin ! 44 Reflections of a Tramp 45 Transformation 47 God Help the Poor 48 The Storm 49 Sweetly They Sleep 51 The Skeleton's Ball 53 Flour Gravy 55 What Is Man? 56 Thanksgiving 57 To A Millionaire 59 The Answers That Came 60 Joy and Woe 61 The Mystery 65 Back at the Farm 82 Transmigration 83 To An Actress 84 PAGE Ingersoll 85 Winter 86 The Water Spout 87 Flames 88 None Are Lost 89 Long and Black 90 The Winds 91 A Whisper 92 Rise O Hope ! 93 Rats * 94 In Connecticut 95 Lake Michigan in November 96 By the Mystic Sea 97 Farewell 98 In the Golden Glow 99 Ice Locked 100 Like Birds Departing 101 She Lifts Her Head 102 Cloud Ships 103 The First Snow 104 Through the Storm 105 Hallelujah 106 Under Broad Elms 107 Nature Is Turning 108 Comrades 109 A Fable 112 Conundrum 113 The Ant 113 My Choice 114 To a Woman 114 Why? 115 Why is This? 115 Borrowed Garments 116 The Power Behind the Pen 116 Wounds 117 Self-Appointed Judges 117 I'd Rather be Slapped 118 When Fashion Rules 118 The Devil's Corkscrew 119 Dreams Will Live 122 Farewell 123 ®Ife AutI|or The author of this little volume opened his eyes to the light of this world July 25, 1839, on the old Smades home- stead on the bank of the St. Lawrence river, three miles from Prescott, in Ontario, Canada. He was the youngest of a family of seven children, four girls and three boys. At the age of eight years his father and mother had both passed away and he went to make his home with an uncle who was a farmer. Here the lad developed into a husky youth, who, reaping and binding in the harvest fields, kept up with the fastest cradlers. Early in life his mechanical ability was demonstrated, and at the age of sixteen he left the fields for the city, where he went into the shop of James Turmbull, a skilled ironworker and blacksmith. After a year in this place, the youth could forge as good a horse shoe or nail as the masters of the art, and he began to look about for another line of work. It was while in this shop he decided to be an engineer. With longing eyes he had watched the steamboats plying up and down the St. Law- rence river. They seemed calling him, and answering the call he crossed the river and in the shops at Ogdensburg began the schooling for his life work. He worked in a num- ber of different places before finishing his mechanical edu- cation, one of them a great concern in New York where he helped build the ponderous engines for the sea-going steamships of that day. He was yet scarce more than a youth when he had received his papers and was first en- gineer on one of the steamers of the Great Lakes. After some years of engineer service in the North and East, he went to the great Southwest, where he put in some of the largest mills in this vast new timber region. Later he went into the machinery and manufacturing business for himself. As an engineer his service to his fellow men was not only that of a constructive force in the world of industry, but a force in the moral world. With pen and purse he fought the legalized Liquor Traffic until the day of its downfall. During the years his travels have been wide and his days crowded with toil. Yet he has given expression to some of the thoughts that have come to him. From a consider- able accumulation of printed verse and unprinted frag- ments, written sometimes beside the work bench with toil- stained hands, and sometimes in far places to fill lonely hours, the matter which has been selected is left herewith with the reader. fnutlj DREAMS AND VISIONS GLAD SPRING A rift in the clouds And the sunbeams dance And a thousand songsters sing. The trees are blooming, The blue bells wave. 'Tis spring again, Glad spring! Page 10 l^mxtii See Page 11 OF AN ENGINEER YOUTH Ah! I have castles builded high Upon the pillars of the air: I have brave ships returning home With cargoes rich and treasure rare. And as I sail upon the sea When storms arise and billows curl, I dream of a calm haven bright A vine clad cottage and fair girl. Page 11 l^rHP Page 13 DREAMS AND VISIONS PRO BONO PUBLICO If people did not write their thoughts The world would have nothing to read. Page H OF AN ENGINEER I THINK OF YOU I think of you, dear heart, I think of you — At morn, when the new sun breaks o'er the hill ; And in the hush of eve when all is still, When crickets chirp and stars peep through the blue I think of you, dear heart, I think of you. Back through the vanished years, when life was new We wandered hand in hand through fields of green ; We hastened on and on, our joys unseen ; Your joy to be with me, mine to have you. As in those days, dear heart, I think of you. The path I took in life led far from you : The fleeting years have taken in their flight The happy days that I recall tonight. You walk afar down life's gray avenue Alone like me. Dear heart, I think of you. Page 15 DREAMS AND VISIONS THE ROBBER Who art thou who dares to come so bold, With steps more light than man e'er told, Unbidden, to my drawing room, and hall? Thy covetous eye's been drawn I fear By silver plate and jewel casket here ; Black villain ! Would you rob us of our all ? Burglar be gone ! Sleep comes no more to me this troubled night, Though jewels, and our plate, I find all right. My wife wakes not, and on her pillow sleeps. Pacing the room alone with crouching fear I feel some dark intruder's presence here Who lurks within and through our chamber creeps- Goblin or Ghost, away! The sleepless night is gone and day has come With shining gladness, and with insects hum ; Then thousand sunbeams dance above my head. My wife sleeps late. I go to wake her now — Laurett, Laurett ! how undisturbed art thou ! I shake her. God! she lies here cold and dead. Alas! the robber, the robber! This poem first appeared in the Arkansas Democrat. It was widely copied and voted one of the best current short poems. Page 16 OF AN ENGINEER ON THE OLD ST. LAWRENCE On the old St. Lawrence River, Where bright waters sparkling through Mossy islands by the thousand Made a picture fair to view ; Long ago two boys went wading After small ships on play seas ; Learned the swimming holes, and later Pushed their light canoe with ease ; Fished for bass and perch and sunfish, Learning of each, curious habits ; In the cedar thickets hunting — Shooting squirrels, partridge, rabbits ; Coasting down the snow clad hillside, Skating on the frozen bay^ Talking summer time and winter Of the wonders far away. E'er the boyhood play days ended. Pushed were they from the home nest; In the world to seek their fortunes One went East and one went West. One fought red-skins on the praries, And in mountains delved for