If ^ '■''^''y'l^'C :'■':■'■■[■■ ''-'■■'i"^ ■":;::■■-: V:'''' l^^kl ^^|_ 1 1 ' 1 ■, 1 _ II ||l:Jr : Class Book._- V\j 3 537 .Q7C5" GpightN". COEmiCKT DEPOSIT. CAPT. OI.UKR I'. M. SUUIRF.S CAPTAIN SQUIRES' COMMONODDITIES OLIVER P. M. SQUIRES BOSTON RICHARD G. BADGER THE GORHAM PRESS Copyright, 1922, by Oliver P. M. Squires All Rights Reserved .31 ■ la'^^^V Made in the United States of America Press of J. J. Little & Ives Company, New York, U. S. A. OCT 14 1322 ©C1A68G287 CONTENTS FACE Imagination, or the Most of Me 7 Twelve Years in Hell 14 Little Jim's Request 26 If 34 The Discovery 36 The Coming 38 Friendship 39 The Repaired Heart 41 To My Companion — My Piano 43 Can I Be Brave When I'm Afraid? .... 46 Burning the Letters 48 Blessedness 50 There is a Grave — A Wooden Cross ... 52 My Little Red Cross Nurse 54 Ten Years Old Today 65 My Mother's Old Piano 68 I Contents PAGE The Two Letters ^o Then I Became a Soldier 76 "I Have a Date, Boys, for To-Night" ... 78 The Divorce Court 81 I Went and Licked My Kid 84 The Daisy 88 The Thinker 91 As Wide as Long 94 That Family 'Cross the Street 108 The Caller 112 The Derelict 116 The Inventor's Compensation 118 I Sort o' Things Reviewed 129 O Damn Those Wicked, Waggin' Tongues . 133 I've Been Stingy 'Bout Religion 138 The Devil Abdicates 141 The Serenaders 147 This is My Prayer to Thee I49 A Captain's Thoughts 151 Discipline 156 2 Contents PAGE About Face i6i The Slaying of — The Thing 165 We Were Five, Mother and Dad and Us Three Boys 175 Old Surly— My Dog 179 The Picture 183 To W. Z. S 188 To James Whitcomb Riley 193 The Power of Thought 196 When I Used to Go to School 198 The Fertile Field 200 CAPTAIN SQUIRES' COMMONODDITIES CAPTAIN SQUIRES' COMMONODDITIES IMAGINATION OR THE MOST OF ME Herein dear reader I lay bare, "The most of me" to you I dare, In this confession to expose The best of me — and I disclose, — A multitude of good and bad — And honest like, the best I had; But if my thoughts and ideas live, I have perhaps much more to give^ — For deep — so deep within my heart Lie hidden, pleading that I impart To you — the things that dwell — 'Tis with reluctance this I tell, But it seems I must obey desire. That leads my thought-steps far and higher. Than I to now have e'er presumed. To pluck from vines, the flowers unbloomed. With "Most of me" I now depart — From accustomed paths, a timid heart, Self-conscious brain and falling eye^ — For I have changed — no more do I, — 7 Captain Squires' Commonoddities No more do I fear that the critic's frown Will tend to keep my courage down; For I will have my spirits rise And look him squarely in the eyes. For criticism oft is just, One needs but follow and to trust Him of all for his intents, Are not so aimed that confidence. Should be so bruised and welcome death, Because he breathed his natural breath. No I expect that I shall be, Improved and helped by his scrutiny; I mean to have him show my flaws. Then FU repair the broken laws — And I would have him know that I, Recognized the man as he passed by. It is 'mongst friends — familiar friends — That confidence so reluctant lends; To see or know from where you came — Whence came your learning — your right to fame- Am I not right when I so state. That far from home one should elevate, For do not they through native eyes — More than your work they criticize — Your acts and deeds — even humble birth — Till one can eat his share of earth. Is it to friends one has always known. One takes himself when he feels alone. To find some cheer in his distress? No; but to those who know him less. 8 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities Some time has passed since early youth, Refused or could not grasp the truth; I am not young or yet so old, But time is ripe that I unfold, What I have thought and seen and see — What is no doubt "The best of me" — For there remains and seems to lurk, The saviour of man, the desire to work. And w^hen man by his efforts please Himself, 'tis then that others cease To be a burden. This is contention Or philosophical invention. When man looks down from lofty heights, And sees the great and lesser lights. Then he by rule habitually, Makes comparisons, that he may see Himself — to find his proper place — Then to maintain or speed his pace. What would — or could — a man not do, If he had the will; and if he knew That if himself he but believed. Duties would be more than half achieved. If he said — with confidence — I will; And determined that he would instill The words "I Will," he would invest, And in due time become possessed. Of cherished hopes so strong that he, Would reach his goal eventually. There is no path so mean to tread, As the lukewarm effort to get ahead; Captain Squires* Commonoddities Nor is there one so hard to please, As the unsatisfying life of ease. No man or men e'er gained a prize By looking on through envy's eyes; Nor will a man at all succeed, Who does not realize the need. And need is but a blazing fire That makes more brilliant his desire. When I started out I simply wished ; But soon I found I really pushed. Now wish and push must work together, Alone they wilt in any weather, But when determined they combine, No other two can undermine. Each proposition has its laws. Cause and effect, but mostly cause; Cause it is that builds the fire — That accounts for acts — and to inspire The mind, the soul and even heart. And conjunctively each do their part, And in relation assistance lends To bring about effective ends. God gave to man some useful tools, But did not supply the beasts and fools; As man is in His image wrought. He furnished him the tools for thought. They are but tissue. 'Twas His intent Man should assist their development — For God intended man to wield, This magic power over wood and field; 10 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities He gave that man might rule the earth And decreed men equal at their birth. So if in quality the same, And only different in name, Man is simply man and is possest, With equal chances — like the rest. Environment however makes, Too vast a chasm and man mistakes, And allows his native intelligence, To confuse for lack of confidence. Don't call me coward, that would not do — Don't call me fool — though if you knew, I feel I am yet I disclaim Any such addition to my name; Don't call or think of me as such — For opinions often differ much — And if I pin my hopes to you, And follow and accept your view — And take for facts what may be true — If I did this would I not be. The very things you think of me? Should- man not work and persevere To do the task that to him is dear. And with a will — and too with might — When circumstances lead aright? Men cannot read themselves so well. To know what things within them dwell ; They cannot know — yet feel the fact, That drives them forward, and to act, Even tho some precedent has shown, II Captain Squires' Commonoddities The virgin rock a stumbling stone. What's written in the book of fate, Cannot be read until too late. Where is the man who is so wise Who sees himself thru future's eyes? No one can know — can only feel, The things with which he has to deal; But when some unknown power leads. He alone can claim — unowning deeds; For does he not but do as bidden. The will of this great power hidden? That which makes failure in a man. Is the not doing when he can ; Or when by no real effort tried, And has not used the means supplied. Failure is but to know" the cost, And in acquaintance with the lost. Just as to fail — is to confess — Tho be a step nearer success ; And as succeeding really bares A breast exposed to wounds and cares, Tho life sometimes is much depressed, At last is in great honor drest. I stand before you simply man — The same as you — for by a plan — We are by principles the same And only different in name. I do not claim the right to preach, Nor do I know how much I teach ; But have 'mongst circumstances found, 12 Captain Squires* Commonoddities Self-confidence is mostly sound. And self-reliance seems to be, A sure enough necessity. Without the two no man will know, Just when to start or where to go — By knowing these resultant thought Has self -subordination taught. I claim that we have many flaws — As have our statutes and our laws — But changes in these are always made. When imperfections are displayed. So man must work to find the route, By which he happier moves about; And though he goes from zone to zone. He travels generally alone. When one however proves that he. Is governed by sincerity — And has by perseverance hurled. His message to a sleeping world — He will when repetition shakes. See that his world at last awakes. Captain Squires' Coimnonoddities TWELVE YEARS IN HELL 'Twas the fifteenth of November — I remember well the date — I was working in the stables and now 'twas getting late ; Tho not so late as I had thought — the clock showed only three — But because of the early darkness seemed later than that to me. Winter was coming earlj'^, a mixture of rain and sleet, Made walking most impossible as it crunched be- neath my feet; Trees had lost most of their leaves — nothing no more was bright — The beautiful hues of autumn had early taken flight. In the house the lamps were lighted tho still mid- after noon, A storm was surely on its way and would be there very soon ; Pigs squealed in their prisons — horses tramped and neighed — Cattle chased 'round the strawstack in half serious fashion played. 14 Captain Squires' Commonoddities Chickens went to an early roost — for clouds made dark the sun — And all the farm's inhabitants seemed to know that day was done. Then just as I expected the wind began to blow, And the worst night of the winter came with its first fall of snow. Snow-flakes fell in blotches — like angry winds were blown, And against the doors and windows as if by hate were thrown; And stick it did just where it lit, half melted in its fall, And soon as far as could be seen was painted over all. Beating — matting 'gainst the fence till rose a drift of might, Clinging to everything exposed — all colors turned to white — Shapes however slender, even posts and grapevines grew, And soon lost their identity in an old world changed to new. That night — there came a summons from a neigh- bor who lived alone — A man who once was friendly and whom I'd always known. So with my family in the car — a little after eight — 15 Captain Squires' Commonoddities I drove through that storm and snowdrifts, then through my neighbor's gate. Nervouslj^ and awkwardly — like a man long lost from men — He began to tell his story — you should have heard him then ; I will try to tell the tale he told in the language used that night — The fifteenth of November — when the world was painted white. "Now friends Fll tell the reason why I have called you here — Tho it may not seem important like it did to me appear — I want to lay before you what for years alone I knew, After which I'll ask your counsel and advice on what to do. "I want you all to listen to a tale to all unknown — For the first time I will tell it tho twelve years have come and flown — Since I knew and it concerns me — all the details of a crime, But never have I disclosed it tho I've known it all this time. i6 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities "You may wonder — yes I thought so — on your faces it is clear — Ask no questions while I tell it — draw your chairs close to me, here; Make no move if you are frightened — only listen to me tell — Then you'll know and shun or pity one who's lived twelve years in Hell. "Once I had a friend who lived in — well that part I won't relate^ — He was unknown in this county tho he did live in this state; Seems some how it makes me nervous — talking to you people here^ — Telling you this tale, relating, why I walked twelve years in fear. "Twelve years this day — at midnight — our old fashioned door-bell rang — And it kept its clatter going with a bing-bang-cling- te clang ; Out of bed I sprang excited in my night clothes to the door, And a man — or something — stood there tho com- pletely covered o'er. "Of his features not a whisker — not an eyelid did he show — Head to foot he was enveloped all in black just like a crow ; 17 Captain Squires' Cornmonoddities 'What can be your errand, mister, this late hour to my place? Step in where it's warmer, remove your cloak and bare your face!' "As he stood there — more I questioned — 'Are you hurt or fallen ill?' With the door so widely opened — lightly clad — I felt the chill; Still he stood there like a dummy — not a word his call explained — And I waited till my patience was extremely tried and strained. "As he answered not a whisper — not so much as nod his head — There came the weird suggestion, 'was this thing alive or dead?' Now I did not fear the living — feared no thing that drew a breath — But a mighty scare came to me, was I face to face with Death? "If 'twas Death that stood before me — why to me then had he come ? With no warning — save the clanging — with that hellish silent tongue; God on high — I said in anger — tho I shook with trembling fear — If this thing must pay a visit, why in hell has he come here? i8 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities *'I endeavored then to question but my body grew so numb, That my voice and jaws had failed me and I, too, was stricken dumb; Face to face^ — like mummies standing — he outside and I just in, Tho I could not speak a sentence I sure swore like hell within. "I was frightened and I never had been scared so much before^ — But I tried by inward cursing, drive that devil from my door; All I did was unavailing, then I changed and begged in prayer. And I asked the Lord to help me chase that thing a-standing there. "Never by a word or token — not once shake his head or nod — Then I thought I was rejected 'cause I cursed then called on God ; Fear struck deep her talons in me — chilled by cold and icy sweat Down my body ran like rivers till my clothes were wringing wet. "Shaking like one with the palsy I gazed with awful dread, To discover I determined if that thing was live or dead; 19 Captain Squires' Commonoddities Back I quickly staggered, reeling — through the hood I saw, beneath — Staggering backward — stumbling — cringing; It was Death, I saw his teeth. "Where were eyes they now were missing — what was mouth was now a grin — And the grin of death -was on me — just outside and I just in — Then there came to me a madness — changed from what it was before — I remembered there was lying a long dirk beside the door. "Dirk or dagger — knife or car\'er — its long blade was oft admired, Useful only in a crisis and its use was now inspired ; Not by choice but circumstances — forced on me by extreme fear — And my mind crazed by excitement gave me leave to use it here. "Like the beauty of a serpent always was it to my eyes, I detested and abhorred it — always did that thing despise; Then I prayed — God give me power — help my weary legs to stand — Help me to no longer cower — give me strength to arm and hand. 20 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities *'God forgive me — I am human — give me now the help I need, Give my cowardly footsteps courage so that I God can succeed; Tho my tongue no words had uttered — cloven, use- less, cold and stiff — I edged sideways — hoping — praying — thinking of but one word — if. "Nearing all the time the weapon — then its hilt I quickly grabbed — With one motion I un-sheathed it and that thing as quickly stabbed ; Twice and thrice I drove the dagger — human like it turned and ran — Tongue now loose I screamed defiance — screaming like the crazy can. "Quick to start he soon was flying and I followed quick and fast — But my strength already weakened could at best but seconds last ; Time and time again I struck him — then fell — ^my strength was sapped, It was then that I discovered, at the hilt my knife had snapped." Trembling and with great emotion, at the last word snapped, he raised His eyes toward the fireplace and upon the mantel gazed. 