Class /^^ i ^S OZ 
 Book, ■ ^/V C^' -f- 
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 COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 
 
'Arkansas Buck" 
 
SECRET HAUNT OF THE EXILE 
 and 
 Other Poems. 
 Author of Illinois Flora, Blind Minister, 
 Medical Jurisprudence, How to Read 
 Character, Manual of Mensura- 
 tion, Ruf and the Professor, 
 Short Stories, Etc., Etc. 
 
 by 
 "Arkansas Buck." 
 

 • 
 
 
 LiBRARYcf CONGRESS 
 Two Copies Received 
 
 DEC 22 1905 
 
 CopyrifirlU Entry 
 
 CLftSS (X. XXc, No, 
 
 COPY B. 
 
 ~ ^ 
 
 Copyrigl 
 T 
 
 ited March 6, 
 
 by 
 C. Buxton. 
 
 1905, 
 
To Miss Enola Keisling and Fred C. Keisling. 
 In rememberance for their assistance 
 and friendship they have so 
 untiringly given to me. 
 As dedicated to them. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 How sad a sight it is to see 
 
 A spotless soul in mortal clay, 
 
 Uplifting self beyond the shoal 
 
 When such pure soul is vigilant ; 
 
 Not in the ripple or the rill, 
 
 Flo¥7s deepest water wildly on ; 
 
 Not in the loudest crash or roar. 
 
 Is found life's sacred, solemn hour. 
 
 Though in the stillness that's unbroken, 
 
 We Open the door to thoughts remote 
 
 And in a quiet still reflection, 
 
 We ascend to realms more sublime. 
 
 When man can read the thoughts of man, 
 
 In life more heroes will we see. 
 
 Those we think in highest splendor, 
 
Could they, the lower bases be 1 
 Heroes are but man's invention, 
 That lives awhile in bright display ; 
 Thus while time doth seem to mock us, 
 Erstwhile life's sun is shining bright, 
 We know not the cares about us. 
 Beyond the veil of future darkness. 
 We're defeated but not conquered ; 
 Man was born to meet life's struggles ; 
 A noble life shall not perish 
 Pass they onward to a brighter clime. 
 To a haven worthy of our part, 
 There we'll rest, in balmy breezes 
 Free from storms and human strife. 
 
INTRODUCTORY. 
 
 Poetry is the graphic picture of the soul of 
 man— Arkansas Buck. 
 
Ul 
 
 o 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 THE SECRET HAUNT OF THE EXILE 
 
 The orb of day was sinking low, 
 
 The barren trees scant shadows throw, 
 
 O'er landscape, all white with snow. 
 
 The air was sharp and crisp and cold. 
 
 The sheep were sheltered from the storm, 
 
 Secure and warm within the fold. 
 
 Now as it later grew, the moon 
 
 Rose bright o'er mountain top and glen. 
 
 Its ghastly lights shone through the trees; 
 
 To peer into my hiding place. 
 
 Ah! you searcher of the truth, I fear 
 
 I'm not impregnable here. 
 
 In this my secret hiding place 
 
 Where no man has ever shown his face, 
 
Aha! your ghastly silvery rays, 
 
 Shall disappear at break of day ; 
 
 No longer will you search for vice, 
 
 0, why thus tantalize me here? 
 
 I beg, I pray you disappear ! 
 
 Take your weird shadows from my brow. 
 
 Let me once more renew my vow. 
 
 The moon went down the oak trees groaned, 
 
 And creaked and sighed and sobbed and moaned; 
 
 On that drear night no mortal knew. 
 
 The moon and I held interview. 
 
 Alone in reverie at last, 
 
 The night grew dark, foreboding ill : 
 
 Fantastic phantoms of the past, 
 
 The bitter past, they haunt me still. 
 
 On came the memories of the past. 
 
 Forced back upon me thick and fast ; 
 
 I writhed, I wrung my hands in grief. 
 
 But nothing came to my relief. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 The morning dawned and I recalled 
 
 The horrors of the fearful night — 
 
 Then hark ! a voice with sigh and moan 
 
 "You are not in this haunt alone." 
 
 I laughed to hear my voice resound, 
 
 Across the place so desolate — 
 
 I turned and saw a deadly stare, 
 
 A stare from yon crouching thing. 
 
 What news, tell me what news bringest thou, 
 
 Speak now thou harbinger of ill, 
 
 I fear you not if man or fiend. 
 
 You demon image prophesy. 
 
 Or I will crush you in this lair. 
 
 Stare not but tell how long you've been 
 
 With me in this my rendivous. 
 
 Dost know that you are in my den. 
 
 Where secrets safe are kept from men? 
 
 Take that mask from off your face 
 
 You member of despised race, 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 10 
 
 That searches for me to disgrace. 
 So now a prisoner shall you be 
 And never never more shall you see 
 Your native state of Tennesse 
 Until you promise faithfully, 
 By solemn oath and sacred vow, 
 You'll say when asked along the way 
 We never met you know me not 
 That in my secret place, I'm safe 
 From searchers (who would seal my fate). 
 Speak now, speak now will thou not vow. 
 Wilt thou not take a solemn oath ? 
 Shall we both live here isolate ? 
 Do you not love sweet liberty? 
 Will you not say, I knew him not 
 And him I never met? 
 
 PART II. 
 
 The sun sank low behind the hills. 
 
 No sound was heard save the katy's trills, 
 
11 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 Their merry songs which held me fast, 
 To recollections of the past. 
 The ghostly spectre disappeared, 
 I stood reflecting o'er my deeds. 
 
 God I will renew my vow. 
 
 And as the hours dragged slowly by, 
 
 1 delved in secrets of the past. 
 
 The hooting owl chilled me with fear. 
 Lest he with sage like wisdom, might 
 Chance to betray my whereabouts. 
 As on my bed of leaves I lay, 
 A chill of horror froze my veins- 
 There by my side with slimy length 
 I saw a deadly poison snake. 
 No time had I to meditate — 
 Can this be Satan or a snake? 
 But to my fevered frenzied brain 
 The thoughts of "Sinless Eden Came." 
 Quickly I sprang up from my bed— 
 
12 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 Quickly I raised my foot and said — 
 
 "Man's heel shall crush the Serpent's head." 
 
 But ah! Again I met that stare 
 
 That witching figure over there, 
 
 Has sent this serpent's eyes to glare, 
 
 To see if I fear man or fiend. 
 
 The reptile's head I trampled down, 
 
 Into the dry and hardened ground, 
 
 And now you being truculent, 
 
 From this haunt of mine or thine. 
 
 You have said that I have fled 
 
 From my pursuers and the dead. 
 
 Where shall I go, can I devise. 
 
 To flee away in some disguise ; 
 
 I'll leave this demon here behind, 
 
 Which those who search for me will find. 
 
 But deep in heart I quail, I fear. 
 
 This demon soon will reappear. 
 
 And bear me back to pall and bier, 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 13 
 
 I see the flames high o'er my grave 
 Like ocean billows surge and wave, 
 Will I when I am lying there, 
 Meet currish, hellish, demon's Stare ? 
 .1 crept away without a sound 
 Of rustling leaf or breaking twig. 
 The owl drolled out his mounful song. 
 And weird notes of the whip-poor-will 
 Resound from distant craggy hill. 
 I paused when at the river's brink. 
 To muse awhile, reflect and think, 
 And ask myself, is this the time 
 For me to end this life of mine ? 
 I watched the tiny minnows play. 
 And now and then a monstrous fish, 
 Would flounce into the air and show 
 Through spray his gleaming silvery sides, 
 Then drop again into the stream. 
 But suddenly there came the thought 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 14 
 
 Of where I stood and what I was 
 For just across the limped stream, 
 I saw the place I met my foe. 
 Sadly I turned and took my way 
 Into a thicket for another day. 
 And here and there and everywhere 
 I met that awful dreadful stare ; 
 I closed my eyes and found relief 
 From restless care and daily grief, 
 A dream and vision came to me 
 To soothe my soul's deep misery. 
 
