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STRAY THOUGHTS. 
 
STRAY THOUGHTS 
 
 BY 
 
 S. M. F. r^ 
 
 rL 
 
 Printed for the Author 
 
 CUPPLES AND HURD 
 BOSTON. 
 

 Copyright, 1888, 
 BY CUPPLES AND HURU. 
 
 All Rights Reserved. 
 
TO 
 
 THE KINDERGARTEN FOR THE BLIND, 
 
 In ivhosc aid this little Book was published 
 
 It is Respectfi'li.y Dedicated. 
 
 By S. M. F. 
 
CONTENTS, 
 
 An Appeal 
 
 There is Work for All to do 
 
 The Storm 
 
 Sunrise . . • • 
 
 The Violet 
 
 The Old Year and the New 
 
 Buttercups 
 
 Little Things . 
 
 The Rose 
 
 Song of the Bee 
 
 Autumn . 
 
 Dandelions 
 
 The Seasons 
 
 May Flowers . 
 
 Sprifig . 
 
 PAGE 
 17 
 19 
 
 21 
 
 23 
 
 25 
 26 
 
 28 
 
 29 
 
 31 
 
 32 
 
 34 
 37 
 39 
 44 
 
 45 
 
14 
 
 Contents. 
 
 Eglantine 
 
 Lines on the Charles River 
 
 Soldiers' Memorial 
 
 A Sign of Spring 
 
 Sunset 
 
 Field Daisies . 
 
 Autufnn . 
 
 Spring 
 
 Mignonette 
 
 The Maid of the Mill 
 
 To a Lily of the Valley 
 
 Nora of Kildare 
 
 Pinks 
 
 Decoration Day 
 
 A Snowdrop . 
 
 The Storm 
 
 To a Pansy 
 
 Easter Hymn . 
 
 llie Crocus 
 
 The Dying Year 
 
 47 
 49 
 52 
 54 
 55 
 57 
 58 
 60 
 62 
 
 63 
 66 
 
 67 
 69 
 
 70 
 
 73 
 
 74 
 
 75 
 76 
 
 78 
 
 79 
 
Co?ifents. 
 
 15 
 
 
 I'ACiE 
 
 7uli/>s 
 
 . 81 
 
 Polly's La7ne7it 
 
 . 82 
 
 Heliotrope .... 
 
 . 84 
 
 Bring the Sweet Buds of Early Spring . 86 
 
 Zines to a Falling Rose . 
 
 . 88 
 
 The Golde?i Moon 
 
 . . 89 
 
 The Dove .... 
 
 . 90 
 
 Twilight .... 
 
 . 91 
 
 Friendship .... 
 
 • 92 
 
 / wandered at Eve . 
 
 • 93 
 
 Whatever is, is Fight 
 
 . 94 
 
 Lines ..... 
 
 • 95 
 
 Convolvulus .... 
 
 . . 96 
 
 Memory ..... 
 
 . . 98 
 
 Again %ve meet .... 
 
 . 99 
 
AN APPEAL. 
 
 We can look at the flowers, so bright and fair, 
 We can gaze at the pure blue skies ; 
 
 Then can we not think of many we meet 
 With no light in their darkened eyes ? 
 
 How many young children through sickness 
 have lost 
 
 The sight which to them was so dear ; 
 Then can we not help in the sweet work of love ? 
 
 Their pathway to brighten and cheer. 
 
 To provide them a home where affection will 
 dwell, 
 
 Where patience and love will unite ; 
 To guide the sweet lambs of the flock to the 
 fold, 
 
 And lead them in paths that are right. 
 
1 8 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 To teach them, though sightless, their lot is not 
 sad ; 
 They useful and happy can be ; 
 With contentment their hearts can be merry 
 and glad, 
 A lesson to those who can see. 
 
 To teach them to climb, step by step though it 
 be, 
 Though the touch can alone lead the way ; 
 And the search for true knowledge is sure to 
 succeed, 
 If they only will strive, and obey. 
 
 May the Father above, in his mercy, send down 
 His blessing to lead them aright ; 
 
 Till they reach their bright home, in the man- 
 sions above, 
 Where no more will be blindness, or night. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 19 
 
 THERE IS WORK FOR ALL TO DO. 
 
 There is work for all to do 
 In this great world of care. 
 
 There is a Crown to win, 
 There is a Cross to bear. 
 
 Our days pass quickly by. 
 
 Short are the fleeting years. 
 We have no time to waste 
 
 In idleness and tears. 
 
 To lend a helping hand 
 
 To those who aid would seek, 
 To feed the hungry poor, 
 
 To help the sick and weak. 
 
20 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 * 
 
 A gentle work of love, 
 
 Our mission here is given ; 
 To lead some erring one 
 To happiness and Heaven. 
 
 Sorrow and grief must come, 
 Our path be spread with care ; 
 
 There were no Crown to win. 
 Were there no Cross to bear. 
 
 The rose must have its thorns. 
 Though beautiful its flowers. 
 
 The year must have its storms. 
 Its sunshine, and its showers. 
 
 Then onward let us strive 
 To do whate'er is right. 
 
 Work while the day is given us, 
 Soon, soon it will be night. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 21 
 
 THE STORM. 
 
 See in the azure sky yon cloud 
 Scarce larger than your hand ; 
 
 But as we gaze in wonder still, 
 See how it doth expand. 
 
 The brightness of the setting sun 
 Is hidden from our view, 
 
 For now the skv is covered o'er 
 With clouds of darkest hue. 
 
 The wind is rushing through the trees, 
 The rain comes pouring down, 
 
 And hark ! what is that distant noise ? 
 It is the thunder's sound. 
 
22 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 Nearer and nearer grows each peal, 
 The lightning flashes round, 
 
 It brightly lights the darkened sky, 
 Then runs along the ground. 
 
 It rends in twain the lofty oak, 
 Where ages it has stood. 
 
 Spared by the sturdy woodman's axe, 
 On the border of the wood. 
 
 And when its fury it has spent, 
 And the clouds have rolled away. 
 
 The lovely moon shines brightly forth, 
 With light as bright as day. 
 
 And the twinkling stars forever roll 
 
 Still onward in their way, 
 As if no cloud had ever dimmed 
 
 The brightness of their ray. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 23 
 
 SUNRISE. 
 
 Scarce ere the morning star has left the sky, 
 What wondrous beauties rise before the 
 sight ! 
 