21 Captain Squires' Commonoddities Tears streamed down his cheeks so hollow, and which had so deathly grown, Till now unlike the man I knew or that Td ever known. "There folks upon the mantel is William Shake- speare's bust — Now inside there is a hollow, it was there I quickly thrust, That old scabbard and the handle, then in crazy fiendish glee, I chuckled and I talked to him, so confidentially. "I felt that I had found a friend, who would my secret keep, Then dragged my weary bones up-stairs, to bed, but not to sleep ; Sleep never has been welcome ever since that awful night — It is then that I have nightmares which have filled my soul with fright. **Now today there came a letter from a lawyer in the West, And it says that in this manner has a friend of mine confessed — *Tho he is dead and buried, he arranged before he died. To show that he repented for an act unjustified. 22 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities " 'He never hoped forgiveness — and tho he suffered too — He has left his every dollar and possessions all to you. And by this act — his last on earth — to prove his good intent, Bequeathed to you his property by v^^ill and testa- ment. " 'He told me all the details, hov\^ he came to you one night. And dressed for the occasion nearly killed his friend by fright. When he saw what had resulted — and knew he was to blame, He grew stiff he said, and rigid like and could not speak his name. " 'Now he asked that I be careful to get his story right, So I put it all on paper, what he said occurred that night; He said, tho you were frightened, you were scared no more than he — But he asked that I have you explain, "That dagger mystery." " 'He saw you sneak toward him — and he knew you were insane, He saw you grab that scabbard — the knife and then the pain — ^3 Captain Squires' Conunonoddities As you struck and drove that dagger he felt it cut and tear, And he said he thought of nothing but to get away from there. " 'Out through trees and bushes — he ran for more than life — He ran from you a maniac with a terrible murder- ous knife; He never knew you quit him — but from loss of blood and breath — He fell and with the knowledge — he was stabbed by you to death. " 'He felt his life's blood trickling from ever}' wound he bore. Then he became unconscious and of course he knew no more ; He came to in a farmhouse and some good farmer's wife Tried to learn why he had talked so much about some awful knife.' "Now friends there's the solution — I have asked you here to be, The judges and the witnesses that will clear this mystery ; That bust of William Shakespeare^ — I believe that it can tell — The reason why he did not die and me twelve years in hell." 24 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities He took then from the mantel that plaster-of-paris bust — Then up into the hollow one hand he slowly thrust, With perspiration dripping, from that cavity he drew, The scabbard, and the handle, and what we all but knew. From the sheath he then extracted — ^just as if de- pended life — And laid upon the table a murderous looking knife. 25 Captain Squires' Cornmonoddities LITTLE JIM'S REQUEST There is nothing more ennobling this side of King- dom come, Than to see a father straining up his boy to be his chum ; There is nothing shows the character h'ke the atti- tude of youth To fraternize with father, for it symbolizes Truth. This tale is told of Little Jim and his worth while chum — his dad. And seldom are such partners seen — a father and his lad — But maybe Jim was different — he was not strong like some — And perhaps that had something to do with making dad his chum. Jim's father was a busy man and a little late that night, But they acted like — the boy and he — after long separation might; Their devotion if mere human came directly from the heart, And it seemed nigh to sacrilegious to watch them play the part — 26 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities I should not say they played it — so unconsciously sincere — For it seemed like something sacred and yet does to me here. I had heard of such things rarely — such mutual love and joy, But it never came so close before as this father and his boy. Jim's blondish — curly — tangled hair was hair no comb could tame, His mother tho just loved it — his father's w^as the same — He had big eyes which were sky blue but a sadness lingered there That never seemed to go away — 'twas a soulful kind of care. After lunch Jim took his father's hand and led him to his chair — He wanted to ask a favor he said — in a pleading kind of air, Then shy like he hesitated but he climbed upon his knee, And in his father's face he looked — so sad and wist- fully. "What is your little favor Jim? Don't be scared my little man, You know that I will grant it if a human being can — 27 Captain Squires' Commonoddities You know Jim there is nothing that I would not do for you — Whatever you or mother want — I surely will put through." Then Jim with voice so quiver>' asked a favor of his dad, The hardest proposition that he had ever had — ''Next Sunday I'm to join the church — I want you to go along — I want you to be there with me — and when they sing the song — "You take hold of my hand and I'll take hold of yours — Then we both will join together and when the preacher pours — You wipe my face to make it dry — and I will dry yours too; Wasn't it a teeny favor, dad — that I wanted to ask of 5'ou?" Little Jimmy's father sat with wonder in his eyes — He heard that little favor asked with pained and shocked surprise; The boyish — baby frankfulness that clothed his small request, Was mingled with the innocence with which his prayer was drest. He could not know how deeply had his little ques- tion cut — 28 Captain Squires' Comnionoddities He could not know the magnitude that it had grown to, but — Of course he could not answer no — nor could he tell him yes — Tho he^ — himself — tho then unknown, thru Jim God came to bless. Sometimes it takes a childish voice unthoughtful minds to teach — Sometimes it takes a little child an untouched heart to reach ; Just a little touch of innocence can change a path long trod. From a thoughtless or indifferent one to the right* eous one of God. As it takes but little sunshine to melt the falling snow — And just a gleam of innocence the proper way to show — It was Jimmy's proposition that brought his dad the thought. To grant his little favor was to do the thing he ought. Jim's father was commercially a man of good re- pute. His heart was just and kindly — no woman, man or brute — 29 Captain Squires' Comrnonoddities With whom he came in contact had reason to complain ; Tho exacting it was with reason and with un- superior mien, He mingled with his workers — in esteem and high respect, Was held by all who' knew him — which he could by right expect ; Regarding matters of the church he lent no active hand, He believed but since his childhood days had felt no stem demand, For his presence or influence — or himself an example set, That was calling for all the prominent as it is calling yet. But allowed his wife the burden of religious themes the teaching. To Sunday-school she always went and always stayed for preaching — And taught each day the little feet of his only son the way — And taught him early in his life how to worship and to pray; He stayed at home and smoked his pipe and read his paper thru — In divers ways he passed his time as thousands like him do. 30 Captain Squires' Commonoddities He never felt he needed help that un-seen powers teach — Or spiritualistic lessonSi — those which the pastors preach — But regarded it their business — from professional point of view, To try outshine each other as 'tis often claimed they do. *'He knew the competition that bordered close to hate — And jealousies — 'twixt the varied sects^ — that blocked the common gate." He reasoned too and honestly — for in morals he was clean — "He knew of members of the church who used it as a screen." Unselfishly — unenvious he allowed them go their way — His soul yet knew no strengthening — ^with pro- crastination lay — As migratory as the fowl that goes from zone to zone, His thoughts would wander here and there like before the winds were blown. Unassembled and unsettled, his future was un- solved — He refused to think on any thing that beyond the grave involved. 31 Captain Squires' Commonoddities Of no denomination, established sect or plan, But claimed that his religion was, being just to every man. However now a shadow came — and dark across his w^ay — He saw strange visions in the night and with him thru the day — He heard a little trembling voice — he saw a plead- ing face, And before it he was powerless — it followed every place. Himself he could not understand why he lost his appetite — He knew of no disorder that kept him awake at night — But changed he was and worried and like a shrink- ing coward, He fought to free himself from that which held him overpowered. The days passed on and Saturday had come and passed away — 'Twas a terrible kind of suffering that he bore throughout the day; That night he feared to face his son whom he cher- ished more than life, Suspicious of conspiracy he avoided too his wife. Jim had his little bath and then, so clean and fresh and bright, 32 Captain Squires' Commonoddities He hurried to his father to kiss and say good-night ; With self-control he drew his boy closely to his breast, But could not speak for bursting was the pressure in his chest. Without a word he kissed his boy and with his eyes closed tight, He muttered unintelligibly when he would have said good-night; Then when his wife and boy had gone^ — and alone, there by a chair — He made that great confession — he talked to God in prayer. There was many a glance that Sunday morn towards Little Jimmy's pew. For besides Jim's loving mother was Jimmy's father too; For people always notice — that's why the promi- nent should — Set the right example for it tends to make folks good. So Little Jimmy's favor was just like all the rest — It was granted by his father and so both of them were blest ; They joined the church together and when they sang the song, Jim smiled and winked at mother — for father was along. 33 Captain Squires' Commonoddities IF If the fullest circumstances of each man were fully known — And we could see the produced crop from the seed that he has sown ; If the details of his actions would the real truth reflect — And before us lay conditions, and we could these inspect — If opinions could be traded for facts so we would know, What a mass of grief and troubles would the expo- sition show. If masks of smiles were brushed aside and man's very soul lay bare — And his conscience and thoughts could be exposed to the purifying air, If hearts could be extracted and with leisure we could scan — What surprising revelations would confront the eyes of man. If it were a crime for thinking thoughts of im- morality — And if thoughts were all in concrete form so that every one could see ; 34 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities And if against the statutes of the state this were a sin — And if we had institutions to lock all these within, Think how vast would be the acreage and how long the prison wall, To receive and guard the sentenced and to house and shelter all. If you were called to view the friends who had gone on before — And if heaven and hell were side by side — ^just a step from door to door, And then you looked in heaven for those friends so dear to you, And you were told by angels there — of your friends — they never knew — Then surprised you stepped across the way — ^just to be satisfied — And in hell you saw them standing — trembling side by side — What a shock it would be to you and your confi- dence so rare, To see them not in heaven — but in hell awaiting there. 35 Captain Squires' Conunonoddities ' THE DISCOVERY When I first gazed into your face, I felt so strangely weak — And I heard a little silent voice, Urging me to sjDeak: ; You were I knew no stranger That I'd never known before, And I felt — what seemed a promise Of just what was in store. I knew at last I'd found you — Tho you had never guessed, And tho I'd been so long denied, I knew I now possessed The answer to my yearning — At last there came to me, Just the thing that I had pictured, In human reality. I guessed that you had recognized. My every move and thought — And tried to avoid detection — By others being caught. For nothing is one half so plain — Or so difficult to hide, As the secret of admiration — Or thoughts so drest in pride. 36 Captain Squires' Com?nonoddities And too I feared that what I felt — Would cause unguarded look ; Revealing by move or gesture — And disclose an open book. I vrondered then as I do now, If what I feel is shared — And if in hearts of all the hearts — That you have ever cared. When you are gone — and far away — When you I cannot see — I'll wonder if you are thinking, Or ever have of me; 'Tis then I'll wonder — for I do More than you'll ever know — Hide love beneath a countenance, Where eyes can never go. 37 Captain Squires' Commonoddities THE COMING Out of the No Where — Into the world — Into a greater life — Out of the darkness with flag unfurled, From oblivion and petty strife. Into a day of a brighter sun, He comes like a blast of a morning gun. Out and away from his self-cramped soul — Into a world of bliss; Into a world of a higher goal, From a dungeon dark to this. Out of a world of bleak distress, Into a world of earned success. Only his efforts and ambition's light — Backed by hope and pride ; And a knowledge that day is but half night. But he did his best and tried. Only a man but he knew the earth, And he dug in a spot that promised worth. Only to prove that labor is drest — Clothed in a robe of deeds ; Work of the kind that he liked best, And the planting of fertile seeds. Into the world came success to console. To prove that destiny — men control. 38 Captain Squires' Commonoddities FRIENDSHIP No one would ever have believed The half I deeply feel; No one could ever have conceived The vrounds that will not heal. There is no mortal move I make, But what reminds of some mistake. There is no one who ever erred, Who knows more than I learned ; There is no one who ever cared To have what I have earned. There is no one who ever sought, Or dreamed the things that I have thought. I never had a single friend — But what that friend have prized; Nor ever did I just pretend, By acts or thoughts disguised. If you but knew I never swerved When mutual confidences served. Some may have thought me hard to please — When they some wish implored — They might have found some way to ease, A mind not in accord. But if they failed, was I in fault If I withstood their mild assault? 