gold, With a vision of a print shop When his life should be less bold. Page 17 DREAMS AND VISIONS One turned toward the ponderous engine, Pushing ships where billows gleam, His dream to hold the throttle Of that master-power Steam. On the old St. Lawrence river, Where bright waters sparkling through Mossy islands by the thousand. Make a picture fair to view — Gone the lads — and gone forever. From their haunts along the river. Page 18 OF AN ENGINEER GONE TO THE HILLS Gone to the hills, the towering hills, Where nature's treasures vie, Where worthless rock and precious ore In heaps together lie. Gone to the hills, the silent hills, Where buried treasures sleep. Where rattlesnake with poisonous fangs And the Gila monsters creep. Gone to the hills, God's great grand hills, Where mountain lions prowl; And wild cats pounce upon the quail, And hungry coyotes howl. Gone to the hills, the rock-crowned hills, Where honey sages grow; And hum of bees is on the trees Filling their sacks to go. Gone to the hills, eternal hills, God's gateways to the sky ; The finest place on earth to live And safest place to die. Page 19 DREAMS AND VISIONS DEAR OLD CLOTHES I have worn them every day Through the toil and throujrh the fray ; They've come with me all the way — Dear old clothes! Now they're worn and soiled and old, And for junk they should be sold. Yet I'll not trade them for gold : Dear old clothes! Wife says, "Give them to the poor — Please don't wear them any more." It's a thought I can't endure ! Dear old clothes! I dress up, though, once a week ; Go and hear the preacher speak. Home again I straightway seek, Dear old clothes! Not afraid to get them soiled, Not afraid to get them spoiled, They've been with me while I toiled, Dear old clothes! I have worn them every day: They've come with me all the way. Through the toil and through the fray, Dear old clothes! PageW OF AN ENGINEER JACK AND I Our home is a shack in the canyon wild, Our neighbors, coyote and deer; You can bet your boots, and be sure to win. There are no police nor courts out here — For Jack and I. Hope leads us on with a master hand And we smite the flint-like ledge ; Our treasures are yet still farther in, And we drive the opening wedge — Jack and I. With heads that are bald and gray, And with limbs that are lank and thin ; O'er dynamite drills and sledge We are driving the tunnel in — Jack and I. With feet that are calloused and worn, And hands that are bony and thin ; With fuse and cap and tamping bar We are driving the tunnel in — Jack and I. Page 21 DREAMS AND VISIONS The coyote screams his midnight song, And the owls they holler "Hoo-hoo!" And the mountain lions give us a call At night when our daily toil is through — Jack and I. We sing as we shatter the flinty rock ; Yes, better to sing than to weep. Sometimes we wonder why God in his love Has buried his treasures so deep — Jack and I. Wild animals sport o'er the hills and the plain, And the sheep lie at rest in the fold ; It is only man that wears himself out With his love and his greed for gold. Like Jack and I. Page a OF AN ENGINEER THE EXIT. Just say, "He loved the children," When you lay my bones away; And you needn't mind the flowers. And you needn't sing and pray. And forget the dark things whispered That would cloud the fairest day ; And you needn't wonder where I've gone When I leave my friends to stay. I've met none with angel pinions, While traveling down life's way: The wings come at the hatching time When our shells are cast away. So you needn't bring sweet flowers. Sing gospel songs, nor pray. Just say, "He loved the children," When my bones are laid away. Page; DREAMS AND VISIONS AWAY WITH FEAR Come Reason, come and spirits free, Come sit with me and write : Dark superstition's sway must end. Come ! Help turn on the light ! Truth's flood gates help me open wide To turn back superstition's tide. When man was young 'twas told to him That God said this and God said that And thus the wily priest had birth And soon became an autocrat To rob the worker of his toil. He robbed his prey of power and soil By holding fear above his head, And cowing him with curses dread. Away with hell where devils dwell And fumes of sulphur rise ! Away with purgatorial fire And kindred frightful lies. No hell can Truth's clear searchlight find Except the fear in man's own mind. PageH OF AN ENGINEER IN CHILDHOOD Oh Memory that brings back youth And our childhood's happy hour. In looking back through vanished years I sometimes live life over, And romp with happy heart again with one I called my lover. Wherever she was I would be, at her home or at mine; I was the trellis open armed and she the clinging vine. We had our playhouse neath a tree where happiness was rife; I was the mighty lord of earth and she the little wife : I came to dinner on a day and found a great surprise — She's carried water, mixed the mud and made a batch of pies. We taught young chickens how to swim in mother's old rain barrel. When apple blossoms fragrant hung and robins used to carol : We gathered from the meadow's breast the dandelions that glitter ; We saw the bluebirds build their nests and heard the swal- lows twitter. Paoe 25 DREAMS AND VISIONS But sadness came to us one day, my little mate and I, I quarreled with her o'er a toy and made her pout and cry. But we "made up" and friends again we took each other's hand, And sat down to amuse ourselves by printing in the sand. We waded in the brook near by, with eels and minnows brimming ; Sometimes we'd both lie down and play that we were grandly swimming. When hungry we would loiter home, wet and with clothing dripping — Our mothers would look cross at us — sometimes we got a whipping. Thus looking back through long gone years, in age I live life over, And romp with happy heart again beside my dark-eyed lover. Wherever she was I would be, at her home or at mine : I was the trellis strong and true and she the clinging vine. Page 26 OF AN ENGINEER LOS ANGELES You've heard of that heavenly city, Where spirts of good people go — A city of mansions bejewelled, Where milk and honey streams flow. But no one may enter that city Save through the dark valley of fate, We pass through the gloom of Death Valley Before we can enter its gate. But there is another fair city. Where angels oft glide to and fro In chariots (Not drawn by horses), And to this fair realm all may go — May all join the legions of angels That crowd from the North and the East To bask in the glow of her sunshine And on her rich fruitage to feast. wait not for Time with his sickle To set your oppressed spirit free. But