 Crimson and gold the clouds roll far on high, 
 And deck the landscape with a ruddy light. 
 
 And through those parted clouds the sun's 
 bright ray 
 
 Appears, his mission ever to fulfil. 
 As o'er the earth he shines from day to day, 
 
 And sheds his light upon the good and ill. 
 
 He nourishes the farmer's tiny seed, 
 
 Which soon is waving into fields of grain ; 
 
 He ripens every herb which all may need. 
 
 And cheers the weary sufferer's couch of 
 pain. 
 
24 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 He decks with fairest hues the lovely flowers, 
 
 Which ever with the gentle Spring have 
 birth ; 
 
 He forms the rainbow in the passing showers, 
 
 And dries the dew from off the silent earth. 
 
 How sad and desolate this world would be, 
 Did not the sun diffuse his welcome light ! 
 
 Naught of the fair of Nature could we see, 
 All would be doomed to an eternal night. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 25 
 
 THE VIOLET. 
 
 How sweet the modest violet, 
 
 As from its lowly bed, 
 When winter's snow hath passed away; 
 
 It lifts its gentle head ! 
 
 We long to see its tender leaves 
 
 So modestly unfold. 
 We love its fragrance round us, more 
 
 Than stores of shining gold. 
 
 But soon it will have faded, 
 And we see it pass away ; 
 
 In vain we wish, in vain we seek, 
 It cannot longer stay. 
 
2 6 St?'a} ' Th ugh ts. 
 
 THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW. 
 
 The snow like a mantle lay thickly around, 
 Cov'ring the face of the frozen ground ; 
 And the clock, as it pealed on the silent air, 
 Seemed to ring the knell of the dying year. 
 
 Have they left no record, those months that 
 have flown, 
 
 Of time well spent, and of seed well sown ? 
 
 Have they borne no fruit as the end drew near, 
 
 To blossom again with the coming year ? 
 
 Oh ! where arc the joys of the thoughtless and 
 gay.? 
 
 With the fleeting hours they have passed away. 
 
 And the griefs that came o'er us again and 
 again, 
 
 They too have fled, but their mem'ries remain. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 27 
 
 And where are the friends ? shall we see them 
 no more ? 
 
 Have they vanished for ever to yonder bright 
 shore ? 
 
 Ah no ; we can hope, though they've broken 
 the chain 
 
 Which has bound them to earth, we shall meet 
 them again. 
 
 The New Year steps lightly ; we heed not its 
 tread 
 
 As it enters the place of the year that has sped. 
 
 Shall we catch the bright moments as onward 
 they speed, 
 
 Or let them pass by without giving them heed ? 
 
 Oh no; there is work for the feeblest to do : 
 
 To be patient and pure, to be humble and true. 
 
 If we strive to be honest, and upright, and just. 
 
 Then our mem'ries will live though we sleep 
 in the dust. 
 
28 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 BUTTERCUPS. 
 
 Who has not sought the buttercup 
 In childhood's happy hour ? 
 
 And ran about from field to field, 
 To gather each bright flower. 
 
 To bind in garlands round the hat, 
 
 Or twine amid the hair ; 
 Or held it underneath the chin. 
 
 To test its virtue there. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 29 
 
 LITTLE THINGS. 
 
 Plant but a tiny seed, 
 
 Though small that seed may be ; 
 We do not know how the seed will grow, 
 
 Or how great the harvest may be. 
 
 Speak but a kindly word. 
 
 For the world is harsh and cold ; 
 A little word to a troubled heart 
 
 May bear its fruit fourfold. 
 
 Do but a little deed, 
 
 Though small that deed may be ; 
 Remember the grain of mustard seed, 
 
 How it grew to a goodly tree. 
 
30 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 And the little drops of rain, 
 
 Thougli they sparkle, and brightly gleam, 
 And small they may be when first they fall, 
 
 May swell to a raging stream. 
 
 For the world is full of care, 
 
 Of sorrow, and turmoil, and strife. 
 
 For broad is the way which leads to sin. 
 But narrow the way to life. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 31 
 
 THE ROSE. 
 
 I HAVE seen the dewdrop glist'ning 
 On thy petals bright and gay ; 
 
 Ere the gentle zephyr, wooing, 
 Kissed it from thy lips away. 
 
 And the bee, with honey laden, 
 
 In the silent sunset hour, 
 Gathered sweetness from thy treasures, 
 
 O beauteous, queenly flower. 
 
32 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 SONG OF THE BEE. 
 
 When the rosy beams, in the eastern skies, 
 
 Bid me from slumber to arise, 
 
 I rove where flowers are blooming fair, 
 
 To gather the sweets that are garnered there. 
 
 I love to rock in the lily's cup, 
 Of its nectar sweet I can sup, and sup. 
 I rove at will o'er the woodland wild, 
 For I am Nature's favored child. 
 
 I know each spot by the mountain stream 
 Where the primrose blooms, and the eglantine, 
 And 1 wing my flight the morning through. 
 O'er clover bathed in glittering dew. 
 
Stray Thoughts. t^t^ 
 
 And when I am weary, and seek to repose, 
 I rest for awhile in the pure white rose, 
 Or linger beneath some leafy spray, 
 Then I stretch my wings and soar away. 
 
 I must not be idle, I cannot rest still 
 There is honey to make, and a hive to fill. 
 For the summer hours will soon be o'er. 
 Then I can rove o'er the flowers no more. 
 
 Nature has bid me each waxen cell 
 To fill with honey and store it v;ell. 
 I must not linger, but hasten away, 
 For the voice of Nature I must obey. 
 
 Though I am small and my days are few, 
 There is work in this world for bees to do ; 
 Yet who lives so happy, or joyous, or free 
 As the life of a simple honey bee ? 
 
34 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 AUTUMN. 
 
 Bright the autumn fields are glowing, 
 Where the asters wave and nod, 
 
 And by roadside and o'er hilltop 
 Blossoms bright the golden-rod. 
 
 Where the gentle breeze is playing 
 Through the tree-tops large and tall ; 
 
 Summer loves awhile to linger 
 Ere the leaves begin to fall. 
 
 Scarlet hues adorn the sumac, 
 First of all the Autumn train ; 
 
 Yellow leaves spread o'er the maple, 
 Waving fields of corn and grain. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 35 
 
 Orchards where the rosy apples 
 Thickly hang with tempting look, 
 
 Vines with radiant branches trailing, 
 Minnows sporting in the brook. 
 