39 Captain Squires' Commonoddities I feel that I am but a bush — That friends can friendly shake ; And I will grant each little wish — And each his toll may take — For have I not to each one shown To have me is to forever own ? And never did I friend desert — I value more than gold ; Nor by intent have ever hurt, But try to win and hold. I never understood the man Who does not keep them if he can. But it is true my friends depart — Those whom I'd love to keep; And like a dagger in my heart, It cuts both wide and deep. But if we never knew the night, We could not then so love the light. To show that I appreciate — My friends I thus caress ; Forgetting thoughts akin to hate, And ask our God to bless. And if you cannot understand, Let's walk and think — we hand in hand. 40 Captain Squires' Commonoddities THE REPAIRED HEART It may be that your cause was just — I have yet to apprehend ; And it may be when ground to dust, An injured heart will mend, If it again rebounds in me^ — Then I will gladly take And with the strength of sympathy Receive for old times sake. Before the altar worshipping, I begged the light to show — To tell me of each and every thing, That I had a right to know. What caused you leave your work undone^ Turn traitor and unkept A vow — desert work just begun, While the unsuspicious slept. For reasons — and best known to you, Ungrateful from the start. You did not see your journey through, But broke an honest heart. Alone I've wandered o'er the path. Where we so often walked — In solitude and harbored wrath I reasoned and I talked. 41 Captain Squires' Commonoddities I held my tongue — no bitter word, Some day you would explain ; The deed that caused my blood to curd, Upon the sands of pain. Not for the crime that you have done — Not for deep disgrace, Nor yet because another won — And better fills my place. The wound that caused my blood to flow, Is healed and calloused now — Of this I wanted you to know. When it came about and how ; She came to me when April shed The cold and winds and snow, And when she came thoughts of you fled, Her voice was sweet and low. With hers — your face could never cope, And loving, kind and true — With her you'd have no chance or hope, Against those eyes of blue; I wish you luck — my will will read, I will thank you publicly; For your great act — for your great deed, That you have done for me. 42 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities TO MY COMPANION— MY PIANO Dear old piano if you but knew what great respect I have for you — Could you but know how much I prize and see your- self as thru my eyes; If you could hear my praises true, 'twould be a compliment to you. O good old piano could you see emotions rise and fall in me, And understand and truly feel that which I hold for you so real — Even tho unheard, no words of mine could praise a friend more genuine. What friends we've been since early age found me beside you to engage You and your services — then bound and what com- panionship we found. Remembering struggles, what despair — ^what dis- couragement and care; How we have labored — we alone, your sympathetic heart of tone, Has been an influence so rare that none can with its worth compare. Since I first came a little boy, the soul of you has brought me joy ; 43 Captain Squires' Commonoddities So true has been your vibrant chord, as close com- panions we have pored As if together we would reach to learn and then each other teach. I learned in time your worth adore and with the time I loved you more, To me you are so really real, I know your smile, I seem to feel A fidelity more staunch and true than I dependent, could to you. Good old piano, you have stood more than your maker thought you would ; With all my cruel and rough abuse and thoughtless and without excuse — You humored when I seemed to ignore the consid- eration bargained for. Like some mistaken mother sees her offspring err, it is to please. And when I did so rudely pound, you made my scales and chords to sound As if real music when I knew, all melody was due to you. When despair so often seized my mind, great com- fort I would always find ; You seemed to know I was depressed — had by some unknown power guessed. Think of efforts, work and tears, through all the long and tiresome years. Years of practice, yet I progressed, mastering details till I possessed — 44 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities As I Improved, you seemed to, too, though new to me the old to you. Now as I ramble o'er your keys what was so diffi- cult with ease^ — And when I travel slow or fleet, your tone is mar- velously sweet — And comes to me like chiming bell and holds me in entrancing spell ; Your liquid voice, how it inspires and comforts soul and all desires. Thanks, good old piano, you have taught what I have learned, that which I sought — You taught and helped ideals rise, still help the doubtful neutralize; Far more than human friend could be, my good old friend of harmony. 45 Captain Squires' Commonoddities CAN I BE BRAVE WHEN I'M AFRAID? O am I brave when I'm afraid When I am awful scared, To try some stunt some kid has made, Or follow where he dared — Can I be brave when I won't try To climb up trees ever so high ? Can I be brave when I won't try To climb to beam or rafter, In some old barn way up so high — And listen to their laughter — If I should fall my life I'd lose, Can I be brave when I refuse ? Can I be brave when I'm in fear To run away from school ? For of course my mother — she would hear — Would not I be a fool ? Now wouldn't I be a silly goose, When I couldn't give a good excuse. Do you think that it's brave or fair To pick on kids — or hurt With hard snow balls or pull their hair. Or to pepper them with dirt? Do you think they're brave^ — who think it's fun To scare little kids or make them run? 46 Captain Squires' Commonoddities One day there was the meanest bunch Of bigger boys than I — And I just sort o' had a hunch, As some little girls came by ; When with the girls those kids got smart, I sailed right in and took their part. I told them first to let them be — And what I'd surely do; Then they left the girls and jumped on me- But believe me 'fore they's through — They found out that it wasn't fun — I made that whole bunch quit and run. The teacher says in Sunday school — 'Tear, boys, to do wrong" — Then has us say the Golden Rule — Then we sing another song. But what I'd like so well to hear — Can I be brave when Fm in fear? 47 Captain Squires' Commonoddities BURNING THE LETTERS The task is done — the task dreaded the most- Though I knew some day it must be ; I destroyed by fire my friends by the host, And friends who were faithful to me. One by one — with much sadness I gazed — And admiringly gave a caress — And then each one by the flames was razed ; And it seemed like a sin I confess. I saw the flames so greedily reach, And draw to its maw with a roar — Like watching a ship in distress from the beach, Being hurled by the waves from the shore. Friends I have known — in reality dear, Who brought me a message of love, And made me feel so happily near. Like sentiment sent from above. Years have passed — for years I have held — And priceless I valued them all ; But the time at last came and I was impelled. To destroy them, though bitter as gall. 48 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities Tears I have shed, and laughs I have had, When I read — in seclusion review^ed — Sometimes I'd be happy and then I'd be sad, As something forgotten renewed. Farewell good friends, I'll never forget, You were and remain much to me; I prized you always and I prize you yet, With loving sincerity. Good-bye old letters from friends of the East, From the North and the South and the West; Your love is secure, I love none the least. You are on my memory pressed. 49 Captciin Squires' Commonoddities BLESSEDNESS There's a feeling nigh to aching, As I think of you to-night ; And my heart seems nigh to breaking, Though there is a strange delight — Coming o'er me as I wonder. And o'er It long I ponder Till It seems I see you yonder Through the darkness of the night. Through the dark I seem to see you — Though I know that I do not; In my mind there Is a clear view, Of the land forget-me-not. Forget-me-not, your choicest flower. Often have I heard the name ; While we passed a sweetest hour — Now like you I love the same. Things like these are always clearest. When wMth you some way connect; And so often do they, dearest — And just when I least expect. When 1 walk along the road-side. Or when driving in the car. All at once it seems my thoughts glide- And before me, there you are. 50 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities You're the sweetest recollection, Of what was and yet exists; When alone in retrospection, Your dear image still persists — Often do I see with clearness, Though your visits all are brief — I am cheered so by your nearness, That it neutralizes grief. To me grief is but a sister, Like a twin to happiness ; One is with us then we miss her^ — Then the twin has come to us. You have caused me oft to wonder, And on this I often ponder ; Then I see you way off yonder, And I call it blessedness. 51 Captain Squires' Commonoddities THERE IS A GRAVE— A WOODEN CROSS Where battles raged and trenches ran — Where hearts have ceased to beat; W'Tiere hopes once fell and rose again, Where past and future meet, There is a grave — a w^ooden cross — a number or a name, Which holds all but the memory of my son's heroic fame. Where men once stood in battle line, Where souls have taken flight, Where stood the profiled son of mine. Outlined upon the night. There is a grave — a wooden cross — a number or a name, WTiich holds w^hat once was mortal and a patriotic flame. Where flowers now bloom — the cold winds blew, Its song with icy breath — The song whose words became so true, The prophecy of Death. There is a grave — a wooden cross — a number or a name. That holds the silent listener — an immortal son became. 52 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities Where fallen has my soldier son. — There let his body lie ; Where he heard the roar of bomb and gun — Where he went so far to die. There is his grave — a wooden cross — a number or his name, Where his presence is his glory — his unquestioned right to fame. But give to me from oif his grave, A little sacred sand — 'Twill closer bring my boy so brave. Just a bit of France's land. There from his grave — his wooden cross — a number or his name, That glorified his memory and sanctified the same. 53 Captain S" well — And Lord I know you'll understand — I don't know words to tell; But if my boy has gone to you and with you he will live. Let me go too — to be with him — will you permis- sion give?" For a minute he was silent — then he burst loud into song, Then said — "O John, I'm goin' — I'm goin' to go along"; With arms stretched high above his head — his face toward the sky — He said, "I thank you, Jesus, for sayin' I could die." 1 06 Captain Squires' Commonoddities His voice was slower — lower — we missed then what he said — He stiffened — swayed and tottered and fell across the bed; We raised him up and looked at him — a smile was on his face^ — So we made a grave as wide as long and right there is the place. 107 Captain Squires' Communoddities THAT FAMILY 'CROSS THE STREET While you're thinking on economy — how to make 3^our money reach — And you try to put in practice what so many people preach ; And it's become a problem — tho your weekly pay is good — With the price you pay for clothing and for coal and rent and food — And for all the things you have to buy and bills you have to meet — I wish that j^ou'd explain to me "That family 'cross the street." I merely want to tell you that I think I draw good pay; I do not call it wages — but I call it salary. From half past eight till half past five I try to give my best, It is then that real problems come that put me to the test. Sometimes 1 have to figure and to use a lot of care, But I often think and wonder 'bout that family over there. I don't want to tell my troubles, for you've troubles of your own, io8 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities And if you have no troubles, you're the first I've ever know^n ; My fortunes seem misfortunes — and it seems 'twas ever thus — And believe me there are paydays when to beat the band I cuss — I try to make a practice to pay up without delay, But I started out to tell you 'bout those folks across the way. There's a family living over there with seven in the fold. The man is just a laborer and he is getting old. The children are too young for work — and all of them in school — While father wields a shovel or some such kind of tool; From six a.m. till six p.m. dirt mixes with his sweat, But how they manage to get by I haven't found out yet. For the kind of work that poor man does he surely earns his pay — Munificently for just mere work gets two dollars every day — I see him coming home from work so covered o'er with grime, And when I see him on the street I wonder every time. I'd like to get his recipe — I'd like to learn his way — 109 Captain Squires* Cornmonoddities I believe I could learn a lot of things, from this fellow 'cross the way. They must have coal to keep them warn — and coal costs money now — How he manages his furnace I wish he'd show me how ; I'd like to see his table — what those people have to eat — How they portion out potatoes and how they serve the meat. To house and feed that seven — to clothe from foot to hair — I wonder and I wonder, 'bout that family over there. Now I'm getting serious — for "By Heck" it beats the dutch — For jobs compared I have that man a walkin' with a crutch, I do not spend my money in foolish waj^s of ruin, And I'm going to cut this livin' cost or there'll be something doin' — It's a business proposition and that man I'm going to meet, And I'm going to have him teach me, how they do it 'cross the street. The pay I get is all I'm worth — tho of course I do aspire — IIO Captain Squires* Commonoddities And I expect as I improve to go a little higher — But it taxes one's ambition when you're spending all you get, To keep your growing family and it's not through growing yet — I am going to solve this problem — with diplomacy and care — I am going to get acquainted with that family over there. Ill Captain Squires' Comnionoddities THE CALLER I did not ask her errand or the reason why she came — I did not think — nor did I care — as to whom might be to blame-; That she was old enough to know (needs no wisdom this to tell) But this I knew — and knew well too — she tread the brink of hell. Before me she stood a sacrifice and the garb of Chastity, Hung by a single thread of golden Integrity; But ere the mantle that once clothed — and clothed yet as before — Dropped by design or accident some unknown power bore, And as upon the wings of fate and with swift decision tore, What seemed just then a cunning net and thinking seems the more. She stood before me — and she stood — my answer she would wait, And as I glanced — with curious brow — and ap- peared to hesitate, 112 Captain Squires' Commonoddities She caught my thoughts — at least it seemed