PS 4f~ Qass ^ ^ c h^JJhn ^ K^ Copyright ]n^. iq V? CDPffilGHT DEPOSm IN FLIGHT IN FLIGHT BY ROSALIE M. CODY > > DUFFIELD AND COMPANY igi6 y Copyright, 1916 l)v DUFFIELD & COMPANY DEC 20 1916 CI.A453190 1^ ,1 ' TO THE FEW WHO WILL CARE Thanks are due to the editors of various peri- odicals, for their courteous permission to reprint many of the following poems. 11^ FLIGHT Bright-winged butterflies of thoughts Go floating, floating by; Oh, for a golden net of words To catch them as they fly I CONTENTS PART I.— Sonnets With Seas Between Her Hyacinths The King The Dream In the Convent At Dawn . Rupert Brooke . A Memorial Organ page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 PART n. — The Violet of Poesy and Other Poems The Violet of Poesy • 13 At Night . . . . 14 Outlook 15 Roses 16 On the River . 17 The Eyes I Love 18 A Valentine . 19 To Philomela . 20 Friends 21 Blows 23 Sunward . 24 Satisfied . 25 On Decoration Day . 26 In Memory Bond or Free The Best Gifts CONTENTS page 28 30 31 PART III.— Frolic Her Summer Vacation 1 35 The Solemn Truth . ^ , 37 The New Maid . 38 A Sympathetic Tear 39 Their Beastly Gossip 40 A Warm Fight . 43 Making Things Do . 44 A Born Diplomat 46 Ned's Birthday Wish 47 Santa's Substitute . 48 Merry Christmas 49 PART IV. — Through the Year January Bells . . 53 February Second . 55 Forerunners . 57 April Snow . 58 May 60 June 61 July . 62 My Hay-fever Sweetheart . 63 Golden-rod . . . . 4 « 64 October .... • . 65 CONTENTS Thanksgiving . Christmas-wreath PAGE 66 67 PART v.— Shadows My Wall of Comforts . . 71 Whither . . . n But Once . • . 75 Heart's Winter . 76 Belgium . . . . • • • • . 11 The American Mother . . 79 PART VT.- -A Lovely Day A Lovely Day 83 I SOl^ri^ETS WITH SEAS BETWEEN Those loved ones gathei*ed round the friendly board — The picture haunts me by this alien sea : What wealth upon my life has each outpoured Of boundless, openhearted sympathy. The smile that spoke a welcome without word, Dispelling loneliness as sun the dew; The clasp of hand which trust of heart conferred ; For these the wanderer yearns the wide world through. Though swelling seas and mountain height divide, My thoughts overleap them to the moment when Your door on welcoming hinge once more flung wide Shall bid me gladly enter in again. Before my eyes rise minaret and dome, — My heart sees only that dear, distant home. [1] HEK HYACIJ^THS If I had but two piasters, with one I would buy bread and feed my body. With the other I would buy hyacinths and feed my soul. — Mohammed. Her days are filled with toil and homely cares ; It would not seem a life to make one glad, Yet with a cheery smile she onward fares, And every day some heart is left less sad. Word-pictures paint a scene for sightless eyes, A call to courage lights a lamp of hope, And fainting resolution, with surprise Awakens, strong with stubborn fate to cope. So all along her weary way upspringing. Sweet flowers of remembrance, pure and fair, Their wondrous fragrance to the air are flinging. And blessings turn to blossoms everywhere. Thus hyacinths she buys to feed her soul. And love surrounds her like an aureole. [2] THE KING In olden time, when heralds came apace And boldly challenged in the Kingly name, Great gates of brazen bolts and massive frame Obeyed the summons, and straightway gave place. All custom changes with a changing race, But evermore has this remained the same Since first, with power, demand for ingress came From him who carried high the royal mace. To-day, all beetling barricades go down At name of him who lightly wears the crown; And baffling walls in sudden ruin fall When loudly rings, and rings again the call, ^'Give way ! Give way ! The monarch comes, in truth, '^Clear-eved, broad-chested, lion-hearted Youth !" [3] THE DREAM In the young morning, when the lifted face Glows with the color of the eastern beam, We lightly think of death as of a dream That hides afar some unsubstantial grace. But scorching noontide, coming on apace. Unsheathes a sword and rends with flying gleam The veil 'twixt things that are and things that seem — Lo ! Death, black-robed, outreaching to embrace. This too was seeming. Sunset drawing near Dissolves in golden light that specter grim And makes a glory of a vanished fear; The inner vision clears, while sight grows dim, And age, serene, unmoved by failing breath. Reads true: life waits beyond the dream called death. [4] m THE CONVENT The shining needle's patient task is wrought ; Now on her knee she lays the little dress With arms outstretched — a filmy daintiness — And bends a look with eager sweetness fraught. What necromancy works in one swift thought ! A gentle weight upon her seems to press, And thrilled with sudden yearning to possess, Quick to her breast the tiny gown is caught. An instant only — then^ with startled glance She smoothes the snowy folds, her rapture gone. But trembles, for she feels as in a trance A baby hand close clinging to her own. ^^Sweet Mother, feed my hungry heart !" she cries. And holds the cross before her tear-filled eyes. [5] AT DAWIsT She looked at me with eyes so grave and sweet, The little girl I stopped upon the street Because within her faithful arms she bore A sleeping child, whose sturdy weight w^as more, It seemed, than she should lift ; but when I said, '^Too much for you to carry, little mother V^ She smiling answered, friendly, unafraid, "Oh, no, he isn't heavy ; he's my brother !" Happy, she went her way. And as the lark With welcoming song feels dawn within the dark. My spirit rose and sang. I visioned then Great cities growing in the souls of men ; Men counting service as the one great good, — No weight too heavy borne for brotherhood. [6] EUPERT BROOKE His picture lingers ever in my thought — That upturned face with strange prevision fraught ; The waving hair, deep brow, and steady eye — Sweetness and strength with one another vie. How well the thrilling joys of sense he told. Each treasure named as miser counts his gold; With playful tenderness he makes us see A social sacrament, his cup of tea. But when upon the quiet garden's charm Sounded the sudden crash of war's alarm, He sprang to manhood — flung his day-dreams far. And went to die beneath the crimson star. ISTot poet less, but patriot more, he proved 'Twas England's life, more than his own, he loved. [7] IN FLIGHT II A lonely spot by southern breezes fanned, The grave where now this "bit of England" sleeps ; But scent of lilac and carnation creeps From Grantchester to bless the wave-washed strand. Home in our hearts he comes from that far land, And as we bear him onward, no man weeps; For tears speak not the quickened pulse that leaps That hero-heart to meet and understand. How buoyantly he sang his way to death! My country and my home — his latest breath. And how triumphantly that song he wed In measured cadences to martial tread. Oh, royal welcome waited when he came — Valhalla's full- voiced chorus of acclaim ! December, 1915 [8] A MEMOEIAL OKGAN^ In quiet shadow, standing jnst apart, Yet not removed from busy ways of men, Thou waitest for a master-hand again To summon music from thy silent heart. A fitting shrine, devised of memory's art. For loved ones who beyond their widest ken Enriched life's harmonies, not dreaming then How echoes, to this far-off day, would start. Hark, tones arise like softest cradle song In tenderness ; then, mounting full and strong, The music voices to the listening ear Immortal messages of noble cheer. Through every strain that wings its way above, Kuns the sweet melody of Mother-love. *Erected in memory of two mothers. [9] II THE VIOLET OF POESY And Other Poems THE VIOLET OF POESY The violet of poesy Upon a slender stem of thought, Methinks the triolet must be, The violet of poesy ; With petals fine, so gracefully It rises, with sweet fragrance fraught, The violet of poesy Upon a slender stem of thought. My love is like a violet, The flower sweet I fain would wear; With daintiness and grace beset My love is like a violet. And so I sing in triolet — This bloom of verse so slight and fair- My love is like a violet, The flower sweet I fain would wear. [13] AT :n^ight The dragging fret of clay Has left my spirit, with