 Birds have hushed their joyous singing, 
 Still some twittering notes are heard, 
 
 As they flit among the branches, 
 Which the gentle breeze has stirred. 
 
 Squirrels sporting near the nut trees. 
 Laying in their winter store ; 
 
 Ere the stormy winds are whistling. 
 Or with snow the ground spread o'er. 
 
 Dark clouds float across the azure, 
 Shutting sunlight from our sight : 
 
 For a while its beams are hidden, 
 Then again it sheds its light. 
 
36 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 Silence reigns ; a solemn silence 
 Seems to fall o'er hill and plain, 
 
 Broken by the cock's shrill clarion, 
 Or re-echoed back again. 
 
 Here and there some leaves are falling, 
 Twirling, fluttering, to the ground, 
 
 Some their brilliant hues retaining. 
 Some in withered heaps lie round. 
 
 In the west the sun descending, 
 
 'Mid its canopy of light, 
 Purple, red, and gold are mingled, 
 
 Splendor bursts upon the sight. 
 
 Through the twilight stars appearing, 
 Twinkling with their welcome ray ; 
 
 And the moon floats o'er the landscape. 
 Shedding light as bright as day. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 37 
 
 DANDELIONS. 
 
 Scorn it not, though a simple flower, 
 Springing around with its golden light ; 
 
 Decking the fields like a fairy bower. 
 
 Or like glittering stars on a winter's night. 
 
 See how each leaf, and each bud, unfolding. 
 Formed in beauty, of perfect mould, 
 
 Far as the eye can reach, beholding, . 
 
 Hillsides spangled with emerald and gold. 
 
 Joyous the birds their songs are trilling. 
 
 Hear the shouts of the children at play, — 
 With these golden gems their hands are filling. 
 
 Forgetting how soon they will fade away. 
 
38 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 Every morning fresh buds appearing, 
 
 The wild bee roves where she loves so well, 
 
 Nor for a moment ever fearing 
 
 To gather its sweets for her waxen cell. 
 
 Father in Heaven, so lavish to shower 
 
 Thy gifts to Thy children, whate'er they may 
 need, 
 
 Showing Thy love in each beautiful flower, 
 
 Though it may be but a simple weed. 
 
 Teach us with grateful hearts to cherish 
 
 The gifts Thou hast sent us on earth to love ; 
 
 Until, with the flowers which never perish, 
 We may meet at last in Thy fold above. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 39 
 
 THE SEASONS. 
 
 The linnet's song awakes the morn, 
 And hails with joy the birth of Spring. 
 
 O'er hill and dell from many a flower 
 The breezes delicious odours bring. 
 
 See, as the copious showers descend, 
 The trees their beauteous buds expand, 
 
 Stand robed in Nature's fairest garb. 
 Spread by a liberal hand. 
 
 Walk through the forest glade and see, 
 
 Though silent is the spot, 
 The violet blooms, and lovelier still 
 
 The blue forget-me-not. 
 
40 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 The daisy buds each morn appear 
 
 In pink and white so sweetly dressed ; 
 
 Their petals close when storms are near, 
 Or when the sun has sunk to rest. 
 
 Walk where the primrose softly sheds 
 Its fragrance on the evening air ; 
 
 O'er hill and vale, by fount and stream, 
 Sweet buds are peeping everywhere. 
 
 As days speed on, the buds of Spring 
 Are blooming into lovely flowers. 
 
 With garlands formed of many hues 
 Flora adorns her summer bowers. 
 
 Through the wild woods the varied notes 
 Of many songsters greet the ear. 
 
 They join their joyous songs of praise 
 That summer has again drawn near 
 
Stray Ihoughts. 41 
 
 Meadow and field they flutter o'er 
 
 And seek wherewith to build their nest ; 
 
 Where, in some leafy bough secure, 
 Their little ones from harm may rest. 
 
 O'er clover fields the wild bees rove, 
 From morn till eve they nectar sup ; 
 
 See yonder butterfly alight 
 Upon the fragrant lily's cup. 
 
 But summer flowers soon must fade, 
 The oak, the chestnut, elm, and yew. 
 
 And all within the forest glade 
 
 Are decked in Autumn's gorgeous hue. 
 
 The reaper daily to his toil, 
 
 As Autumn glides across the plain. 
 
 He swiftly sweeps his sharpened scythe, 
 And binds in sheaves the bearded grain. 
 
42 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 With corn and fruit Pomona seeks 
 
 Her lessened garners to renew. 
 And o'er her path, where'er she treads. 
 
 Prosperity on all to strew 
 
 Days, weeks have sped. How changed the 
 scene ! 
 
 Spring, Summer, Autumn, all are past. 
 
 The babbling brook has ceased to flow, 
 
 The Ice King holds it in his grasp. 
 
 Nature has formed on every spray, 
 
 With frozen drops, a diadem, 
 Which sparkles in the sun's bright ray, 
 
 Fairer than many a regal gem. 
 
 The storm is raging fiercely round, 
 
 The forest echoes to the blast, 
 O'er scattered leaves, yellow and sere, 
 
 The snowy flakes fall thick and fast. 
 
Stray Thoi^ghts. 43 
 
 Dark and still darker roll the clouds, 
 
 Until they reach across the sky ; 
 With falling rain, as if in tears, 
 
 December passes with a sigh. 
 
 Another year is drawing near, 
 Of joy, and grief, and pain. 
 
 How many changes will have passed 
 Ere Spring returns again ! 
 
44 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 MAY FLOWERS. 
 
 Sweet blossoms of May ! shedding fragrance 
 around, 
 
 Although thy bright flowers lie near to the 
 ground, 
 
 Half hidden amid thy green spray ; 
 Thy perfume discloses thy hidden retreat, 
 And thy waxy buds nestle so lovely and sweet, 
 
 As I bear thy pink blossoms away. 
 
 Fair trailing arbutus ! thy beauty is found 
 
 Where the evergreen shelters thee thickly 
 around. 
 
 What joy and delight do you bring 
 
 As I list to the song of the wild bird, whose 
 trill 
 
 Awakens the echoes of woodland and hill, 
 To welcome the advent of Spring. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 45 
 
 SPRING. 
 
 Joyous Spring again is waking 
 From its long and winter sleep. 
 
 Trees in leafy verdure breaking, 
 Trailing vines in beauty creep. 
 
 Where the brook is onward flowing, 
 Sparkling in the sunlight fair. 
 