my slug- gish mind to read — And as I tried my senses pull together and indeed, This is a master's work to do' when words all seem to strain, To tumble, jumble to express — more time I tried to gain — By gazing — thinking, my thoughts afar — and was this cowardice, Was I a fool, was I a prince gaming with loaded dice? Was I a traitor to a man, was he a man to me^ — Should I consider his friendship? Or plain mor- ality; He was my friend — what was he now? Thoughts conglomerated pile. But duty and respect for both held me for a while. The seconds pass and minutes seem — they move so draggish slow; I motioned the lady to a chair^ — but wished to God she'd go — Or never had she come to me — for tho I was no saint — But by dear sleeping bones I swear I had never borne the taint. For it was taint that threatened me and would follow to my grave; I could give no sanction or reject, not even my soul to save. 113 Captain Squires' Commonoddities She knew she had no business there — nor I her there allow — But by all the gods that I knew of I knew no means or how; I could not say there is the door — please go — de- part — get out, For I had a feeling that she knew, just what she was about. And I knew too — she also knew — these things we don't forget, I was not sure she knew my thoughts or how I cared — but yet — I knew enough of what she knew and she enough of me, For both had erred in judgment and compromis- ingly. As sunlight does when light w^inds blow, the cur- tains mildly flick — It darts across a darkened room like lightning and as quick; So does the vision of a thought — and yet defies the tongue. To put to voice, the thought express — it is in silence hung. With thoughts that came and went away and too in silence mute, I sat and gazed like condemning judge — I must have seemed a brute — 114 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities She came to me for sympathy, she came to me for love, Neither of these did she receive, I swear to Him above ; I do not say I mastered myself — but more than this degree^ — She was but blind — I was paralyzed to immova- bility. At last she arose as if to go — ^^her visit now was o'er — Glancing at me contemptuously she moved towards the door; She glanced at me with such contempt as if at filthy dust, Then slammed the door to accent her love turned to disgust. No one knew of her visit — in her home she took her place^ — And never since has my caller ever looked me in the face. "5 Captain Squires* Commonoddities THE DERELICT The truth is — it did seem a shame, And yet — one never knows — When pretty Susan took his name, Well — you know how it goes, Things seem incomprehensible — The w^ay young folks will mate, Like each were indispensable. To a happy future state. Well any way — 'twas their affair — And no one else should judge; So all her friends — they ceased to care Or her — her choice begrudge. Then true to form Big Bill turned out To be what people said — Tho for months he kept her mind from doubt, About the life he led. She did her best — she babied him — She humored that big beast; And independent — sweet and prim, Seemed worried — not the least. She tried to make her judgment good, And dreaded folks to know ii6 I Captain Squires* Commonoddities Just what they all had understood — He now was proving so. Big Bill stayed out night after night, And lie^ — what tales he made^ — And she — she realized with fright, The price that she had paid. She stood it all — he always thought She believed his explanations — But more than once he had been caught, In great prevarications. But day by day her character, Took on a different form ; Tho typical — 'twas just like her — A rebelling mental storm. One night — when every thing was still — ■ And Bill had stayed out late; Her judgment and her outraged will, Bowed to revengeful hate. She went into a den of shame — Her life to contradict; And Susan — at one step became, And remains — a derelict. 117 Captain Squires* Commonoddities THE INVENTOR'S COMPENSATION Listen Justice, hear my tale; listen God and Man! I would have j^ou hear my story — hear me while I can, The common details' relate to you — my strength is fast abating — Help me to live my shortened life — to die without my hating. Give me attention, is all I ask — I crave no gold or pleasure, That day is gone when earthly things, by anticipa- tion measure; I have no hope and no desire — I see my sun's rays glitter. And sinking as my cherished dream, sank cold and dark and bitter. 'Tis God to whom I really speak — for Justice I know you not — And you my acquaintance never knew, or early me forgot; Your elbows I have often brushed through all the years so fleeting, I begged a smile, I craved a look and doted on our meeting, ii8 I Captain Squires' Commonoddities But high above my common way I heard your voice, and singing, But not for me wtrt praises sung — no bells for me were ringing. And Man to you what can I say, so changeable of feature^ — You dare not meet me face to face, you deliberat- ing creature; You stole the fruit from off my tree — you stole my contribution, Your guilt is hidden 'neath your mask in surest retribution. You crept upon me from behind — your mind was bent on thieving — But bland of smile and countenance disguised by wiles deceiving; For many years you encouraged me, I toiled in poverty, My hair turned white, my shoulders stooped, then success rewarded me. Then came to me new confidence — the dullness of my eye, Was brightened, then with efforts crowned I thanked you God on high; There in my shop I humbly knelt in thankfulness of prayer, For I had wrought a great success, from years of gaunt despair. 119 Captain Squires' Commonoddities How brightly now the old sun shone — I loved all things that aided — My bench and lathe and all my tools — they now to me were sacred ; All my books and literature — digested page by page — For in thousands of, an inch I read as with mili- meter gauge. Tedious and painstaking — my machine must be just so — Tho I often became discouraged and was tempted to let go, Conception and deep knowledge told and hot im- agination Would sweep me back to work again, to thought- ful meditation. I came to know the truth in me — I came to know the need — Of laborious application, if hoping to succeed ; More human like I then became and seemed in- oculated, With a great desire for things deprived so long I all but hated. So proud of my accomplishment that pride ran rife in me — Those things of life so long denied, I saw in reality; And I pictured out the contrast — of what my life had been, Upon the past for twenty years, I gazed time and again. 1 20 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities Now I nursed my falling body, for with honor, fame and wealth, Time would come for rest and sleep that would bring me back to health ; My invention led — no other made machines that could compete, So simple in accomplishment and perfect and com- plete, It did its work and accurate and lightened labor's way, And changed to ease and pleasure hard toil and drudgery. There is no fortune half so pure, nor sweeter com- pensation. Than the reaping of the harvest from profound meditation ; There is no one who more deserves — nor dream which should come true, Than ones that are wrought from years of thought — who in vision's forests hew. Who shape and mould — who build and tear — re- build and then destroy. Whom disappointment oft rebukes and failure's fears annoy; There is no one whom God should help to brighter make the road — There is no one in any field who totes his heavy load. Than he who tries by brain and brawn — who at- tempts creation's plan, 121 Captain Squires* Commonoddities There is no one who less receives fronni contem- porary man. Now that success had come to me there appeared a radiance splendid — A craving for things I never thought were for such as me intended ; I remembered now my mother's face and with shame shed burning tears, I had not had such tender thoughts as these for many years; So I gazed on life as never before, after sadness and dejection, And backward looked in happy frame in cheerful retrospection. I remembered well and do so still when my mind turned to invention — My father's frown I see it now, with usual ap- prehension — He knew no one who ever made success at such a trade, And he told of worry and despair over which my path was laid. Mathematics and mechanics in my mind already ran — I see my start and finish now as oneself, he only can. Then came the day of ecstasy in the early hours of mom — 122 Captain Squires' Commonoddities No longer would I the subject be of the loafers' unthoughtful scorn; No more the stock for laughing or silly interroga- tion, That so often filled me with disgust to my utter exasperation. Better knows no one than I how idle doubt can pain, Its thrust of burning, sharpened prong made my weary soul complain. There was but one whom I did trust — one man my secret knew; He was the man who held my fate^ — he saw me passing through, And he became my confidant — what I knew to him I told, He said that I'd be wealthy — it was worth a mine of gold. He was a man who had the means— I agreed to give a third. So into partnership we went indeed as well as word ; And he, he was to finance me and till I got it going. He was to pay for patents and what little there was owing; To handle all the business end — I never had a thought. But what he would be fair and square in all the things he ought. 123 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities When you can talk to no one — not a soul who can advise — When j^ourself the problems must work out and alone the means devise ; When solved the answers you cannot prove and in doubtful steps have trod, It is then you wish for counsel and there is no one but God. When you work along uncertain lines — for months and years have spent, Your failing and tiring energy for doubt and dis- content, When you know that manhood's prime has passed and you note your failing sight, It is then your very soul cries out in anguish at your plight. Imagine then what blessings crowded through my tired frame ; Transport yourself there in my place, in body, soul and name. Allow yourself to think as I — with thoughts deep and intense. Upon a thing that held enslaved, my spirit and my sense. Enough had I of worries — of trouble and of woe, Had I not gone the journey as far as I could go? So certsurc not for confidence that proved so illy placed — 124 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities 'Tis he not I that God on high, for a man by choice debased, Will turn unhearing ear away — for with sin so vile as this, Can never enter heaven's door, but fiery Hell's abyss ; For if there's Hell designed for man by a pardonable God, It is for he whose footsteps over earth for years have trod — With time for full reflection and with means to wrongs aright, Who sees his victims suffering and is conscious of their plight. Forgive? And would you have me be just what I was before, Imagination's creative touch had opened wide the door — And showed to me the possible, along whose paths I groped, Until at last accomplishing all that I dreamed or hoped ? But where — O where the stolen draught, when lifted to my lip — The nectar that the glass contained — that I about to sip — To taste the fruit from off my tree — the tree I caused to grow^, Where is my compensation? Thank God, I can show. 125 Captain Squires' Comrnonoddities See yon factory buildings rise — and see that tallest stack, Belching forth great volumes of smoke so coally black? See those buildings on beyond and those high cranes and towers, Do you see that white-faced brick that stands amopg the trees and flowers? Now see that fence enclosing all — that's painted white and green — That's where they manufacture my wonderful machine. Without my wonderful machine, there'd be no fac- tory there — When I think I made that possible, I suppose I shouldn't care; And when I see the happy folks who make the tiny parts. If I ever draw a happy breath, 'tis because those happy hearts, And homes and stores and families, are there be- cause of me; Wasted then is all my life, when all these things I see? Thousands work there in those shops and all these learn a trade. To do a part of a machine — the whole of which I made ; Though terrible the sacrifice — if it my life has cost, 126 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities Can I well say my life's misspent and all my ef- forts lost? Yes I am poor in money — and no one will believe, When I try to tell my story, for no one can con- ceive My doing what I say I've done, that, that machine completed. Then after I had done all that be so robbed and cheated. I told but one as I have said — one man my secret knew — He was the man who held my fate — he saw me passing through, But to see the product of that plant shipped to every state. From New York harbor in the East, West to the Golden Gate — To see it shipped to every clime — to lands far o'er the sea. That is the compensation that daily comes to me. But hark! You hear those whistles shriek? The workers' day is run — For all the workers in that plant, another day is done ; Though it brings a sting of sadness and melan- choly steals, Closely over its track there comes and to my eye reveals 127 Captain iS quires' Co?nmonoddities Again mv^ compensation to alleviate my hate, For trooping homeward hurrj^ing, are thousands through that gate. Should not all this my injured pride sufficiently repay, Should not I again in solitude kneel, and humbly pray— And ask my ever present God for forgiveness and atone? 'Twas for millions that I sacrificed, though I toiled for self alone. 