 PART III.— THE DREAM. 
 
 The days of toil were o'er and I 
 Sat musing in a passive way. 
 O'er gleanings of my boyhood days ; 
 I see them now, the lapse of years 
 Seem scarcely but a few short days ; 
 There lingers still a loveliness, 
 
15 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 That drinks a fragrance as of youth. 
 
 Amid the busy scenes of earth 
 
 I often pause in sober thought, 
 
 To ponder and reflect o'er life; 
 
 The beating of my heart grows wild, 
 
 What does this mean, why should it come ? 
 
 Ah, here she is as comes to me 
 
 Her sky blue eyes inspire my soul 
 
 And turn me back to days of youth 
 
 When life was full of joy and mirth. 
 
 Those soulful eyes they ne'er can fade, 
 
 They like a beacon light my way ; 
 
 They shine far brighter than the stars, 
 
 And beckon me to reach the goal. 
 
 The year speed on, I see her now, 
 
 So beautiful, so full of grace ; 
 
 An added luster fills her eyes. 
 
 And golden curls crown her fair face ; 
 
 Her winsome ways inspired my soul, 
 
16 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 When life was young and full of hope, 
 But memory now alone remains 
 She slumbers in a dreamless sleep. 
 Again to me her face appears 
 The self same smile of long ago. 
 How strange it seems, can it be true ? 
 I see the dear old home once more, 
 Where as a youth I wandered o'er 
 The hills and by the sparkling stream ; 
 Dreaming of manhood yet unknown, 
 Building bright castle in the air, 
 Thinking but little of it then. 
 The years increasing, onward roll, 
 I sigh to contrast, then and now, 
 How pleasant were the days of youth. 
 Their joys I can recall and with 
 Them comes a happy dream of love. 
 Then blighted were my fondest hopes 
 And scattered to the wind and I 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 17 
 
 Was thrown onto the bitter world. 
 
 Again I see those love lit eyes, 
 
 That longing, lingering look she gave. 
 
 Which pierced my conscience to its depths. 
 
 Her soft hand trembled on my brow, 
 
 Her heart throbbed wildly with my own ; 
 
 I felt the pressure of a kiss 
 
 Upon my lips and she was gone ; 
 
 Can I forget that awful day 
 
 That stole my peace and liberty ! 
 
 I still can hear her parting words 
 And see her charming face, which shines, 
 From out the dim and misty past. 
 What form is this that follows me. 
 And seems to guide my destiny ? 
 'Tis Rosaline, my loved and lost. 
 Who guides my ever wayward steps. 
 It seems as though but yesterday. 
 She whispered "Flee my lover flee," 
 
18 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 And she is ever true to me ; 
 
 Come nearer still my welcome guest. 
 
 My vision vanished, I awoke ; 
 'Twas twilight and the air was chill, 
 And as the night with silent hand 
 Drew her dark curtain o'er the land ; 
 I saw the flowers low at my feet 
 And said 0, emblem of the truth. 
 You tell me that I have a soul 
 That will be lost eternally. 
 You tell me too that from afar 
 A voice ascends in prayer for me ; 
 Yes it is she, still good and true, 
 Who comes to help me on my way. 
 
 The cares and trials of life may come 
 Like floods, but still my heart is strong ; 
 Her gentle touch is on my brow ; 
 Ag-ain my soul new courage takes, 
 
The day will calm, a gentle breeze 
 Will rise and soothe my aching head. 
 And now ye Gods of fate arise, 
 And lend my cloud a golden hue ; 
 The sunshine of my life is past. 
 Has drifted to a sunnier clime. 
 
 PART IV. 
 
 The sun rose high in skies of blue, 
 No clouds to mar its perfect hue, 
 Or veil the splendor of the day ; 
 The Oriole for gladness sung, 
 A love song to his mate, who swung 
 Below him in his cradle nest. 
 A robin hopped about my feet, 
 In search of insects for to treat 
 His young tucked in a hiding place. 
 
 A lonely Crow sat silently 
 
 And pondered mischief yet to be, 
 
20 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 In yonder tree with eyes closed fast, 
 
 An owl dreams of his night's repast, 
 
 But see upon that barren height, 
 
 That emblem of proud liberty. 
 
 With antlers high and nostrils wide. 
 
 He climbs to some more distant place ; 
 
 What caused him thus to flee away ? 
 
 How gracefully he scales the mountain heights. 
 
 And leaps the stream and turns to view, 
 
 With pride his picturesque domain. 
 
 An Eagle high above him soars 
 An emblem of our freedom, too ; 
 Ah ! No ! Not ours but their's for 
 I'm alienated from all men. 
 But yet in that phantasmal dream. 
 The eyes of Orcus glare and gleam. 
 Ah ! yes he knows that I am here. 
 But I forbade him to come near. 
 He dares to haunt me never more. 
 
X 
 
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 W 
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Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 21 
 
 The startled stag flees on in fear, 
 Methinks there must be danger near. 
 
22 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 WHERE CAN I REST. 
 
 Where can I rest the sun is down, 
 
 Stars appearing one by one, 
 To brighten heaven's precious crown, 
 
 And now another day is done. 
 
 Where can I rest, the forest trees. 
 Have thrown their leaves into the air. 
 
 And they have fallen to the earth. 
 Just like a worn out mantle there. 
 
 Where can I rest all day I've trod 
 Beneath the sun's December showers, 
 
 And now the last faint rays are gone 
 To brighten up another's bowers. 
 
 Where can I rest my weary feet ? 
 
 Have walked o'er many weary miles. 
 Oh, that I may retrace my steps. 
 
 To the homeland, when morning smiles. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 23 
 
 Where can I find my youthful joy, 
 A mother's tender love and care, 
 The joy I lost when first I roamed, 
 
 could I find it garnered there? 
 
 Where can I rest in desert waste ? 
 
 1 whiled away the shining hours. 
 Destroyed by blissful paradise. 
 
 And squandered nature's gifted dowers. 
 
 Where can I find the melody, 
 
 Of sister's voice I've mourned so long ? 
 That mingles now in heaven's choir. 
 
 In some sweet reverential song. 
 
 Where can I rest my broken heart ? 
 
 The heart that sabre oft has bled. 
 Long have I borne that painful blade, 
 
 must I bear it till I'm dead? 
 
24 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 Where can I rest my weary soul ? 
 
 The flowers fade and pass away, 
 But only sleep through wintry hours, 
 
 To wake again in early May ! 
 
 Where can I rest and let my life 
 Glide safely past this vale of tears 
 
 Into a new and grander clime, 
 And grow the happier with the years ? 
 
 Where can I leave this robe of clay. 
 And live in peace from day to day. 
 
 Then will I wander far away 
 And sing God's praise eternally ? 
 
 When can I rest and glorify 
 Creator of the earth and sky ; 
 
 All evil then I could defy 
 And dwell with Angels upon high ? 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 25 
 
 AT MOTHER'S GRAVE 
 
 Her life on earth long since has passed 
 And mouldering now her body lies 
 Beneath the clay, decay's begun, 
 The last but ever irksome task 
 Of "dust thou art to dust return," 
 She always walked in peace with God, 
 And dauntless as the saints of old ; 
 Ah ! cruel grave thou dost withhold 
 My precious mother's face from me. 
 
