I 
 
SCATTERED 
 EOSE LEAVES 
 
 * 
 
 BY 
 
 MAGGIE OLIVE JORDAN, 
 
 Author of "God's. Smiles; or, A Look Into His Face' 
 and "Ways of the World," 
 
 ■M 
 
 SAN ANTONIO : 
 
 I ART PRrNTKK 
 
LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
 Two Cepies Received 
 
 FES 1 1904 
 
 -N Copyright Entry 
 CLASS CL XXc. No. 
 
 1 ^ ^ ^ s 
 
 ■ COPY B 
 
 
 COPYRIGHTED BY 
 
 MAGGIE OLIVE JORDAN. 
 

 G 
 
 words of mine, like the carrier dove, 
 
 May you timely, gently bear 
 
 Some message of peace, 
 And lodge it safely where 
 Love is needed, in a friendless world of care. 
 
 Go! Take the message, tho' crude it may be; 
 Fly straight to the heart that's waiting for 
 
 thee, 
 I know in turn some blessing will come 
 
 back, 
 Tho' my humble verses in finish and style 
 
 may lack. 
 
 Go! If you but live one brief hour, 
 
 And give joy, and calm, to one that lacks 
 
 the power 
 To press onward thro' the clouded day, 
 [ shall thank Him who sent thee on thy 
 
 way. 
 
 —The Author. 
 
Scattered Rose Leaves. 
 
 ■^ 
 
 WHO IS GOD ? 
 
 WHO is God- He Is that voice, 
 That whispers in silence— "Live on, 
 rejoice, 
 And learn of me, with each fleeting breath, 
 JL am thy life wherein there Is no death!" 
 
 %^t t^w %^^ 
 
 MY SOUL. AND 1. 
 
 I 
 
 OFT times have strange fancies, 
 
 And sometimes through them stray» 
 And I stand so near the abbyss 
 That shuts out the light of da:^. 
 
 But a hand eternal holds me, 
 And thrusts me from its brink, 
 
 And I hear a voice familiar, 
 
 'Tis the voice of my soul, I think. 
 
 No difference where I Wander, 
 Or v/hat my thoughts may be, 
 
 That hand and Voice eternal 
 Follows ever close to me. 
 
 So gentle^ firm and tender 
 My soul doth seem to be, 
 
 And 0, I sometimes wonder 
 Why it walks so close to me. 
 
Scattered JRose Leaves. 
 
 But it will not with me argue. 
 
 But it seems to understand 
 That I am a poor weak mortal 
 
 That needs a guiding hand. 
 
 It oft times soothes my heartaches. 
 And bids me smile again 
 O'er strange and fickle fancies, 
 Through which I've gathered pain. 
 
 This soul of mine so watchful 
 Seems such a Sage and Seer, 
 
 No difference where I wander. 
 This soul of mine is near. 
 
 Stands there in all its power 
 Of Wisdom, Truth and Light, 
 
 And draws me from wild fancies 
 
 That would lead me through the Night. 
 
 And so we thus go wandering 
 
 Through paths oft times most wild. 
 
 My so'ul appears the Master, 
 And I the wayward child. 
 
 t^V t^* t^** 
 
 TRANSITION. 
 
 w 
 
 HEIN this short span of life is snapped 
 And I drift out into my place, 
 Shall I be in great wonder wrapped. 
 In greeting loved ones face to face? 
 
 Shall I tread the path all alone, 
 Or shall I be led to that land 
 By some familiar one who has 
 Before me trod the blesser strand? 
 
Scattered Rose Leaves, 
 
 And will I feel secure and strong, ^ 
 In Paradise of loVe and song, 
 Or will the wonder of it all 
 Disturb my peace and me appall? 
 
 Oh, no> such surely will not be> 
 For God has promised good to me, 
 And all has been most wisely planned 
 By His own great and loving hand. 
 
 Of my journey loved ones shall know, 
 In the bright land to whicli I go, 
 And they will meet me at the gate 
 Of that sweet home for which I wait. 
 
 The guide unto my soul shall be 
 A ransomed soul from fear set free> 
 For perfect love which knows no fear 
 Dwells in that home of light so clear 
 
 iSB t^ *^ 
 
 THE KINGDOM OP HEAVEN. 
 
 mHE Kingdom of Heaven 
 I Dwelleth within, 
 
 When your thoughts turn to love, 
 And your heart knows no sin. 
 
 The Kingdom of Heaven 
 
 Is within and without, 
 When your thoughts are in harmony, 
 
 And your faith knows no doubt. 
 
 The Kingdom of Heaven 
 
 Is found everywhere. 
 Fill your soul with sweet thoughts 
 
 If this Kingdom you'd share. 
 
Scatfered Rose J.eoves. 
 
 THE LIGHT BEHIND. 
 
 How strange that thro' every shadow — 
 Tho' dense at first it appears. 
 If I gaze — tho' my eyes may be paining 
 
 With a strong overflow of tears, 
 I can see — away in the shadow 
 
 Back behind its darkness a light 
 That radiates ar!d v/arms up my pulses, 
 
 Dispeling in time all the night; 
 And leaves me always wondering, 
 
 Why I shrink at the gloom 
 Since I know there is a light just behind it, 
 
 That will burst forth upc-n me soon. 
 A light that grows with repeating, 
 
 More glorious than any I've seen, 
 Bringing hope to me and a blesing. 
 
 Arrayed in new beauty and sheen. 
 
 t^ t5* c<^ 
 
 PROVIDENCE. 
 
 OLord, are not ravens daily fed by Thee! 
 And wilt Thou clothe the lilies and not 
 me? 
 Wilt Thou mark the tiny sparrows fall 
 Then turn the deaf ear unto my call? 
 
 Wilt Thou nourish the tender flower, 
 With the sparkling dew drop's sho<wer 
 And leave me to wither and decay 
 Who looks to Thee from day to day? 
 
 Away! Distrust, I will not borrow ' 
 Fears that will bedim tomorrow. 
 
 Like the bird, I'll depend on you ' 
 
 Will live and grow as the flowers do. ; 
 
Scattered Ease Leaves. 
 
 WHY? 
 
 WHAT makes the heart at times so rest- 
 less, full of woe, 
 A longing for something— we do not 
 know? 
 Is it to teach us there is something ahead— 
 
 beyond. 
 That we must build sweet faith upon? 
 
 Is this something held beyond our grasp 
 To make us seek by faith some truth to 
 
 clasp? 
 Is this tearful feeling, planted in our soul 
 To purify it like burnished gold? 
 
 If not, why be these sighs and tears. 
 These waiting moments of doubts and fears? 
 If they do not to us some good befall, 
 Why do they to us come at all? 
 
 Ah, yes, I ask, why be these moments of 
 sadness, 
 
 If not at last to create for us some glad- 
 ness? 
 
 Something that will thrill, enrapture 
 
 The soul at last, and some sweet truth 
 capture? 
 
 And open our eye, the eye within 
 That sees the good of all— no sin. 
 And will prepare us, make us stronger 
 To bear some other hidden secret longer. 
 
 That will perhaps create for us 
 Some greater wisdom that we cannot now 
 discuss. 
 
10 Scattered Rose Leaves. 
 
 Then patience with these half-blind mo- 
 ments need we. 
 Patience that will clear ail mystery. 
 
 And when the time be ripe for us to know 
 Surely the shadows will disperse and light 
 Will flow, 
 
 ^W <^v «^v 
 
 PLEA FOR STRENGTH. 
 
 INFINITE One of Light and Love, 
 Help me daily the enigmas of life to 
 solve. 
 Dispel this gloom that now pervades my 
 
 soul 
 And press me onward to a higher goal. 
 