128 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities I SORT O' THINGS REVIEWED As I sat alone one ev'nin' in a contemplative mood — After lapsin' retrospective — I sort o' things re- viewed ; Now there's nothin' more elatin' or more balmin' to my mind Than at times to get reflectin' on the years that's left behind. There's a mighty little glory — ^when one sort o' thinks a bit — And you sort o' sort the genuine from the plated counterfeit — When one fairly takes an invoice then scans with honest eyes, The most of us are bankrupt — what ever that im- plies. As I said, there's little glory — if a fellow's on the square^ — When you remove the camouflage much worth is seldom there; I'm not speakin' for the benefit of the 'spicioned — crooked — few. But I'm speakin' broad and general like — I may be hittin' you. 129 Captain Squires' Commonoddities We do forget — how fortunate — that power of the brain — Has saved us many a sleepless night and a dog- gone lot o' pain, And if "Bj-Heck" there was no check — to sort o' drive away — - There'd be a lot less o' these rich folks a-motorin' 'round today. Man is possessed o' faculties that he, himself, may mold ; But now-a-days they are mostly used as a means for makin' gold. Our groc'ry men — our butcher men — 'tis said and it appears — Have cornered all the eatin's and done turned profi- teers. Now when I get to thinkin' — as I do sometimes alone — It is then I get to gazin' on conditions I have known ; Sometimes there comes a feelin' bringin' moisture to my eyes. Then again I'll get to talkin' — to myself solilo- quize. That night I got to thinkin' — "What we used to have to eat" — And I saw my mother's table — and "By-Heck" it was a treat; 130 / Captain Squires* Commonoddities Must been a-havin' comp'ny — it was so big that night — Stretched out just likefer threshers with the table cloth so white. My imagination must o' been a-workin' good that day — Could hear Ma in the kitchen — she just talked and talked away — And I just kept a-hangin' 'round — out o' sight the best I could — I reckon I was scared to death she'd tell me, "Get some wood." Then — I saw them set the victuals on — a few things I will tell— Had roast turkey and fried chicken — there was pumpkin-pie and jell; There was dressin' — peas and noodles — and a nice big leg o' lamb^ — Apple-dumplin's — cream and butter — and a great big plate o' ham. They had cakes of ev'ry differ'nt kind — a-layered way up high — Spiced peaches — beets and pickles — and bread both wheat and rye; They had mashed and sweet potatoes — these sug- ared-up more sweet — And with coffee mother roasted — ^was quite some meal to eat. 131 Captain Squires' Commonoddities Oh, yes, one thing I most forgot — big roastin' ears — they had ; My mouth just got to waterin' so — I got to slob- ber'n bad. They had just rafts of other stuff — a lot I didn't see — I've merely told some o' the things that always 'pealed to me. But at last I tired o' even that — a-settin' there alone — And I felt so gol-danged hungry — like a dog — could eat a bone ; So with all the things a-ringin' and 'a-slippin' through my mind, I went out to the pantry — to see what I could find. I looked all through the cup-board — I looked into the chest — And down there in a corner — in a cozy little nest — Reposin' — ^just so comfy — in a tissue-paper bed — Was a stingy — dingy — heel of — what was once a loaf o' bread. So I got in bed that ev'nin' in a contemplative mood — After lapsin' retrospective — I sort o' things re- viewed. 132 Captain Squires* Co mm on oddities O DAMN THOSE WICKED, WAGGIN' TONGUES If you ever get to thinkin' on some subject good and deep — And it holds you soul and body, so's you get but little sleep, If you get at times so bloomin' mad that for days you're good and blue^ — And ev'ry thing you're tryin' fails — and you don't know what to do. You will have a good idea how I felt that gloomy day, When this whole town ('cludin' murderers) helped to lay that girl away. There ain't no use a-talkin' boys — I have thought on this a lot — And my feelin's ain't a patchin' to the ones that I forgot — There ain't no words that's bad enough — and I surely know a few. But I've searched my mind and fail to find the ones I think will do; So I merely keep repeatin' — sort o' pumpin' with my lungs, "O damn those scandalmongers and their wicked, waggin' tongues." 133 Captain Squires^ Comrnonoddities Now Mary Johnson never died as they say — "by her own hand," There never lived a better girl in this or any land ; That she is dead is proof enough that she in life was good — She always lived the best she knew, and did the best she could, The first she knew of actual wrong — the first she knew of sin — She got from others worse than she, thru talk and gossipin'. At first she took it as a joke — so innocent was she — She could not see or understand — it all was mys- tery; The story grew — the women wagged for all that they were worth, And found delight in misery — the worst there is on earth. She suffered humbly and alone the undeserved dis- grace. That mocked and talked and followed her — it was with her ev'ry place. When old friends and acquaintances, unnoticed passed her by. With knowin' smiles and gigglin' — she knew the reason why; And men or things — who think they're men — with silly looks they stared, 134 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities As at some ferocious animal, that helpless lies en- snared. Day after day, week after week had come and passed away — Her rosy cheeks had long since paled and no more bright and gay, Melancholy grasped her — her eyes were dark and blank — Deserted she was by all her friends, now from her parents shrank; Suspicious were the looks of all — tho guiltless of a sin, Her world was changed and different from the world she'd traveled in. Even the flowers meant naught to her — the singin' of the birds — Seemed accusin' and taunted knowin'ly, that meant as much as words; She knew no one to whom to turn — and little did she care — For her life was goin' inch by inch, no longer could she bear. When midnight came and the town-clock tolled, poor Mary scrawled a note. Nervously and hurriedly — and this is what she wrote. "What right have I to live on earth, when spurned by all who from my birth, 135 Captain Squires' Comrnonoddities Have known me well — as I have you — I see no happiness in view ; It seems that you have chosen me to bear disgrace- ful misery, And heaped upon my girlhood brow, a sin unknown to me till now; Guiltless though of even a thought of doing a thing — but what I ought — To be accused of this terrible sin, you steal my life where it should begin. If thoughtlessly my fate decide, as you have sen- tenced, I abide ; And take with me undeserved shame ; please let me rest, forget my name." We found her in the river, boys, and we laid her 'neath the sod. In the lot she often visited — where her feet had often trod; Never will we hear her voice — no more her cheery call- That so often rang with friendliness for you and I and all, Who knew her since a little babe — and through her youthful years — Far was her fall from happiness to drownin' in her tears. When God makes out His scale of deeds — when sins are sized and graded — We will better know how far to go with things insinuated ; 136 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities How quickly springs what seems the truth — like a rolling ball of snow — It gains momentum and in size and no one tries to know — To learn the facts or trace the source 'till reputa- tion ravels — Until it's lost forever in its speedin', w'd'nin' travels. We know that girl was murdered — if by another name — She has its harshness tempered, it is murder just the same. There is no sin that is so black as malicious im- putation, That helps to steal, to kill or mar some other's reputation ; Of all the songs that have been writ, these words should oft be sung — "O Damn a Scandalmonger and a Wicked, Wag- gin' Tongue!" 137 Captain Squires' Commonoddities I'VE BEEN STINGY 'BOUT RELIGION Written for the $75,000,000 Baptist Campaign I've been a member of the church nigh-on to fort}'' year — And have always done my duty as it did to me apv- pear ; I have tried to be a Christian like I wanted folks to know, That I followed in His footsteps — ^just where He'd have me go. But today I got to thinkin' — when discussin' That Campaign — Somethin' up an' hit me sudden like — I saw things mighty plain ; For compared with other kinds of things — I felt guilty when I thought — What I'd laid out on religion was a lot less than I ought. I've been ev'ry thing but preacher — I'm a Baptist thru and thru — And without the church, Ah brethren I don't know what I'd do; I have gotten all the benefits — it is there I've sung and prayed — 138 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities But considerin' all these blessin's what a little I have paid! I've been wrong — that's sure as shootin' — but I saw my duty plain, 'Twas like bein' re-converted when I boosted That Campaign ; I had the money in the bank — and there's thousands more like me — Who've been stingy 'bout religion — I reckon thoughtlessly. But I signed that paper, Brother, and I made them figgers shine — For somethin' sort o' told me all that money wasn't mine ; I didn't want to have it said that all I did was save. So I fin'ly paid it in a lump — to the Lord, His share I gave. Let's do our duty, Baptists, and we'll make our church worth while — And give it a chance to do its work in regular Christian style; Let us set a higher standard by puttin' it on its feet — Let's go over the top a-singin' and make that job complete. We will put it where our children and our chil- dren's children too, 139 Captain Squires* Commonoddities Can have all such advantages that of course we never knew ; Fix up all the missions — and the preachers, let them preach, Let 'em go 'long the highways and let 'em the heathen teach. Provide for all the veterans — give 'em rest in their old age — For they've spent their lives a-toilin' at 'bout half a common wage ; Money can be no better spent than t'wards this worthy goal, "Man needs but little here below," but to give does help the soul. It's a business proposition — if religion's a success — Those who can must keep it goin' — those who can't and in distress Can reap then of the blessin's that the abler can afford. And great will be the dividends — but greater the reward. 140 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities THE DEVIL ABDICATES Mister Kaiser, said the Devil, at last I humbly bow — I have never bowed but to myself, but to you I'm bending now; I have held the crown through out all time and have ruled the best I could — And have never thought of rivals, nor dreamed I ever would. I have never bent a stiffened knee — nor have I ever faltered — No ways but mine could ever see and these have never altered ; But went my way and carried out and had my will obeyed, And never have I followed or have I second played. Always, Mister Kaiser, I have tried to live to name — And have always too, been willing to bear the brunt of blame; Even tho it's hard and difficult — the thing I'm going to do, My place and ancient title, I surrender all to you. 141 Captain Squires' Commonoddities No one knows me Kaiser — even I have never known That I was tender hearted, but I perhaps alone, Know I am a failure — and to fail when I had thought, I had done my duties nobly in every way I ought. I thought too, Mister Kaiser, by use of fiery brand, To rule my kind of people with a heavy iron hand; Recruits and converts always came and great sacri- fices bore. And never 'gainst his wishes has a man passed thru my door. Though I have had no favorites, every one was treated well — And always have I given them the very best in hell; But it seems that all my efforts and the time that I have spent. At last are unavailing, for they are no more con- tent. I have noticed daily that my folks were no more satisfied — And have known that some new method soon would have to be applied, For murmurings of revolution and dissatisfaction grew, I have heard them talking openly and they always talked of you. 142 Captain Squires^ Comrnonoddities They talked of me behind my back and thought I wouldn't hear — And they held me not in horror, nor in ordinary fear ; And said that near' — so close to us — just a block or two from hell, In good old loyal Germany, that you were known to dwell. They have picked you Mister Kaiser, just because I didn't dare, To do the things that you have done^ — I did not think it fair. And it is true, I never did or never cared to do. The things you'll have an answer for, things justly charged to you. It never mattered much to me — tho the Devil I have been, For I only took those people who volunteered for sin; I never killed or massacred a woman, child or man. And it never entered into a single scheme or plan. I do not mean to censure — but how I'd like to know. What kind of dust you're made of and why out of hell it's so; For man or beast — what e'er you are — how can you be at ease, 143 Captain Squires* Commonoddities When you murder, rape or slaughter exactly as you please. How can heaven — and there is — I know there is a God, Look down and see the vineyards by the Kaiser be- ing trod ; How can God — who knows you well — look down and see 3'ou tread, Wreaking brutal vengeance on even helpless dead. How can He watch the workings of your blood crazed war machine, Grinding, reeking, dripping blood, such as the world has never seen ; In Belgium, Poland, Servia and France and others too — I suspect some kind of reckoning, when they get hold of you. I have always been the Devil and my home was always Hell, But since you are superior, it is you who there should dwell ; I do not doubt but what you will some awful changes make — I have no doubt but ruin will follow in your wake. But there amongst the earth's elect — although I cannot know, — Just what reception you'll receive, on taking charge below; 144 Captain Squires' Commonoddities I relinquish to you Kaiser the workings and each For it's there that you can practice to your heart's content your art. The greatest reason Kaiser why I am giving way, It's merely a side issue, but this I want to say; All my lands and provinces, possessions great and small, I am giving to you cheerfully — I am giving to you all. I want you to go and promptly — leave the country of your birth — The above is my inducement to get you off the earth ; You have won such laurels — such as they are — again let Nature smile, And I feel that Hell will hold you for no tem- porary while. Let weeping mothers, the bleeding earth and civil- ization try — To repair its broken, damaged face while centuries passeth by; For years most without number will come and go again, Ere beautiful lands and kingdoms and hills and fertile plain, Be what they were before you came with worse than hell's devices, 145 Captain Squires' Comrnonoddities So treacherous and savage your cruelties and vices ; So from this date, 'tis 5'Ou who'll wield the scepter and the laws — And you will all the honors reap and applause — and you like applause. 'Tis you who will, when Gabriel blows, his long, long parting blast — Still be in arms in infamy — which so long has held you fast; Then by his strength ignoble — so merciful will he, Whisper through his sulphur breath, your kind of sympathy. Then ere your nostrils have been closed — long be- fore your breath Has ceased to be, you will have known the reward that comes with death ; For death like to others will not come — I know that this is true. For it will frolic and will play and have lots of fun with you. So go now. Kaiser Wilhelm, your duty lies be- fore — For talent howe'er ignoble there is much — so much in store; Go and tell my door-man that the Kaiser wishes in. They are waiting for you Kaiser, to rule the land of sin. 146 Captain Squires' Commonoddities THE SERENADERS Sing on light hearted singers, sing; Your melodious noise is cheer. On such a night as this you bring Our hearts and spirits near. 