haste to that beautiful city, That reigns by the Golden West sea. Page 27 DREAMS AND VISIONS THEY ARE GONE O where are the red men who lived where we live — Where ferryboats now swiftly ply to and fro ? They paddled their birch bark canoes in the stream, But long ago went where the wood pigeons go. The war whoop no longer is heard on the plain, The echo has died over forest and hill, The braves and their squaws have crossed into the shades, The war dance has ceased and their voices are still. The ponies they rode in the buffalo chase Are gone like the game and no tepee fires burn. The red men have crossed to the shores of the Styx In shadow canoes that will never return. The greed of the pale-face with covetous hand, Read law to the redskin with powder and ball : Where the smoke of the wigwam once rose to the blue. The skyscraper stands and the new city hall. Page 28 OF AN ENGINEER THE MAN WITH A MILLION Bowed by the weight of covet gold he leans Upon his cane and gazes at the ground, The greed of ages lurking in his soul, And on his back the burden of the world. Who made him dead to charity and love, "A thing that grieves not and that never hopes?" Cunning and sly, a brother to the fox, What sculptor carved and marked his selfish brow ? Who snatched humanity from out his breast And plucked the sight of right from his blind eye? "Whose breath blew out the light within this brain?'' "Is this the thing the world has made, and gave To have dominion over lands and sea?" To blast the rock and search the earth for power? Whose only cry is, "More! give me more!" Is this the man He made who planets hung. And pinned stars to the draped blue overhead? In the black vaults of hell to its last pit "There is no shape more terrible than this" — More fraught with censure by an .outraged world. What gulfs between him and a God of love? Slave to the wheel of wealth ! What means to him The man with hoe or woodman with his ax? What means to him, the tassled, silken corn ? Page i DREAMS AND VISIONS Or forest teeming with the singing birds? The glory of a setting western sun, Or rattling music of electric storm? He hears no anthem in the wings of bees; Nor drinks the breath of blushing clover blooms. At his grim form the toiling masses gaze, By his dread shape humanity betrayed. Defrauded, plundered, disinherited. Cries to the judge, falls at the judge's feet. The laws are his — and he with law consumes. While the real life of empires and of states Leans on his mortgaged hoe and dreams and thinks Of his posterity and hopeless fate. O Thinkers ! Patriots ! Toilers of all lands ! How will the future reckon with this man Whose iron heel has crushed the toiler's neck? How nourish his brute passion in that hour When earthquakes of rebellion shake the world, When cyclones of despair shall sweep the earth And fiery tongues lick palaces and wealth? When ships may sail on tossing seas of blood, When great Jehovah purges earth once more? Page SO OF AN ENGINEER Restoring its fair wealth to common folk When the oppression of the years is done. Go to, rich man! Weep and howl and pray! Your misery shall come upon you soon. Your riches are corrupt, your garments frail. Your gold and silver cankered, and the rust Of them shall be a witness of the truth. Their rust shall eat your flesh as if with fire. Ye have reaped treasures only for this earth. The hire of laborers who reaped your fields Ye have kept back by wolfish greed and fraud. Their voices cry. The cry has entered in The ear of the Just One who made us all. Ye have but lived in pleasure on the earth — Ye have been wanton and but fed your hearts Against a day of slaughter. Weep and pray — For this is prophecy. Written after reading Edwin Marliiiam's Man Wit?h the Hoe, and first puijlislied in tlie Arlian.sas Democrat. Payc 31 DREAMS AND VISIONS DESTRUCTION The fairest llowor the p:reen earth bears In forest, field or thicket Is robbed of fra.irrance and of life Because you deign to pick it. Tlie ghiddest birds the good God made, From ostricli down to hnnet, (live up the phimage and their lives To deck my lady's bonnet. The little kid, that skips and plays, That everybody loves — Is killed \vhile yet his life is young To make fair lady's gloves. And cattle by the million head Their harmless lives must lose; Their bodies to the butcher shop Their hides worked into shoes. So forests vanish from the earth ; Great trees in countless number Are slaughtered by the ax and sav^ That we may have our lumber. And men by million multiplied Go down in strife and war, And seem to glory in the wrecks All good men should abhor. Pane Si OF AN ENGINEER A NIGHT-MARE I had plowed all day through rocks and roots With my father's old gray mare; She straddled the trace-chains every turn, And of course it made me swear ; And I yanked her mouth with iron bit, And yelled like a wretch in despair. And that same night I had a fright From that ghost of an old gray mare. Was I hungry that night? Well, yes; And I ate three good meals in one ; I wadded down the pork and beans — ('Twere better I'd eaten none). Then I laid me down for a good night's rest, While stars in the heavens glow. But spooks came down from heights above, And imps came up from below. I heard the trace-chains rattle outside, Then the old gray mare walked in ; She came straight up beside my bed, And she gave a fiendish grin. Her eyes looked like two full-dip moons. And her ears lay back on her head ; Then she landed on me with all four feet And trampled me down in the bed. Paye 3H DREAMS AND VISIONS My back Ixnved out and belly caved in As she danced ^vith hor iron shoes: I felt like a dog in a sausage mill. With no better fate to elux>se. Oh! die 1 must, and then be cussed By the imps and the old gray mare. And I gave a scream in my horrible dream. And it wakened dad in despair. Dad called. "Why. John, what ails you now? Wi\at on eartii can the matter be?" I said, "Oh, dad. come quick, come quick! The old mare's in the bed with me!" Then dad walked in. witli lamp in hand. Rut minus working jeans: He said. "My lx\v. guess the old mare came On account of too much beans." i*«S/^it OF AN ENGINEER THE RESTLESS SEA The sea is deep, the sea is wide, And breakers foam on every side; God walled it in with grains of sand To hold the fruitful valley land. The seagulls soar above the storm, While shells and fishes multiform Are in the deep, where seaweeds curl And hide the beauties of the pearl. Great ships upon their mission go And cross the tides that ebb and flow. When storms arise the ships are tossed — Sometimes the ships and crew are lost. The sea