 And in its place true confidence restore, 
 The loss of which makes the heart sad and 
 
 sore, 
 Open my eyes again to the goodness about 
 Reign in my thoughts from the ways of 
 
 doubt . 
 
 Harmonise my being once again 
 To throb in sweet accord free from pain. 
 Rid me of all selfishness and worriment 
 That I may once more gain that sweet con- 
 tent 
 
 For when I think of that great love that 
 
 placed me here 
 *Tis then I realize how Weak it is to sorrow 
 
 or to fear. 
 And so I ask again for strength to help me 
 
 rise 
 That I may enjoy the freedom that all about 
 
 me lies. 
 
Scattered Rofie Leaves^, H 
 
 HEAVEN NOW. 
 
 Oh, give me heaven now. 
 That I may enjoy today 
 The love of God within. 
 That's never far away. 
 
 'Tis heaven now, I want. 
 
 And not in years to come. 
 The present is the very time 
 
 To enjoy this blessed home 
 
 ( 
 And heaven lies within myself, 
 
 Why not enjoy it now? 
 No use to wait fo<r death to bring 
 
 And place it on thy brow. 
 
 TliFn heaven I must have today, 
 To make life sweet and strong. 
 
 To bring to me encouragement, 
 
 To sing God's glorious song. '. ' ! 
 
 «JB »^ «5* 
 
 SHALL I ? 
 
 SHALL I, because some one behind me 
 strayed, went wrong 
 And missed the link of Honor, Right, 
 Fail to join 'life's sweet song, 
 Because some one gave way in the fight? 
 
 Shall I creep under the shadow of another's 
 sin. 
 And willing there content to lie? 
 When in my being lies the power to win 
 Their lost victories, would I but strive 
 and try. 
 
12 Scattered Rose Leaves. 
 
 Should I in the great run of life 
 Because some other's speed was checked. 
 
 Yield my all to folly, strife, 
 Because some other soul was sadly 
 wrecked? 
 
 No, I am a spirit! with a will to move 
 Mountains if it must needs be. 
 
 To gain my goal that rests on love; 
 That will at last set a chained world free, 
 
 «5* t5* *a^ 
 
 c 
 
 TO MY MOTHER. 
 
 OULD I doubt the holy presence 
 
 Oif a mother's sacred love, 
 All because she's left the body 
 For a grander one above? 
 
 I dare not doubt thee, dear One, 
 Nor thy presence here below; 
 
 For the soul knows no limit, 
 All is freedom there I know. 
 
 Soul to soul in sweet communion 
 Worketh many wonders sure. 
 
 And the lower world is blindly 
 Losing much that's sweet and pure. 
 
 A mother's love is given 
 
 Nott as a fleeting moment's breath, 
 But is born to live forever, 
 
 Never, never knowing death. 
 
scattered Rose Leaves. IS 
 
 THE LITTLE BEAM 
 
 T 
 
 fl^HAT little beam within our eye, 
 how it injures sight, 
 It makes us feel that we are all 
 On earth that's doing right. 
 
 We tread along from day to day 
 
 As blind as we can be 
 To beauties of a higher love 
 
 That tends to set us free. 
 
 We cannot see the many things 
 
 In ethers good and true, 
 For the little beam within our eye 
 
 That measures things untrue. 
 
 It Jeavos us i)ist ojough of sight 
 
 To see thjngs all awry, 
 And makes lis feel that there is none 
 
 That's living right, "but I." 
 
 It makes us see the cloudy side 
 
 Of every other life, 
 And its simply just this little beam 
 
 That's causing all the strife. 
 
 It makes us view this lovely world 
 As through a clouded glass; 
 
 We cannot see its perfectness 
 As through its aisles we pass. 
 
 O let us rid our eyes of all 
 These miserable little beams, 
 
 That's darkened life and showed to u« 
 The world in ugly dreams. 
 
lA Scattered Rose Leaves, 
 
 And if we will, I'm sure we'll find 
 
 That life is one grand song, 
 And others are good and true 
 
 And we were only wrong. 
 
 And then we'll catch that stream of love 
 That's flowing through all earth, 
 
 And then we'll know our many friends 
 And the value of their worth. 
 
 J^T* t5* %^^ 
 
 KIND HEAETS. 
 
 A HEART to be trusted 
 Is one that is always kind. 
 In joys or disappointments, 
 In storm or sunny time. 
 
 Kind hearts are reflections 
 Of the God, that dwells within, 
 
 The kinder, the more love 
 We each can draw from Him. 
 
 For love is life's elixir 
 That keeps the spirit young. 
 
 And makes us grand and noble 
 As such we must become. 
 
 Be'fore that realm of glory 
 
 Can by us all be seen, 
 A kind heart is the keyhole 
 
 To that heavenly place serene. 
 
 Where dwells the pure and gentle 
 Who once this earth have trod, 
 
 And progressed as you and I must 
 [n love that comes from God. 
 
H 
 
 Scattered Rose Leaves. _ 1^ 
 
 GODS LAWS 
 
 OW can I break God's laws, 
 
 Since God's laws are all good? 
 I may in my ignorance stumble, almost 
 fall, 
 For God's laws to me are not always un- 
 derstood. 
 
 My days may border almost into night, 
 And blinded, for a time, my eyes will be, 
 
 But God's laws will duly shed their light 
 Since they are good, they'll wake my eyea 
 to see. 
 
 And in the waking, my soul's fine ear 
 Will catch the echo of their strange mean- 
 ing, 
 
 And then I'll know I have not wandered far, 
 I've strayed only in the seeming. 
 
 ^% f^l f^l 
 
 WHAT IS GRIEF? 
 
 IT is that intense pain, 
 That comes destroying life's fair hope> 
 Rending heart strings entwain 
 While we, in its darkness grope. 
 Crushing out all thought of sunshine 
 
 Of the previous days and years. 
 Pilling a soul with terror — 
 Drawing from the fount of tears. 
 
 Comes oft-times without a warnings 
 Never shrinks from any one, 
 
16 Scattered Rose Leaves, 
 
 From the king down to the beggar. 
 
 But to all it must come. 
 Why you ask. How can I answer? 
 
 I, who have known and seen it oft. 
 Felt its wiry callous lingers, 
 
 Heard its tread so sly and soft. 
 
 Some, it seems to favor surely. 
 
 Even more than others, true. 
 But keep watch — gird on your armor, 
 
 For 'twill surely come to you. 
 No use fighting this great monster 
 
 With that rebelliousness within, 
 Rather bind yourself with patience 
 
 If you would the victory win. 
 
 (^ t,v* t*5* 
 
 
 
 LET GO THE PAST 
 
 WHAT'S the use to worry 
 O'er past errors you have sown. 
 Why lose these precious moments. 
 Why not let by-gones be gone? 
 
 They were useful to you surely, 
 Or else they'd ne'er been born; 
 
 Why still bruise your heart repining 
 O'er things that're past and gone? 
 
 Why not pull yourself together, 
 
 Face the beauties of today? 
 For there's much which tends to scatter 
 
 Flowers sweet along your way. 
 
 The sunlight is sweetly shining; 
 
 There's a God that's just and strong; 
 Look to Him and stop your pining, 
 
 In His love forget thy wrong. 
 
Scattered Ease Leaves. 17^ 
 
 SLANDER. 
 
 HEN will the golden dawn arrive 
 
 'Knd the angel of Charity come, 
 And seal the lips that move apace 
 Wirh Slanders poisonous tongue. 
 
 W 
 
 When will its consorts waken 
 
 To Sympathy's kindly touch 
 And yield instead, that mercy 
 
 Which its Victim needs so much. 
 