'Twas welcome music when we heard Your faint twang, twang afar — And like some early morning bird Are you and your guitar. Now let us hear your mandolin, And let your voices rise; Sing on my neighbors, sing like sin, Let's together neutralize^ — All hate and thoughts and deeds unkind, Let's sing our cares away; And leave all selfishness behind, Forget them for the day. Sing some familiar melodies That every one should know — 'Twill bring to all sweet memories Of perhaps the long ago. We'll all again once more be young — For it makes the aged blest — 147 Captain Squires' Commonoddities When he has with proper spirit sung, And joined in with the rest. Come often friends and serenade — You are welcome when you care, For upon God's instruments you played Some sweet familiar air. We'll sing those songs when we're alone, As through our lives we go ; The songs that we have always known, For God would have it so. 148 Captain Squires' Commonoddities THIS IS MY PRAYER TO THEE To be a man — God give me strength To follow my convictions — any place to any length ; GivQ me that proud conception that I may plainly see, Right and truth with, that great power to give the best in me. Give me, Lord, that courage — both to body and to mind, That I may bravely onward forge and never look behind ; That I may face accusers with a positive man like view — And to my own convictions, O help me, Lord, be true. Help me to evade the hand that would make of me a slave To unprincipled cliques and elements^ — ^who would make of me a knave; O give me independence and initiative power. That my own master I may be every conscious day and hour. 149 Captain Squires' Commojioddities Help me to distinguish when appearances deceive — And to see the real significance, what perhaps is make-believe; Help me, Lord, to scorn the thought of hypocrite or liar — And to preserve my self-respect and attain ideals higher. Help me sweep aside indifference — my trembling voice to rise, To speak my own opinions when I know them to be wise; Shield me. Lord, from all of those who sacrifice the truth, And early teach these principles to inexperienced youth. Help me to be that kind of man that never can be bought — And let me be in practice the kind of man I ought ; Help me to be, O Lord, — A Man — just what you'd have me be — This is my prayer, O Lord of Hosts — this is my prayer to Thee. 150 Captain Squires* Commonoddities A CAPTAIN'S THOUGHTS Written at Camp Sherman, O., Winter of igi8 When softened contemplation brings to solemn minds a view, Of our duty to the soldiers and the things we ought to do; When we invoice past accomplishments and gaze with discontent, On the details of each day's routine and each little element. When you're one of many thousands that for cause have gathered here, From all sections of the country, leaving kin and homes so dear. When you see the masses as a whole — ^whose heart beats, beat as one. From the blowing of old Reveille, till the sound of Taps is done. In their messes and their barracks, in their practice march and drills — In their routine duties as they come, and which each soldier fills, There's a feeling kin to sadness, there's a feel of tenderness, 151 Captain Squires' Commonoddities Though the thought in a real man's thought, its Truth is none the less. I have often gazed into the face — some boy the draft has caught, And have tried to glean from shadows — I have studied and have sought, To learn the pictured vision, that alone he knowing sees. Till I've learned to read the \tvy thoughts and per- sonalities. I have seen young boys who not till now had left parental hearth, When on duty do the work required and in this have shown their worth ; But when left alone in idleness, their minds begin to roam, And all they see are visions of mother, friends and home. No doubt he sees the curling of the smoke from chimney stack — No doubt he sees his mother by his mansion, hut or shack ; And he sees far more than e'er portrayed on can- vas, card or wall. And sometimes his heart is breaking as he gazes over all. As Jack Frost can paint a picture on a glass with- out a brush, 152 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities So can the soldier first from home, when home thoughts o'er him rush ; There is no world — there is no place that is to him so fine, And I know of what I'm speaking, for such pictures oft were mine. Back home some place he sees a girl, and through the glis'ning tears, He sees a something that he dreads, the nightmare of his fears ; The little girl that still is his — then doubts and questions rise, As he sees the lad who was not called through dark and jealous eyes. But now, though feeling lonely, sad, he mutters words that he, Would not have had his mother hear — close to pro- fanity ; But had he not now grown a man — was he not now of age? And who can blame this conscript for his show of healthy rage. Had he not gone away from home to for his country fight — And can we blame him when he thinks he's not been treated right? He cannot help but feel that he, who was among the picked. Is being undermined at home; by others being tricked. 153 Captain Squires* Commonoddities So rage within him daily grows — he knows that he's in War, He also knows the reasons and what he's in it for; So he swears he'll go to France to fight — the folks at home will see, That he's a man, if he has to lick the whole of Germany. So that's the spirit, and it's taught — we are teach- ing them to fight, When our boys get over there, they are going at it right. So girls at home, remember, and please do not for- get — Your sweetheart's on a mission, but he's thinking of you yet. Take no advantage now that he, his rights cannot defend — But be the one he thought you were, on you let him depend ; Let you be inspiration to carry out his deeds — For perhaps upon the battle field, he suffers and he bleeds. Help him by telling him that you will stick through thick and thin — And know ye that deceitfulness is a rotten kind of sin; Make him believe — yes, make him know that you'll wait and do the right, 154 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities So that he may, with honor, like hell go in and fight. You stay-at-homes, take warning — it's a dastard thing to do — While all is fair in love and war, this does not allude to you. If you had the proper kind of blood, or the right percent of man, You would have on the uniform helping carry out the plan. But those who can and do not do, in every act re- flect, The exactness of their measurements and sacrifice respect. When Hist'ry shall have writ the words, how proud our boys will be, That they have helped to save the world and made safe democracy. How proud will be their children, as they tell with honest pride. How their father or his father, fought and lived or maybe died ; That he had done his little bit — that he bravely gave his all; So do honor to the soldiers that have answered to the call. 155 Captain Squires' Comnionoddities DISCIPLINE Discipline, my jailer and my friend ! You came as an arch enemy, disguised ; And, being strange, I failed to comprehend, Yet learned to admire one heartily despised. You forced yourself upon me when you came — I'd never known or wished an introduction ; But knew by reputation and by name. Then came to you by forced induction. The firmness of your voice held me in awe — No less your cold and calculating eye; 1 did not relish what I heard or saw, And vow^ed 5^our wishes to defy. I did, however, bend reluctant knee That never had but when my own mind willed, Much less a proud rebellious spirit, me But which was by your expert tactics killed. I watched and thought and studied day by day, To find some undiscovered weakness there; To learn your heart and then that heart to slay, And cared not by what means, nor foul nor fair. As davs went on I learned some things thought 'bad— I saw some good develop from your style — 156 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities And soon I saw amongst the traits you had, Some semblance of a kindly face — a smile. A smile at times, though hidden, seemed to lurk. And, too, whenever I attempted you to please, And do as you required and ceased to shirk, My duties changed from drudgery to ease. And with what ease I accomplished all required. Those self same tasks that yesterday were mean — And both myself and you got all desired. And things now clear were all the clearer seen. Even then I did not in all agree. Nor did I wish to knuckle and to bow. And in my heart determined not to be. Your disciple and your slave as I am now. I do not mean to say I am your slave, For next to crime is it for one to dare; But to obey and honor one who gave So much, is simply justice, broad and fair. So easy — and how careless are our acts — How lightly do we plod and sow the seeds — And lie and plant those lies as fertile facts, And reap a harvest grown to weeds. How often do we fail to cultivate, As civilians how we fail to comprehend Or understand ourselves, nor elevate 157 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities The things and thoughts we know have right to blend. How often in our lives does misery Come marching down upon us as it wills, Unworried and unprepared, yet do not flee But watch it come across the nearby hills. We lack a master with an iron hand, A master that can teach a soldier's pride — Until, we never will, but will misunderstand. Until both we have a leader and a guide. Discipline you have taught me much — To repay, I this at least do not expect But I agree to follow at your touch And by so doing your wish reflect. 1 want to make my light and yours to shine — I want to make the flame go flaming higher, To show the world your light is also mine, And mine is always waiting your desire. I am converted and convinced and hope That what you do may your great wisdom show — And that your field will reach far greater scope, For waiting are great multitudes to know. Few people know exactly what you are, Few people have, of course, given you a thought; 158 Captain Squires^ Co mm on oddities But you have come and millions near and far, Have learned no lesson greater than you taught. You cannot teach a man to be your slave, Nor can you wish and have that wish come true — But you can teach a man to be a knave, And with a wish, can have so much to do. If you can teach a man to be a knave, You will also teach a knave to be a man; He can't be both, not even his life to save. Nor ever could since this old world began. The lesson taught has opened up a scope, That will ere long cry out for such a need; To remake the world will be our greatest hope, And you will make it possible — indeed ! Long years will slip into the past — For men will stand faint hearted at the plow, And with their spirits broken stand aghast, And wait for you, are waiting even now. Wild beasts of the jungle learn to yield. The low brained animals to mind. And all the creatures of the wood and field Are taught by you at once so harsh and kind. They seem to know no thought but to obey — They see your eye and remember what they see; 159 Captain Squires* Commonoddities And then they seem so happy in their play, Though confined are more contented than if free. Freedom is a figurative speech — No one seems to know the limits round — But often unowned territory reach, And there too often run aground. People work in slip-shod fashion as they will, But seldom by intensive effort plan, Their acres and then those acres till, 'Tis the path of ease, the average way of man. It is not the way of nature, nor of God — It is not the way main precedents were laid, Nor is it just that man should merely plod, Nor yet the way that worthy things are made. Man scratches at the very top of earth — Uncares what lies beneath the soil, Yet slides and glides along from birth, But few bear fruit, the fruit of toil. No system nor a well made chart Has he to follow or to guide ; No end has he not e'en a place to start, Nor does he know the measure of his stride. i6o Captain Squires^ Commonoddities ABOUT FACE One night a man — a failure — walked slowly bowed in shame, Toward his home and family with heart and mind aflame ; There shone a light in his dark eyes, that never yet had shone — Nor in all his thirty and odd years had he felt so much alone. No different was he this day, than was he year after year — No more had he the need of funds, no more had he to fear- But something came to him with force — and vivid was the view — It seemed that all his life lay bare from the time his years were few. He saw his start on failure's path— he saw his winding way — He looked far back into his youth — it seemed but yesterday ; So short a time and middle life was here and wind- ing on, With contemplation he reviewed the years that long had gone. i6i Captain Squires* Commonoddities Years of experience had taught — though thought- less well he knew — Great opportunities he missed as he had traveled through, This life though, he well realized, was rough when at its best. But the smooth and easy one he chose, ignoring all the rest. There was no one whom he could blame — he had no good excuse — He had no reason or alibi, to complain there was no use; The present he knew to be the seed to plant in future's field, On this depended well he knew, the grade and kind of yield. Not those of fancy were his thoughts, nor visions' flashy flight. Nor were they the kind that come in dreams — in restless sleep of night — But were a backward glance on life — the route o'er which he came — And shamed he stumbled to his door — to those who bore his name. His wife well knew his sorry plight, how aimless was his way — Though capable and of good intent, she never had a say — 162 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities Or, never felt that to suggest would brighten up his path — He seemed self-centred without cause and often turned to wrath. So right or wrong she humored him and good and kind and true, She smothered her words before their birth — as thousands like her do, And allowed him go^ — and rudderless upon life's stormy sea, So without compass or means to steer, his port was misery. With resolution on his face, concentration in his eye, With features spread — ^with the look of a hound determined to win or die — With shoulders back and chin in the air — though withal a kind of grace — He said to his wife "here's where we turn" I am going to find my place." Years have passed since we saw him last; let us see now what we see. The sight we behold is as good as gold — it is good for you and me — As the general said to his boys one day "Turn boys we are going back," Back he went in word and deed, and he won in each attack. 