 Nature smiles, in beauty glowing, 
 Buds and flowers peep everywhere. 
 
 There the sweetest violets springing, 
 Drinking from the morning dew, 
 
 There the birds their joyous singing 
 Warble forth the whole day through. 
 
46 Stray llioughts. 
 
 Clust'ring gems of purple springing ; 
 
 White more fragile, yet as fair ; 
 Rosy apple blossoms bringing 
 
 Fragrance on each waft of air. 
 
 Meek-eyed cattle mutely grazing 
 On the freshly springing grass. 
 
 When on scenes of beauty gazing, 
 Swiftly do the moments pass. 
 
 Opening buds but half unfolded, 
 Charms renewing day by day, 
 
 Fairer to the gaze beholding, 
 All too soon they fade away. 
 
 There the squirrel, running, leaping, 
 Nimbly skips from tree to tree. 
 
 And, its nectar ever seeking, 
 Roves the happy, busy bee. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 47 
 
 O'er the hillsides, sparkling, glowing, 
 
 Nature harmony doth keep, 
 And its beauty ever showing 
 
 Fairer for its winter sleep. 
 
 EGLANTINE. 
 
 Sweet are the buds of the eglantine. 
 
 Nestling amid their bowers of green, 
 
 Catching the dew from the morning showers. 
 
 Shedding their sweets through the summer 
 hours. 
 
 Some by the roadside thickly sprung, 
 
 Some to the trunk of the old oak clung, 
 
 While some were hidden away from view, 
 
 In the dark green woods where the violets 
 srrew. 
 
48 Stray llioughts. 
 
 Oh, well may the zephyr pause to play, 
 And bear thy breath on its wings away ; 
 Well may the bee for a moment rest, 
 To gather the food which it loves the best. 
 
 When in the west the setting sun 
 
 Sinks to its rest when the day is done, 
 
 And thy petals glow as the sunbeam showers 
 
 Its parting ray o'er thy opening flowers. 
 
Stray llioughts. 49 
 
 LINES ON THE CHARLES RIVER. 
 
 When the rosy beams of morning 
 
 Chase the shades of night away; 
 I have watched thy sunlit waves 
 
 As they seem to dance and play. 
 I have seen thy glittering waters 
 
 As they reach from shore to shore 
 Like some regal monarch's diadem, 
 
 With jewels scattered o'er. 
 
 I have seen the distant hilltops 
 
 With beauteous verdure spread. 
 Where many a lofty spire stands 
 
 Erect with towering head, 
 And the sound comes softly stealing 
 
 On the silent summer air. 
 Of the bell, as, sweetly pealing, 
 
 It would seek to draw us there. 
 
50 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 I have seen the white sail spreading 
 
 As it parted from the shore, 
 And have heard the boatman's laughter, 
 
 As he boldly plied his oar. 
 While the azure sky above us, 
 
 And the sunset's brilliant glow, 
 Were reflected like a mirror 
 
 On the placid waves below. 
 
 How T love to watch the sea gulls 
 
 As they stoop, and seek to lave 
 Their snowy wings, or rest a while 
 
 Upon the rising wave, 
 Then wheel about with sudden flight 
 
 And soar away so high 
 That they seem like tiny, silvery specks 
 
 Against the clear blue sky. 
 
 And when the storm was raging, 
 And the thunder echoed loud, 
 
Stray Thoughts. 51 
 
 I have watched the vivid lightning flash 
 Through the distant darkened cloud. 
 
 And thv turbid waves rose higher. 
 Amid the tempest's roar, 
 
 As they beat and dashed with violence 
 Against the rock-bound shore. 
 
 Again I gazed upon the scene : 
 
 The storm had lulled to rest, 
 And the setting sun was sinking 
 
 In the gold and purple west ; 
 And thy glittering waves flowed tranquilly, 
 
 And the boats sailed swiftly by, 
 As if no cloud had darkened 
 
 The brightness of the sky. 
 
52 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 SOLDIER'S MEMORIAL. 
 
 Buds and flowers of sweet perfume, 
 Fragrant in their earl}- bloom, 
 We will scatter o'er the tomb 
 
 Where we our loved ones lay. 
 Roses red, with violets pale, 
 Fragrant lilies of the vale. 
 Ever beautiful, though frail, 
 
 Bring them all to-day. 
 
 Bring the lovely jessamine, 
 Pansies sweet, with eglantine, 
 Seek o'er hillside, and by stream, 
 
 Flowers of every hue. 
 Naught by Nature is denied, 
 Mingle closely side by side 
 Emblem of our nation's pride — 
 
 Red, with white and blue. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 53 
 
 Friends, with slow and silent tread, 
 O'er our brave and honored dead 
 Beauteous garlands thickly spread, 
 
 Lay with loving hands. 
 From the east and west we come, 
 Beating hearts and muffled drum, 
 For the vict'ry now is won, 
 
 Firm our banner stands. 
 
 Brothers in the thickest fray, 
 We are brothers still to-day, 
 Hate and strife have passed away, 
 
 May sweet peace remain. 
 He who watches over all, 
 He who heeds the sparrow's fall. 
 He will hear a nation's call, 
 
 And the right sustain. 
 
 Comrades, join with friendly grasp. 
 For the contest now is past, 
 
54 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 They have gained their rest at last, 
 
 Though beneath the sod. 
 We can see their forms no more, 
 But upon that peaceful shore 
 They are happy, evermore, 
 
 Dwelling with their God. 
 
 A SIGN OF SPRING. 
 
 The winter wind blew chill and cold, 
 
 There were patches of snow on the frozen 
 ground, 
 
 The little brown sparrows were hopping about 
 To see if a crumb of food could be found. 
 
 And gazing around, as I chanced to stray 
 Where the sunbeams had softened the fro- 
 zen mould, 
 
 A crocus had caught the sun's bright ray 
 And reflected it back in its cup of gold. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 55 
 
 Through its tiny green leaves it raised its head, 
 As a beautiful promise it sought to bring. 
 
 Though a single flower, yet it seemed to speak 
 Of the glad return of the welcome Spring. 
 
 SUNSET. 
 
 I HAVE seen the bright beams of the sun, as, 
 departing, 
 
 It has shed its last ray o'er the swift flowing 
 tide. 
 
 The clouds, like a curtain of crimson and 
 purple 
 And gold, spread the heavens alike far and 
 wide . 
 
 The silence of twilight still lingered unbroken. 
 And soft blew the zephyr, as swiftly it bore 
 Each tiny white sail o'er the swift-flowing 
 current, 
 
 And landed them safe on the far distant 
 shore. 
 
5 6 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 How sweet is the hour of sunset to many, 
 Who, weary with toil, at the close of the day 
 
 Seek their neat humble homes with their chil- 
 dren around them 
 And join for a w^hile in their innocent play ! 
 
 And when the bright stars in the heavens 
 appearing, 
 
 And soft o'er the landscape the pale moon- 
 beams fall. 
 
 As the clock tolls the hour, the silence still 
 deepens, 
 
 For Somnus his garment has thrown over all. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 57 
 
 FIELD DAISIES. 
 
 Bright are the fields where the daisies grow, 
 With their golden eyes and leaves like snow, 
 Nodding their heads as the breeze goes by, 
 With faces upturned to the azure sky. 
 
 Buds unfolding each morn anew, 
 Drinking the drops of early dew, ' 
 Catching the sunbeams as they pass, 
 Nestling amid the waving grass. 
 
 Who can behold them without giving heed ? 
 Though they are called but a simple weed. 
 Blossoming ever bright and fair. 
 Showing a loving Father's care. 
 
58 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 AUTUMN. 
 
 Why do the Autumn hours seem sad ? 
 
 Though Nature glows with brilliancy, 
 The earth is still with verdure clad, 
 
 And birds still trill their minstrelsy. 
 
 O'er waving fields of golden-rod 
 
 The sunlight falls with cheering'rays ; 
 
 While purple asters wave and nod 
 
 In every wind which round them plays. 
 
 Is it because the beauteous flowers, 
 
 Which lately shed their fragrant breath. 
 
 Must vanish with the Autumn hours, 
 
 Touched by the with'ring hand of death ? 
 
Stray Thoughts. 59 
 
 We know that Winter must draw near, 
 And snow lie thickly o'er the plain. 
 
 But for the flowers we need not fear, 
 With Spring they will return again. 
 
 The cricket chirps beneath the hedge, 
 We hear the chilling wind's low sigh, 
 
 As if it mourned departed hours 
 
 While dark clouds roll across the sky. 
 
 'Mid streaks of purple and of gold 
 The sun sinks softly from our sight. 
 
 While here and there the twinkling stars 
 Proclaim the advent of the night. 
 
6o Stray Thoughts. 
 
 SPRING. 
 
 Spring is coming ! Spring is coming ! 
 
 Flowers lift their heads and say. 
 Welcome to the glad, warm sunlight, 
 
 Winter drear has passed awav. 
 
 Spring is coming ! Spring is coming \ 
 Sings the robin from the grove ; 
 
 Builds his nest upon the tree top, 
 Warbling there his songs of love. 
 
 Spring is coming ! say the streamlets, 
 We have burst our icy chain, 
 
 We can sparkle in the sunlight, 
 Glad our freedom to regain. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 6i 
 
 Clad with verdure are the hillsides, 
 Zephyrs softly round us play ; 
 
 Lambs are sporting in the meadows, 
 Nature smiles on every spray. 
 
 Bounteous Source of every mercy ! 
 
 May we all our voices raise. 
 For the blessings Thou hast sent us, 
 
 Render Thee our heartfelt praise. 
 
62 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 MIGNONETTE. 
 
 I PLANTED once a tiny seed, 
 
 And watched it grow from day to day. 
 But with the chilling Autumn winds 
 
 It faded from my sight away. 
 
 Though years have passed I see it yet, 
 Its perfume lingers round me still, — 
 
 The fragrant pot of mignonette 
 Setting upon my window sill. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 63 
 
 THE MAIQ OF THE MILL. 
 
 In a tiny cot, 
 
 In a lovely spot, 
 Close at the foot of a hill, 
 
 Dwelt a maiden fair, 
 
 With nut-brown hair, — 
 Kittv, the maid of the mill. 
 
 Of children three 
 
 The eldest was she ; 
 Her father had lost his sight. 
 
 Yet not a word 
 
 Of complaint was heard, 
 As she toiled from morn till night. 
 
64 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 When her work was o'er, 
 
 In her cottage door 
 She would sit her down to rest. 
 
 Like a mountain bird 
 
 Her voice was heard 
 In the songs she loved the best. 
 
 Modest and fair, 
 
 Few with her could compare ; 
 Of suitors many had she. 
 
 Thoujjh manv had tried 
 
 To make her their bride, 
 None gained the love of s,weet Kitty. 
 
 There came one night, 
 
 In the dim twilight, 
 A suitor from over the hill. 
 
 With stately tread, 
 
 Who said he would wed 
 None but the maid of the mill. 
 
Stray IVioughts. 65 
 
 At the sound of his voice 
 
 Her heart did rejoice, 
 As on her ear it fell, 
 
 And the deepening flush 
 
 Of the tell-tale blush 
 Spoke more than words could tell. 
 
 So now, at his side, 
 
 As his fair young bride, 
 She has gone far over the hill. 
 
 And thp tiny cot 
 
 Is a lonely spot 
 Without the maid of the mill. 
 
^^ Stray Thoughts. 
 
 TO A LILY OF THE VALLEY. 
 
 Sweet lily of the valley ! 
 
 Oh ! I would learn of thee. 
 So pure, and yet so lowly. 
 
 Teach me humility. 
 
 As from thy waxen petals, 
 So fragile, and so fair. 
 
 Thy fragrant breath, ascending. 
 With perfume fills the air. 
 
 So I, by deeds of virtue, 
 Of love, and purity, 
 
 Would follow the example. 
 Sweet flower, set by thee. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 67 
 
 NORA OF KILDARE. 
 
 The shepherds were tending their flocks on 
 the hillsides, 
 The roses were shedding their sweets on the 
 air, 
 When first 1 beheld thee, sweet maiden so 
 lovely, — 
 Nora, mavouineen, ihe pride of Kildare. 
 
 Sweet was thy voice as the streamlet's slow 
 murmur. 
 
 White as the lily thy forehead so fair, 
 
 Dark as the wings of the raven thy tresses, — 
 
 Nora, mavourneen, the rose of Kildare. 
 
 Teeth like the pearls, and thy smile so be- 
 witching, 
 
 Lips that would rival the coral so rare, 
 
68 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 And when thou wert dancing it was so en- 
 trancing, 
 
 None saw but to love thee, sweet maid of 
 Kildare. 
 
 We wandered at twilight when soft blew the 
 zephyr, 
 
 And gazing afar on the deep, distant sea. 
 
 Oh ! bright was thine eye, and thy cheek 
 wreathed with blushes, 
 
 When, Nora, you promised that mine you 
 would be. 
 
 Years have passed by, yet no change has come 
 o'er thee, 
 Dearer thou art, none with thee can compare, 
 Since I saw thee, sweet maiden, and wooed thee 
 and won thee, 
 And made thee, mavourneen, my bride of 
 Kildare. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 69 
 
 PINKS. 
 
 I GAZE with delight on thy beautiful flowers, 
 Though the cold winds of winter are sighing ; 
 
 And spreading around on the deep frozen 
 ground 
 The snow-flakes now thickly are lying. 
 
 Like the breezes which waft from Arabia's 
 far shore, 
 
 Bearing perfume of spice on their way, 
 I inhale thy sweet breath, and I sadly regret, 
 
 That so soon you must wither away. 
 
 Some in hue like the lily, and some like the 
 rose. 
 Some the rose and the lily combine, 
 And thy emblem, pure love, with remembrance 
 will cling 
 TJndimmed by the touches of time. 
 
70 Stray Thous:hts 
 
 DECORATION DAY. 
 
 Bring flowers, fresh flowers, to strew o'er the 
 graves 
 
 Of those who have fallen their country to 
 save, 
 
 O'er those who for freedom have fougi^t, and 
 have bled, 
 
 O'er those who have perished, so noble and 
 brave. 
 
 They thought not of danger, when pressed the 
 fierce foe. 
 
 But fought side by side in the hour of strife, 
 
 Their country was calling to strike the last 
 blow. 
 
 Each gave to that country his service and 
 life. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 71 
 
 How proudly they marched, as the flag waved 
 on high, 
 Beneath the broad folds of the red, white, 
 and blue. 
 They knew they were fighting for freedom and 
 right, 
 And beat in each bosom hearts loyal and 
 true. 
 
 Bring flowers, sweet flowers, to scatter around, 
 O'er those for whose memory our hearts 
 ever blend. 
 From hillside and valley our offerings we 
 bring — 
 A tribute of love from each brother and 
 friend. 
 
 They left the dear circle of kindred and 
 friends. 
 The comforts of home for that warm South- 
 ern shore. 
 
72 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 Where roared the loud cannon, there thickly 
 they fell, 
 
 Far, far, from the home that would see them 
 no more. 
 
 Weave garlands, bright garlands, to spread o'er 
 the tomb 
 
 Of those who are sleeping beneath the 
 green sod, 
 
 Their mission is over, our loved ones have gone 
 
 To reap their reward from the hand of their 
 God. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 73 
 
 A SNOWDROP. 
 
 A SNOWDROP lifted its lowly head, 
 Though winter winds were sighing ; 
 
 And all around on the frozen ground 
 The snow was thickly lying. 
 
 Lonely it grew on its fragile stem 
 
 The first of the sweet Spring flowers, 
 
 Ere the robin's song awoke the morn. 
 Unfed by the vernal showers. 
 
 It bloomed for those who were bowed with 
 grief, 
 
 That their hearts with love might open, 
 
 Emblem of hope when the Spring will ope, 
 
 From Heaven a silent token. 
 
74 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 THE STORM. 
 
 The rain is falling thick and fast, 
 
 The thunder echoes loud ; 
 And see the vivid lightning flash 
 
 From yonder distant cloud. 
 
 Like ribbons through the darkened sky 
 
 Its varied course is made ; 
 And by a strong and sudden gust 
 
 The lofty trees are swayed. 
 
 But ere the lightning's flash is o'er, 
 
 Or storm has lulled to rest, 
 The golden sun, with setting beam, 
 
 Shines brightly in the west. 
 
 And see the rainbow stretching wide, 
 
 Sign of the promise given 
 That floods no more o'er earth should sweep,- 
 
 A covenant from Heaven. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 75 
 
 TO A PANSY. 
 
 Pansy ! meek-eyed child of Spring ! 
 
 Of thee I could ever sing ; 
 Formed in Nature's fairest mould, 
 
 Clothed in purple, decked in gold. 
 
 As thy opening buds impart 
 
 Charms to please the eye and heart ; 
 And thy perfume, rich and rare, 
 
 Mingles with the summer air. 
 
 Though thou art of lowly birth, 
 Nestling close to Mother Earth, 
 
 I would choose thee, humble flower, — 
 Fit to grace a queenly bower. 
 
76 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 EASTER HYMN. 
 
 Let joyous song awake the morn 
 Which hails this sacred day; 
 
 Jesus has risen from the tomb. 
 And cast its gloom away. 
 
 He came to earth to bleed and die, 
 That we might be forgiven ; 
 
 He burst the bonds of sin and death, 
 To ope the gates of heaven. 
 
 His brow was crowned by many a thorn ; 
 
 Pierced by a spear His side ; 
 'I'he sinless One, for sinners slain, 
 
 He bowed His head and died. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 77 
 
 Nailed to the cross, we may not know 
 What pangs were those He bore ; 
 
 He conquered death, and now He dwells 
 In heaven, to die no more. 
 
 He came a mission to fulfil, 
 
 To set the captives free ; 
 Salvation He has brought to man, 
 
 And immortality. 
 
 Then to His praise, through endless days, 
 
 Let heaven's high arches ring ; 
 And joyous song awake the morn, 
 
 To praise our risen king. 
 
78 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 THE CROCUS. 
 
 Welcome, sweet Spring ! the crocus criedy 
 And thrust its snowy mantle by, 
 
 'Tis wearisome the winter long 
 Beneath the icy clods to lie. 
 
 The south wind kissed it as it passed, 
 The sunlight o'er it softly shed, 
 
 And the crocus stood, 'mid other flowers^ 
 The brightest in the garden bed. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 79 
 
 THE DYING YEAR. 
 
 Hark ! what breaks the midnight silence ? 
 
 FaUing on my list'ning ear ; 
 'Tis the bell, from yonder tower, 
 
 Tolling forth the dying year. 
 
 And the New Year softly enters 
 
 As the last peal dies away, 
 Bringing hope of joy and gladness 
 
 With the coming new-born day. 
 
 Bright the moon with silvery splendor, 
 Shines o'er spotless fields of snow. 
 
 And the stars like jewels glitter 
 O'er the sleeping world below. 
 
8o Stray Thoughts 
 
 ii' 
 
 Through the years still onward rolling, 
 Changes come with every day, 
 
 Life is fleeting, ever hast'ning. 
 Soon our lives will pass away. 
 
 Vain are earth's alluring pleasures. 
 Fleeing with the passing hour. 
 
 Like the sunset clouds at evening, 
 Or the dew-drop on the flower. 
 
 Shadows o'er our path may gather, 
 Shutting sunlight from our view, 
 
 Yet, in every cloud of sorrow, 
 
 Beams of mercy will break through. 
 
 Seek we not for earthly treasures, 
 He who heeds the sparrow's fall, 
 
 If we seek Him, if we trust Him, 
 Will provide enough for all. 
 
St?-ay llioughis. 8i 
 
 Calm and peaceful thoughts come o'er me, 
 
 And I breathe a silent prayer 
 That the cross which God doth send me 
 
 I with patience still may bear. 
 
 TULIPS. 
 
 Thy gorgeous hue attracts the eye, 
 Made brilliant by the vernal showers, 
 
 And yet no hidden sw^eetness lies 
 Within thy radiant flowers. 
 
 We watch thy opening buds expand. 
 And hail the advent of thy birth. 
 
 O short-lived splendor ! where you stand, 
 Thy petals fall to earth. 
 
82 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 I love all flowers, but I would choose 
 The pansy, or the violet pale ; 
 
 Fairer than flowers of brilliant hues 
 Are the sweet lilies of the vale. 
 
 POLLY'S LAMENT. 
 
 Torn from my native woods, which I 
 
 Shall never see again, — 
 Then can you wonder at my cry. 
 
 So full of grief and pain ? 
 
 I, with my comrades, in the trees, 
 Was calling in our play, 
 
 When suddenly myself was seized 
 And quickly borne away. 
 
Stray Thoughts. Z^^ 
 
 Oh how I grieved when I liad found 
 
 What they would do to me. 
 They placed me in a wired cage, 
 
 And brought me o'er the sea. 
 
 They gave me food, and vainly tried 
 
 To ease me of my grief. 
 But all they did or said to me 
 
 Could bring me no relief. 
 
 I bit, and cried, but all in vain. 
 
 And wildly flew about, 
 And beat my wings against the bars, 
 
 But could not break them out. 
 
 They said my plumage was so bright, 
 
 And many tried to flatter, 
 They taught me " Pretty Poll" to call, 
 
 And '' Give poor Poll a cracker." 
 
84 Stray llioughts. 
 
 But, could I burst my prison bars, 
 How quickly would I roam 
 
 Across the seas to Afric's clime, 
 For there is still my home. 
 
 HELIOTROPE. 
 
 Thy perfume comes with the first breath of 
 morning, 
 
 When dew-drops glisten o'er thy petals fair. 
 
 When golden beams the eastern sky adorning, 
 
 Thy fragrance mingles with the summer air. 
 
 No sound is heard, save birds their music 
 trilling. 
 Waking the echoes of the woodland wild, 
 
 And grateful thoughts of praise my heart are 
 filling. 
 While gazing on thee. Nature's humble child. 
 
Stray Thottghts. 85 
 
 No gorgeous hues are thine : in simple splendor 
 
 Thy deep indented purple cup displays 
 Thy beauty ; who could help but homage ren- 
 der, 
 
 And look upon thee with admiring gaze? 
 
 Bloom on, sweet flower, bloom on ; too soon 
 you perish. 
 
 Like the fair glories of a summer's day. 
 Yet still within our hearts, sweet flower, we'll 
 cherish 
 
 Thy memory, when thy bloom has passed 
 away. 
 
86 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 BRING THE SWEET BUDS OF 
 EARLY SPRING. 
 
 Bring the sweet buds of early Spring, 
 
 With flowers of every hue, 
 The vine whose tendrils gently cling, 
 
 O'er every grave to strew. 
 
 Our loved ones sleep beneath the sod ; 
 
 The ties of earth are riven ; 
 Their Country called, in Freedom's cause 
 
 Their lives were nobly given. 
 
 No thought of danger bade them stay ; 
 
 They held the flag on high, 
 And boidly marched to meet tlie foe 
 
 Beneath the Southern skv. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 87 
 
 Bring from the wood the violets pale, 
 
 The roses white and red, 
 With fra2:rant lilies of the vale. 
 
 To scatter o'er the dead. 
 
 Though, when we laid them down to rest. 
 
 Our tears so thickly fell, 
 We knew that He had called them home. 
 
 Who doeth all things well. 
 
 And though, to miss each cherished form 
 
 Fills every heart with pain, 
 We would not ask, or even wish. 
 
 To have them back again. 
 
 Then Nature's offerings let us bring, 
 
 Of beauty and of grace. 
 And every year fresh garlands weave, 
 
 To deck their resting-place. 
 
88 Stray 271 oughts. 
 
 LINKS TO A FALLING ROSE. 
 
 O BEAUTIFUL flowcr ! SO fragile and fair ! 
 
 Though thy petals are doomed to decay, 
 
 Thy fragrance still lingers to gladden our 
 hearts, 
 
 "VV^hen thy beauty has faded away. 
 
 At mornin:^ I gazed with delight and with 
 pride, 
 
 And lavished upon thee my care, 
 
 But ere evening thy leaves were all scattered 
 and fled. 
 
 And thy stem was left vacant and bare. 
 
 It is thus, ever thus, that all beauty must fade. 
 And the pleasures of earth are but vain, 
 
 We think we can grasp them, and stretch forth 
 our hands. 
 But their mem'ry alone can remain. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 89 
 
 THE GOLDEN MOON. 
 
 Queen of the night, the golden moon 
 Floats through the starry blue, 
 
 And every fragrant bud and flower 
 Is wet with glist'ning dew. 
 
 The little birds have ceased their song, 
 And sought their downy nest, 
 
 The bee no more roves o'er the flowers, 
 But all have sunk to rest. 
 
 The stream's low murmur now is heard, 
 
 As swift the waters flow, 
 And gentle zephyrs stir the leaves, 
 
 As through the trees they blow. 
 
90 Stray JhongJits. 
 
 At such an hour I'd love to rove, 
 
 With Nature to commune, 
 When bright above the landscape shines 
 
 The fair and golden moon. 
 
 THE DOVE. 
 
 A BEAUTIFUL dovc to my window came. 
 With wings like snow, and plumage gray; 
 
 I tried to retain him, and fed him with crumbs; 
 He lingered awhile, and then flew away. 
 
 And I thought, as I gazed on the spot where 
 he stood, 
 Pecking the crumbs by the window pane, 
 
 Where the home of the beautiful dove might 
 be, 
 
 And wondered if e'er I should see him 
 aofain. 
 
Stray TJwiiglits. 91 
 
 TWILIGHT. 
 
 'Tis day's decline ; far in the west 
 The setting sun has sunk to rest ; 
 Purple and gold, spread side by side, 
 Reflecting on the rippling tide, 
 While crimson hues as softly blend. 
 And to the scene enchantment lend. 
 
 The gentle zephyr softly plays. 
 With rapture do I stand and gaze. 
 I watch the distant white sail spread, 
 I see the blue sky overhead, 
 I hear the dipping of the oar 
 Of boats returning to the shore. 
 
 Yet still I watch the waning light, 
 As sunset hastens into night ; 
 
92 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 And in the azure sky afar, 
 I see each brilliant twinkling star, 
 Till darkness comes, with sombre hue. 
 And hides the landscape from my view. 
 
 FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 Though shadows o'er our paih may break, 
 
 And clouds of sorrow rise. 
 Though health and fortune may depart, — 
 
 True friendship never dies. 
 
 The heart that feels another's pain 
 
 Can seek to give relief ; 
 A gentle word will often ease 
 
 The heart oppressed with grief. 
 
 When grief, too deep for words to speak, — 
 A sympathizing tear. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 93 
 
 A gentle pressure of the hand, 
 Proclaim a friend is near. 
 
 Through all the onward- rolling years, 
 When hearts more closely blend, 
 
 How sweet in memory to recall 
 The friendship of a friend. 
 
 I WANDERED AT EVE. 
 
 I WANDERED at evc where the wild bird sang 
 
 His first sweet song of Spring, 
 And his warbling trill, o'er vale and hill 
 
 And woodland far, did ring. 
 
 Onward I sped through the twilight dim, 
 Nor heeded the moments' flight. 
 
 Till each star, like a gem in a diadem. 
 Crowned the fair brow of Night. 
 
94 Stray TJioughts. 
 
 As I gazed on the full and rising moon, 
 
 And breathed the fragrant air, 
 I thought, in that hour, of the wondrous power 
 
 That had formed the world so fair. 
 
 WHATEVER IS, IS RIGHT. 
 
 All the grief our Father sends us — 
 
 Not in anger is it given. 
 Were it all happiness on earth, 
 
 We ne'er should think of heaven. 
 
 But still, when care and sorrows rise, 
 
 No evil need we fear, 
 For, what it is God's will to send. 
 
 He'll give us strength to bear. 
 
 Oh teach us by Thy Holy Word, 
 And keep us in Thy sight, 
 
 And ever make our hearts to feel. 
 Whatever is, is right. 
 
Stray Thoughts. 95 
 
 LINES. 
 
 I LOVE the morn, the early morn, 
 When tender flowers are springing. 
 
 When lovely birds are on the wing, 
 And cheer us with their singing. 
 
 I love the noon, when the sun is high, — 
 
 To rest beneath the trees, 
 To hear the biids their carols sing. 
 
 And feel the rustling breeze. 
 
 I love the eve, when the moon comes forth 
 
 With all her starrv trains, 
 I love to gaze on that midnight scene, 
 
 When silence around me reigns. 
 
96 Stray TJioughts. 
 
 CONVOLVULUS. 
 
 Bright blossoms of morning ! 
 
 Ere yet the sun's ray 
 Has arisen, adorning, 
 
 Thy flowers so gay 
 I see with delight, 
 
 As tliy tendrils entwine, 
 And fair is tiie sight, 
 
 Though a small fragile vine. 
 
 Though years have passed by. 
 
 Yet I fondly recall 
 The home of my childhood, — 
 
 The vine-covered wall, 
 The window entwined 
 
 With thy blossoms so gay. 
 To catch the first beams 
 
 Of the rising sun's ray 
 
Stray TJiQughts. 97 
 
 Though simple thy flowers, 
 
 Yet beauty and grace 
 Are combined. In my garden 
 
 Thou wih still find a place. 
 Though others may scorn thee, 
 
 And treat with disdain — 
 Yet thy beauty and love 
 
 Still with me will remain. 
 
98 Stray Thoughts. 
 
 MEMORY. 
 
 How oft will memory bring us back 
 To scenes now passed away, 
 
 Of happy hours too quickly sped, 
 Too beautiful to stay. 
 
 When childhood, innocent and bright, 
 Seemed but a summer's day, 
 
 Painted with rainbow hues of light. 
 Of pleasure, and of play. 
 
 When loved ones met at day's decline, 
 And gathered round the hearth, 
 
 And each one joined, with festive glee. 
 The pleasure and the mirth, 
 
Stray Thoughts. 99 
 
 Ere sorrow's tear had dimmed the eye 
 Or care had touched the brow, 
 
 Or grief madfe sad the merry heart. 
 Where are those pleasures now ? 
 
 'Tis mem'ry fondly brings them back, 
 And soothes the touch of pain. 
 
 'Tis memory of departed hours 
 Which makes age youth again. 
 
 AGAIN W^E MEET. 
 
 Again we meet (another year has sped) 
 To bring fresh tribute to our honored dead, 
 As in these sacred paths our footsteps bend, 
 We meet again as Brother, Comrade, Friend. 
 
loo Stray Thoughts. 
 
 All Nature smiles, and from its radiant bloom, 
 We cull fresh gems to scatter o'er the tomb, 
 And in each eye the silent tear will start, 
 As hand meets hand, and heart responds to 
 heart. 
 
 Again (in thought) we tread the battle field 
 With floating pennon, sword and bayonet wield, 
 Where mingled groans, and cannon's dismal 
 
 roar 
 Awake the echoes of the distant shore. 
 
 Again sweet peace asserts her gentle sway. 
 And hate within our hearts has passed away ; 
 Foe meets with foe again, with friendly grasp, 
 And mem'ry shudders to recall the past. 
 
 Oh, why shall man, frail, mortal man below. 
 Spread in his path destruction, death, and woe, 
 And raise his hand that fellow man should fall ! 
 One Power Divine, one God, has made us all. 
 
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