is salt, and do you know What makes the restless ocean so? When sailors drown the mermaids weep — Salt tears make up the mighty deep. Pape 35 DREAMS AND VISIONS THE AFTER-GLOW A star dropped down from among the stars And lay hidden low in the sand. Few were to know That its golden glow Had vanished from sight in the land. The reaper cleft a blade of grass That was borne from the field of Time: Its fragrance sweet Was all complete For its life had been sublime. A son went down, far in the West Where the golden sunsets show: But his little day, Though passed away. Left its beautiful afterglow. Written on the death of Ex-Senator W. J. Hill of Salinas, Calif., a cousin of the writer and his childhood companion and lifetime friend. Page 36 OF AN ENGINEER HIRAM'S TRUMPET God gave him a trumpet and bade him blow, And he blew, and he blew, and he blew. An echo came back from the ends of the earth ; Some notes returned sad, and some full of mirth— And he blew, and he blew, and he blew. Some notes that went out from the trumpet he gave Were like bomb shells that broke in the air; Breweries tumbled and wreck strewed the ground. There were splinters and staves everywhere — And he blew, and he blew, and he blew. Another long blast from the trumpet went forth ; All the rum mills, the stills went askew, Naught left to inspect, or the tax to collect, And our good grain was saved from the brew — And he blew, and he blew, and he blew. He gave a strong blast, and a cyclone went out. And he blew, and he blew, and he blew; Old John Barlecorn and his army forlorn Were swept from the earth, a new era had birth — And he blew, and he blew, and he blew. Page S7 DREAMS AND VISIONS Then a sweet sound went forth from the trumpet, And he blew, and he blew, and he blew. The serpent's gone, and the lamb and the fawn Brought joy to the world and Millennium dawn — And he blew, and he blew, and he blew. Joy to the world from the trumpet went forth, And he blew, and he blew, and he blew. Christ the Lord has come down to His people again To proclaim peace on eath and salvation to men — And the trumpet God gave me I earnestly blew. The writer of tlie above lines opposed tlie iiquor traffic with pen and pencil for over sixty years. He lived to see the adoption of the Constitutional Amend- ment making" the United States dry territory. Proverbs 20 :7 — Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging ; and whosoever Is deceived thereby is not wise. Page 3S OF AN ENGINEER REVERIE The golden days and summer haze, When we oft walked together Adown the glen where maple shade And elder blooms made sweet the glade. Have vanished now forever. The brook that flows through field and fen Where flags and cattails waver Through the ravine, on toward the mill. Whose moss grown wheel is standing still, To turn no more forever. Today I view the scenes alone. The seasons go and come, to sever The friends that rambled with me there; These will not walk with me again. Dear past ! Gone — gone forever. Little IJock, Ark., Oct., I'M):',. Pane 39 DREAMS AND VISIONS OUR MANSION I am settling up my business And preparing for a journey — I'm going to a country far away; To a home of peace and quiet, And I shall not have to buy it — No mortgages mature there day by day. There's no want in that fair country, And no banks to hoard the gold ; No greedy souls to rob the toiling poor; But a mansion richly furnished, With its walls all white and burnished — Where the greedy never enter at the door. In our Father's ancient mansion There is room for all who enter — The title's everlasting and secure. There's no millionaire can buy it, Not a rich man needs to try it — This mansion God has builded for his poor. PageiO OF AN ENGINEER THE ANGEL'S WHISPER O lark of the meadow, your song's full of sweetness, As you call to your mate o'er the lea ; Your sweet notes are blending with voices descending. While the angels are whisp'ring to me. O white-breasted swallow, so gracefully darting. As you twitter and glide in your glee, You've come once again to bring springtime's sweet message While the angels are whisp'ring to me. cricket down under the old stone step chirping, Safely hidden where no eye can see; 1 love your glad song in the calm of the evening When the angels are whisp'ring to me. O honey-bee humming, you kiss the sweet flowers, Then fly up to your home in the tree ; With wonderful neatness you store up the sweetness While the angels are whisp'ring to me. little brown ant, you industrious fellow. With your store houses hid in the land, You teach us a lesson on how to be thrifty As you pile up the grains of the sand. Page il DREAMS AND VISIONS And rabbit, wild bunny, that hops in the thicket. Better watch for the hungry coyote; You're swift as a ranger, yet always in danger Lest you get a hole torn in your coat. And watch dog that growls at a stranger's appearing And to bark at the moon is full free. With bird, beast and insect, keep still for a minute While the angels are whisp'ring to me. beautiful world with its beauteous creations, Its forests, its rivers, its blue rolling seas : 1 must bid you good-night and enter the slumber — The Angels of Dreamland are calling to me. Page i2 OF AN ENGINEER HEART THROBS Be still, my heart, Nor throb so wild tonight; The fleeting years have gone And taken in their flight The flush of youth I'm old, forsooth. Be still, sick heart : Thy loved one lies at rest ; Nor moan, nor weep, nor sigh : God's way is always best. This is His will. My aching heart, Be still ! Be still, sore heart : Thy wounds can never heal. Come soon, O Fatal Wheel — God's greatest boon at last. This is His will, heart, be still, Be still! Little Uock, October, 1002. Page 1,3 nilKAMS AND VISIONS ON TO BERLIN We arc cotninp:, Father Woodrow, Ton million soldiers strong; The eaglos are a-screaniinp:. While our hosts are marehin.u; on. 'Neath the shadows of OUl (^lory, And above tiie noise and din. Freedom's voiee is eallinjr, ealling: "On to Berlin ! Onto Berlin!" Down fi-om the craggy mountains Come the hardy mountaineers; Up from the fruitful valleys Trami> the hordes of volunteers; And the eowboys are a-eoming To free Belgium and the Finn, And make a World Republic; '•On to Berlin! On to Berlin!" Mav. I '.US. l\>gc 44 OF AN ENGINEER REFLECTIONS OF A TRAMP Backward, far backward, throuj^h swift rolling years, A fair little cottag:e returns to my view, With vine covered porch and evergreens by it, And dear little woman with eyes true and blue. Sitting together when worktime was over, We rocked as the moon shone, the whole evening through While mocking birds sang to whipporwills calling, We planned for the future as young people do. We sat in the shade of the broad-spreading maple. We walked in the garden where carnations grew, We culled summer roses and put on the mantle And violet that scented the whole cottage through. Oh cruelly broken the joys of my home-life, When first I drank beer at the bar o'er the way, The appetite grew like a horrible cancer To strangle my manhood and drive love away. /'«,(/<; f'i DREAMS AND VISIONS The liquor saloon was to me ever calling; I drank at its fountain and bathed in its shame, Turned my back on the cottage and love ever pleading, And traveled the highway of blight and ill-fame. Alone on the road of life's hurry and tumult, The mirror reflects but a wreck to my view. And under the stars, with hay for a pillow, My fair wife and cottage — I oft dream of you. }' OF AN ENGINEER TRANSFORMATION The soul finds a home in the new-born babe When the first breath of life is drawn, And holds the fort until the structure falls, Then the soul comes out and is gone. — Genesis, 2nd chapter, 7th verse. Day follows day and night follows night, And the centuries onward roll ; Youth follows youth and age follows age, By the breath of a living soul. — John 3 :15 and 4 and 36. How many times have we lived on earth, And how many times have we died ? How many bodies have we worn out With souls that will always abide ? — First Epistle General of John, and 25th verse. And thus it is the soul lives on; When one body goes to decay Another body with a new name God gives in His own good way. — Eccleslastes, 6 and 10. Page f,7 DREAMS AND VISIONS GOD HELP THE POOR Whon the lamps all glow with light And the (ires are warm and bri.uht. And tho c'liilling wind moans dreary out the door, WiuMi tiio snow tlakes till the air And the sleet drives everywhere, My soul goes out to Thee — God help the poor! When 1 tread the crowded street And the richly clad 1 meet — When I see the laden counters in each store, When I see one wan of face, Empty handed in life's race, Then my soul goes out to Thee — God help the poor! In the vaults are sacks of gold Hoarded up to rust and mould Hy the hand of Greed which makes the Ix^lts secure, Which could save the frightful loss That is poverty's sure coast, INly heart goes out to Thee — God help the poor! i'fiyc 4» OF AN ENGINEER THE STORM The peerless Watts was a clipper ship And a clipper ship was she; She sailed out straight from the Golden Gate And she made for the open sea. "East southeast!" the skipper called And the good ship veered about; She is scudding down before the wind With every sheet filled out. "A squall !" rang out from the afterwatch. And the squall was plain to see; Clouds as black as a raven wing Were swooping down on the sea. "Aloft, ye dogs of the sea! Aloft! Up ! Up and furl each sail ! Old Neptune is blowing his trumpet hard, Make ready our ship for the gale!" The sails were in and anchor lashed, And the storm came down with a howl ; Blue lightning hissed adown the spars And thunder clouds did growl. l'r nil lli'sli Is n.s Kfass. iuu\ nil tlu> >;lov.v o( man j\s (lu> lU>wor of gnu Tho KNS wllhcivth ami ll\i< iKnvor thoroof lalUMli. I'olor •-'-■«. Only a blade of jrrass In the nioadow ot* the world: Only a fallen leaf l\v drivinir tempests hurled. Only a stalk of .urain With the reaper's siekle near. Only a passing breath In 'rime's relentless ear. Only an earthen vase That Satan strives to till. And yet a chosen vessel To voice the Potter's will. PmgtX OF AN ENGINEER THANKSGIVING A nation's j?ratitude to-day Goes out to Thoo, Almijifhty God; Wc thank Thee for 'J'hy ^iftH of love, And [)raisc Thee for the chastening rod. The fruitful seasons come and jjo, With summer days and winter storm; The blessinjrs, countless as the stars, Descend upon us multiform. The cotton fields are white with down, Our wheat fields were as sheets of jjfold; The orchard boughs were bended low With fruitage rich and many-fold. Again the corn fields yield the ear. Our cribs are filled with golden grain. The vines were hung with clustered grapes, The vintage fills our casks again. The mines unfold their wealth to us. The gold, the silver and the coal — These are the Lord's rich gifts to men; F'orgive us, Lord, when we contend. Forgive us. Lord, though we forget To thank Thee while we feast and drink; PuiJi; n DREAMS AND VISIONS We did not make these things ourselves — The earth belongs to Thee, we think. We did not make the luscious fruits That drop from orchard, bush and vine ; We did not shape the fatted fowl, Nor make the grapes that give us wine. Forgive us. Lord, though we forget. We did not make the wheat and corn; Our little hands are only toys. All those of a great God are born. And so we praise Thy name today For joys and blessings multiplied; We praise Thee for Thy gift su])reme, Thine only Son, the Crucified. November 20. 1017. Watts. Cal. Page 5S OF AN ENGINEER TO A MILLIONAIRE O rich man, wrapped in thy silken coat, Dost thou have aught to fear, When wintry winds sweep over the hills. And forest leaves are sere? rich man, thou hast thine acres broad. Steam heat, wrought chandelier. When winter winds drive through hovels bare Dost thou have naught to fear? rich man, tho hast thine acres broad, Thy vaults groan with thy store. Why squeeze thy riches in thy hand And struggle yet for more ? Thy days are numbered, foolish man ! The hand writes on the wall — Thou shalt go the way the beggar goes And leave thy hoarded all. O rich man, thou art so slow to learn That earth and her stores within Belongs to a God that looks upon Greed as a damning sin. O rich man, drunk on the wine of wealth. When it shall be too late Charge not the vengeance wrecked on a fool To bling and aimless Fate. Page 59 DREAMS AND VISIONS THE ANSWERS THAT CAME I called to Wealth ; he turned from me With haughty look, and said, "The world's a store-house full of goods, The door is open, all are free, 'Tis full from basement to top shelf — Walk in and help yourself, yourself." I called to Glory, and it came — Back from the mountainside and plain — An echo came, up from the vale, And from the far-off wooded hill. From city walls of many story A taunting voice cried "Glory, glory!" I called to Fame, to write my name Upon the record book of time ; My name was caught up by the wind And borne where'er the free winds blow ; The four winds whisper soft my name — A soon-forgotten name. Ah! Fame! I called to Love to quench my thirst, To fill my yearninj>-, empty soul ; Then from a temple in the skies A sweet voice called, "Come unto me," I looked, and lo! a spirit dove Came down and filled my soul with love. Page 60 OF AN ENGINEER JOY AND WOE JOY I went to the church and the preacher preached; His theme was love and cheer — good cheer. Then the organ played and the singers sang, "Joy to the world, Heaven's here — is here." WOE I passed the door of a gin saloon. And there came from within the fumes of beer, And a drunkard screamed with tremens mad: ''Hell is on earth. Hell's here — is here." JOY Let us go to a beautiful garden now, The fragrance of the flowers is always here. And a song bird sings with swelling throat: "What a beautiful world. Heaven's here — is here.' WOE To the grim state prison next we go. Where out through the bars the prisoners peer. And a pale-faced youth with trembling voice Said, "Help me get out for Hell is here." Paye Gl DREAMS AND VISIONS JOY "O, love that will not let me go," A poet sang: with a vision clear, "Love in the soul, with a Christian life, Brings Heaven here — brings Heaven here." WOE In a city's den, where dark vice lurks, And the inmates crouch with shame and fear, A young girl on her dying couch Said, 'They dosed me with wine, and Hell is here. Oh, shame on men — Hell is here." Page 6S ®I|? iiuaterg l'ii()e Ki DREAMS AND VISIONS A Midnight Vision The author of this poem sat up alone In a room to watch the old year out and the new year In, and just at twelve o'clock midnight, when the hells began to ring he commenced to write. The verses were flnished before daylight. Page 6i OF AN ENGINEER THE MYSTERY The new year brings new resolutions, To men and maids and institutions ; The new year came, I sat reflecting On what Fd done and been neglecting: Back through the past and silent years. Fought with hard toiling and with tears, Intent was I, and rapt in dreaming; The grate was bright with coals a-gleaming. My lamp sat on the stand a-glowing ; The midnight hours were swiftly going; The Tower Bell, with solemn tone. Rang out the hours — I sat alone — I sat there. Thinking, Winking, Blinking. Page 65 DREAMS AND VISIONS Ah! then there came a silent creature — A softly moving, noiseless creature — Though my door was locked securely, In she stepped, proud and demurely, With steps as light as spirit's tread ; With haughty look, and toss of head, She scrutinized the room with care. Then sat her in the rocking chair. Surprised, I rose in quite a fluster. And yet, in silence, without bluster To me the meeting was quite shocking ; She heeded naught, but went to rocldng. I stood and Gazed, Amazed, Quite dazed. Pa(/c 66 OF AN ENGINEER When love is born within a soul Customs and laws do not control. There lingers with me from my birth A love for beauteous things on earth : And so mine eyes with hungry stare Looked on the beauty of the fair; The golden curls and tossing plume Of her who sat within my room ; I saw her arm and taper'd hand, Her form both delicate and grand. Fate or fear starts my heart knocking- The silent guest keeps rocking, rocking. I stood there. Grounded, Astounded, Dumbfounded. Par/e 67 DREAMS AND VISIONS In love's fond march there's no receding; And soon forgetting all my breeding, I so intently viewed the form My heart was torn with silent storm; Her head was crowned with glossy curls, Her teeth were bright as polished pearls, Her silken lashes long and bright, Environed eyes dark as the night, A face more sweet than angels wear Was wreathed within the glossy hair; My heart grew quick with violent knocking As my fair guest kept rocking, rocking. I stood there. Excited, Indicted, Delighted ! Page 68 OF AN ENGINEER When war grows fierce and cannon roar, The soldier's fear is always o'er; Though he lay vanquished in the sun, Or triumph when the battle's won. The storm within my breast now ceased. My gaze and scrutiny increased. Our language fails with words or stress This fair one's beauty to express. Though I grew wild to speak her name, I could not, nor know whence she came. Her slippers showed, and a white stocking, As she sat rocking, rocking, rocking. And I stood there, Amused, Enthused, Confused ! Page 69 OF AN ENGINEER "Be ye maiden, ghost, or witch?" (Love's blind passion cares not which;) Those red rosebuds, lined with pearl, I will kiss them, my fair girl." Then I moved toward her a pace, Lo! she quickly turned her face. And I met her dark eyes staring. Through my soul these eyes seemed tearing, And I stood there, not receding. As my motives she was reading. My whole system seemed unlocking As she kept on rocking, rocking; While my heart kept Jumping, Thumping, Bumping ! Page 70 OF AN ENGINEER Now growing faint and sore oppressed, The silent spectre I addressed: "I pray thee, madam, since I, blest With thy sweet presence, thou my guest, May I not learn of thee thy name ; Pray tell me, and from whence you came? Wouldst thou some news to me unfold That needs in secret to be told? Why hast thou sought me thus alone? I pray thee make thy wishes known." In sullen dumbness that was shocking She still kept rocking, rocking, rocking! I stood there. Aching, Shaking, Quaking ! Page 71 DREAMS AND VISIONS Entreaties make the heart «:row bold: My strength came back now many fold. Though dark foreboding o'er me hover, This mystery now I must discover. "How came ye here through locks and bars — Hast thou dropped from among the stars? Art thou the Nemesis which hist'ry Surrounds with vengeance and with myst'ry? Seek ye here for restitution, — Broken vows or resolution? Why sit ye thus in silence mocking? Come, cease thy rocking, rocking, rocking!" I stood there. Staring, Glaring, Daring! Pageti OF AN ENGINEER "Tell me, dark ey'd midnight maiden, With your rich charms heavy laden, Art thou the Queen of Fairy Land, Or of some roving gypsey band? Hast thou good fortune stored for me? Does condemnation bide with thee? Art thou in secret service biding. To seek some genius when in hiding To drag before the world for trial? Speak, speak, I pray you, make denial !" Her rocking now seemed quite complete. She rose and stood upon her feet. I stood there. At last. Aghast And fast! Paijc 73 DREAMS AND VISIONS Those white hands to her bosom flew, The silken fastenings to undoe. And from the opening then she slipped The arms with which she came equipped. Her left hand drew a cord pure white, And a barbed arrow with her right. I trembled and with deep-drawn sigh Read my sad fate in her dark eye. With angel gesture and with art She pressed the white cord to her heart. This cord means love, I apprehend With the barbed arrow at the end. I stood there. Exposed, Deposed, Transposed ! Page Ik OF AN ENGINEER In the north seas the whaler stands With line and harpoon in his hands To smite the monster of the deep Whose bone and oil the whalers keep. I am no whale with blubber oiled, To be harpooned, cut up and boiled. To live is joy, to die is just, To earth belongs all living dust. The arrow that may strike by day Or midnight visitor may slay, Yet fear has fled, I cannot weep. For He who keeps me does not sleep. I stood there. Consenting, Repenting, Relenting! Paye 75 DREAMS AND VISIONS And now the midnight specter stands With cord and arrow in her hands; "How beautiful she is," thought I, When, Lo! she let the missle fly; I felt the shock, the sting, the smart. For Oh ! it pierced my throbbing heart. I raised my hands to call the Lord — Ah! then she drew hard on the cord; My poor heart soon had ceased to beat, And I lay vanquished at her feet; I felt the cold, calm kiss of death Upon my lips at the last breath. A Voice said: "He is dead. Make his bed." And she fled. Page 76 OF AN ENGINEER Some consciousness I still retained, Some lingering memories still remained, E'er I had left the fallen clay, Forever to remain away : I lisped, as in the days of yore. My evening prayer when day was o'er : "And now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep." All pain had ceased and I was blest With fearless calm and peaceful rest, While glorious visions o'er me swept — And in my soul a new life le'pt. That would Not sigh. Nor cry, Nor die ! Page 77 DREAMS AND VISIONS O ! mystery ! I live, I live — I hear and see, yet cannot give A sigh, nor sound, nor motion make; I sleep in death, yet am awake; I see a wreath and flowers lay Upon a little mound of clay. Up from my head there seems to rise A polished stone toward the skies; Within, a sculptured wreath, a name Placed there by the just hand of fame ! The day is dawning; out of night I seem to float in seas of light. The new life, Never To sever. For ever! Page 78 OF AN ENGINEER Then there came walking through the air, With snowy robes and visage fair, A messenger whom I did greet; The scars of spikes were on his feet, And Roman spikes had torn the hands. That gather souls from many lands, That pressed the children to his breast And gave the groaning leper rest. Oh ! joy supreme, he whispered "Come !" 0! boundless love, I'm going home To Father's mansion in the skies, Farewell to earth ! I rise, I rise ! Life Everlasting, Fraternal, Supernal, Eternal ! Page 79 JFragm^ntH Paye 81 DREAMS AND VISIONS BACK AT THE FARM Such hours as these I cherish, Happy scenes on life's rough way. Flowers fill the air with fragrance And birds sing their roundelay. Scenes that all my senses charm Back from childhood's days so pleasant, Greet a wanderer returning To the old home farm. Augusta, Canada, 1872. Page 82 OF AN ENGINEER TRANSMIGRATION From bank to bank and shore to shore The ferry laden crosses o'er From either side the travelers come To cross the stream and hasten on. The silent river flows away By stately forest, point, and bay. Nor ceases till it gains the sea. Where rivers find their destiny. And they who cross on ferryboat Adown time's stream swift onward float. Till they all reach the other sea Whose bounds are vast eternity. Martin's Ferry. Page 83 DREAMS AND VISIONS TO AN ACTRESS For charity I went in search 'neath spire and dome, Where worshippers knelt low at altars fair, In gorgeous robes and jewels rich and rare. They said their prayers, paid their tax, went home, But Charity, it was not there. I went into an attic, called by direst woe ; A woman there whose life had not been white — Diseased, abused, her womanhood a blight. One like an angel moved about the place And served the women with the haunted face. An actress she. I had not thought to find it so — Yet Charity was here, I know. Pa()C 8!, OF AN ENGINEER INGERSOLL Giant of intellect and orator sublime ! He lived a hundred years before his time. Hated and crucified by ignorance uncouth Because he dared to live and speak the truth. Beneath a monument of bronze he sleepeth well : For him no purgatory, no nor burning hell. He loved Mankind — the Free Land of his birth. Sweet be his sleep upon the breast of Mother Earth. On the death of Robert IngersoU. Paoe 85 DREAMS AND VISIONS WINTER Black arc the clouds and blue with cold ; Tho hills are covorod with drifted snow; Tiio toworinj>- pines are bendinjr East As wild the wind from the West doth blow. Marked are the windows with artistry, Like cedar trees of the Northern clime And bunches of rushes and tall, wild ^niss Traced in the silver of winter time. Mniilsti-o, Mli-h., IVo. (i, 1871. Pane 8C, OF AN ENGINEER THE WATER SPOUT Hanging mountains of mist — So the cloud bank looked from shore : But as it moved swiftly landward It was this — and something more. Craggy and ragged cliffs Yawned black as graves full of dead While shadowy ghouls and devils Seemed gathering overhead. Monsters with long black necks Broke loose and the water struck, Struck with an awful crash and roar With a hiss and boil and suck. The troubled waters writhed And threw up their arms of spray, But the frenzied monsters seized them And rushed shoreward with their prey. Cleveland, July 10, 1897. After seeing waternpoiitH from the Bhore. I'ltfic 87 DREAMS AND VISIONS FLAMES From row to row they sweep ; From block to block they leap These saddening, maddening Lighting, blighting flames ! Terror supremely reigns As the inferno gains : Burning at morning — noon — And by the rising moon. Burning at early dawn And with a fresh day gone. From a lengthy poem on tb«> Chicago fire, 1871. Page 88 OF AN ENGINEER NONE ARE LOST O friends of mine so kind and true That long have passed from my dim view, Wher'er your course has tracked the main In some port we shall meet again. For none have ever yet been lost Though rough and stormy the way crossed. One Captain stands before each mast To pilot all safe home at last. Page 89 DREAMS AND VISIONS LONG AND BLACK Long and black ! Long and black Are the mourning flags along the track! Black, black, deep mourning everywhere And sounds of sobbing in the air. E'en winds sob as the black they blow, Our noble Lincoln lying low. Long and black, Long and black. Is a Nation's mourning in this hour Made victim of assassin's pow'r. Written during a trip on Welland Canal at the time of the assassination of President Lincoln. The emblems of mourning on the Canadian side were not less in evidence than in the States. Page 90 OF AN ENGINEER THE WINDS Leap up ye merrie winds that cleave the skies And sweep throu^^h eanyon wild where mountains rise; 'I'hen baek throujifh wooded [lills, o'er dark morass, And steppe and forest as ye singing pass. Sw(!ep on, yo. fitful winds, across th(! plain, Around (.ape Horn and down the coast a^ain; Across the plunging seas where storms are horn And simoons thirst to kiss thmot(>r.v, Detroit. Kiid of KUinnior, 1872. Page 99 OF AN ENGINEER IN THE GOLDEN GLOW The sea rolled in through the Golden Gate Where a thousand proud ships lay, And the Golden Glow of the Selling Sun Made molten rose of the ruffled bay. Sun Ii'runclsco, 1!)1(». l'(i(/d pecker pecks — and pecks, And the jay bird scolds and scolds As it views the falling Hake, Page lOi OP^ AN ENGINEER THROUGH THE STORM Out on the Sea of Life alone The storm drives fierce, the nip^ht is dark: O Pilot of the Soul, in Thee I trust To guide my storm-swept, tossing barque. Tori lliiroii, 1!)();{. I'ni/c lor, DREAMS AND VISIONS HALLELUJAH ! There is music in the air From the mountain to the sea ! It comes up the fertile valley And across the flow'ry lea; It springs up from the depths. It drops down from the sky : It is "Glory hallelujah! California's going dry!" Page lOG OF AN ENGINEER UNDER BROAD ELMS Beneath the broad green elms I sit, Where sparrows chirp and robins sing; I love to look and listen here To that which brings to my heart spring. Boston Commons, July 6, 1872. Page 101 DREAMS AND VISIONS NATURE IS TURNING When the cold autumnal winds Drive the honey bees all home; When the yellow leaves turn brown And the butterflies are gone; When the swallows have flown south And the winds of winter sigh; Sing a song of joy and hope Nature's turning on her track — Turning to bring summer back. Page 108 OF AN ENGINEER COMRADES We dash, we splash the pebbles o'er We waltz and trip together. We sing our happy, mystic song As breezes roll our waves along Forever and forever. Milwaukee, by the lake. Page 109 Page 111 DREAMS AND VISIONS A FABLE A mud turtle crept out of the mud and sat near a frog sunning itself on a log which lay in the pond. At the edge of the log a clam was slowly making its way along the bot- tom and leaving a furrowed streak behind it. "Ah!" said the turtle, being an old gossip, "see our neighbor; how everlastingly slow she is getting along. It seems to me she is the most stupid thing I ever saw." "Yes," said the frog, "not only stupid, but filthy. Look at the mud on her dress as she goes trailing along with her face down, as if ashamed to look up." "She is contemptible," said the turtle. "I envy her for one thing only," said the frog earnestly. "She has within that plain dress and homely form a pearl of great value." "Is it possible?" said the turtle. "Oh, yes, it is sought after by kings and princes, by millionaires, and is a rare gem." "That being the case, I owe my neighbor an apology," said the turtle. "I am only a mud turtle, with no pearl within." "And I am only a frog with a long tongue, and will try and think of the pearl my neighbor has, before speaking of her faults." Moral : Speak of your neighbor's good qualities, think of your own meanness, and keep quiet. Page 112 OF AN ENGINEER CONUNDRUM The profiteer and buzzard — Alike they are. And why? Both flourish on misfortune And they both fly high. THE ANT The ant that fills, with hardest work Its storehouse 'neath the soil, Deserves respect more than the leech Who lives upon another's toil. Page 113 DREAMS AND VISIONS MY CHOICE I'd rather leave one child on earth Whose life would make earth better, Than leave a million to inspire Some sordid money getter. TO A WOMAN Friendship and love, like the wild honey-bee, Seek the flowers that yield the most sweet. Friendship and love — just as honey-bees do — Quickly perish on nothing to eat. Page 11!, OF AN ENGINEER WHY? Why should a man be but a shrimp And in life's effort fail When he might by boldly launching out, Become instead a whale? WHY IS THIS? Giants have walked the earth unseen — Unknown to fame and story, While throngs have cheered the silly dwarf And made him heir to glory. Page 113 DREAMS AND VISIONS BORROWED GARMENTS The forms of men are garments angels wear; But oftentimes for lack of honest use The devil gets him into them a while To plunder, murder and seduce. THE POWER BEHIND THE PEN When angels move the pen Moved by the hands of men, What's written moves the men That moved the moving pen. Page 116 OF AN ENGINEER WOUNDS The wounds of a saber are easily borne By him who a victory has sung, But painful the wound of an honest heart When made by a lying tongue. SELF APPOINTED JUDGES The tumult of the world goes on — the bitter strife That mortgages the happiness of life. Deliver me, from those who know not love, God, Yet sit in judgment with the chastening rod. Roland, Ark. Page 117 DREAMS AND VISIONS I'D RATHER BE SLAPPED I'd rather be slapped by Honesty's hand Right square in the face forsooth. Than be caressed by the velvet paw That strangles Freedom and Truth. WHEN FASHION RULES When fashion rules and Nature yields to art, And life is hurt by daily jar and fret. 'Tis best to shut our dreams close in the heart And go the way alone — love and forget. Leadville. Colo., 1890. PdDC US OK AN ENGINEER TFIF. DEVIL'S CORKSCREW The corkHcn^w of the devil — TIiat'H whiskey. JuhI to i'ool with it — and fool — 'rhat'.s rJHky. Once iio ^ets his corkscrew in A-ia-Kin, IIc'll Hti(;k with you on th(; bout Till h(!'H poured your maniiood out, And the emi)ty bottle east On the ruS)biMh h(!a[) at la.st. I'aijd It'J ^Ul1Bl*t I'aiiv. m DREAMS AND VISIONS DREAMS WILL LIVE The dreams of my life have been many, Thoug-h I've toiled from my youth alway: Yet I know in my heart that the dreams will live When the toil has passed away. Puffe I2i ^mx^ti See Page IS OF AN ENGINEER FAREWELL 'Tis evening now, the long dark night is near; I'm satisfied with years, and God will keep My ashes and my Soul. In peace I rest In the Creator's arms awaiting sleep. I fear no Man-made hell. I seek no priest- Made heaven. Remorse give me no tear to weep. God's laws are just. All flesh goes back to dust, While Souls go to the One who gave, to keep. My work is done — sweet peace broods over me — The harvest fields now younger men must reap. The good-night song of long-gone years I hear, And in God's arms I'm being rocked to sleep. Life's fleeting, joyful day — how quickly closed! Locked eyelids soon will veil my earth-day light. Farewell, bright world — world beautiful : Farewell ! My children and my faithful wife. Good-night. "LeHt I should pass suddenly, will now say farewell." — Written on the edge of the paper on which the verses were found. Paoe 123 1/ iilHlR Hi LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 015 762 919