its impress deep, A manv-furrowed strand; But Lethe's waves of gray Are washing in; with soft, recurrent sweep They smooth the golden sand, And stealing down the shining path comes Sleep. [14] OUTLOOK ^'PooR little oak leaf Clinging to the tree, Blown by every gust of wind, How lonesome you must be !" "Fie !" said the oak leaf, "You needn't pity me! It's the first time since last Spring That Fve had room to see!" [15] KOSES 'Tis morning in her garden fair. And round her shining red-gold hair The sun a halo throws ; As with one perfect bloom held high, She turns, with the enraptured cry, "Oh, how I love the rose!" Love's sunshine courses through my veins: ^o chilling doubt nor fear restrains The hope that in me glows. I catch the lifted hand in mine, And cry, in ecstasy divine, ''Oh, how I love thee, Rose !" [16] 01^ THE RIVER My love is like a river Deep it flows; Come, cast yourself upon it Like a rose ; And let it gentlj bear vou, Light as foam, LTnto that blessed haven — Home ! [17] THE EYES I LOVE They do not flash and spar.kle, 'Nov melt with passion's glow ; They do not steal quick glances, Then droop white eyelids low ; Coquettish arts they know not. The sunny eyes I love, The magic power that's in them They brought from heaven above. When they are lifted to me, Those clear, dark, steadfast eyes, Alight with the glad radiance Of love's first sweet surprise. Such constancv looks from them. Such trust and hope divine, I cry, "God bless my darling! Bless God, wdio made her mine !" [18] A VALE:N^Ti:NrE A VALENTINE I send to you ; 'Tis but a sign — A valentine, Oh, sweetheart mine, that I am true, And this sweet sign belongs to you. One loving word but send to me ; For hope deferred One loving w^ord ; Light as a bird my heart would be Could you but send that word to me. [19] TO PHILOMELA Dear little Philomel, Songster from above, Welcome to a country Brimful of love. Trailing clouds of glory From your shining wings; That's the good old story A wise poet sings. But they needn't tell us Where you had your birth, — Haven't you brought heaven Straight down to earth? Rest, little Philomel, For the way was long; IJTestle close to mother's heart And learn a new song. May 21, 1916 [20] FKIENDS A WEARY traveler, at close of day I stop for rest and shelter on my way, And, lonely stranger in a stranger's room, I watch the shadow-heralds of the gloom Steal softly in, and, gliding through the place, Wrap every object in a fast embrace. Meanwhile, my wandering gaze moves here and there, A rover, idle as my fancies are. To rest, at last, with half-nnconscions looks. Upon a little shelf of well-worn books Whose outlined forms but dimly can be seen. So close the veil of darkness dropped between. Lo ! through the slanted shutter swift there flies One laggard sunbeam from the western skies ; Straight to the books it flits, a homing dove. And, in its light, gleam out the names I love 1 [21] IN FLIGHT ^Twas there, 'tis gone ! But not the grace it lends, The room, transformed, is full of well-loved friends. [22 BLOWS A WHIPPING-POST for the brute who will maim With his bludgeon blows a woman's frame; And shall justice demand of him no toll Who lashes with words her quivering soul ? [23] SUNWARD My land lies sloping toward the east, ' Blessed bv the sunshine's earliest ray; The summer rain, with light caress, Glides gently dowTi its emerald way. The dowTiy cover Winter weaves Rolls swiftly back in Spring's warm hand, And sets the happy hillside free. For sloping eastward lies my land. [24] SATISFIED F. E. D. TiiKOUGH all the lengthening days of weary pain, At restless bidding of a fevered brain His wandering mind had sought, — and sought in vain — Some errant word; But with the breaking dawn that brought release, The pitying angel's voice bade effort cease, And gently whispered it to him : 'twas ^Teace." He, smiling, heard. 1906 [25] O^ DECORxVTIOiS" DAY E. H. G. Where sunshine soft drifts gently down Through Maytime's tender leaves, And silence lays its soothing touch Upon the heart that grieves, A mother and her little child In hand-clasp warm and sweet Walked with a quiet reverence Alono^ Death's "Tassv street. ^N'o spoken words between them passed ; Her thoughts were of the dead, As flowers brought by loving hands Bestrewed each mossy bed; And his dear heart was saddened By the strangely solemn place, Till, suddenly, a flitting smile Lit up his shadowed face. [26] IN FLIGHT It trembled — then shone steadily, By inner radiance fed, — 'Twas like the sunlight through the leaves That flickered overhead, — "Oh, mother, I'm so glad!" he cried, And stopped to look about, "Just see ! On every soldier's grave A flag has blossomed out!" [27 1 IlSr MEMOKY J. B. M. The Great Physician, standing calm and strong, Received with gentleness the suffering throng, And touching them with healing hands, He blessed and bade them go ; So one who stood in these our later days (With voices hushed his name we softly praise) Awaited, healed, and with his kindness blessed the child of woe. Swift burned the fire of his consuming zeal To lighten weights humanity must feel. Before our wondering eyes he worked his mir- acles of will; He freed the mind, he made the dumb to talk. And to the maimed he said, "Arise and walk;" Each cry for help he answered by a deed of daring skill. [28] IN FLIGHT So utterly he knew the human frame That when for him the ruthless Hunter came, Whose quarry he had often wrested in the open field, He watched each stealthy step as it drew near, But faced his foe as one who knew no fear, Till in a last, great victory, he fell upon his shield. His life to save the lives of men he gave ; Our benedictions blossom on his grave. . .<•'.«(£ ••«.•- eft. ft* — - [29] BOKD OR FREE Who fears the worst, dwells in a darkened place Alive with noisome, formless, fluttering things. And shrinking backward, shields his covered face From contact with their black and hateful wings. Who hopes the best, goes forth with forehead bare, And to the open blue he lifts his face And cries, ''All good of earth, of sea, of air. Is mine, bv boundless largess of God's grace.'' [30] THE BEST GIFTS Give love! So lavish in its overflow That freely bathed within its golden flood Each seeming ill, transmnted, tnrns to good. Give hope ! So snbtle in its interchange — "•fe' Like life's red current from a generous vein It feeds the flagging heart made weak by pain. Give joy ! So vibrant in its^steady thrill That each shall know the Christ-child born again, And lift the song of glad good will to men. [31] Ill FKOLIC HER SUMMER YACATIOK First Day. The house is still, But I can feel Your presence fill Each quiet room And round me steal Like rich perfume. P. S, To know you're resting gives me joy, Don't worry, now, about your lonely boy. Second Day. I heard to-night The latest play; They call it bright- I do not know, For far away My thoughts would go. P. S. They flew, my dear, direct to you; I only needed wings to fly there, too! [35] IN FLIGHT Third Day. How dull and drear Each passing day ! When you are here So fast they go, Time disappears Like melting snow. P. S. I feel so deucedly depressed! Much longer, dearest, do you need to rest? Fourth Day. The house is still ; I seem to feel Gray specters fill Each quiet room And round me steal In ghostly gloom. P. S. What madness made me let you roam? For heaven's sake, my precious wife, come home! [36] THE SOLEMN TKUTH His father's very counterpart, The man that is to be, He came, our sturdy little son, And leaned upon my knee. With overflow of tenderness I gazed into his eyes, And longed to cast my horoscope In those unclouded skies. "Why do you love your mother so ? Now, tell me truly, sweet !" "Why, muwer dear,'' he said, "it's 'cause You make good sings to eat !" [37] THE NEW MAID Her blue eyes mind me of a doll; Her flaxen braids are fair to see ; 'Tis truth to sav that, all in all, She's just as Swede as she can be. I 38] A SYMPATHETIC TEAK A SAD and solemn thing it is To see a strong man cry. I gazed in dumb bewilderment And mutely questioned why. My author-friend but waved his hand To slips of varied hue ; ''The Judge regrets, and Life regrets, Atlantic Monthly, too; ''The Century and Harpers both, — They all regret — oh, dear! The world's so full of sorry men It makes me drop a tear." [39] THEIE BEASTLY GOSSIP Said the ant's little niece to the bee, ''Yes, it's out ! Why shouldn't it be with you buzzing about, And others by no means too small to refuse To go mousing around for a choice bit of news ? The bear facts are these : It has long been a-bruin ; That tail-bearing squirrel suspected their wooin'. And whispered the parrot, who talks without reason, That even the bat would see things in due season. The owl shut her eyes, and with face sanctimoni- ous. At first just asked, 'Whoo ?' then hoped 'twas erroneous. And said, if 'twere not, she was morally certain That Mr. Cock Sparrow, as usual, was flirtin'. Then the crow boldly claimed he could offer good caws [40] IN FLIGHT Why they should not be joined, if they cared for the laws. The hyena laughed, and the catamount grinned, And, all things together, past bearing they sinned. It really was lion of unusual scope, And I say it's no wonder it made antelope !" Said the bee to the ant, as he poised to take wing, ^^Do me justice ! I never intended to sting ! We esteem your dear ant, and will prove our good will By a great welcome home that shall quite fill the bill. We'll have it at night, in the gnu city park. And you just mark my words, there will be a big lark. , We'll say to them all, 'If a jaguar after Don't take it in gossip, but have one of laugh- ter!' [41] IN FLIGHT Just write your new uncle to chirrup at once, And your ant to forget all these beastly affronts. For we know what is due to our friends newly wed, And the peacocks are planning a post-nuptial spread. From hillside and valley their deer friends are coming — Three cheers and a tiger ! ]^ow I must be hum- ming !" [42] A WAEM FIGHT ^'You sing too loud !" The fire roared At the kettle, with much heat. Said she, ^'Your way of blazing out At me is far from sweet; You quite deserve to be put out ! To see it I'd be glad ! Your conduct fairly makes me boil, And my cover's hopping mad !" [43] MAKING THINGS DO When Mother gets mj last year's coat And scans it carefully, I'm hoping every minute Till she sighs, and says to me, "Re-lined, 'twill seem almost like new — I think, dear^ we can make it do." When Papa takes my half-worn shoes And turns them every way, I know beforehand just the words That he is sure to say : It's "Well, my child, they're not worn through. Re-soled, you'll have to make them do." And when, next day, that Sylvia Brown Puts out, with saucy flirt. Her shiny, patent leather shoe, I lengthen down my skirt [44] IN FLIGHT And think, "I s'pose she never knew What 'tis to have to make things do," But worst was when my sister Jane Tried on her half-worn dress And said what made me furious, I may as well confess ; ''It's out of style ; but sister Sue, Just as it iS; can make it do." That time I cried — well, yes, I did, But when my Papa came. And whispered something low to me. My face just burned for shame : He said, "With such a girl as you, Your daddy's proud to make things do !" [45] A bor:^ diplomat With longing admiration Wee Nora, three years old, Gazed on her playmate's locket, A gem of shining gold. At last, by dint of coaxing From her persuasive tongue. For just ^^one little minute'' Upon her neck it hung. Then pausing not an instant Her image to admire, This wily little schemer, With plans for conquest higher, Looked up with artful sweetness : *'0h, Arabella Vaughn, You do look so much nicer Wivout a locket on!" [46] NED'S BIRTHDAY WISH The birthday cake was beautiful, A mountain high and white, All trimmed with name and age in red And candles burning bright. ^'Now, children, wish !" said mamma dear, ^^And blow the candles out ! I see that Ned is thinking hard, What can it be about ?" ^'T wish — I wish " said Ned, and paused, Another look to take, '^I wish," he finished solemnly, ^^It w^as a bigger cake !'' [47] SANTA'S SUBSTITUTE Little baby daughter, Pretty lips a-poiit, In a fit of temper Tossed her things about; Till I drew her to me Saying, "I've been told Santa only visits Children good as gold." Downcast little figure Sudden sat erect; "Good each minute, Mama? That's too much to 'spect ! S'pose he shouldn't come here With the toys he brings, Couldn't you just get me Some little bits of things ?" [48] MEKKY CHRISTMAS Within a shaded upper room A gentle lady lies, The glow of fever on her cheek And blazing in her eyes. Beside her, nurse and doctor seek To quiet her in vain; With restless, eager hand she writes Upon the counterpane Imaginary labels to Imaginary gifts, Which loud she reads, as on her arm Her weary frame she lifts. ^Trom baby-girl to father dear f ''To mother, from Helene;" "The season's greetings to my friend/' ''With love from brother Gene." [49] IN FLIGHT ^^^ow bring the baby ribbon here, And hand the parcels — so. The red goes with the holly, The white with mistletoe." Then endless, unseen packages. With trembling hand she ties, Stopping, at last, but not to rest, "The telephone !'' she cries. "Call the expressman instantly ! I feel a — little — tired — There ! Merry, merry Christmas !" She sank back and expired. [50] IV THEOUGH THE YEAE JAISrUAKY BELLS An old-fashioned sleighing idyl The air is clear and crisp and bright, The snow is sparkling, smooth and white, And tempted by their magic might The bells and I are out. E'ow gliding swiftly down the street My happy eyes with rapture greet Two dainty forms with faces sweet. Ah, ha ! The belles are out. I quickly stop, and, not denied The boon I asked, soon side by side, With laugh and jest away we glide, The belles and I are out! Swift as the wind, with hearts so gay, We dash along a crowded way. When — cruel fate upsets my sleigh ! The belles and I are out! [53] IN FLIGHT Excuses uttered o'er and o'er Avail me naught; we reach the door And coldly part. Forevermore The belles and I are out! [54] FEBRUAEY SECOISTD S. H, S. Brother Groui^dhog, our Te Salutamus We offer again, as of yore, But your prophecies kind, the most of us find We simply don't need any more. We are voicing the voice of the people, There's hardly a shadow of doubt, To the average brain it's a terrible strain To follow your "in" and your "out." And the man is a real rara avis Who, suddenly asked to explain. Whether seeing your shade means spring soon or delayed. Doesn't stammer and struggle in vain. So, a fig for your prognostications ! We're tired of this annual fuss ! [55] IN FLIGHT And if sunshine you see — or whatever it be — You can't cast a shadow on us. For we know that the winter is going, We know that the springtime is near, With its birds and its flowers and its sunshiny hours. To whisper of hope and good cheer. For a birthday celebration. [56] rOEEEUNNERS MARCH Sprijs'g is coming — coming fast ! Whispering breezes hurry past ; Something brewing! Listen ! They are telling how There are pussy-willows now Almost mewing. Through the ice the little brook, Laughing, runs to take a look, Brightly blinking; While the leaves, in peaked hoods, ]N'od and beckon in the woods. Slyly winking. Secrets ! Secrets in the air ! Eound about the barnyard bare Speeds Old Dobbin; And before him — see, there goes On his blue and yellow toes The first robin! [57] APRIL RAIN It isn't raining rain to me, It isn't raining: rain to me, It's rainine: daffodils ; But fields of clover bloom, In every dimpled drop I see Where any buccaneering: bee Wild flowers on the hills. May find a bed and room. The clouds of grray engulf the day A health unto the happy, And overwhelm the town— A fig: for him who frets- It isn't raining: r&in to me. It isn't raining: rain to me, It's raining: roses down. It's raining: riolets. ROBERT LO^'EMAN APKIL s:n'ow To the author of " April Rain." It isn't snowing snow to me, It's snowing aches and ills ; In every tiny flake I see A dozen doctor's bills. The clouds of gray engulf the day And overwhelm the town; It isn't snowing snow to me, It's snowing trouble down. It isn't snowing snow to me, It's snowing noses blue ; Goose-pimples, shivers, rheumatiz. And influenza, too. [ 58 ] IN FLIGHT A health unto the summer! But you can make your bets, It isn^t snowing snow to me, It^s snowing vile rngrets. [50] MAY Want to banish April's tears, You, May? Laugh away our doubts and fears, You, May? Flood the earth with sunshine gay. And through every livelong day Scatter blossoms on our way ? You may. Want to promise then still more. You, May? Tell us all June holds in store. You, May? She'll be welcome — ^never fear! But we know who is the dear Dainty lady of the year — You, May! [ 60 ] JUISTE June ! June ! June ! June ! Rollicking, frolicking, merry-mad tune ! Now the poet must sing- Like a bird on the wing, With a lilt and a tilt and a lift in the measure, For the sober old world has gone tipsy with pleasure, And his heart beats in time with the magical tune : Rollicking, frolicking, merry-mad June ! l61] JULY Midsummer ; and the fervent lieat Has swept the lovely garden bare of flowers, Save for a few intrepid blooms which fling A gaj defiance to the sultry hours. The scorching heat of circumstance With blighting power bends many natures low ; But men of mettle, like the tempered steel, Gain strength and beauty in its fiery glow. [62] MY HAY-FEVEK SWEETHEAET AUGUST I LOVE her, and I told her so. And for an answer teased. She gave me just a hasty glance, Then sneezed and sneezed and sneezed. "Oh, cruel, heartless maid!" I cried; "Mj wooing you despise !" And then I stopped, encouraged, as I saw her streaming eyes. But, as I tried to coax her, then. To listen to mv woes, She took her little handkerchief And blew her little nose. I turned, impatiently, to go. But heard a gentle call; '^Oh, please, please, cub agaid," it said, "Cub later id the fall!" [63] golde:nt-kod In the days I dreamed, Time was that you seemed With your slender torches lightly springing, Youth's exultant fire, Buoyant brave desire, Golden flame from earth to heaven upwinging. Memory-month you are; Down the years from far Come the visions bright of past Septembers ; Golden-rod, to me !N^ow you seem to be Of those joyous fires the glowing embers. September twenty-second [64] OCTOBER Sweet Summer turns with parting smile, And, last of many a dainty wile, Her silvery veil she sets adrift, A gossamer maze. Down, down it floats, a fairy mist. Above the land by sunshine kissed. And lo! — as wondering eyes we lift — October haze I [65] THANKSGIVKsTG For grief unsuffered, tears unshed, For clouds that scattered overhead ; For pestilence that came not nigh, For dangers great that j^assed us by ; For blood unspilled in wars unfought, For deeds of wrong and shame unwrought ; For sharp suspicion, soothed, allayed. For doubt dispelled that made afraid ; For fierce temptation well withstood, For evil plot which brought forth good ; For weakened links in friendship's chain That, sorely tested, stood the strain ; For harmless blows with malice dealt, For base ingratitude unfelt; For hatred's keen, unuttered word. For bitter jest, unkno^vn, unheard ; For every evil turned away. Unmeasured thanks we give to-day. November, 1907 [66] CHEISTMAS-WEEATH Firelight and candlelight Illumine all the place ; Best of all the lovelight That shines upon her face. Ilolly-wreaths bedeck the wall And snow-wreaths the ground ; Best of all the little ring That wreathes her finger round. [67] V SHADOWS MY WALL OF COMFOKTS Across a still, unshadowed day A sudden frenzy burned its way. Fair violets of blue and gold Were crushed within my frightened hold, While meadows I had hoped to tread Lay seared and desolate and dead; And all the future, wrapped in cloud. Swept from my sight, a flaming shroud. How could I hide that blackened waste ! I turned me in a fevered haste, With hands that trembled, eyes that filled, xind set me straight a wall to build. Out from the comforts of the past I brought my treasures — drew them fast. The loving smiles, the tender care. The hope, the courage, strength to bear, [ 71 J IN FLIGHT The understanding sympathy, Of all life's gifts the best to me. Lo ! as I placed them, one by one, All clear and glistening they shone ; Each joy remembered grew a block Of immemorial granite rock. Until before me, firm and true, My wall towered high against the blue. "Oh, live not in the past!" you say, Who know not of that darkened day: My Wall of Comforts builded high Shall be my shelter till I die. [72] WHITHEK ? But yesterday and thou wert here — where hast thou gone to-day ? I need the hand that held my own so closely all the way ! With yearning eyes I lift my face unto the bend- ing sky, Like phantom armies, steadily the snowy clouds sweep by: In sobbing call my voice goes out across the rest- less wave, ^N^o sound returns — no echo from that deep and soulless grave. I turn with pleading, hopeless, and seek the forest lone. Mysteriously whispering, the mighty tree-tops moan. In frenzy of despair I beat upon the bars of Death ; [73] IN FLIGHT ^'Where went my love who left me in the passing of a breath?^' For answer only silence, and my heart-beats fall like lead, As I listen, listen, listen, at the doorway of the dead. 1907 [74] BUT o:n^ce Oh, loved one, somewhere out of reach Of clinging hands and calling, calling voice, Part thou the vail let fall between, and say to me "Grieve not, but know that I rejoice." Or send the sunshine warm of thy dear smile To flood my empty heart once more. And lonely years were days, while severed ties Were cable-bands made fast to yonder shore. [75] HEAKT'S WI:N^TER Eaeth holds no colder thing than this, The grudging, hasty-given kiss To lips that wait ; Save one alone — the death-stilled heart, Past craving love, past suffering smart. Avenged by fate. [7e| BELGIUM August, 19 lU The bells are tolling, tolling, Their echoes fill the air; But from their tongues is rolling ISTo message of despair. "Come ! Come !" they call, "To stand or fall For Belgium!" Wild voices swelling, swelling Tumultuous to the sky; A nation's chorus, telling- One heart-beat in reply. "Joy! Joy!" they cry, "To win or die For Belgium !" [77] IN FLIGHT November^ 191Jf An army vast, of broken ranks, drags slowly through a blighted land Like some great wave which, rolling back, leaves ghastly wreckage on the strand. ^0 tolling bells call loud to arms while answering voices thrill the air, But heart-beats stop, to flutter on, half-paralyzed with slow despair ; For haggard women, footsore, cold, with starving babes and children wan, Xo homes to leave and none to seek — go, hopeless, blindly journeying on. ''Woe! Woe!" they cry, ''To us who live. While men must die For Belgium!" [78] THE AMEEICA]^ MOTHEK With sorrow-softened face she stands And folds the heap of snowy gauze With gentle hands : For crowding visions fill the air And make of every thought a prayer : This piteous work must needs be done To staunch the blood of someone's son ; Tliat 'tis not mine, my only one, (Oh, is it sin — this joy within?) I thank Thee, God! Could labor hope of rescue bring The saddened hours would not creep by On weary wing ; But crowding visions fill the air And still her thoughts go up in prayer : For each brave lad whose blood must flow A mother's heart is bleeding slow; That mine such anguish does not know (Oh, dare I say — this shadowed day?) I bless Thee, God! [79] IN FLIGHT Those mother-hearts ! In utter shame Of ruthless waste, her spirit springs To burning flame; And visions crowding all the air She pours her very soul in prayer: Thou Son of God, from whose thorn-crown For son of man red drops ran down, As in that hour Thy tender thought Compassion for Thy mother sought, Oh, look on motherhood to-day And take this cup of grief away: In mercy heed our bitter need. God, give us peace! December', 1914 [80] VI A LOVELY DAY A LOVELY DAY As friendly voices say, in parting chime, "Good-bye, dear ones, we've had a lovely time P' So when I know that I must go away, I'll say, "Good-bye, we've had a lovely day !" The clouded skies we've knov^ra, the rain, the sleet, But made the sunshine brighter, flowers more sweet. Each hour within my heart is treasured fast. And each is loveliest because the last. Their joy is mine forever, come what may ; "Good-bye, good-bye, we've had a lovely day!" [83] LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ■" iillillllllllilliilliliiiiiiiliir 018 602 562 3