163 Captain Squires' Commonoddities He tackled his habits that bore him down — he won each skirmish there — When they returned they could do no harm — he did not even prepare — He changed his route to face about, and deserted the easy road ; And as he goes he reaps and he sows and he carries a lighter load. He found his place a's will every one — of this there is no doubt — When ever a man is determined to win ani he knows what he is about. There is in store — and a little more — than what he most desires, When backed by vim that's aroused in him, and ambition that feeds the fires. He changed his life and that of his wife, from worry and bitter despair, Contentment abounds and success surrounds tak- ing the place of care. So take as a lesson the change in the man who floundered till forced by his shame, Then driven he turned his back on the past, and found his place and a name. 164 Captain Squires' Commonoddities THE SLAYING OF— THE THING 'Twas a middle western city — in a state of famous name — Noted for wide-awakeness and commercially the same ; Its progressiveness was unexcelled — for decades its name had shone^ — Reflecting reputation where the city's name was known. The products of its factories reached the lands of every tongue — And deserving were the praises that were for the city sung. Always patriotic — in the war had done its share^ — And made great sacrifices — just as much as it could bear. Character was written — or civic pride had wrought — What certain cities never learn — ^what the cen- turies have taught. Always had its citizens repelled unjust report, And stood behind their merchants with dependable support. With liberal minds assistance gave to minimize dis- tress — i6s Captain Squires' Comrjionoddities And earned the name as well as fame for their unselfishness ; They backed their enterprises and to principles were true — And dishonest aspirations were consequently few. No grafting politician here to raise his head would dare — Nor the municipality could he tempt much less ensnare! But now alas! to it had come a dreaded plague or pest — And good cause had its citizens to be terribly de- pressed. For step by step — then leaps and bounds — an un- welcome stranger came — And now there lived 'mongst decent folks, A Thing — the city's shame — It had no heart — it had no friends — it grabbed — it grasped — it grew — It had no shame nor sympathy — this thing no pity knew! No one ever knew before such a monster — or so vile- It cared not for opinions — it would only sneer and smile — It seemed devoid of any sense that better instincts teach — 1 66 \ Captain Squires' Commonoddities And lied and tried by every art the poor man's purse to reach! It worked not only on the rich — the widow's mite it stole — And damned beyond redemption — but no — it had no soul ! No such a thing had ever come — no such vile thing as this — Had reappeared — if this it did — from fiery hell's abyss. And yet this thing — this awful thing — 'mongst de- cent people mixed! And it appeared — ^what most had feared — to be permanently fixed; It brought to the community unrest unknown be- fore — And slept upon the very stoop of the honest — ^wor- thy poor. Up^ — up — and up the prices went — when by all the laws we know — Down — down — the prices should have gone — and statistics teach us so; Influence then was brought to bear — the influential tried — But it accused some other and of course some body lied. 167 Captain Squires' CoTtimonoddities It became a wonder prophet — its iniquities to brace — And employed intimidation — its merchandise to place — Then Ah ! Too true the prices soared — on every thing we eat — The coat we wear upon our backs — the shoes upon our feet. No limit nor no sense it knew — things grew more and more dear — Most all grew poor — the poor more poor — but not the profiteer! Conditions were unbearable — no wages could suffice — For with every little increase up shot the robber's price. And things so insignificant — outrageous prices brought. A dollar had no dignity — and Oh so little bought! A cent up to a quarter — no purchase power knew — Then — patience was exhausted — people knew not what to do. One night the city council — with the mayor in his chair — Met to discuss this dragon — and if necessary — prayer — Conditions were disgraceful and deplorably so bad i68 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities The city's ship was floundering — some solution must be had. 'Twas after much discussion that its youngest mem- ber rose — And with much enthusiasm he talked as one who knows ; "IVe arrived at the conclusion that a scheme I've got in mind, Will prove the greatest remedy that is possible to find !" "With your help and your approval — the only help I need — I'll put in execution a plan that might succeed." He explained his proposition — ^just what they'd have to do — That would kill off profiteering — then he went and put it through. He organized and systemitized — a working force he made — (And dallied not with details nor with little things delayed ) He called to him the ministers — the lawyers and physicians — And made them head committees — and important like positions. He called the heads of labor trades — their elements to lead — . 169 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities The officials of the county — the township — and in- deed The deacons of the churches — this was delicate to do — And made them charter members — he made them leaders too. He got in touch with editors — their scribes and press reporters — He headed this committee and called it "The Ex- horters!" He recognized and understood the value of the press — And it proved the greatest factor in a wonderful success. In secret and seclusion their preparations made — With a certain time agreed upon — it would not be delayed — Night after night — and all night long — their prop- agandic brains — Worked on to see what could result to pay them for their pains. And then — one sunny afternoon two aeroplanes ap- peared, High up in the aerie dome — and circling as they neared — With propellers whirring noisily above the city swept — And high above — next to the clouds — but above the city kept. 170 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities And then the air was filled with bills — a propa- ganda shower — "The Profiteer Bombarded" for an even half an hour ; And scathing — so like bullets — so damaging and true^ — The truth had come from out the sky — at last the people knew! The morrow came and wondering — the people searched the sky — And sure enough — the planes appeared from out the clouds on high; Again in mighty circles — they seemed each house to scan — Then — shower after shower of convincing truths to man. Many — many — thousands fell — it was like a fall of snow — And then they read and they believed — they knew that it was so ; Then conversation started — the scheme was worth the try, Though they wondered how it started — they did not wonder why. Then mutual understanding came and common com- munion held — Caste and class were cast aside and prejudice dis- pelled ; 171 Captain Squires' Commonoddities The war had taught great lessons — in reality pre- pared — For just such an emergency — this was often heard declared. And soldiers, too, who had returned from the great and bloody war — Displayed no hesitation — this they w^ere ready for; They felt the great injustice — which seemed as much unfair As the "Unrestricted Warfare" that took them "Over There." Day after day the planes appeared — their pamphlets to bestow — Which dropped with regularity to the populace be- low; Then people ceased to wonder — but with thinking minds became To understand their share of fault in what they were to blame. They had they knew encouraged it — by being sim- ply meek — By turning when one side was smote to him the other cheek; They had like some poor pacifist — no resisting power to kill- But bowed to this imposter and to his imposturous will. 172 Captain Squires' Commonoddities Now like some great religious wave — great repara- tive power — Took hold of the inhabitants, growing stronger hour by hour ; No longer were they impotent — but determined now had grown, To no more cheer the profiteer — but to let him work alone. Surprising, too, how people took their interests to heart — As if some solemn duty urged them to do their part ; They deprived themselves of every thing but just enough to eat — And cut to war time rations their groceries and meat. They cut out every needless thing — old things in- stead of new — Became the city's fashion — folks simply made them do; Like gasollneless Sundays- — for a principle alike — And to their cause were loyal — their high cost of living strike. Without a sign of violence — they respected all the laws — But followed all instructions that were framed to help their cause; Then here — then there — then great surprise — from every side appears 173 Captain Squires^ Cornmonoddities Reduction sales and cut price sales of self-branded profiteers. The weeks had come — the weeks had gone — my story has been said ; But at their feet the profiteer lay mangled — cold and dead. That Thing — that Thing — that awful thing that for dishonest^gain Had robbed its benefactors — they in self-defense had slain. 174 I Captain Squires^ Commonoddities WE WERE FIVE, MOTHER AND DAD AND US THREE BOYS There were three of us boys — there was Mother and Dad, sitting at supper one night, And we talked of the war and Jim — ^just a lad — was crazy to get in the fight. Little Jim — ^with fuzz on his face — and Fred, he cared nothing for war — But I was determined tho I'd recently learned, what all of the fighting was for. There were three of us boys, there was Mother and Dad, eating and talking of war. One by one the three of us boys (when Fred's num- ber was called he went ) We entered the service for Uncle Sam — and in time each one was sent, One by the way of England, two straight for France's shore. Now Mother and Dad had given their all, to fight in the terrible war. Months went by — then Mother wrote; I could see her tear drops fall — Poor Dad was killed in an accident. Now Mother had given all. Still there was Fred — a worthy lad — there was lit- tle Jim and me — 175 Captain Squires' Cornmonoddities But small consolation I had to own, we in war, far 'cross the sea. More time went by — those bus}'^ days employed my mind and kept Me thinking about those shells that burst, or over me whistling swept ; Then a message said that Fred w^as killed — I got the word one night — And my veiy soul with sadness filled, Fred — who didn't want to fight. That left Mother and little Jim — Mother and Jim and I. And I vowed right there I'd have revenge, or know the reason why. Then came the great immortal drive — we had put them on the run — The drive that kept them going till our job, this time was done; We had reached a little village — we had scarcely reached the place When something hit me viciously, slam right side the face. Well they quickly took me some place, to patch me up a bit — But I guess you can tell by lookin' how mean them Germans hit. But I got on and got on fine — but 'round me there was lyin' The finest boys that ever lived — still fightin' and a-dyin'. 176 Captain Squires' Commonoddities When I could move I always did — so casual like I walked, Among the boys and kidded them, and cheered them as I talked. As I moved 'round I saw a face — but no, could not be him — Then Christ forgive me for it was — my little brother Jim. Well I moved back — little Jim had died — and right there Jimmy stayed; And beside a host of other boys, little Jim is laid. There was Mother and Dad and us three boys, but three of us had to die — So Mother and I were now alone — still left was she and I. The armistice came — and then we talked — and we always talked of home^ — And we sang those songs of hearth-sides and no more will we roam. Finally I reached New York — and I felt that I was blest; Just as soon as I got my furlough I started for the West. O how I loved my Mother now — much more than I had before — But I dreaded — ^how I dreaded to meet her at the door. At last I reached that Western town — and straight- way from the train — 177 Captain Squires' Commonoddities I went down Broadway — Jefferson — then home on good old Main. Then I saw the house where I was born — seemed strange — 'Twas lighted bright — Something wrong I thought, but hurried on — 'twas dark and cold that night; Then I stood frozen in my tracks — children laughed and sang — A Victrola played and merriment of a happy family rang. But I pulled myself together and I rang that old doorbell — I'd inquire for my mother and of course some one could tell ; A lady came — I a soldier stood — (in khaki I was clad) I told my name — she asked me in, but looked sur- prised and sad. You do not know? She asked of me — I am sorry boy, for you ; Your mother's dead, my boy, she said — she died of Spanish Flu. There were three of us boys — there was Mother and Dad; all of 'em dead but me; Me alone and O what a heavy heart — and O what a cheerless sea. My father was killed in an accident — my brothers the Germans slew — My mother died of that terrible thing, commonly known as Flu. 178 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities OLD SURLY— MY DOG Old Surly was no common dog; I remember him so well. Do you want to hear his story, son? Then listen while I tell. When I was just a little boy — Just 'bout the size of you — I had a dog — a great big dog — And a mighty fine one too. Come lad, let's sit upon this rug That before the grate is spread — Look here son, see this silken hair. And this tail and feet and head This rug was once my own good dog- This skin with hair so curly, Was once a great, big, loving dog; His name? His name was Surly. He was not cross, as one might think- Or as his name implied — Least no one ever proved he was. Though sometimes people tried; See these big feet, and these big toes — They often knocked me down — For he always played so silly like — Just like a Circus Clown. 179 Captain Squires' Commonoddities 'Round and 'round me he would run — As happy as could be — And then sometimes he'd get too close, And bump right into me; Then down I'd go — then sorry like He'd lick my hands and face, And if I was ever missing He'd hunt just every place. And when at last he would find me — With delight he'd bark and grin — And look at me as if to say, Where the dickens have you been? And if folks some times came near me — Unless he knew them well — He'd bristle up and growl a bit — And if I'd cry or yell — Wherever that old dog would be. He'd come bound after bound — Then stand by me just like a guard, A-lookin' all around. I loved that good old dog, my boy — Just as much as dogs can be — And son, it nearly broke my heart. When they took my dog from me. One night Old Surly broke his chain — He was gone away all night — And when next morning he came home. Old Surly was a sight; 1 80 Captain Squires' Commonoddities He was simply covered o'er with mud And cockle-burrs and such, With a piece of chain a-jinglin' — He wasn't fit to touch. And then a man — a great big man — Came a-knockin' at the door, He was a countryman, my boy, That I'd never seen before. He inquired for my father — Said something 'bout the law, A madder man I'd never seen, Than that farmer man at Pa. Well they went and got Old Surly — He was sorry and distressed — Then he begged them both for mercy, And in his way confessed; The farmer then took hold of him — Then looked at Surly 's jaw — Then had my dad look for himself ; What d'you 'spose he saw? 'Twas wool, my boy ; the farmer said My dog had killed his sheep; And after that for many days, I could hardly eat or sleep. For on that day they took my dog. And shot him in the head — And when I got to see him, My good old dog was dead. i8i Captain Squires' Conunonoddities Right there I'd lost the greatest friend, I ever was to know — For besides you, and a veiy few, It has really proven so. For never have I since that time, Ever known such jealous care — For where's a friend that's like a dog, Wants with you every where. Old Surly wasn^t guilty son, But he was led a-stray — And un-so-phis-ti-ca-ted. He was easily led away; He got out with fast and reckless dogs- Thought he was having fun — Then on circumstantial evidence. They killed him with a gun. But my father kept his hide my boy, And Surly still is here ; And as long as he is watching. You do not need to fear. For Surly, son, he never sleeps — When asleep or when you play — His eyes are always open — He is watching night and day. 182 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities THE PICTURE There's a common little picture that adorns the "Poets' Page"— Bringing memories In mixture with a force I can- not gauge; It Is just a little picture^ — so reduced and dwarfed in slze^ — That to see it as I see It, calls for retrospective eyes. It has no frame to set it oif, but on merit stands alone — The work of some great artist on whom fortune never shone; That theory I won't accept, 'tis some famous mind In art. Who long ago was recognized with wealth to purse and heart. It is the scene of harvest — nigh to huskin' time in fall— And the spirit of America seems to hover over all. I see a field of new-cut corn in wigwam fashion stand, And I see those shocks spread on and on, over all the land; The scene is but a corner of perhaps a mighty field, 183 Captain Squires' Co/nmonoddities And a rail fence — though straightened out protects and guards the yield. There's a feeling in the atmosphere — there's a crispness in the air — Although I see and feel it, it could not be painted there; But the picture does suggest as much — and of course the artist thought — That between the rows of new-cut corn, you should find the things you sought. My mind goes back to when a boy — I see it even now — I see the blackish, sandy loam, curl from the moving plow; I see the boy with un-shod feet so blithely step along — I hear him yelling at the team, I hear his voice in song. But one suspender holds his pants — the lines o'er body thrown — With gee and haw he guides the team — the bay mare and the roan. 