 O, would the holy Spirit 
 
 Pour forth in to each heart 
 The oil of Truth and Justice 
 
 Unknown to the slanderous mart. 
 
 Could Love abide where Slander dwells 
 
 All error then would cease; 
 And each would know "Tliy Iilngdom come' 
 
 As was taught by the Piinc j of Peace. 
 
 J8 ..^8 .J^ 
 
 THE PAST 
 
 TIJThaT do I owe the past? 
 l) Why nothing! 
 
 That debt has long been paid, 
 True 'twas not in gold we bartered — 
 He took it out in other trade. 
 
 Neither time nor note he gave me, 
 
 But a settlement out plain, 
 A certain rate of tears or sorrow 
 
 Or perhaps 'twas heartache's pain. 
 
IS Scattered Rose Leaves. 
 
 Sometimes he seemed unkind — unjust 
 But his price I always met. 
 
 His demands I honored, 
 Never plunging self in debt. 
 
 No installment was his method, 
 
 But a daily settling up, 
 Honesty was of me demanded, 
 
 However bitter was his cup. 
 
 So I've left the past — owe nothing. 
 Not even regrets or blame, 
 
 Whatever has been his record, 
 He freed me from debt's old game. 
 
 Sent me out into the present. 
 
 Wiser, if nothing more. 
 For he taught me many a lesson 
 
 That I never knew before. 
 
 «5* t5* «5* 
 
 IN SILENCE IN TEARS. 
 
 How oft in the "Silence*' deepest gloom 
 Do I weave my life from her golden loom. 
 How oft do I wipe, with the briny tear, 
 Away all thought of doubt and fear; 
 One is a home where the soul can rest 
 And meet with those who love it best, 
 The other is heaven's silent stream 
 That flows from God's fount sweet serene. 
 
Scattei^ed Bose Leaves. 19 
 
 FEAR. 
 
 FEAR is that demon, whose noiseless 
 tread 
 Fills mortal hearts with a sickening 
 dread; 
 Then slowly waves his wand of cowardice 
 And steals from them all that's worth the 
 
 price 
 Of living; they ne'er striving once to wrest 
 
 from him 
 The precious ventures that belong to them. 
 But weakened, helpless, they stand 
 And watch him drop his fatal wand 
 
 and disappear — 
 Taking with him that was to them but a 
 
 moment since so dear — 
 That would have but for this demon's might 
 Brought them Power, Wisdoin, Light. 
 
 .•« -.^ ^ 
 
 A WORSHIPER OP THE 
 BEAUTIFUL. 
 
 I 
 
 'M a worshiper of the beautiful, 
 
 'Tis a privilege by right I claim, 
 And none need strive to tell me 
 It is sin'ful-r-it is vain. 
 
 f'm a worshiper of all beauty. 
 Whether chisled in a face, 
 
 Or found among the flowers, 
 Or a dainty bit of lace. 
 
Scattered Bose Leaves . 
 
 Be it in the glowing moon beams, 
 
 Or the precious gems of earth. 
 Or the bric-a-brac cf fashion, 
 
 ! can quickly note its birth. 
 
 I'm a worshiper of the beautiful! 
 
 Nor can I from it turn, 
 ff'cr it draws me as the magnet 
 
 Draws the stesl, so strong and firm, 
 
 Ygs, I'm a worshiper of all beauty, 
 
 "Vhatever its shape or form; 
 And if fortune only favored 
 
 T would bathe more, in its charm. 
 
 i 
 But another blessed privilege 
 
 Do I claim and revere, 
 And that is first to worship 
 
 Him, who placed this beauty here- 
 
 c^w c^* c^w 
 
 WHAT IS MY SOUL ? 
 
 WHAT is my soul? 
 It is but an emination from the whole, 
 A drop from the great ocean's depth 
 That's broadened into illimitable breath. 
 A mere speck wafted out 
 By that "Unseeable" so held in doubt. 
 It is but a thought, an electric current. 
 Mighty in proportion as its power coherent. 
 A breath from the great Centre 
 Whose mighty image all things enter. 
 Divine, supreme in spite of all 
 The theologic reasoning that may call. 
 It this, or that, cause or effect, 
 It argues itself — eternally perfect. 
 
Seaiie red liose Leaves. Si 
 
 IN THE SILENCE. 
 
 I LISTEN— and I hear most beautiful 
 sounds — 
 Such music that floats to my ears; 
 I look — and behold — while music resounds 
 Most beautiful forms do appear. 
 
 They whisper in silence, my heart to make 
 glad. 
 And make me forget the cold wave 
 That passed o'er my soul, and made it so 
 sad 
 And warn me again to be brave. 
 
 Oh, silence! thou art a sweet messenger of 
 peace 
 To the one that is weary and sad. 
 And craves for the power his soul to in« 
 crease 
 With the strength that keeps the heart 
 glad. 
 
 He finds in the silence encouraging things 
 That hold him and make him do right. 
 
 They are truths that come on golden wings 
 Bringing with them waves of light. 
 
 When my soul is worn with earth's cold 
 wave 
 
 Of doubt, and scorn — guile and deceit; 
 'Tis then my inner self doth crave 
 
 For that communion with silence sweet. 
 
 It takes me from the world impure 
 And rests my memory so worn 
 
S2 Scattered Rose Leaves. 
 
 With mistakes of life, I caused not, I feel 
 sure. 
 Yet with which my heart has so oft been 
 torn. 
 
 I find in the silence sweet voices of love 
 That tell me my duty to self and the 
 world ; 
 
 My thoughts commingle in unison above. 
 And nature and God around me unfurl. 
 
 In silence with self and beauties unseen 
 By the world — who ne'er these glories be- 
 hold, 
 I gather the strength that holds me serene 
 And builds me a heaven more precious 
 than gold. 
 
 In silence with self and purer, divine, 
 
 1 behold the images of truth. 
 And no where else my tired brain finds 
 
 Such evidence of Spiritual proof. 
 
 HOME. 
 
 GOD seemed to want to show to us 
 Something of what Heaven means, 
 So He willed a little spot on earth 
 Wherein to dream our dreams 
 Of sweetest bliss, while through earth we 
 
 roam, 
 And in His loving thoughtfulness 
 He called it — Home, Sweet Home. 
 
Scattered Rose Leaves. ^S 
 
 POWER OF THE SILENCE. 
 
 OUT of the silerrce eometh knowledge 
 Of thy higher self Divine, 
 From Whence flows all truth and wisdom 
 That will strengthen soul and mind, 
 And will guide you and protect 
 
 From this selfish world below, 
 5f you will wait upon the silence 
 All life's secrets you may know. 
 
 When the world seems all confusion^ 
 
 Puzzling things confront you here, 
 Disappointments crowd around you, 
 
 Filling life with awe and fear; 
 Still thy heart, and tongue> and spirit. 
 
 Turn thy mind from thoughts of sin, 
 Dwell in silence one brief moment, 
 
 Listen to that voice within. 
 
 Note that calm and peaceful feeling 
 That pervades thy soul and mind, 
 
 Where before all seemed confusion, 
 Now alone reigns peace sublime, 
 
 And there echoes from the silence 
 Voices filled with music sweet. 
 
 That will sooth thy restless spirit, 
 
 And will guide thy wayward feet; 
 
 \ 
 And will strengthen with a power 
 
 That will make your life so strong, 
 You will see all things of beauty. ■ 
 
 Fail to recognize the Wrong. 
 In the silence we must linger, '; 
 
 Would we life's great lesson learn, 
 For the Father dwells in silence 
 
 And there alone our Souls must turn. 
 
^4 Scattered Eose Leaves. 
 
 GOD'S OMNIPRESENCE. 
 
 HO can doubt the omnipresence 
 
 Of that Almighty God of Love? 
 Even the smallest blossom 
 Doth his mighty presence prove. 
 
 W 
 
 In the very depth of nature 
 
 Can be found his glorious face; 
 In the lightning's path so wondrous, 
 
 There His footsteps we can trace. 
 
 From the mountain to the sea-shell, 
 And the murmuring brook's sweet so»ig. 
 
 All in silence tell us 
 Of His presence grand and strong. 
 
 In the winds that whisper softly, 
 Fanning the fevered cheek of man. 
 
 Is but one expression 
 Of a kind and thoughtful hand. 
 
 God hides not His wondrous glory 
 
 But expels it everywhere; 
 Even in the humblest creature 
 
 Can be found His face so fair. 
 
 Man may question as he chooses 
 The power that marks the sparrow's fall. 
 
 But all life is to him precious. 
 For is He not all in all? 
 
 Man is not the only creature 
 That can claim His mighty love, 
 
 For he dwells in every crevice 
 Of the earth — and all aboive. 
 
Scattered Rose Leaves. ^5 
 
 NESCESSITY. 
 
 -VT ECESSITY, thou sweet Friend, 
 l\ Who comes in queer disguise, 
 
 Thou hast done more to strengthen me 
 Than all else 'neath the skies. 
 
 Thou has wrought ambition in my soul 
 
 And waked me from my sleep, 
 i'^nd with thy stern voice moved me on 
 
 To life's high mountain peak. 
 
 And by thy mighty arm's control. 
 
 Thou hast lifted me on high 
 And forced me by thy searching gaze 
 
 To live — to do — or die. 
 
 I once looked on thee as a foe, 
 
 Hardened by hate and vice. 
 That chose me, for sweet vengeance sake 
 
 By way of chance device. 
 
 But time has changed my mind, Dear One, 
 
 And Fve been led to see 
 That every worthy deed of mine 
 
 Was brought about by thee. 
 
 ^ .^ ^ 
 
 LIGHT. 
 
 THERE is no life, howe'er dark, ! 
 
 But has some ray of light. 
 There is no soul so steeped in sin 
 But has some thought of right. 
 No soul can drift so far away 
 
 Even though on evil bent. 
 But what that light will penetrate 
 
 Revealing Him from whom 'twas sent. 
 
'^6 Scattered Rose Leaves. 
 
 LIFE. 
 
 WHAT plep.Ses today may be a grief to- 
 morrow. 
 Who can tell, no orie can know, but 
 today's sorrow, 
 Comes but to start the well of joy to flow. 
 
 The laugh that ripples so merrily today 
 May vibrate a sad cadence tomorrow. 
 Life is strange, we cannot gainsay, 
 "Tis a mixture ever of sweetness and sor- 
 row. 
 
 (^% 07* C^** 
 
 EARTH S TREASURES. 
 
 You talk of wealth and of fashions, 
 Which consume so much valuable time, 
 Of styles in dress and like passions 
 Too numerous to mention in rhyme, 
 
 'They are beautiful, so I discover. 
 To the eyes of the body so frail, 
 
 They are grand to behold, says another, 
 These fashionable fads now on sale. 
 
 Yes, they are beautiful to th^ beholder, 
 While here on this earth we remain, 
 
 But come, what good are they, Sister, 
 When earth we can no longer retain. 
 
 We must leave them behind, goes the story, 
 Not a thing can we take with us there; 
 
 To the place some have named Glory, 
 Can enter these earth gifts so rare. ! 
 
Scattered Boi^e Lcywe^^____________H 
 
 One would th'ink from our motion 
 
 We could take much of earth over there. 
 
 But perhaps, we will change our notion 
 And decide to let all remain here 
 
 Then why should we mortals 
 
 Care so much for earth and her gams. 
 
 But search more for a land and her portals 
 Where the soul forever remains. 
 
 ^ ^ -^ 
 LITTLE THINGS. 
 
 DON'T slight the little things, 
 That help make life so sweet; 
 You would not care to slight the flowers, 
 That make old earth replete. 
 Don't slight the infant-'would you gain 
 
 The mother's sacred love- 
 But see its smile and dimpled cheek. 
 They are spirit lights from above. 
 
 Don't scorn the little word of love, 
 It will lead to a grander thought. 
 
 For it is from the little things of life, 
 Greater blessings are often wrought. 
 
 But take the humble little things 
 
 That crowd along your way 
 And hold them close, close to your heart. 
 
 You will need them all some day. 
 
 A little act, a little word, 
 
 A little thoughtful smile 
 Are but the precious stones with which 
 
 To build life mile by mile. 
 
H 
 
 Scattered Rose Lea'des. ^__^ 
 HOPE ON, 
 
 OPE on, soul, Jbope on--" 
 
 Tho' life's storms fierce roll past^ 
 Remember in the distance shines 
 Life's skj', with gold and blue o'ercast. 
 
 Hop6 onf be faithful, patient, soul, 
 
 Shrink not, nor from it turn. 
 But gaze into its mystic depths — • 
 
 There are lessons great to learn, 
 
 Hope on! tired Soul, hope On; 
 
 Each day must have its close, 
 Por truth will come with star-tipped wings 
 
 On which you'll find repose. 
 
 Hope on, Soul, hope onf 
 
 "What's life but light and cloud? 
 
 And in the blending of their hues 
 Displays a gofgeous shroud. 
 
 Mope on, then, hope on— 
 Think not that love is flown, 
 'Tig she that soothes the tired brow 
 O'er which the storms have blown. 
 
 And Love, with Truth uniting. 
 Will at last clasp Hope's fair hand, 
 
 And together all will enter \ 
 
 Ood's own sweet Summer land. 
 
 Where Rest and Peace stand waiting 
 
 'Neath heaven's smiling blue, 
 To greet their kindred powers ' ^ 
 
 That form this life so tru€. 
 
Scattered Rose Leaves. 
 
 THE STARS MESSAGE • 
 
 As 1 lay upon my cosy couch, 
 On a clear, cool summer's night, 
 A star peeped through my window blind 
 With a sparkling rosy light. 
 
 And as it twinkled on my face 
 With an eye so bright and clear. 
 
 It seemed to hold some message grand 
 That my soul craved to hear. _ 
 
 "0 precious star," I said aloud, 
 
 "What is it you behold 
 That makes you smile with splendor 
 
 Upon this old earth cold?" 
 
 "W^hat makes me feel I love you, 
 
 Tho' you're so far away? 
 Is there a kindred, Dear One 
 
 'Twixt you and me, 1 pray?" 
 
 O! how it danced and sparkled 
 
 Upon its glorious throne, 
 And stirred my heart with rapture. 
 
 As it ne'er before had done. 
 
 And as I waited, listening. 
 
 For a word from my friend of light, 
 
 And thinking of the glories 
 That come with a summer's night. 
 
 I heard a voice like music 
 
 Come floating through the air, 
 And as I listened, I knew it came 
 
 From my own bright star up there. 
 
so Scattered Rose Leaves. 
 
 And as I recall the moment. 
 
 These words familiar come, 
 "You wish to know our kindred. Dear? 
 
 Your God and mine are one." 
 
 c^* <^* fc?* 
 
 TO A FLOWER 
 
 You are but a flower small. 
 Dainty, fair and sweet, 
 A timid little thing all white. 
 Growing at my feet. 
 
 But in yo'ur graceful silent way. 
 
 A lesson you doth teach, 
 A lesson greater than your size. 
 
 You offer free to each. 
 
 For as I search your flowery face. 
 
 So gentle, pure and free. 
 There is something to you truly 
 
 That feels akin to me. 
 
 And it's that force that gives you life. 
 That fondly wakes my heart. 
 
 And though but a flower small. 
 You are of myself a part. 
 
 And as I ponder o'er you 
 
 The thought occurs to me, 
 The force that gives you life, fair one, 
 
 Gives also life to me. 
 
 And though you're smaller far than I, 
 
 Yet I can plainly see, 
 That we partake of that one force. 
 
 But differ in degree. 
 
Scattered Rose Ijeaves^ S2 
 
 COMPARISON. 
 
 No joys in life!" says the Pessimist, 
 "But work and toil instead," 
 With nothing to swQeten his labor, 
 While he goes through life with a dread* 
 Oblivious of all save his troubles, 
 
 Upon which his soul hath long fed> 
 Shut in from the sunshine and rOses» 
 
 He endeavo'rs all pleasures to shirk; 
 Sees nothing of beauty or gladness, 
 
 To him all is worry and work, 
 Unconscious of Nature's sweet wooings, 
 Wherein so much sweetness doth lurk> 
 
 "All is joy!" cries the Optimist, 
 
 As he strikes the anvil of life, 
 And listens to its rhythmical echoes 
 
 So void of disco-rd and strife, 
 "Ah, yes, today's clouds are hanging,** 
 
 We hear him cheerfully say, 
 "But tomorrow's sun will be shining. 
 
 And will dissolve the mists of today." 
 In his heart no thought of repining. 
 
 On his face no gloom can we trace; 
 He remembers the old "silver lining" 
 
 Will all present shadows erase. 
 
 And thus by comparisoin differ 
 The optimist, the pessimist man, 
 
 Each building his life as he chooses, 
 As each and every one can; 
 
 One drawing from life all her beauty 
 In spite of the storms and the rain. 
 
 While the other gathers the shadows, 
 
S2 Scattered Rose Leaves . 
 
 And in them is content to remain. 
 Thus side by side do they labor. 
 
 The optimist, the pessimist man. 
 Each moulding his life as he chooses. 
 
 As each and every one can. 
 
 ^f f^ \^ 
 
 SATISFIED. 
 
 I 
 
 F while I live in this dear world 
 I can save one soul that's tried 
 By careless errors of the earth, 
 I shall pass on — satisfied. 
 
 Yes, satisfied to save e'en one soul, 
 
 Tho' lowly it may be, 
 For 'tis God's own — then is it not 
 
 Deserving to be 'free? 
 
 For that one soul, no doubt may mean 
 
 The turning of the tide, 
 To countless millions of souls to come. 
 
 Then should I not be satisfied? 
 
 No greater glory do I ask 
 While on life's wave I glide. 
 
 The very blessing in itself 
 Will make me satisfied. 
 
 To save a soul — though it be my own. 
 Will elicit praise from Him, 
 
 Who fills all space, and lights the path 
 Where love is growing dim. 
 
Scattered Rose Leaves. S$ 
 
 THOUGHTS 
 
 Do thoughts have breath? 
 Most surely, yes; 
 Ofttimes in parting 
 Life and death. 
 
 They are as mighty 
 As the wind. 
 Traversing earth 
 From end to end. 
 
 They are things 
 That we create, 
 Patterned either.. 
 By love or hate. 
 
 Ah, yes, they sail 
 With flying wings, 
 gearing with them 
 Joys or stings. 
 
 As they go out 
 They will rebound, 
 Bring back to us 
 The things they found. 
 
 For it's God's law. 
 The things ye do. 
 The same shall be 
 Measured back to you. 
 
 Be then in thoughts 
 Or actual deeds. 
 Your MIND is the fount 
 Whence all proceeds. 
 
Scattered Rose Leaves. 
 
 I 
 
 DEITY. 
 
 AM a child of God, 
 
 Made 'In His imag'e, free 
 To think, to learn, to know 
 The things that are best for me. 
 
 He gives the light of truth 
 
 That courses through my soul. 
 And opens wide my spirit's eye 
 
 While mysteries doth unfold, 
 
 1 am a child of God 
 
 That breathes His very breatb 
 
 Of love, and life, and truth. 
 
 Wherein there is no death, 
 
 » 
 
 F'or what is God's can never die 
 
 But hath eternal life. 
 To live and learn, as life moves on 
 
 Through earth's prevailing strife, 
 
 THE NOW. 
 
 IP I have a smile to shed upon a friend/ 
 Let me shed it now; not wait until the 
 end. 
 If a thought of kindness fills my heart. 
 Let me tell it to him now, before we part, 
 if I would a fragrant flower for him pluck, 
 Let me gather it for him now, 
 Before he is by death's cold hand struck. 
 It is the NOW he needs my flowers, smiles 
 
 and kindness. 
 Not when he lies still in death's chill blind- 
 ness. 
 
Scattered Eo.se Leaver. S5 
 
 c 
 
 RIGHT IS MIGHT. 
 
 OVER Right up with the shadows 
 
 Of falsehood, if you will, 
 Press it 'neath the billows 
 Of hatred— It's Right still. 
 
 Sink it to the bottom 
 
 Of degradation — sin. 
 But remember, cork like. 
 
 It will rise again. 
 
 Pierce your poisoned arrow 
 
 Deep into its palm, 
 But somewhere in the future 
 
 It will find the healing balm. 
 
 ?5* «<5* t^ 
 
 KNOW THYSELF. 
 
 EARCH deep down into your soul 
 
 And see what dwelleth there. 
 If there are thoughts that are impure 
 Cast them out! no time to spare. 
 
 s 
 
 Hasten quickly to implant 
 Thoughts that are good and true, 
 
 That will land you into perfect bliss, 
 And will lift your brother, too. 
 
 Tis your thoughts that make your life 
 
 Whatever it may be — 
 One of love, and truth, and light. 
 
 Or one of bitter destiny. 
 
S6^ Scattered Rose Leaves. 
 
 For as you think — you surely are 
 The power within you lies 
 
 To be a king or beggar — ■ 
 You will note this if you're wise. 
 
 You must tune your soul to be 
 
 In love and harmony 
 With all perfection that surrounds 
 
 Your life, and all you see. 
 
 You must awake in yourself 
 Knowledge of that higher law, 
 
 The oneness with the great Divine^ 
 The breath from whom you draw, 
 
 «5* «5* t^* 
 
 DEATHS RIVER 
 
 w 
 
 E hear so much of the dark river Death, 
 Of the gloom and the sorrow it brings, 
 The end that robs one of his breathy 
 A life wafted out on mysteries wings. 
 
 What proof have we that death's river is 
 dark, 
 Enshrouded in mystery and gloom? 
 How do we know it is hot a clear flowing 
 stream, 
 And the soul bursts not in full bloom? 
 
 Set free by the waters of death's river clear, 
 
 Into where no mysteries are known^ 
 Free from all this sorrow and fear 
 Of which we prate and bemoan. 
 
Scattered Rose Leaves. ^'^ 
 
 PAST SORROWS. 
 
 1^ HE sorrows of my younger years 
 That fell heavy on my heart, 
 I now can see and understand 
 They were of my life a part. 
 
 Each bearing within itself 
 
 A. lesson of vital worth, 
 Which at the time I could not see 
 
 Why God should give them birth. 
 
 But with each coming day that brought 
 These sorrows 'long life's train, 
 
 Carried also strength and love 
 Of something I could not then explain. 
 
 These sorrov/s, sometimes thick and fast, 
 
 Came bursting o'er my soul, 
 And made me feel that all was false. 
 
 And the world was dense and cold. 
 
 They never seemed to come alone; 
 
 There was something in their wake 
 That held me up amid it all, 
 
 And would not let my poor heart break! 
 
 But would linger close, close by my side 
 And whisper, "Child be brave, 
 
 These are only lessons 
 That will help your soul to save." 
 
 "And future years will prove to you 
 These sorrows you now think wi'ong 
 
 Are but the hidden means with which 
 To build the future on." 
 
Scattered Rose Lea^ves_ 
 
 And so, 'tis true as I look back 
 
 Upon tb_e chastening rod, 
 I recognize that friendly voice 
 
 Was none but the voice of God; 
 
 That gave me strength, and knowledge 
 
 In which I now repose 
 And 'tis through past sorrows, 
 
 Great beauties now disclose. 
 
 Ji ^ ^^ 
 YESTERDAY. 
 
 YESTERDAY is a page in life's great 
 book 
 That is turned and laid aside. 
 Perhaps 'twas read— half understood, 
 And now floats out on time's great tide. 
 
 Rocked by the billows of Today 
 
 It sinks almost from view; 
 A mysterious glimmer but remains 
 
 Of a thing that once was true. 
 
 A thing we once so hoped to see. 
 
 All expeictant were we then, 
 But its come and gone and left us, | 
 
 And we write its name with memory s 
 Pen. 
 Tomorrow will come In the self same way, 
 
 May we read it with more care. 
 And turn its page more tenderly. 
 
 It's a leaf from Life's book fair. 
 
I 
 
 Scaftered Rose Leaves. S9 
 
 THE THREE SONGS. 
 
 SING me a song," cried the child 
 Of its parent at the close of day, 
 "That I may rest my tired eyes 
 And forget the hours of play." 
 
 The parent sang in soft response, 
 
 The lays of sweet lullabys, 
 As she held so close within her arms, 
 
 This form with the tired eyes. 
 
 "0 sing me a song," cried the youth 
 
 In tones all passionate, warm, 
 "That I may gain some lesson of truth 
 
 That will quell the soul's raging storm.*' 
 
 The parent looked upon the face 
 
 That carried disquiet, unrest, 
 Then tuned her voice to a sweet love song — 
 
 'Twas the song the youth loved best. 
 
 "Now sing me a song," cried the venerable 
 sire 
 
 As he noted the youth's repose, 
 "A song th'at will tend to lessen my care, 
 
 That will lift my spirit morose." 
 
 The singer a moment sat in thought. 
 While a heavenly look spread her face. 
 
 Then her soul opened up in a song low but 
 clear, 
 Chanting "God, the Ruler of Space." 
 
 As the notes died away, the sire came near. 
 
 His face free from all strife, 
 "Oh, that was the song most beautiful, dear, 
 
 That was the sO'Ug that gives life." 
 
Jf-O Scattered Rose Leaves. 
 
 LOVE. 
 
 THERE is a song the world ne'er tires 
 singing, 
 While it floats away in the air, 
 And sweet are its echoes while winging, 
 Filling hearts with joy everywhere. 
 
 'Tis a song whose chorus repeats 
 
 One word o'er and o'er, 
 And cheers each heart that it greets, 
 
 The high in state — and the poor. 
 
 Oh, 'tis a song we all love, yes cherish 
 
 As nothing else in all life; 
 It holds those up who would perish. 
 
 And keeps the-m from error and strife. 
 
 'Tis a. life-giving scng — ^love is, 
 
 That each is longing to hear. 
 And striving to catch its sweet echoes. 
 
 With a wistful heart and ear. 
 
 Let more of us practice — rehearse it. 
 
 And waft it out with a might, 
 That all earth may rest in its spirit. 
 
 And sorrow will haste in her flight. 
 
 A THOUGHT. 
 
 SHOW me a heart by sorrow untouched. 
 Or a life that's been void of pain, 
 ril show you one then untutored in love, 
 And one who has lived all in vain. 
 They know naught of the beauty grief lends 
 to life^ 
 They know naught of charity sweet. 
 For grief lends a crown studded with gems. 
 To wear in the final retreat. 
 
Scattered Rose Leaves. Jft 
 
 SOMETIMES. 
 
 SOMETIMES the shadows creep around, 
 And, Oh, how dark it seems; 
 The light, like a flickering lamp gone 
 out, 
 'Tis then I dream some dark, dark dreams. 
 
 Sometimes life's friendly voice is hushed — 
 
 I listen all in vain — 
 O, then I feel so lone, forgotten, 
 
 Until it speaks again. 
 
 Sometimes I weep, and wonder why- 
 Life plays her mystic hour, 
 
 Until she chooses to explain 
 Can I know her magic power. 
 
 But the peace that follows these "Some- 
 times" 
 
 Is sweet and all inspiring. 
 For life has lit my lamp anew. 
 
 And love's voice speaks untiring. 
 
 «/5* t/^ 6/5* 
 
 KNOWLEDGE OP THE ONENESS. 
 
 T 
 
 HE joy bells are ringing, 
 
 A soul hath hroke its bonds, 
 A glimpse of life revealing 
 While the light of truth it dons. 
 
 And reaches out rejoicing, 
 
 Singing Hosanna's praises loud, 
 
 For a soul hath broke its prison, 
 While all beauties round it crowd. 
 
Scattered Bose Leaves, 
 
 Beauties of unselfish knowledge, 
 
 Of that God so long unknown. 
 Even as the smallest atom. 
 
 That the selfish man hath sown, 
 
 Measured God by his own stature, 
 
 Pilled with ignorance and sin, 
 'Till the veil of superstition 
 
 Was suddenly torn away from him. 
 
 Revealing all the vastly grandeurs 
 
 Of the grand and noble One. 
 Who spreads the light of living knowledge- 
 
 And to all He sayeth— "Come.*' 
 
 WHEN FANCY RULES- 
 
 WHEN fancy rules my heart 
 I fly and join sweet music in the sky, 
 That's played by mystic hands, I ween, 
 Who on this plane are never seen. ' 
 
 My spirit joins them, I soar, 
 'Mid realms of bliss — and more; 
 t hear sweet voices clear 
 Which on this plane I never hear, 
 
 Were 1 as free as the turtle dove 
 
 I'd dwell forever on isles of love, 
 
 I'd stay where all is true, 
 
 Where doubts and fears dare not pursue. 
 
 I'd linger long, I'd ne'er come back 
 To earth again, where love is lack, 
 Where shattered hopes lie in a heap. 
 Thrown down 'neath countless tired feet. 
 
Scattered Rose Leaves. ¥^ 
 
 But oh, such bliss cannot remain, 
 I must to earth come back again, 
 For this restless soul of mine 
 Is not prepared for that pure clime. 
 
 1 must linger on — content to wait 
 For the opening of the "Pearly Gate," 
 Wherein that peace and love and rest 
 Are given those who've stood the test. 
 
 J^ 3 ^ 
 WliN'TER. 
 
 9 mis Winter, and the clouds grow darker, 
 I And the cold north winds sweep the 
 sky. 
 
 And pierces the soul of each mortal. 
 As the close of the day draws nigh. 
 
 Some shiver with delight at the changes 
 That the dear winter days bring on; 
 
 Others shake with terror and sigh sadly 
 For the sweet summer days that have 
 gone. 
 
 Some are ready for winter's chill weather. 
 And rejoice in the dark days that draw 
 nigh; 
 
 While others regret their coming 
 
 And heave for them a deep bitter sigh. 
 
 And thus it reminds me of Life's weather- 
 To some the dark days bring no pain. 
 
 While others forget that winter 
 Is only the messenger of spring. 
 
JfJ-i- Scattered Rose Leaves. 
 
 ANGELS. 
 
 NEVER saw an angel on earth, you say? 
 Why, they are as thick as the roses that 
 grow hy the way. 
 
 Yes it is true, and they're as pure and as 
 sweet 
 
 As the pearly dew drops that lie bedded so 
 deep. 
 
 No angels on earth! How little you know, 
 
 I find them almost wherever I go. 
 
 Yes, Heaven holds angels; to that I agree, 
 
 And Heaven is net far, that you'll soon see. 
 
 Now come, don't look so confused, just fol- 
 low along 
 
 And I will soon prove that I am not far 
 wrong. 
 
 Yes, to your own nursery. 
 
 That is the place I am going, 
 
 To your own baby's cradle, 
 
 Where he now lies crowing. 
 
 JSIow look in his face and tell me, I pray. 
 
 If you can deny the words that I say? 
 
 If he's not an angel, there are none, I 
 aver. 
 
 And if this is not heaven, there is none any- 
 where. 
 
 There is no thought in his soul of uncer- 
 tainty, doubt, 
 
 But to him, heaven and angels dwell all 
 about. 
 
 And if you would see heaven's own skies, 
 
 Just look deep down into your baby's blue 
 eyes. 
 
 And so you believe me? Well, I thought you 
 would find 
 
 That the Father had left that least one angel 
 behind. 
 
 And angels, yes, they must have heaven, 
 that's sure. 
 
 And heaven is where your thoughts are all 
 pure. 
 
D 
 
 Scattered Rose Leaves. J^5 
 
 SONG TO THE LILIES. 
 
 EAR lilies of the valley. 
 
 With faces fair and sweet, 
 You are like the glow of morning, 
 So gentle, soft and meek. 
 
 Sweet lilies of the valley, 
 
 I sing my song to you 
 Of love, 'and admiration. 
 
 That moves my heart so true. 
 
 Your lovely faces, I admire — 
 
 With innocence adorned; 
 Your cheerful presence awake 
 
 The glories of the morn. 
 
 Your very happiness inspires — 
 
 Depicted on your face. 
 Pure thoughts of the beautiful 
 
 That bloom in every place; 
 
 And wakes the soul of human 
 
 To glories oft untold, 
 To mortal ears. My Darlings, 
 
 When I, your face behold. 
 
 Sweet lilies of the valley. 
 
 Your daintiness awake 
 A love for nature's artist. 
 
 Who your sweet faces make. 
 
 Then hear my song, sweet lilies fair, 
 I love you, though you're small, 
 
 And were It not for roses, Dear, 
 I'd love you best of all. 
 
Jf.6 Scattered Rose Leaves. 
 
 R 
 
 ROSES. 
 
 OSES are my flowers — 
 
 Any color, kind, 
 Little, big or thorny ones, 
 I claim them all as mine. 
 
 ^* t3^ «5* 
 
 WOMAN'S LOVE. 
 
 A 
 
 WOMAN'S love is the dearest thing 
 
 A man can hold by claim. 
 Her health may go, her fair face fade 
 But her love remains the same. 
 
 Her heart will beat with a rapturous glow 
 
 At the sound of his foot fall. 
 All other joys will disappear 
 
 As his step rings through the hall. 
 
 His voice, however harsh may be, 
 
 Is music to her ears, 
 And one fond look from his kind eyes 
 
 Will banish all her tears. 
 
 S)ie will meet his frown with a glad, sweet 
 smile, 
 
 And count it but a miss, 
 If he will only now and then. 
 
 Grant her a lingering kiss. 
 
 A. stroke of his hand on her head 
 
 Will cause her soul to thrill 
 With a rapturousness no other one 
 
 On earth could ever still. 
 
 A woman's love is something. 
 
 To explain you never can. 
 Its height and breadth and width and depth 
 
 Is unfathomable by man. 
 
I 
 
 Scattered Rose Leaves. J^7 
 
 MY IDEAL. 
 
 'D rather be a pure, good woman 
 
 Than anything on earth — 
 The like of her can ne'er be found. 
 Illimitable is her worth. 
 
 The gold that glitters 'neath the sod. 
 
 The jewels precious, rare. 
 The flowers that bloom from hillside 
 
 Cannot with her compare. 
 
 The king in all his glory 
 With attendants at his side, 
 
 Will offer tribute to her throne 
 And doff his crown in pride. 
 
 Yes, I'd rather be a woman pure 
 
 And live her simple way 
 Than tread the floors of marbel halls 
 
 With virtue held at bay. 
 
 But — I'd rather be the humblest thing 
 
 That grovels in the dust. 
 Than be a woman of the earth 
 
 Who's fallen from her trust. 
 
 <^* c5* t^ 
 
 LINES TO RAFAEL. 
 
 E ever true and constant 
 
 To self, if you would be 
 A hero in this bright land 
 And a help to humanity. 
 
 B 
 
 'Tis being true to one's self 
 That makes us true to others — 
 
 And truth is that golden link, 
 That binds all men as brothers. 
 
Jk8 Scattered Rose Leaves. 
 
 A SIMPLE WISH. 
 
 SOME wish for fame 
 To light their path, 
 As they climb upward 
 
 To their goal; 
 Others wish for pleasure 
 That cannot last 
 So quickly speed they 
 
 Along life's shoal. 
 Some crave sweet praises 
 From fair lips, 
 Which melt aw'ay 
 
 Like morning dew. 
 And leave them frail 
 As the flower that sips 
 The delicate nectar 
 
 Of the morning's blue. 
 Each wish seems sweet 
 To the longing heart, 
 
 "Vain praises" make life complete 
 And amuse for a time. 
 Tho' moving mart, 
 
 As they pause in worship at her feet. 
 But in my heart 
 
 Lives a wish more sweet 
 Than any breath of fame; 
 It comes not from human art — 
 
 Unknown there is its name. 
 So simple my wish and sweet 
 
 That few would mark it grand; 
 Yet in my heart was it chisled there 
 
 By a wonderful artist's hand. 
 And "Peace" is the name 
 Of my utmost wish. 
 
 And it comes through constant prayer, 
 From a source which knows no place. 
 No nights nor days are there; 
 But an endless rest fills all there is 
 
 Unmixed with human care. 
 
I 
 
 Scattered Rose Leaves. Jf.9 
 
 MY CHOICE. 
 
 'D rather have one sweet smile 
 
 From a friend sincere and true 
 Than a million half unfeeling words 
 From the world and its careless crew. 
 
 I'd rather have that one sweet smile, 
 
 Though voiceless in its way, 
 For there is something in its charm 
 
 That changes night to day. 
 
 *§•' «p* «A* 
 FORGOTTEN. 
 
 THINGS have changed with thee. Dear 
 Friend, 
 Things have changed. 
 A newer face has won thy heart 
 
 From my range. 
 Do I care? Perhaps I do, 
 But why should I if it pleases you? 
 Have not my thoughts and aims all ibeen 
 To gladden thy life? Ah. why then 
 Should I pine or think to weep, 
 If I'm not permitted thy trust to keep? 
 Perhaps the change is wise and best, 
 Given may be my heart to test! 
 Then if 'tis so. here my word is given — 
 My soul to you shall be as true as heaven. 
 And when you tire of hearts less true, 
 Remember the latch key of my heart hangs 
 
 out to you. 
 Some time, no doubt, you will wake to find 
 The First in friendship is the one most kind. 
 Until then I shall thoughtfully say no more. 
 Until to me you feel you can old confidence 
 
 restore. 
 The while others may need my heart to rest 
 Their sorrow and secrets with which to test 
 The magnitude of my soul. 
 As I watch life's changeful billows roll. 
 Until then will I meekly wait 
 For thy return to friendship's open gate. 
 
50 Scattered Rose Leaves. 
 
 TO THE NEW YEAR. 
 
 HAT should I ask this bright new year? 
 
 Must it be riches, wealth? 
 Will they compensate, while here. 
 And bring to me blessings, health? 
 
 W 
 
 Should the New Year g'ive me shining gold 
 Would it be best for me? 
 Could I to the world unfold 
 More of life's sweet beauty? 
 
 No! I will not ask of the dear New Year 
 
 For gold, my life to test. 
 But this I ask without a fear 
 
 For power to help me live my best. 
 
 t^w t^w ^5* 
 
 THUS IT IS. 
 
 WE laugh when our souls are the saddest; 
 We bury our griefs out of sight. 
 To others our smiles seem the brightest. 
 Though they rise from the valley of night. 
 
 Our eyes may shine with a glory 
 All radiant with gladness and light, 
 
 But the heart lays beating and moaning 
 For hopes that have taken their flight. 
 
 The world must be petted and humored. 
 
 It cares not for sorrow nor gloom; 
 It asks for our smiles, not cur sadness, 
 
 We must hide that away in the tomb. 
 
 No, we must not tell of Life's sorrow — 
 That is something for which no one cares 
 
 SDve the Spirit who helps us to shield it 
 Away from the world's cruel snares. 
 
Scattered Rose Leaves. 51 
 
 TO JOSEPHINE. 
 
 OH, my love, my fair one free, 
 Truest of the true thou are to me, 
 Tho' etherial walls hide thy dear face, 
 Through it all, I can thy pure beauty trace. 
 
 I can catch the echoes of thy dear voice, 
 And thy words make my heart rejoice. 
 I can still see thy soft eyes of blue, 
 Eyes that were so tender and true. 
 
 Sometimes I draw so close to you there. 
 
 It seems I can hear the ripple of your golden 
 hair. 
 
 Sometimes, it seems I might touch your 
 fingers so small . 
 
 Through the mists and vapor of this ethe- 
 rial wall. 
 
 «3* «5* «5* 
 YOU AND I. 
 
 WHEN we met it seemed but a reuniting 
 Of a friendship formed somewhere, 
 That was to us as inviting 
 As heaven's own pure air. 
 Yes, when our hands clasped hands in greet- 
 ing 
 It seemed but a continuation of some far 
 
 off meeting. 
 And the smile that played around your face 
 
 serene. 
 Seemed but the reflection of another smile 
 
 that I had somewhere seen. 
 How can it be? Ah! ask me not, fair friend. 
 How do'st we know that friends we've not 
 
 always been? 
 How knowest we that we have not met and 
 
 parted many times 
 Perhaps, my friend, perhaps, in remote and 
 
 sunny climes 
 
52 Scattered Rose Leaves. 
 
 To be reunited in this strange way, perhaps 
 but 'for a time, who shall say? 
 
 To drift apart, mayhap, as we have often 
 done. 
 
 But parting, dear, I feel in this great world, 
 there is none. 
 
 IF YOU KNEW. 
 
 I 
 
 F you knew tomorrow was my last here, 
 
 Could I do one wrong thing today 
 That would cause you to turn from me In 
 
 a hurtful way, 
 If you knew tomorrow was my last, Dear? 
 
 If you knew tomorow my face would pass 
 from view. 
 Could a fault of mine, however wrong 
 Might be. 
 Make you think any the less of me, 
 
 If tomorrow was my last — and you knew? 
 
 Then how do we know what each tomor- 
 row holds. 
 
 Whether it shall bring us another golden 
 day 
 
 Wherein to meet each other in the same 
 old way. 
 
 Or whether it shall come and bear one off 
 in its shadowy folds? 
 
 Ah, then. Dear Friend, be patient. 
 
 Though into numbers great my wrongs 
 may swell; 
 
 For some tomorrow means the last, 
 Just which, at present, we cannot tell. 
 
 Then love me now. 
 
 Especially in my wrongs, for fear 
 The cruel morrow may come to wring 
 
 From thee a bitter tear. 
 
Scattered Rose Leaves. 63 
 
 TO BABY EDITH. 
 
 MY baby beautiful. 
 With eyes so bright 
 And a heart so pure and kind, 
 I cannot but see. 
 As I gaze upon thee, 
 The glory of a peaceful mind. 
 
 Thy fair sweet face, 
 
 V/ith its radiant light, 
 
 All dimpled with heavenly smiles, 
 
 And that pure warm glow 
 
 That I love so 
 Proves a soul that ne'er beguiles. 
 
 No flower that blooms 
 In glen or dale, 
 Though immaculate in its way 
 Has awakened my spirit 
 To thoughts of true merit 
 As thy sweet face has today. 
 
 But will this live 
 
 With the coming years? 
 
 Or will time change thee, too, 
 
 And leave the trace 
 
 Upon thy face 
 Of things so cold and untrue? 
 
 But as I gaze 
 Now in thine eyes 
 Turned up unto mine own, 
 
 I can but pray 
 
 From day to day 
 "Sincerity" you'll ne'er disown. 
 
5J^ Scattered Rose Leaves. 
 
 TO LALLA ROOKH. 
 
 5 mis strange how some faces 
 I Will fasten on Memory's chain 
 
 And strengthen, as it were, each link 
 As we pass down life's long lane. 
 
 How oft some faces 'fair to see 
 
 Will pass us quickly by; 
 Unheecled, all unknown, they go 
 
 Unseen by Memory's eye. 
 
 / 
 And then, there will come from out the 
 throng 
 
 A comely face or plain. 
 And weld itself forever, 
 
 Upon our Memory's chain. 
 
 And as we gather up the links 
 
 With a reverence and care, 
 There stands out clear a face portrayed, 
 
 Each ia its own way, fair. 
 
 And as I look them o'er today. 
 
 One face smiles back to me, 
 In all of its quiet beauty, 
 
 'Tis the face. Sweet Friend, of thee. 
 
 And now I fold my chain away. 
 Near where -my heart beats warm; 
 'Tis- there I keep my treasures safe 
 From every thought of harm. 
 
Scattered Rose Leaves. 55 
 
 BABY'S FACE. 
 
 WHAT will wake your heart with love? 
 Baby's face. 
 What will make your troubles roll 
 Off your mind and very soul? 
 Baby's face. 
 
 What will fill your life with will? 
 
 Baby's face. 
 What brings the love light in your eyes 
 And makes you feci that earth and skies. 
 Are all yours still? 
 
 Baby's face. 
 
 Ah, what smiles into your eyes? 
 
 Baby's face. 
 And turns all anger strife away, 
 Bringing joy and love each day 
 That fond love that never dies? 
 
 Baby's face. 
 
 S ^ Ji 
 BABY'S TEARS. 
 
 DON'T cry, my little Darling; 
 Your tears are mother's joy; 
 They permit me 
 To caress thee. 
 Can't you see, my baby boy? 
 
 Cease your tears, my little love, 
 
 Come let my kisses sooth. 
 
 To thee they are bitter, 
 To mother they are sweeter 
 
 Than all the dewdrops from heaven above. 
 
 Now, they're gone, all vanished. 
 And the smiles come creeping in. 
 And are they more dear 
 Than the briny white tear? 
 To mother they seem strangely akin. 
 
 LtfC. 
 
FEB n 1904 
 
 56 Scattered Eose Leaves, 
 
 O. PROMISE ME. 
 
 THAT when my heart lies silent, free 
 from pain. 
 To measure not for me one inch of 
 earth's old clay. 
 (To me it seems too gastly to moulder in 
 
 decay) 
 But let my winding sheet he one white 
 shimmering flame 
 Then tenderly, kindly, if you will — 
 Just gather up the ashes of her who's 
 
 dead (?) 
 And place them gently 'round some sweet 
 rose bed. 
 And in repay for all, I only promise this. 
 To love you still.