 For cold and still they placed her here. 
 To gently rest within thine arms ; 
 And though the winds blow wild and high, 
 And through the tree tops moan and sigh, 
 In placed calm respose she sleeps. 
 
26 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 She lived in hope, in peace she died ; 
 Though often met by temptation's tide, 
 Along the norrow path she trod. 
 Completing all her vows with God. 
 In early life she sowed some seed 
 Of noble thoughts and kindly deeds, 
 But ere the harvest time had come. 
 The father called, "My child come home." 
 
 So trustingly she followed Him, 
 Without a murmur or complaint ; 
 Though in the bloom of womanhood. 
 She was submissive to His will. 
 While Death so slowly did his work, 
 Bestilling her's the purest heart. 
 As whiter grew her pale sweet face, 
 The closer then her soul's pure grace. 
 Clung to her Maker and her God. 
 And now her heart beats faint and low, 
 To dear ones standing by her side. 
 
Secret ttaunt of the Exile and Other iPoems 2!t 
 
 Then with a mother's tender love, 
 She prays that God will safely guide 
 And shield from harm, her infant son ; 
 And as the father held the child 
 Beside his dying mother's bed, 
 They christened him their favorite name, 
 And then the mother fell asleep. 
 Asleep on earth to wake in heaven. 
 
IN THE HANDS OF FATE 
 
 It was a cold December's night, 
 The snow flakes falling fast 
 
 An old man sat by his fireside 
 Reflecting o'er the past. 
 
 The number of the milestones passed 
 Was equal to three scores, 
 
 And like a romance was his life 
 Like one ne'er read before. 
 
 Unsympathetic seemed the world. 
 
 To him so gray and old ; 
 And many volumes it would fill. 
 
 If half his life was told. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 29 
 
 He sat, he mused, he heeded not, 
 
 The winds so wild and high ; 
 Sunshine and shadow blend in thought. 
 
 With now and then a sigh. 
 
 And as the fire-lights brighter grew 
 
 His spirits seemed to rise. 
 When thoughts of home and mother came, 
 
 Tears dimmed his aged eyes. 
 
 Then he recalls when but a child 
 
 Way back in forty-three, 
 The lessons that were taught him, at 
 
 His gentle mother's knee. 
 
 Then when a little older grown. 
 
 Care free his way he took 
 To roam about the pleasant fields. 
 
 Or wander by the brook. 
 
 A handsome youth still in his 'teen^. 
 Endowed with brilliant mind 
 
All in the bloom and pride of life 
 With vigor well defined. 
 
 The old man's face grew pale as thought, 
 
 Portrayed the scene so clear 
 'Twas at a country ball he met 
 
 The one to him most dear. 
 
 She was the pride of his whole life 
 
 The hope of all to him, 
 The choicest fairest of them all ; 
 
 And now the fire burns dim. 
 
 Her checks were as the primrose fair 
 
 That blooms in early May, 
 Her form was graceful and her breath 
 
 Was sweet as new mown hay. 
 
 Her hair was sunbeams made in curls, 
 Here eyes were heaven's blue ; 
 
 And all who gazed into their depths 
 Saw naught but what was true. 
 
A little diffident and shy 
 Among those assembled there, 
 
 But much beloved because she was 
 Wise, beautiful and fair. 
 
 The clock struck eight, the dance began 
 
 And at the first command 
 She took the place beside the man. 
 
 Who promised her his hand. 
 
 Queen of the ball and of his heart 
 
 With dainty tripping feet. 
 She glides among the dancers there, 
 
 To music low and sweet. 
 
 And no one dreamed of danger near. 
 When that first dance was done 
 
 None knew an enemy was there. 
 Astonished were each one. 
 
 He called her from among the crowd 
 And asked her to take a walk. 
 
32 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 "My company is engaged, said she, 
 "To my sister you'll have to talk." 
 
 "But you must go with me," said he, 
 
 "At once my pretty dove," 
 As on her lips he pressed a kiss, 
 
 "0, come with me my love." 
 
 "No ! No !" said she, "I will not go ; 
 
 To another I am betrothed." 
 "Come, come," said he, "That may be so, 
 
 But with me you'll have to go." 
 He roughly pushed her through the door 
 
 And out into the night. 
 And to our hero in his prime 
 
 Was lost his promised wife. 
 
 She screamed for help for well she knew 
 
 Her lover in the crowd, 
 Would hear and come to her relief 
 
 And rescue her from harm. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 33 
 
 Then suddenly a shot rang out 
 Which pierced the villian's heart ; 
 
 Although James Coply took his aim 
 At random in the dark. 
 
 Then to the trial people came 
 
 To witness far and near, 
 Who falsely swore 'twas his intent 
 
 To kill maliciously. 
 
 And that brave boy who fired the shot, 
 
 To save his promised wife. 
 Was in the springtime of his years 
 
 To prison sent for life. 
 
 And when she came to say farewell 
 
 To the girl he had saved ; 
 From its fair throne her reason fell, 
 
 A maniac she raved. 
 
 With care worn brow our hero stood, 
 To wait the coming train, 
 
34 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 Which would bear him from home and friends 
 To wear the convict's chains. 
 
 Sadly he thought of his dear home, 
 
 Which he so soon must leave, 
 And loving parents most of all 
 
 At home alone to grieve. 
 
 The train rolled on, at last it reached 
 
 His destination drear. 
 He bade farwell to liberty 
 
 And all that he held dear. 
 
 Full twenty years have passed since then, 
 
 The prisoner's hair is gray ; 
 Both pain and toil have left their trace 
 
 On him from day to day. 
 
 One day as Governor Tanner sat 
 
 In his official chair 
 A note was handed him which told 
 
 Of a poor convict's care. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 35 
 
 He broke the seal and read aloud, 
 
 " 'Tis mine the convict's doom, 
 Must I now wear a convict's shroud. 
 
 Is mine the convict's tomb ?" 
 
 Unsteady was the governor's hand ; 
 
 The letter touched his heart. 
 And in a clear firm voice he said: 
 
 " He shall this day depart." 
 
 A pardon then he quickly signed 
 
 And sent it on its way, 
 " This must not be one moment kept ; 
 
 Make haste without delay." 
 
 And now the old man sits tonight 
 
 Reflecting o'er the past. 
 Gone are those awful days of strife. 
 
 His thoughts are backward cast. 
 
36 
 
 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 Sweet liberty is his and near 
 Him sits his happy wife, 
 
 And happily they ponder o'er 
 The night he saved her life. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 37 
 
 DEAD 
 
 Dead, no more his face I see, 
 No more his gentle voice I hear ; 
 Ah ! how clearly I recall 
 In those balmy days serene, 
 When you were Lord of all 
 And by your side your queen. 
 
 Dead, what does this mean ? 
 I cannot comprehend it all, 
 That such a spectre grim unseen 
 Upon your form would fall 
 And bear you back to earth ; 
 Death's cold and clamy grasp 
 Has robbed a saintly home, alas. 
 
Of joy and tranquil bliss, 
 A home so truly blessed with two 
 Bright little ones and they are left 
 With their life battle to be won, 
 Just as the struggle is begun. 
 ! death thou didst a mighty crime 
 To take him on ere half his time 
 On earth was duly spent. 
 
 Oh ! death have you no sympathy or fear. 
 Can you not save a single tear ? 
 Do you not know your cruel hand 
 Has stolen one from out the band 
 And broken is the happy home ? 
 The widowed mother now alone 
 Must journey and protect her own. 
 
 She treads along her pathway dim, 
 So silently in search of him. 
 But only in her vanished dreams 
 Can she behold his face serene. 
 
LOVE 
 
 It is divine, love is so pure ; 
 
 A sacred flame or heaven's cure, 
 
 That makes our earthly home, a small 
 
 Reflective mirror of it all ; 
 
 Of all, the boundless all — of love 
 
 That makes up heav'n. 
 
 0, God who knows but they who've tried, 
 Through some mishap to cast aside, 
 The yearning of a hopeless love. 
 Who knows but they the reckless shove 
 And thrust them o'er the thorny way. 
 Ere they find death. 
 
40 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 Could I go to some silent stream, 
 To leave the earth, to only dream 
 And list to its quiet whispering. 
 Sooth my spirits by its rippling ; 
 On its water dance the shadows, 
 
 Weird and alone. 
 
 Those phantom figures they are dead. 
 Yet each will throw its darkened head 
 Across the current's living flow. 
 And as the darkened shadows throw 
 A mantle— sadness — life. 
 
 Intangible. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 41 
 
 PRIDE WILL FALL. 
 
 A lily grew beside the stream, 
 Within that lily dew drops came 
 
 And on its style they quickly gleamed, 
 " I'll have my rights, I will proclaim !" 
 
 Its snowy cup was still upturned. 
 Toward the heaven and the stars ; 
 
 Each gladly sparkled in its turn, 
 "I am the brightest of the stars." 
 
 Each said to each, in haughty pride, 
 " See how my diamonds colors shine." 
 
 The fragrant lily then replied : 
 " 'Tis I that cause you thus to shine ?" 
 
The sun arose in early morn 
 
 And with a searching, glancing gleam, 
 Said to the dew drop, " thou be gone," 
 
 And left the lily by the stream. 
 
 The moral is that pride will fall 
 When 'tis not borne by virtue's rod ; 
 
 Its splendors few or none at all, 
 'Tis shunned alike by man and God. 
 
 
^■^■.^-—.^l.:^J^ ^ ,...^-^ ..-. ,.■- i-^JM-jLt^^. -J-^B-J^-. 
 
 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 43 
 
 SOMETHING TO BE. 
 
 I appeal to you ye moaning, 
 Crashing, dashing, wandering winds. 
 What in your wildness do you send. 
 Out in that empty voice of thine 
 That makes me shudder and repine, 
 And know that in this life of mine 
 That there is something yet to be ; 
 Something I feel, but cannot see. 
 
 What ! in that silent hollow tone, 
 
 You are whispering home sweet home, 
 
 Arousing within my bosom 
 
 A restless, ceaseless care to roam ; 
 
 And still from out your dismal death, 
 
 A sadness comes whispering, Time, Time ; 
 
44 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 Where is thy source or hidden springs 
 That calls forth bitter, bitter things 
 That which may cause the tear dimmed sky, 
 Become so dark and then to sigh. 
 For something, something yet to be. 
 Something I feel, but cannot see. 
 
 The forests creak and sigh and groan. 
 The dying leaves are wildly tossed, 
 And even they can find no rest 
 On mother Earth's kind ample breast. 
 Hither, thither, yonder, there, 
 Like surging sorrows, passing joys. 
 Like falling leaf no rest can find, 
 Pleasure and sadness vex the mind ; 
 Eternity and time strive to replace 
 With hopes of rest, the heart that aches ; 
 Why murmur, weep and sadly sigh ? 
 Why drink life's bitter dregs and die ? 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 45 
 
 Then dream of every silent test 
 To shorten time within my breast ; 
 Something I feel, but cannot see, 
 Something, yes something yet to be. 
 
QUEEN OF NIGHT 
 
 (," / love this as it were my own, part of it is mine.'' 
 — Critic.) 
 
 In yonder sky so deep and blue, 
 The queen of night sails proudly on, 
 Reflecting from her loftly height 
 The sunshine of a day that's gone. 
 lovely queen could you but know 
 The measure of your force, 
 Upon our broad terrestrial sphere. 
 
 Would you not tremble in your course ? 
 And would you dare alone to plough 
 The dark, dense clouds and would you glide 
 O'er mountain tops with naught of fear ? 
 
Without your presence, pale sweet orb. 
 Our oceans would be void of tide, 
 The night so dark and drear. 
 
 gentle moon, pale sweet moon 
 
 1 love to watch your flight 
 From early eve 'till morning dawn 
 Thou patient satellite. 
 
 Although the ills that vex humanity 
 Disturb thee not, the great Divinity 
 That guides our course — guides thine. 
 
48 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 ALL MUST DIE 
 
 Sad day, the storm clouds's dusky folds, 
 
 The morning veil of earth and sky 
 
 O'er hangs us day and night. 
 
 The earth has shed its many tears, 
 
 While time doth fly 
 For all must die. 
 
 Tube rose your perfumed breath, 
 
 Doth bring me ecstacy— 
 
 Thy roots are in the grave, 
 
 The choicest fragrance ever still. 
 
 Points unto death. 
 Thou too must die. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 49 
 
 Sweet spring that brings us flowers 
 And fragrant roses in the bowers, 
 Yet swiftly flies the fleeting hours, 
 Your verdure shows that you must go. 
 
 You and death did vie, 
 And thou wilt die. 
 
 lark, whose voice so oft I hear 
 
 In song so pleasing to my ear, 
 
 So full of cheer you meet the morning glow* 
 
 The first to greet its radiant beams. 
 In tree tops high. 
 You sing, then die. 
 
 WILL NOT DIE 
 
 Ah sweet and virtuous soul. 
 
 You, and you alone can live 
 
 Tho' springs may go, flowers pass away 
 
 The whole world in glory lie. 
 
50 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 With death they vied 
 You will not die. 
 *"As changed by critic." 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and. Other Poems 51 
 
 FLOWERLETS 
 
 Here are tiny flowerlets, 
 
 Silently they grow, 
 'Tis the gentle sunshine 
 
 Brings them forth I know. 
 
 Blooming little flowerlets, 
 Blue and white and red. 
 
 On every hill and valley 
 They are thickly spread. 
 
 God made the little flowerlets, 
 He loves, he keeps them too. 
 
 He sends the rain and sunshine 
 And sparkling drops of dew. 
 
52 
 
 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 So the God our Father 
 Sends his tenderest love 
 
 To His loved children, 
 A message from above. 
 
SUPPOSING 
 
 {"I find no fault in this man." — Critic.) 
 
 rarest blossom, kindest friend 
 Your serene nature always blends 
 With God Himself, and you intend 
 A life of usefulness to spend. 
 Many blessings now I see, 
 
 In heaven laid up in store for thee. 
 When you pass to eternity. 
 
 Supposing now from woman kind, 
 
 1 choose you for my friend 
 And make my life and mind 
 With all your life to blend. 
 Ah ! know not this alone 
 
i 
 
 54 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 Your every grief, your care, 
 All these to be our own. 
 
 In you my hopes of fame. 
 Of each I will confide. 
 You know my every aim, 
 My ambition's wide ; 
 It is the truth, I love 
 To leave you secure 
 And firm, as hopes above. 
 Love is so kind, so pure. 
 
 Our friendship's lovely ties, 
 
 Our peace is now beyond ; 
 
 In life's path a duty lies, 
 
 A goal yet to be won. 
 
 I hope from year to year 
 
 To live another way. 
 
 Though time brings grief and tears 
 
 To me but one more day. 
 
 
To you my only charm, 
 With you I am at rest. 
 Within my restless arms 
 I'd like to you confess 
 My heart, tho' pained with love, 
 I'd near be false or cold ; 
 My life you've yet to prove. 
 My heart to yet unfold. 
 
 Though I am still bereft, 
 
 Dear one are you forlorn ; 
 
 Must I, while now I'm left 
 
 On earth continually mourn, 
 
 Shall I withdraw from woman kind 
 
 In such forsaken state, 
 
 And thus to strive no more to find 
 
 A true and loving mate. 
 
 In melancholic gloom 
 I'll follow out my way, 
 
56 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 Tho' pining o'er my wretched doom, 
 ril live from day to day. 
 I say, a woman shall not prove 
 Me false— right well I know 
 My soul, so full of faith and love, 
 Can dwell with me below. 
 
 Tho' I am doomed alone to be, 
 
 Unloved, unseen on earth, 
 
 I have some friends, they are to me 
 
 A gem of costly worth ; 
 
 Altho' they know I'll not despair. 
 
 We look to Him on high. 
 
 Enthroned, enobled there 
 
 My friends are always nigh. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 57 
 
 ONWARD 
 
 Onward where no night is coming ; 
 
 Onward through the fleeing hours ; 
 Onward, now the dew is sparkling, 
 
 On the liHes fragrant flowers. 
 
 Onward, and the day grows brighter. 
 
 At the rising of the sun. 
 Onward, now the day is brightening, 
 
 Brighter now than e'er before; 
 
 Onward, now as time is flying. 
 
 To a place that's more sublime. 
 Onward yonder sky is brightening 
 
 In the land of summer climes. 
 
ROSALINE 
 
 Come walk with me my sweet heart, dear, 
 
 The oriole is loudly singing ; 
 The sky is now so bright and clear 
 
 The woodlands too are ringing, 
 And everything is bright and clear. 
 
 As bleak old winter's passed away. 
 
 Don your bonnet, twine it round 
 
 We will decorate with roses. 
 We can pluck from shaded grounds 
 
 Spring beauties for your posies. 
 Why sure enough, you'd look like one 
 
 That had descended from the sun. 
 
 p. \ u <0 NU ' ¥M i irj m% i m tm <m m t S » am 
 
All day we will watch them springing, 
 Snow drops white, crowfoot yellow, 
 
 The dog-toothed violets blooming, 
 Sweet crocus, the pretty fellow 
 
 In early morning forth it came 
 To do full honor to its name. 
 
 The lark is also proudly singing ; 
 
 He knows sweet vernal's here again 
 Beyond the copse crowned hill is ringing 
 
 The wren and red bird's mellow strain ; 
 The plowman, too, is full of mirth 
 
 While turning o'er the mellow earth. 
 
 Here are birds not three weeks old 
 Nestling close to one another ; 
 
 The father bird, whose not so bold. 
 Has left them with their mother, 
 
 Though he will watch and always warn 
 Of approaching danger, and of harm. 
 
Then come with me my sweetheart dear, 
 The woodlands still are ringing ; 
 
 The day is warm, the sky is clear 
 All earth to life is springing. 
 
 Discard all work and care today. 
 Old winter now has passed away. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 61 
 
 DEAD AND FORGOTTEN 
 
 Fairest hopes, of the by gone Spring time, 
 Have been slain by Autumnal wrath. 
 And alone in the silent tomb they sleep. 
 In the cold silent tomb of the past. 
 
 Still the bright signet star of the future, 
 Gleams afar o'er the "Dead and Forgotten." 
 
 0, the hot burning rays of Summer, 
 And the cool shaded memories past. 
 Come to me with a saddened sweetness. 
 They have gone, they have left me for aye. 
 
 Cruel time dealt with them as with others. 
 And they lie with the "Dead and Forgotten." 
 
Let the things that are past go ever, 
 But their memory lingers still. 
 Let us hope that our lives may be useful 
 And a blessing to all that we may. 
 
 When we fall with the leaves of Autumn, 
 Though Dead, let us pray not Forgotten. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 63 
 
 BLIND MAN'S LAMENT 
 
 ("This is a very touching poem.'') — Critic. 
 
 All ye whose eyes are open 
 
 To the gifted lights of day, 
 Think how the darkness is falling 
 
 Across the blind man's way. 
 Then let compassion's finger touch 
 
 Your hearts pathetic string, 
 That hope may o'er his darkened life. 
 
 Cast her protecting wing. 
 
 The blind man lives a blighted life ; 
 
 His path is fringed with woe. 
 The trials and troubles which they meet, 
 
 None but the sightless know ; 
 
 mt^frnmrnmBmsBftl^ 
 
64 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 Then do let mercies gentle voice, 
 Soft o'er your senses steal ; 
 
 Kindly listen with sympathy 
 To this my last appeal. 
 
 My fate is hard I cannot work 
 
 As in the days gone by, 
 Although I must myself support 
 
 And daily wants supply, 
 God only knows I would not shirk 
 
 Nor hardships would I mind, 
 Alas ! Alas ! Hopes star has sunk. 
 
 For I am blind, am blind. 
 
 As one by one, the twinkling stars, 
 Forth from their chambers peep, 
 
 And glitter o'er the rolling waves. 
 As over oceans sweep 
 
 Their many glittering beauties rare 
 Are not for such as I ; 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 65 
 
 Dear God my heart is stung with grief, 
 To see thy works I sigh. 
 
 My child's sweet voice I softly hear 
 
 But cannot meet her eye, 
 I feel the pressure of a kiss. 
 
 Then turn away to sigh ; 
 Wilt thou think of this, happy one. 
 
 In "palace or in cot," 
 And drop a kind and gentle thought 
 
 For my hard and wretched lot. 
 
 Then pray turn not away from this 
 
 My sorrowing appeal ; 
 Let the gentle voice of mercy 
 
 Soft o'er your senses steal. 
 This noble truth in Holy writ, 
 
 Will be your sweet reward. 
 That whosoever helps the poor 
 
 Is lending to the Lord. 
 
66 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 When you have read the book of life, 
 
 This lesson bear in mind, 
 God will sometime restore the sight 
 
 Unto the helpless blind ; 
 He who has left his followers here, 
 
 To carry out his will. 
 Thus said unto the blind man's woes: 
 
 "I am thy God, be still." 
 
 You should remember that on earth 
 
 To count your blessings round. 
 For they will yield some precious fruit 
 
 In yon heavenly ground. 
 then how great will be the joy. 
 
 That our God has given ; 
 There all the blind will see, and bless. 
 
 Your entrance into heaven. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 67 
 
 RESCUE 
 
 Powerfully, grandly, their presence has come. 
 To save my frail bark from the merciless shoals . 
 
 Madly, incessantly 0, winds of the night. 
 Ye sadly rush onward no more to return. 
 
 Sweetly, serenely when the fierce storm is o'er 
 I see on the strand what a wreck had I been. 
 
 Peacefully, brightly a new day has now come. 
 Fair hopes spring eternally once more in the dawn. 
 
 Loving, forgiving mother's devotion, 
 My struggles intense thou wilt not ignore. 
 
 Patiently, sadly I complain not of cares, 
 
 You may note on my brow the traces they leave. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 Smilingly, gently, the morning is dawning 
 After the fierce storm its passion has spent. 
 
 Feverently, fondly, the same as of old, 
 Love comes to cherish and gladden and bless. 
 
 Carressingly, calmly, as the tide to the sea. 
 There glides in my musings fond memories of thee, 
 
HOPELESS 
 
 There's never a light, there's never a light ; 
 
 There is never a light for me; 
 Though the morning may wake help not a few 
 
 With orbit of blue perfect hue ; 
 
 There is never a light for me. 
 
 There's never a joy, there's never a joy. 
 There is never a joy for me ; 
 
 Flowers may come, flowers may bloom, 
 They may ripen and grow again. 
 There is never a flower for me. 
 
 There's never a tear, there's never a tear ; 
 There is never a tear for me ; 
 
70 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 No sympathizing hand of mother fair, 
 
 To help me my burdens to bear. 
 
 There is no sympathy for me. 
 
 There's never a love, there's never a love, 
 
 There is never a love for me ; 
 
 I will share my wealth, I will freely give 
 
 Myself and life, with one to live 
 
 There is never a love for me. 
 
 There's always unrest, there's always unrest. 
 
 There is always unrest for me ; 
 
 Though I may hide it in the silent night 
 
 I dream of rest 'till morning light, 
 
 There is always unrest for me. 
 
 There's never a home, there's never a home. 
 
 There is never a home for me ; 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 71 
 
 In Heaven on high 'mong the holy hills 
 
 I've no home, 'less the father wills 
 There is never a home for me. 
 
 Poetically this is very good * 
 will lend variety to your book.—E. L. K. 
 
 it 
 
REVENGE 
 
 An action true to human life 
 Would be revenge, 
 
 Though scorning oft an injury, 
 It's still revenge, 
 
 Forgive without a strife still lurks. 
 There in revenge; 
 
 But he that overcomes an enemy- 
 Be still revenge. 
 
 The Indian blood so I am told 
 
 Is all revenge ; 
 And while the white man's blood is cold 
 
 It's still revenge. 
 To Indian red and Saxon white, 
 
 It's sweet revenge. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 73 
 
 To win and overthrow the head 
 
 Would be revenge ; 
 But if a worthy foe we find 
 
 Ah ! then revenge. 
 And force to yield the nobly done, 
 
 Where is revenge ? 
 
 When the brother's of the baser kind 
 
 Beware revenge ; 
 If we are forced to yield though nobly, 
 
 Quench thou revenge ; 
 But if of lower kind they be. 
 
 Bitter revenge. 
 
 Why sure there is no honor won 
 
 In base revenge ; 
 If worthily you are out done. 
 
 Can you revenge ? 
 Does it depart, no deep in heart 
 
 Dormant revenge. 
 
74 
 
 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 All then this germinal spot 
 
 For dire revenge, 
 If nurtured still it is a sin 
 
 This same revenge. 
 Kept and cultered deep therein 
 
 That he revenge. 
 
 Can your friend if angry grown 
 
 Control revenge. 
 Though conquered now his wrathful ire 
 
 Is but revenge ; 
 Could a life that's full of truth 
 
 Harbor revenge. 
 
 A true and trusting gentle friend 
 
 Contain revenge ? 
 The young in age, the older sire 
 
 Deal out revenge 
 If they've cultured the little germ 
 
 That germ revenge. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 75 
 
 OBLIVION 
 
 Within thy silent, calm embrace 
 I seek to lay the Present with its tears, 
 There all the charms of earth would fade 
 To nothingness, and rest would reign supreme 
 Though while I there is perfect peace respose, 
 I would remember Thee, fair fragrant Rose. 
 And long to drift adown life's rippling stream, 
 With thoughts and mussings evermore serene; 
 Morphius, thy tender touch upon my eye- 
 lids spread, 
 Let me dream on forever of the Dead. 
 
76 
 
 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 TIME 
 
 Swiftly the time is passing by, 
 
 It comes and goes too soon 'tis past, 
 
 And like the birds that pierce the clouds 
 
 That scud the sky, that dims the day ; 
 
 And as a leaflet in a gale, 
 
 Or as the ship, far out at sea, 
 
 It speeds away, away so fast. 
 
KINDNESS 
 
 A little act of kindness wrought, 
 
 To help a friend that's tempest tossed ; 
 
 A noble sentiment, a thought. 
 
 The worthy actions that we seek 
 
 With loving words, and looks and deeds. 
 
 Each willing errand that we do 
 
 To help the fallen is not lost. 
 
78 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 IN THE DOOR OF A HOSPITAL. 
 
 I stood in the door of a hospital 
 While a woman lay dying, they said 
 Of a fever brought on by exposure, 
 While striving to earn her children bread. 
 The nurses while standing around her 
 Dressed in white gowns — pale faces they bore. 
 Each watching her changing expressions ; 
 A glorious countenance she bore. 
 
 I softly stepped inside the doorway 
 To once gaze on the pitiful scene, 
 While lingering, silently death's pang 
 Crept steadily on to its mein ; 
 All the doctors seemed more than anxious, 
 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 79 
 
 As quick, stiffled and short grew her breath. 
 Her stoHd face only but softened 
 At the timely appearance of death. 
 
 As grim death came silently o'er her 
 I thought 'tis the same to rich and poor ; 
 The same dreaded gloom shall enshroud us 
 That now is enshrouding the room, 
 Each must be adorned in death's raiment 
 Alone to sleep in the silent tomb. 
 An angel unfolded his mantel 
 Beckoning her to the far beyond. 
 
 Thus I thought as I stood and pondered 
 
 O'er this, her last and lifeless remain. 
 
 A miserable life has a woman 
 
 When not loved and supported by man. 
 
 She is only one of the thousand 
 
 That it matters not how much they try 
 
80 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 They cannot keep themselves living 
 For they struggle, they suffer, they die. 
 
 She was by her work when they found her, 
 Sick and lonely and ready to die. 
 Her husband long before had left her ; 
 Gone to his home in heaven on high. 
 The three hungry children stood by her 
 Each imploring their God to come nigh. 
 Under this she grew unconscious still 
 She whispered "in the sweet by and by." 
 
 Christian friends where shall the body lie ? 
 Who will plant a flower on her grave ? 
 where is the kind hearted mother 
 That will take the children to raise. 
 God send thy guardian angel. 
 These three little orphans to keep. 
 For such death scenes as I have witnessed 
 Would surely cause angels to weep. 
 
o 
 
 XII 
 
 > 
 
 IT' 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 81 
 
 'TIS BEST 
 
 Tis best to live a polished life 
 To reap the golden grain, 
 
 To hold the golden thread of life 
 For Christ will come again. 
 
82 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 ANONYMOUS 
 
 How fair the world does seem to be, 
 Under search lights of affection. 
 How dismal it would be to me, 
 If discord should sever the spell ; 
 Then why call love but a folly 
 If you when after reflection 
 Declare that to you it maketh 
 Up, your heaven, your home or hell. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 83 
 
 A MEDIC'S DREAM 
 
 I dreamed I loved humanity, 
 And gave my life to save a tear ; 
 Became more useful year by year, 
 Helped the brother who'd fallen low, 
 Slowly the disease came over him. 
 Thus I struggled with might and vim 
 To cause a new life once to beam 
 Forth from the smouldering clay. 
 In him renewed a hope supreme— 
 "This is the medic's dream." 
 
 I dreamed the people believe in right. 
 The doctor is the man of might ; 
 He heals the body— not the soul, 
 He opes the window of the heart. 
 
84 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 And speaks : "Disease, thou shalt depart." 
 Then peers into a darkened life, 
 Casts out the gloom, lets in the light. 
 The patient mounts the sun-crowned height. 
 With noble thoughts, and looks and deeds, 
 He bids his sick the health-way speed. 
 They never stop and dread to climb 
 Health's highway — the way sublime ; 
 With quickened eyes that are a gleam, 
 "This is the medic's dream." 
 
 I dreamed our field was only earth ; 
 We struggle not in vain, who durst 
 Say freedom to all men shall be 
 Protected rights and liberty. 
 The lover of the happy home. 
 Who fights the battle, they alone 
 Are slaves and no slaves, be it known 
 They stoop not to penury sums. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 85 
 
 But fighting for victory till 
 Victory's won o'er death and disease. 
 Thus we are floating down life's stream, 
 Becoming more and more serene — 
 "This is the medic's dream." 
 
 I dreamed a little cot was blest, 
 
 I brought that home both peace and rest, 
 
 And took away that dreadful cry, 
 
 "My child upon the death bed lie." 
 
 In the place of the evening hush 
 
 A bright-eyed child, a healthful blush. 
 
 The father sat among his own, 
 
 The wife and child, and they alone 
 
 To each confess their joy supreme — 
 
 "This is the medic's dream." 
 
86 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 A PENITENT'S PRAYER 
 
 Man's time must come 
 When his life's work is done. 
 
 There comes a time, he must rest 
 In his grave, condemned or blest. 
 
 As we passed onward through this life, 
 We're met by tempters and by strife. 
 
 Some are always in a fret 
 
 Because they're paying Adam's debt." 
 
 But when you are on Jordan's brink. 
 My friend, you'll stop and think. 
 
 That Adam's interest is past due. 
 And the principal has fallen upon you. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 87 
 
 Death will stare you in the face, 
 Reminding you of your sinful race. 
 
 Upon your knees you'll fall, 
 
 The dear Savior you're sure to call. 
 
 Come, dear Jesus, come to stay, 
 Blot all my sins, drive them away. 
 
 Come, God, come and bless, 
 Take me and all that I possess. 
 
 Come, dear Jesus, come and heal. 
 Infirmities of spirit I feel. 
 
 Come, dear Jesus, come today, 
 Quickly drive my sins away, 
 
 Come, or I am eternally lost, 
 
 I've lived without counting the cost. 
 
 God, take my mind. 
 Place it in Thy care divine. 
 
Dear Nazarene will I be found 
 Wearing Satan's sinful crown ? 
 
 Wilt thou free me from pain ; 
 Keep me from all sinful gain ? 
 
 Pray take my life, preserve, 
 That I may Thy blessing deserve. 
 
 Oh, I pray Thee cleanse my heart, 
 That I may no bitterness impart. 
 
 0, my God lift me up. 
 
 That I need not drink the bitter cup. 
 
 0, my Jesus, when I die 
 Upon thy breast I want to lie. 
 
 When I cross death's darkest sea, 
 I want to eternally dwell with Thee. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 89 
 
 NOT SLEEPING AND NOT DEAD 
 
 We are bereft of friends so dear 
 And our hearts now sorrow ; 
 We will go and who does know 
 But we may go to morrow. 
 
 Our suffering, though great it be, 
 To the faithful is the victory. 
 From, suffering we'll be free 
 And dwell with God eternally. 
 
 Fm in Heaven mother, now ; 
 
 do not think Fm dead, 
 
 I'm free from trouble now, 
 
 Your child's not sleeping and not dead. 
 
90 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 You will see me, once again, 
 When we meet to part no more, 
 And you're free from earth's pain, 
 Then we'll sing for evermore. 
 
 The lights around me, mother dear, 
 Cause me to want you here. 
 Come, come, my mother dear, 
 And with me my blessings share. 
 
 A hosts of angels beckon thee. 
 How mnch longer will you stay ? 
 At the gate I'll wait for thee, 
 'Till the coming judgment day. 
 
 My garments — how they shine ! 
 A golden crown is on my head. 
 father I'm with one divine ; 
 Father, dear father, I'm not dead. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 91 
 
 While in this distant aiden, 
 I am a sainted maiden, 
 While I am with my God, 
 My body lies beneath the sod. 
 
 Will the time e'er come, 
 That you'll join me in Heaven ? 
 Though you're gathered one by one, 
 I'll bless your entrance into Heaven. 
 
 Father ! Mother ! You need not fear. 
 Your oldest daughter, Nancy's here. 
 While we together always roam 
 We watch our parents' earthly home. 
 
92 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 SOLACE 
 
 Oh ! why does our hope lie withered 
 When autumn comes with its frosts 
 
 In misery land or land of sorrow 
 Where Divinity's Law are crossed ? 
 
 Why did the love that we cherished, 
 Leave a yearning, broken heart, 
 
 With all its misery and sadness, 
 Who gave it leave to depart ? 
 
 There comes to me, while I ponder. 
 
 Is it the ghost of a sigh ? 
 A voice that only but whispers, 
 
 " As you live so shall you die." 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 93 
 
 Ah ! deep in my soul is chambered, 
 
 I hear the echo still plain— 
 A song that I use to fancy, 
 
 To me it sounds not the same. 
 
 Now, as I brood in the twilight 
 And know life's ebbing too soon ; 
 
 Could I, in this sadness, fancy 
 That light was dispelling the gloom ? 
 
 Erstwhile I wait, it is coming 
 
 Not a twilight after while, 
 But a changeless life forever, 
 
 A life that's ever a smile. 
 
94 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 BIBLE 
 
 Its presence a pleasure 
 Its thoughts Divine, 
 All of its promises 
 I long to be mine. 
 
 When danger is near me 
 My heart beats wild. 
 This is my solace, 
 I am God's child. 
 
 When sickness availeth 
 With sorrow and woe 
 Its promises' loyal 
 'Twill always be so. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 95 
 
 When friends have left me 
 And I am alone 
 I think of the promise, 
 "A heavenly home." 
 
 A home in heaven 
 I have laid up, 
 Where moth and rust 
 Doth neither corrupt. 
 
 The book, the Bible 
 The book Divine, 
 Each precious promise 
 I long to be mine. 
 
 The book I treasure 
 Right well I know 
 'Tis always the best 
 For weal or woe. 
 
96 
 
 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 Twill always be with me, 
 'Twill e'er be nigh, 
 'Twill guide and lead me 
 To my home on high. 
 
X/1 
 
 ►J 
 
 W 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 << 
 GO 
 
 O 
 
 w 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 97 
 
 THE BOY IN BLUE 
 
 With pen in my hand, a short story to write, 
 Will tell of a soldier, that fought for the right. 
 There a fine prancing steed that chewed on his bit, 
 A young heart was yearning there's no time to waste. 
 The war was then waging, he was in haste ; 
 With an impatient jerk the bridle untied, 
 Was soon in his saddle and ready to ride ; 
 A leap and a bound away to the war. 
 With the spur on his heel the horse he would goad 
 Through the hot summer sunshine, swiftly he rode 
 On to the South, the scene of my story. 
 The boys in blue defending old glory. 
 
98 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poemd 
 
 At first I will tell you the story is new ; 
 
 I will also tell you the incidents true, 
 
 For like all good stories is based upon facts ; 
 
 ril mention no dates, your memory to tax. 
 
 In the war for freedom in the Sunny South, 
 
 When the brave boys were facing the cannon's 
 
 mouth, 
 The exact location, but little you care. 
 So the brave boys in blue were fighting down there, 
 A common occurrence mixed up with their youth. 
 
 'Twas fate sir, that did it, that treacherous flag. 
 It was shot down, torn down and put in a bag ; 
 Then off to a boat strong hands waiting to row. 
 Far up the river 'twas to be safely stowed. 
 Now as they promise to do somewhat better. 
 It's too late, it was trampled in the gutter. 
 We in our Union now solidly stand 
 United as brothers, in heart and in hand. 
 
Secret llaunt of tke Exile and Other foems 99 
 
 Contented we are and as ever anon, 
 
 Death be to the traitors that are under our sun. 
 
 If the boys in blue had lived long ago 
 
 To scout with Washington as leader, you know. 
 
 They would have been happy, alas ! my glory. 
 
 For elsewhere I would have seare hed for my story 
 
 Then hurrah for the boys in a land like ours, 
 
 A place where freedom will but brighten the hour. 
 
 Now on with my story, I need make my way 
 
 For sadder and paler he grew day by day, 
 
 Side by side they rode as they were brother. 
 
 Willing to die in behalf of a mother. 
 
 In him could be seen the beautiful nectar. 
 The power and the pride of a living Hector. 
 Oh the dear soldier boys, who loves them the best 
 Is shown by this statue, how lonely it rests : 
 Will you picture it now, its facing the west. 
 They all smiled when young and happy and gay 
 
 Lmc 
 
As the birds in the trees on a bright spring day, 
 And their plans perchance were the wisest on earth, 
 Though they found but Kttle of laughter and mirth. 
 
 Also some gossiper, for people will chatter, 
 As some only talk to hear themselves clatter. 
 About boys in the blue and boys in the gray. 
 But vernal was on them, 'twas sometime in May, 
 The sun rose that morn o'er the hills far away 
 On the field of battle the soldiers then lay. 
 On the one side the blue, the other the gray- 
 They fought like a demon from morning 'till night. 
 The dead and the dying, what pitiful sights ; 
 For curiosities sake some joined in the throng 
 To catch a few words as they hurried along. 
 Said one to our hero, "very romantic. 
 
 Were I in their place I would surely be frantic." 
 Tou ought to be hung," said a spiteful old man. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 101 
 
 "For my part," said another, "I think it a shame; 
 It's nothing to me, I'm thankful to say," 
 Replied a wise youth as he hurried away 
 Fully aroused by the several remarks, 
 They kept with the crowd for they're fond of their 
 lark. 
 
 Some hurried here and there to spread the alarm 
 The call — "Forward march, right about face, 
 
 ground arms," 
 While others were asking how long will it last. 
 "Attention," the drums were beating the bugle 
 
 blasts ; 
 To the front was the hill, in steel armor drest, 
 They now met on the field their rights to contest, 
 From the crest of the hill the cannon fired fast. 
 The bravest of the boys up the hill still pressed, 
 But how fiercely they tried the Gray's to beat back ; 
 They struggled, they fought, not bravery they 
 
 lacked ; 
 
102 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 They strove for position, t^ey saw at a glance 
 'Twould be impossible to take it by chance. 
 
 The contest still raged, and steel clashed against 
 
 steel. 
 At last they were beaten, for help they appealed ; 
 Hark ye ! What emotion was that in the crowd. 
 That caused that wild tumult, that shouting aloud ? 
 The hero in Blue through the crowd quickly ran. 
 The treacherous flag was pulled down by his hand. 
 And left the boys in Gray crest-fallen, some dead. 
 While he placed Old Glory high over their heads. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 103 
 
 UNFOLDING OF A BETTER LIFE 
 
 Erstwhile the sunset hour is coming 
 And the sun passing from our sight ; 
 
 Alone in reverie sat he dreaming, 
 Dreaming by his own firelight. 
 
 Dreaming of the deeds of sages ; 
 
 Letting fancy stray awhile. 
 On his face depicted sorrow ; 
 
 There were tears but not a smile. 
 
 Ah ! those bitter day of sorrow, 
 That had wrung his heart with pain ; 
 
 In his life no song of gladness, 
 All his life had been in vain. 
 
104 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 Though he had the God forgotten, 
 Hope's bright star had passed from sight 
 
 And a youthful heart was broken 
 And his soul seemed as dark as night. 
 
 God the parent, time, eternity 
 Will wipe the tear drop from his face. 
 
 He heals all wounds, he has told us 
 But the scars will not erase. 
 
 Shall we look the radiant morning. 
 Can banish every dusky shroud ; 
 
 The sun will always shine the brighter 
 At the clearing of the cloud. 
 
 Then his life became so happy, 
 That it filled with songs of joy 
 
 And each dreadful by-gone sorrow. 
 Fills the soul with much alloy. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 105 
 
 As he casts into the future 
 
 Of the year's that's just begun 
 Could he see the strife and sorrow 
 
 He would weaken 'ere he begun. 
 
 'Tis best that each year guard its secret, 
 And unfold them to you hour by hour. 
 
 Life is like a closed up rose bud ; 
 It shall grow to a full grown flower. 
 
 Though he meets with doubts and dangers, 
 Griefs and triumphs all the way ; 
 
 There are always joys and pleasures 
 That come to brighten up the way. 
 
 Then with thoughts that are repentant. 
 
 Have a loving, cheerful heart, 
 For your life is stamped on others ; 
 
 Some will choose the better part. 
 
106 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 No longer comes the pangs of conscience 
 To him who lives his very best, 
 
 For when each day's work is over 
 He can calmly seek his rest. 
 
Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 107 
 
 ALONE 
 
 The flash that lit my pathway, 
 But so dim I ne'er did see 
 Misfortune's handy work. It 
 Came, it went though nothing done ; 
 Blackness left and it alone 
 Mark my futile, fruitless course. 
 
108 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 
 
 SPRING 
 
 Why am I sad ; why do I moan, 
 For when you come you always bring, 
 Though hidden deep you waft us spring ; 
 hear the voice of nature ring. 
 
 Not joy but life eternal springs 
 Up from the grave, thus while the sky 
 Is blackened by the clouds and I 
 So sad, and sullen be, weep on. 
 
INDEX 
 
 Page 
 
 Anonymous 82 
 
 A Medic's Dream 83 
 
 All Must Die 48 
 
 At Mother's Grave 25 
 
 Alone 107 
 
 Penitent's Prayer 86 
 
 Blind Man's Lament 63 
 
 Bible 94 
 
 Dead and Forgotten 61 
 
 Dead 37 
 
 Flowerlets 51 
 
 Hopeless 69 
 
 Introductory 6 
 
 In the Door of a Hospital 78 
 
 In the Hands of Fate 28 
 
Kindness 77 
 
 Love .39 
 
 Not Sleeping and Not Dead 89 
 
 Onward 57 
 
 Oblivion 75 
 
 Pride Will Fall 41 
 
 Preface 4 
 
 Queen of the Night 46 
 
 Revenge , 72 
 
 Rosaline 58 
 
 Rescue 67 
 
 Supposing 53 
 
 Something to Be 43 
 
 Solace 92 
 
 Spring 108 
 
 The Secret Haunt of the Exile (I) 7 
 
The Secret Haunt of the Exile (II) 10 
 
 The Dream (The Secret Haunt of the Exile) (III) 14 
 
 The Secret Haunt of the Exile (IV) 19 
 
 Time 76 
 
 'Tis Best 81 
 
 The Boy in Blue 97 
 
 Unfolding of a Better Life 103 
 
 Where Can I Rest 22 
 
 INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 Page 
 
 Frontis Piece — "Arkansas Buck" 
 
 The Secret Haunt of the Exile 7 
 
 In Search of the Exile 21 
 
 The Hospital 79 
 
 Monument 97 
 

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