'Round and 'round the land he goes — his short steps never lag — Until the plow is cast aside and he's ready for the drag; 'Round and 'round again he goes — clods tumbling, rolling yield — And then before me vividly, I see a harrowed field. Now night draws on. From 'yond the hill I hear the cattle low — 184 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities Then I see them trailing down the lane — in Indian file they go. Now the plow-boy follows them — his tired team slowly plugs — And I hear the jangling harness — the tinkling of the tugs. Now he approaches where the cows with patience calmly wait, And I hear the creaking hinges, as he carries 'round the gate. I waken from my reverie and again the scene behold. And tears drop from my eyelids, for I am getting old— And maybe sentimental or childish — 'cause of years ; I say I'm tender-hearted, thus accounting for my tears. But lately I have noticed, when I think of youth and death, More touching are the thoughts of youth, than of age's dying breath. But to the artist's picture — and through tears I dimly see — More than is on that painting or on any scenery. I see the great, big, Autumn moon — so natural and so cold — Recollecting too, I never knew if of silver or of gold; 185 Captain Squires' Commonoddities But cold it always seemed to me — and now 'tis rid- ing low — And with the wind the shadows cast, move slowly to and fro. In the twilight of descending night, nature's crea- tions take. Their places and the ascending moon paints reflec- tions in the lake. The trees — the now near leafless trees — their foliage have shed, And on the wings of all the winds, to some des- tination fled. Or on the ground, and nestling — clinging close to Mother Earth — Preferring a grave from which they came, by the trees that gave them birth. Riley's 'Trost is on the pumpkin" and his "Fod- der's in the shock" I can hear his turkeys Kiwah and the gobble of the cock ; I see McCutcheon's Indians, for Indian Summer's come — And I wonder, as so oft before, where the smoke is coming from. There's a sure 'nouf smell of burning leaves — I can almost see the glow — As it glances from the pumpkins lighting up each shock and row. O how I'd like to just go back and take that pic- ture there — i86 Captain Squires' Commonoddities And to look up my old corn-field, and the likeness then compare. How I'd like to lean against the fence beside the elder bush — (And the reason for the longing is more than idle wish) For 'tis there that all the sentiment, more valuable than gold — And the treasures of my childhood, more loved than could be told, Lie buried twixt and round-about where I spent my early days, Where the sun of this old universe first on me shed its rays. It was there that golden sentiment — the first I ever felt — When beside my kneeling mother, I in silence hum- bly knelt, And listened to her speak those words — that were just words to me^ — And too, those words are planted there, and in Eternity. Yes I love that dear old picture; it has brought to me so much — With thoughts akin to reverence, I most reverently touch. 187 Captain Squires' Conunonoddities TO W. Z. S. Upon receipt of request for s?nall donation to help build church Your letter came — My dear old friend — Requesting check, I don't intend One moment to waste till my duty do — So with this find small sum for you. You read me right, dear W. Z. And through your note your smile I see; Once I had read — I understood To do this thing would do me good. I see you calmly sitting there — Eyes cast afar, and tilted chair Lends equilibrium 'midst the noise, Of laughing children, as the boj's Whom 3^ou had known in days agone — Through picturing eyes you looked upon Their faces — those remembered best — More than they knew with friendship blest. Wliat minds can tell — what words convey — What causes us to feel that way — When thoughts of home and severed ties, Bring back to us sweet memories, i88 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities Of that old town where you reside — Of those departed — those who died — Of old acquaintances — and youth ; To me it seems man's greatest Truth. I hear e'en now those old church bells, Their influential tone impels — And draws even now as it did then When we knew nought of life or men. Year after year has swiftly flown — And middle life dislikes to own, To tell the truth about our age, But life goes onward — page by page; Cannot go back — can but review — Too late — but we can start anew, To each of us there is that chance To don again our first long pants; If I did this I'd sure neglect. To do some things I'm doing yet. Through all your note I see a drift — It is not hard for me to sift. As you read me I'm reading you — I know the thing you're passing through; You have divulged and knew it not, Some things you thought had been forgot. But sifting through the screens reveal Those better thoughts — the ones you feel; Those thoughts appear and really glow — I 189 Captain Squires* Commonoddities Far more than pen can ever show, And sort of psychologic tell — And suspended hang 'twixt heaven and hell; To some extent I believe this thing About us hovers on the wing. There is a something telling me — It floats about — I cannot see — I cannot say I really hear, But just the same, I know it's near. It comes to me when somber mind Dwells sadly on those left behind — When I am sad, I am alone My gayer thoughts for the moment flown, For all I know into the skies To make room for my memories. It is a help — that sentiment — Reminding of each good intent. And each good deed done in our youth. And graven with the words — the truth. The bad deeds will have taught the mind, And in each one a lesson find; For to make a world — to make a man Mis-steps begin where we began. There is no doubt that to create, We mingle love with kindred hate; Ambition's goal — or earth's success — Can come but to a few of us. But a greater goal we all can reach If each himself the lessons teach. 190 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities This note may like a sermon sound — If that can be then I am bound To preach to you — I may not send — I will not know until the end ; But after I have read it through — And satisfied that it will do, I'll put your name on its outside, Consigned to you, my friend with pride. 'Tis but my thoughts addressed to you, I shall not claim that they are tr^ie — For unwise words, no record keep — A two-edged sword cuts wide and deep. Of your intentions you have told — The intention is worth more than gold; For to build a church or mountain move, Is no small task — no doubt will prove. But thousands scattered o'er the land — The noblest structures build by hand Of man — who with strengthened power- Ultra-wealthy at less cower — And buildings by whose munificence Fade to insignificance. I am glad to see the interest taken, And hope you may all others waken To do their mite, for your good cause, That keeps alive our oldest laws. Yes let religion hold the lead That it has held — and will indeed 191 Captain Squires' Commonoddities Forever and anon the pace, For there is none to take its place. Ben Franklin said to Thomas Paine — "If I were you, I would refrain — I do not know, but I have doubt That you know what you talk about." Seems strange that logical man, Could see no Christ as we all can — "The world is bad with churches about, What would it be if it were without." 192 I Captain Squires' Commonoddities TO JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Upon his death Sunday igi6 Of you the solemn truth is told — In words so cruel, in type so bold And harsh — although it tells More sweetly than could tolling bells, That you have gone whence music came To guide your pen and to inflame, A mind which filled with love Has but returned to its place above. Your mind contained divinest powers — You saw the fields and birds and flowers, And little children, the grass and June; And a singing voice that sounds in tune. In every rhyme that you ever wrote. Music sounded in every note As if bees and bugs of the atmosphere, Droned and hummed 'round your musical ear. How selfish is the human heart, That with regret sees you depart; If this be weakness we lay claim, And proud are we to bear the blame Of loving and of missing you — 193 Captain Squires' Comrnonoddities The man so rare, the kind so few. 'Tis not for man by work alone To sow the kind of seed you've sown. Tales were told by your ready pen, That stood 3'ou apart from other men Who also wrote, for you understood The kind of verse that did folks good. Your homely verse and dialect rhyme Will ring and sing down the halls of time; I doubt old friend if a thousand years Will hush the laughs and dry the tears. How little are you by death removed, With scarce an effort I have proved — And beside the shelving I now stand With Poems of Riley in my hand. And so if I wish I will talk to you, I will know your deeds and what you d You cannot then be far aw^ay, If we can visit every day. God gave me tears for such as you — And I have wept, and very few Who knew you well but with saddened bi'eath, Are mourning for their friend in death. You made and perfected a plan That you might speak to surviving man ; And O what work could be more fine. Than your **An Old Sweetheart Of Mine." 194 Captain Squires^ Co?nmonoddities Sleep on for you, your rest have earned — That which you taught millions have learned ; And future generations will, When your pen and voice have long been still, Among the nation's honored place. In the hall of fame your name and face; And long, long years when we are dead With appreciation will your works be read. 195 Captain Squires^ Commonoddities THE POWER OF THOUGHT leave me the power to think as my portion And I will lay down all that riches has brought; Leave me — O leave me that far greater fortune — That wonderful power — The power of thought. How oft I have mused when in deepest depression, How oft I have gazed through eyes that were sad; At the shadows so clearly in dark retrospection, But thanks for the power — the power I had. 1 give thanks for the power, O what consolation When I think of the loved ones — the ones up above ; O wealthy I am for the great contemplation — The sweetest of musings for the ones that I love. How I grieved when my mother, my dear sainted mother Was taken at last to her last resting place; I wept as I never could weep for another. But still I see clearly her dear motherly face. The loss tells the value in my own recollection How great was my loss that I'll never more know ; 196 Captain Squires' Commonoddities Yet undying the blessing of sweetest reflection — The greatest of treasures we have here below. Where there is no loss there is no compensation — No power to see the things not understood; But where there is love there is representation, And our balm is our memory, a power for good. take from me wealth and each earthly posses- sion, But leave me O God the power of thought ; 1 ask for so little, still the greatest concession — Allow me to think as Thy power has taught. While I'm here — still on earth — O never deprive me! Take wealth and near ones and all of my friends; But leave me that power that I may stay nigh Thee, And the knee and memory in thankfulness bends. 197 Capta'ui Squires' Conunonoddities WHEN I USED TO GO TO SCHOOL How I wish that I had studied — when I used to go to* school — Then I wouldn't need to feel that I am just a sort o' tool; Do this — do that — get this job done — and do it just this way — Is all I hear — is all I do — just what the others say. I used to run away from school — when I was 'bout your age — And used to feel — just as you say — like cooped up in a cage ; I didn't like my teachers — they had it in for me — And they never learned me nothin' — as far as I could see. I learned to write a little — and I sort o' learned to read — But I never learned to figure much — there wasn't any need — I would always think o' fishin' — or a lookin' at it snow — But now I sort o' miss those things — the things I do not know. One thing I know — I do not know — I never was a fool — 198 Captain Squires' Commonoddities But I come nigh to bein' one — when I used to go to school — It must be satisfyin'-like — to know enough to know — All by yourself — so positive — and know it's really so. My children used to come to me — for one thing or another — I would take one glance — then usually — I'd send them to their mother — I used to get embarrassed — and always 'fraid they'd ask — If I'd do a sum — or spell a word — or some such awful task. I think I know a lot o' things. — but when they're talkin' school — I know then what I do not know — and I'm just an awful fool — So go to school and study — learn every thing you can — Don't be like me — a sort o' tool — learn how to be a man. 199 Captmn Squires' Cojnnionoddities THE FERTILE FIELD If you are willing and mean to be, And to do a thing of worth — Then list to me and try to see, Your share of mental earth. With brush and canvas you have a start, Great masters had no more ; And pen and pad or other art, Here lies your stock and store. I have no doubt for pick and spade, That gold and silver shine; In that broad valley wealth is laid, Or on the hills recline. Great magnitude in gems, so rare- Lie sparkling in the sun ; But to unthinkers, none are there, No, not a single one. Most wonderful land of mystery, Is this fertile field of thought; And it remains our legacy, Unbartered and unbought. 200 Captain Squires' Commonoddities All great men who cared and dared, Who honor and fortune wrought; Have worked with patience and prepared Upon this field of thought. But he who would have quality, Must keep down tare and weed; And plough deep with sincerity, Then sow the best of seed. Then cultivate, to get good yield, Great crops you will induce; To grow and prosper in this great field, Great deeds it will produce. 201 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 015 928 181 4 'tft*^¥.' :i:^i;llii#iiiil|iii;r if iliiii ,iiiii{. 'iiii .'•■'IK ;i!i; ■iri;(ii:i^ -'mm h f:':M i: mm iiii! ^liiiiiii !l:i.: