^^s^a^ssasss^sss PS3505 .H33S6 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 0DDD2'=]St,41A ^^,. *^^*' ./\. IjV^ O » » .•?! *^^^ V ■^o' 4 o kPv. ..^.' 1 '^ ^^ * 4 • * «0 •^^^^ ^ .: .'^" ♦ °o SONGS and SONNETS ^^ SONGS and SONNETS BY ALIDA CHANLER THE CORNHILL COMPANY BOSTON Copyright 1919 By The Cornhill Company IB 13 1020 ©CI.A5597S2 'He I CONTENTS PAGE A Lui ^ Wish-Come-True 2 Azay-la-Mer ^ Shadow Song ^ Contrast Silent Tides ^ Blue and White '^ Black River ^ Golf in May ^ April Showers ^^ Thunder Showers H Brown Thrasher 1^ Spring, 1918 13 The Air Scout 1^ Youth and Pain 1^ In Memoriam ^^ Across the Gulf I'' Women Untrained 18 Since Women May but Give 19 Thanksgiving Day, 1917 20 Ochre Court, 1918 21 Value of Leisure 23 Understanding 24 Misunderstanding 25 Moral Courage 26 Love's View of It 27 Revolt 28 V CONTENTS PAGE Mastery 29 The Stranger 30 Refuge 31 Form and Spirit 32 Therefore 33 Avowal 34 My Heart's Over-Seas 35 Sans Raneune 36 Dismissed 37 Lost and Found 38 Fragment 39! Loneliness and Love 40 Mirage 41 Dead Love 42 To F. B. M 43 To Pixie 44 To the Elf 45 The Reason 46 There Are Smiles 47 To J. T. K. 1. The Camp-Fire 48 2. The Hearth 49 3. Belle Nuit 49 4. Gloom and Laughter 50 Elysee D' Amour 51 Autumn Awakening 52 Autumn Tryst 63 CONTENTS PAGE Psyche 54 Beauty's Shrine 55 The Roving Breeze 56 Sailing the Seas 57 En Passant 58 Vll ALUI NE veus-tu pas venir Dans mon petit bateau, Dans mon petit navire Ballotant sur Peau? Pays que tant j 'admire, Lac que je trouve si beau, — Maintes choses a te dire Dans mon petit bateau. [1] WISH-COME-TRUE UP the brook of Wish-Come-True To the land of Fairy, Up into the mountains blue, Hillsides high and airy. There is Fancy most at home, On the moonlit waters, In the willows does she roam, Shadows are her daughters. Where the mist is thick and white, Luminously sailing, Mystery holds court at night, Sacred shrines unveiling. There Enchantment breaks the chain Of stern Nature's making, And our dreams are not in vain. Dreamt while we are waking. Did you think this led nowhere Up the silent river? When the magic in the air Sets the leaves aquiver? Come with me to mountains blue. Hillsides high and airy, Up the brook of Wish-Come-True To the land of Fairy. [2] AZAY-LA-MER AT Azay-la-Mer the great waves fling Their strength on the cliffs that are strongest, While boys and handsome young men sing Old songs that have lived the longest. The children dance at Azay-la-Mer, And fairies hide in the niches To see that games are all played fair And frighten off possible witches. At Azay-la-Mer the girls are sweet In truth as well as in seeming, And when their eyes w^ith the boys' eyes meet They wonder if all be not dreaming. 'Tis Psyche lives at Azay-la-Mer, Her beauty the gardens adorning. I saw her eyes' reflection fair In sea-foamy pools in the morning. [3] SHADOW SONG LIVELY little shadows sweet Tripping round about my feet, Shadows of the leaves that sway, With the summer breeze at play ; — Roving shadows on the hills Blown as cloud or weather wills, Mounting up the hollowed cliff On the wings of breezy whiff; Lazy shadows lying long On the lawn at evensong, Shadows of the weary west Promising a world at rest; — Who says you are sad to see? Dance and rove and rest with me! L4] CONTRAST 1. Saranac THE twinkling twirling aspen leaves Are flirting with the light, The slender, silvery birch tree weaves A net of green and white. Soft-spoken pines are musing Above the lapping waves, Whose murmurs low, confusing, Are hushed in rocky caves. 2. Far Hills A blacksmith's tinkling hammer yields A touch of olden airs. The wheat fields and the oat fields Unroll in chequered squares. The peacefulness of farm life Lies over all the land. Its restfulness and charm rife With joy on every hand. [5 SILENT TIDES SOFT-LASHING seaweed edging every rise Of tide, turn pools to eyes That lead imagination into deeps Where silently it weeps. Yet through the sadness run exultant strains, Like shoals of fish, like trains Of silver-shining, living signs of light Through ocean-guarded night. [6] BLUE AND WHITE SUN high, yet shadows slanting still. The morning mist quite fled, the sea Just waking to the trembling thrill Of little breezes breaking free. A ground-swell rears along the sand. It curls up smooth, a glittering sheet Of brilliant silver, curls to stand. Then breaks in foam about my feet. Clear sky, and sea no deeper blue. Part sparkling, part unruffled lies. Then, flying slow, a lone sea-mew Shows white against blue seas and skies. [7] BLACK RIVER BACK I lean against the rock In a softly mossy nook, Yield my shoulders to the shock Of the coolly pounding brook. Round me play reflected lights On the over-hanging trees, Where the forest shade invites To a peaceful rest and ease. [8] GOLF IN MAY MY first shot was good, for it landed Well over the crest of the hill. My driving improved, the left-handed, I followed it up with a will. But eye strayed from ball to white birches A-shimmer in lacy young green. There followed a round of vain searches, M}^ golf-ball could nowhere be seen. A rose-breasted grosbeak was singing. His voice made me cheerful again. I've other balls here, let's be swinging! Those clouds may yet shed some more rain. The second tee captures me straightway With beauty of apple trees old. A mower along by the railwa}^ Lays wet grass so cool to my hold. The third tee admits of no pretence, I carry the ball ; it's as well. The Ramapo river has no fence, Its waters hold me with a spell. The sun now distracts my attention. With diamonds decking the green, Three holes and no more. Pray don't mention I played, — 'twas not fit to be seen ! [9] APRIL SHOWERS RAIN has turned to mist now, harmless and caressing, I must leave the dark of my lone rock cave. Oh, the blacker beauty, by contrast to the young green. Trunks of hemlock wet by the east-blown wave. i Lady-slipper gay, I bend to kiss your cheek, dear, Jewelled all with dew as a May-Queen fair. On the pines the needles cling together darkly, Brightened by the rain drops sparkling in the air. Sunset and the thrushes hold me now in bond- age, Low in the west gleams the calm red Mars. Softly on a dry bed of scented leaves I lay me, Sleepily content under distant stars. [10] THUNDER SHOWERS T^ USK after storm. Rain drips off count- -■-^ less leaves, The lonely road is lit by passing flare Of slow-receding lightning. Shall I dare To venture out? My measured step relieves Oppressive stillness of storm-laden air On which far thunder's echo faintly heaves. No need to hurry. Slow the wood thrush sings His few legato notes with perfect ease; The mist moves leisurely on lazy breeze. I am in tune with all the measured things That mingle drowsily, with dripping trees, And heavy clouds outspread on silent wings. [" BROWN THRASHER OH thrasher, brown thrasher, you sing like a merl. You bring me right back to when I was a girl. When old England's hedges, with pink eglan- tine. And skylarks and blackbirds were all I called mine. The links by the chalk-cliffs, so wind-swept and gay. The dazzling white light-house, the yellow gorse spra}^, The song of the skylark and merl, blackest bird. Your thrasher voice brings them to life with a word. Oh thrasher, brown thrasher, I wonder you know The song of your cousin who sang long ago, W^hen England was home to me, all that I knew Of world and of life and of music like you. [12] SPRING, 1918 THIS year spring caught me unawares. I used to watch and wait For spring to spread her myriad wares And sing at summer's gate. This year I had no time to heed Her pageant and her song. Onlv when work would slacken speed I knew her power was strong. She called me, but I turned away, I worked, and off she flew. Oh spring, I love you more to-day Than when I played with you. [13] THE AIR SCOUT A FLEECY fluffy mist Went dotting summer sky When first I saw you thread and twist And tumble up so high. The sun caught in your plane To flash like polished blade, Until you dove your nose again Into the fleecy shade. A dolphin at its play, A flying fish in foam. You tossed so carelessly, to say Up there you felt at home. [14] YOUTH AND PAIN TO keep youth's freshness, innocence, and mirth, Had been your wish, your glory, your defeat. She whom you loved was glad your smile to greet, But charms of youth held not for her the worth Of pain encountered, conquered, trodden down. And yielding deeper insight, giving youth Wise values known to age. In deepening Truth, The loneliness of pain becomes its crown. You threw off loneliness, ignored your pain. And bravel}^ tackled life with all your power. With men well-matched, a fortune you secured, Made light of losses, gave away your gain. Till war forced suffering on you; from that hour In painful service you have been matured. [15] IN MEMORIAM N. L. T. BLUE hills and Far Hills, and valleys all around, Green fields the mist shields as it were holy ground. Mourn him, oh, mourn him, who'll never see you more. Who loved you and left you to go to France at war. Farm land, his home land, you did not always guess The true heart his gay art concealed, his grave distress. He made fun, he feared none, save only others' pain; At their call he gave all, — it shall not be in vain. Blue hills and Far Hills, Black River and the Farm, Mourn him and guard him from wickedness and harm. Your friend and my friend, we bid him low good-bye. Near us he hears us, and begs us not to cry. [16] ACROSS THE GULF MY dear: Three days now I have lain, nor moved From this small dug-out half way up a hill. My own battalion's shells fly fast and shrill Above my head. The hostile aim has proved Beyond the mark as yet, while ours improved. Because young Tanner went, when all was still. To see their lines himself. I caught a chill. But don't you fear, my sick leave is approved. My dear, there is a gulf between this place And any thought of you. I grope to find The consciousness we knew so well, of each Alive by each ; I almost see your face. But cannot feel you near, my heart is blind. I need you so — but love is out of reach. [17] WOMEN UNTRAINED TO serve! A chance to serve is all we ask. What's beauty now, or wit, and all we strove To do or be before the war? Our task Takes on the high simplicity of love. Serve, yes. But how decide what serves the best? Our armies know their duty is to fight. We only know we want to give them rest, And help somehow to make their burden light. We either do men's work with unskilled hand. And fail to do our own, or helpless stand At some trained nurse's service, bent in vain On lifting both the soul's and body's pain. [18] SINCE WOMEN MAY BUT GIVE YOU who return as guardians of the dead To ways of life that once were pleasant ways; You men matured in war, whose earnest gaze Shall search our woman hearts for living bread, — Ask not the little things, but ask instead The best you need of us. We want to raise Ourselves to meet you, as in former days We stooped to please, so willingly misled. Since women ma^^ but give as men shall ask, We need you with us now, to help us keep The costly gains for which you've fought and bled. Oh, let it be our common aim and task To live more worthy of our friends who sleep. To try to follow where their footsteps led. [19] THANKSGIVING DAY, 1917 A HALL that's lived in, large and deep and high. Whose twilit windows, built two flights up, throw Diffused gray light into the room below. The guests at tea are watching gay sparks fly. Or turn to look where, under fading sky. Sits Larry playing by the candle's glow. Relaxed, head bowed, he lets his fingers flow. And fills the room with music. We sit by. Now airplanes are forgotten, and the war, The uniform is there, the soldier's not. Hungarian rhythms, early German strains, — ■ We could not well enjoy the music more. Nor be more thankful that the war's forgot. While spite of all art's magic power remains. [20] OCHRE COURT, 1918 1. Ensemble THE sea beats on the cliffs, but your gray walls, As smoothly toned as pearly sea-gull's plume, Rise calm above the waves' incessant boom. Though gray without, within your stately halls Are lit in festive grandeur for the balls You shelter and give rise to. Warships loom Out of the fog like messengers of doom, But you defy the war while music calls. Gay uniforms are rivalling the hues Of ladies' dresses, and the dancers weave A blend of khaki, white, and reds and blues. A Belgian prince, French colonel, British peer. Our men in training, foreigners on leave, All find at Ochre Court a moment's cheer. 2. Solos and Duet "I hope she noticed when he danced with me, His uniform is finest of them all. She only had a captain, who was tall But commonplace in khaki, you'll agree." "I want to meet Miss Windsor, that is she In yellow, coming this way down the hall. She looks quite smart, and speaks a southern drawl. And then she's rich, as I should like to be." [21] A young lieutenant holds the door for her Whose queenly charm enthralls both gay and grave. He follows her, they walk down towards the sea. The magic of her beauty seems to stir Strange terror in his heart, in war so brave, — Her eyes are filling fast, she cannot see. [22] VALUE OF LEISURE WHO strips off falsehood's dark and dusty shroud From ancient wisdom, carries peacefully Conviction to men's hearts, his word is power. Reflection's gift is theirs who do not crowd Each day with occupations uselessly, Nor waste in idleness their leisure hour, [23] UNDERSTANDING T3 ECAUSE your scale of values is the same -*-^ As that which I acknowledge for my own, You are my judge. For sentence I am thrown Upon your mercy, not at all on fame. The world ignores all motive, sets the blame According to a standard built alone On outward signs and actions. What is known Of such ideals as ours, except a name.^^ Before your face I tremble. You have power To make me wither like a shrivelled leaf. All that I do, even all I think, must stand The searching of your eyes. But though I cower, In truth I am exultant, oh my chief, For you who know my heart, best understand. [24] MISUNDERSTANDING YOU knew my thought of you was well- defined, You did not know it was a thought of praise. You felt me judge you in a thousand ways, Yet knew not that you stood like gold refined, The tests admiring wonder had designed. You feared I called you selfish, in a phrase Not meant of you at all. It would amaze Your humble thoughts had you my fears divined. When you did learn I liked you, conscience said You'd not done all you should. But I would take No favors from your conscience, which I fled By quick concealing what you nearly* guessed, — My heart's true feelings. Yours the one mis- take Your conscience made ; my pride caused all the rest. [25] MORAL COURAGE CHILD-HEART of wonder Marvels at all : Poppies or thunder Equally thrall. Years come and waken Self-conscious pose, Nature is taken, Thrown like a rose. Left each his scorning, True to his best. Needless were warning. None to molest; Needless were lectures. Needless all rules. Honest conjectures. Men their own schools. [26] LOVE'S VIEW OF IT THE blow has fallen. You who ruled world- wide Are outcast now, discredited, denied. For overstepping, in your royal stride. The paltry limits set by petty pride. They cheered you on, the mean and thoughtless fools. They praised you when it was not yet your due. While now, when to yourself you have been true, And won such victory, they talk of rules ! What though you have ignored a rule or two. If so you learnt the lesson of great love.?* In glad relief I come, and haste to prove By loving service how I honor you. The real catastrophe had been to me. If you obeyed the fickle world's decree. [27] REVOLT THE bonds must break, do you say, and make Clear room for your soul at last? Most true, but those that should go, still close On you, and they hold you fast. Not the outward chain of circumstance plain. But inwardly (do you start?) Lies the binding strong that's a blinding wrong. Which drove you to break a heart. [28] MASTERY THERE'S strength that's harshness, and there's strength commands Respect and confidence and fearless trust. There's guarded shrinking, fanned to angry gust Of swift resentment; and there's that demands A nobler name, a sensitiveness due To keen perception of the finer shades Of human feeling. Men in many trades Have lost that quality, but not so you. Your trenchant thought, incisive as a blade, Cuts to the quick, and logic's rule applies. The laws of nature you have mastered so That others see, through you, how worlds are made. From such a mastery of earth you'll rise To conquer human hearts, their secrets know. [29] THE STRANGER FROM Solitude's vast kingdom he had come, A wanderer whose spirit drove him forth, A man who loved mankind, and knew its worth. He loved the world, yet he found there no home. The cares of men lay lightly on his heart. For he had deeper cares than most men know. Their joys he shared through sympathy, but so That they might guess he had therein small part. His sweetness drew men to him, but his air Of calm aloofness kept him stranger still. Some hated him for this, and did him ill. Some loved him for it, gave him all their care. And their love made the world's joys seem but small. And made him feel his lot was best of all. [30] REFUGE DEAR little room with your walls so white, Your window I love, with the hills in sight, — I run to your sheltering peace, and hide. And labor to reach the great world outside. I work by myself, nor heed the blame. Since I work for my friends, and not for fame. When writing's my work, with your dreams for rest, I come, little room that is facing west. [31] FORM AND SPIRIT I CARE not who is dark or fair, I have no use for breeding's claim. Is sensitiveness not more rare Than breeding is? And beauty's name All noble faces share. [32] THEREFORE BECAUSE you fire the best in me to flame ; Because your quick responsiveness de- lights My love of comradeship, you know a game That keeps imagination on the heights ; Because you satisfy the dreams that are My joy and refuge from material things, Because those dreams shall reach you, near or far. To move your spirit as my spirit sings ; Because you feel the need of beauty's charm As others do, but are not satisfied. Desiring Psyche, innocent of harm. Whose clear-eyed vision is your chosen guide ; Because your power pierces through and through Your human bondage, — therefore I love you. [33] AVOWAL LOVE tied my tongue; I left unsaid A thousand futile things. I could not speak, my thoughts instead Sought you on silent wings. Love tied my hands; I left undone A thousand selfish deeds. Love's harvest time had not begun, I scarce dared sow the seeds. And then the day came when I could Admit my love, and go. Before your searching eyes I stood. Content because you know. You know the greatness of my love. The knowledge holds your eyes. And I know how the stars above Sing songs to all the skies. [34] MY HEART'S OVER-SEAS MY heart's over-seas And I may not follow. No labor can ease, None deaden my sorrow. I knew when he sailed, (My heart only told me), And everything failed From that time, to hold me. Though laws may forbid. And I'll never follow, My heart travels hid In silence and sorrow. [35] SANS RANCUNE YOU broke things up? No, truly, you mis- take. But it is sweet of you to come and say You did not mean to take my joy away. Except my heart, there was nothing to break. You're not to blame. Your thinking otherwise Has set me dreaming . . . may he then have said He could have, possibly, loved me instead? But I'll not think of that, it's most unwise. Since he went over-seas you know my loss, As I feel yours most consciously to-day. And both of us, by paths which do not cross. Reach out to him in prayer for life's dear sake. I grudge you nothing, and I only pray My heart and yours may never have to break. [36] DISMISSED LOVE, I thought you silenced, Long you've been denied. Living still, unheeded. Mutinous, you cried. Love, I beg you, hush now. I must not reveal. Even by my flinching. What I really feel. Love, you would not hurt him? If he sees you here You will bring him sorrow Though you hold him dear. Go then. Love, and leave me Till the happy day When I'll bid you welcome Ever more to stay. [37] LOST AND FOUND LOST is the comrade, voice and smile and comfort, Found is the strength to bear the road alone. Lost is the life of careless ease and pleasure, Found is the hope that sorrow shall atone. [38] FRAGMENT FOR each lesson one learns There's a memory burns Its refrain in the heart without pause. And the burden of mine Is of lovely design, A burnt-offering made to a cause. [39] LONELINESS AND LOVE I OFTEN have wondered how others could do, Who flirted and blundered, but never loved true. The world is indeed queer, consoling its heart With new love at need, dear, to play the old part. Had I not the dearest, I'd find me a beau, And flirt with the nearest? I promise you, no. Who asks such a lot dear, and finds it at last. Is bound (are we not, dear?) to ever hold fast. [40] MIRAGE I SEE you rule and sway the hearts of all, I see from far away your stature tall, Your well-poised, noble head, your comely grace. And now I nearer tread, I see your face. But even as I look I shudder, too. Those eyes no heart can brook and not love you. That pale and haunting face, the perfect hair, All bear to me the trace of my despair. As who should say, "Behold, a city fair With minarets of gold, — and 'twas but air." So, too, with all you seem and yet are not. All I so love to dream, and vainly plot. [41] DEAD LOVE TT^AR worse than disillusion, sadder yet -*- Than loss of love's great gift of second sight, Is knowledge that the blind world too was right, That one held sacred can be coldly met. [42] TO F. B. M. WHICH shall it be? To write of you, and fail To do you justice? Or, be silent still. You do not know I want you, how I hail The hour that brings you here to Hemlock Hill. That's what I want to tell you. Words avail But little maybe, try at least I will. I might begin by telling of the charm And grace and sweet attractiveness that plays About your presence, guarding you from harm. But that sounds evanescent, and no praise Can really touch you, though it were so warm It made you smile to hear its naive lays. I For praise can't reach where vanity is not. Nor touch the innate beauty at life's core. It only skims the surface, sees a lot. But feels so little. We who feel far more Than praise conveys, fall back on surer shot, And aim with love, not praise, to win you o'er. [43] TO PIXIE YOU'RE a fairy god-child, Pixie dear, to me, Joy of friends I love well Way across the sea. War did not discourage, Need could not dispel Dreams you are fulfilling With your fairy spell. Peace found you in England, Where, a baby too, I once played with rainbows Just as you will do. Rainbow toys are trifles To your fairy ways. For there is a magic In your dark eyes' gaze. Are not yours the riches Of eternal store .^ Heritage of wisdom. Love's unbounded lore? Pixie, take me with you ! Round each hidden bend Let's build fairy cities. Pixie, — let's pretend! [ 44] TO THE ELF SLENDER lily, you I deem Rare as are blue flowers, Fashioned like an artist's dream. Dreamt in golden hours. You whose destiny is fame, (Gifted as you are, dear,) Having insight's sacred flame Lighting all your path clear, — Must your sensitive young soul Be subjected ever To such trivial life, whose goal Can't be your endeavor? Shall I see the firm resolve Modelling your mouth now, Into bitterness dissolve. Or the cynic's smile show? Must you bow to yoke that brings Apathy in time ? No ! For you'll not give up those things Long your due, withheld so. You shall grow to your best self, Wiser for this hardship. Yet remain the charming Elf Of our early friendship. [45] THE REASON OH my dear, it's not your lightness, Charming as it is, and sweet, That I'd criticise, — its brightness In your heart should ever beat. Noble souled and noble minded Unto insight, if need be, You in one thing yet are blinded. Thinking that you most need me. For your insight guides you only, Does not urge you, force you, rule. Does not cut you oif, all lonely. Does not make of you its tool. What I seem may be misleading. Just a trick of voice or eye; What I am you are not needing, — Though I own it with a sigh. [46] THERE ARE SMILES THERE are smiles when you are playing, Born of listening to the sway Of the music's rhythm you're obeying, Whose delight can make the gravest gay. But my feet are tapping to the measure. Disappointed that they may not share In the rhythm's syncopated pleasure, — Your not dancing seems quite unfair! [47] TO J. T. K. 1. The Camp-Fire LIGHT is the step that treads beside a com- rade, Light is the heart in unison with yours. Great is the joy in sharing sweet experience, Sweet is the pleasure in camping out of doors. Woods where I've loved, from childhood up, to wander. Brooks where I've tuned the falls to varied notes ; Rocks where I hid, in play a lonely Indian, Trees whereon birds sing, swelling tiny throats ; These would I share with you who will enjoy them. These, and much more, in fellowship of heart. All would I share, save only your enjoyment, That I would treasure, fear to miss a part. Where, in the twilit shadows of the wildwood. Hoot-owls resent invasion of their realm. There, by the camp-fire, low-voiced and myste- rious. We'll sift our problems, watchers at life's helm. [48] 2. The Hearth You shall sit by the fire alone And your hands shall be busied with tea, And your silence shall speak to me, sweeter in tone. Than even your voice can be. Then lightly we'll talk of trifles, And joke, till a laughing glance Meets a glance in which shyness stifles The love that awaits its chance. 3. Belle Nuit Three months brim full of the city, Three months, and no sign that I live. I am busy, oh yes ; more's the pity. If action is all I can give. The woods might arouse me, they're vital, All Nature's alive to the tips. If in town I've the concert recital. In the woods there are songs on your lips. But you sang here in town? That's no matter, I heard, and I was in the woods. After months of mere hurry and chatter, I'm alive and I feel the old moods. [49] 4. Gloom and Laughter The day was gray, and war had made me sad. I saw the laurel droop its dark old leaves And raise deep-tinted buds above, and sheaves Of fresh leaves yet on top, in young green clad. I saw gold tips on hemlocks mainly green, I heard my favorite birds sing June's content. But in my heart was only discontent And what my eyes saw I'd not really seen. And then there came a sudden thought of you, A kind of flashlight of you, how you smile On love, but praise refuse as not your due ; And how you can be silent such a while But to reply with sympathy more wise, — And then I laughed, remembering your eyes. [50] ELYSEE D'AMOUR AMONG hot-scented cedars on the hills There hides a bower to which my thoughts have fled. Pure marble are its walls, and overhead The sunlight sifts through clear and rippling rills Of water framed in glass, and edged with frills Of vine leaves bearing sky-blue flowers, that shed Nor scent nor warmth, but heaven's color, spread In glorious richness on the marble sills. Within, beside us here, a gray bird sings Low fluted tones that mount on broken chords. He pauses now; then soars with ringing power Which fills the air like sweep of angel's wings. We listen in still rapture, happy lords Of life and love in our Elysian bower. [51] AUTUMN AWAKENING THE muffled stillness in cool morning air Means autumn's coming, means the stupor's gone That steeped us deep in dreams from dawn to dawn All summer long. Awake again, I dare To claim your presence, claim my right to share Renewed existence with your sensitive Far-sighted sympathy. Must I not give Of what I feel to one for whom I care? The muffled morning air is freighted, thrilled With vigor concentrated and intense. All life is piled up in one moment, filled With promise to the brim. A love immense Bows down my heart, a love in laughter spilled For you have come, you lift the long suspense. [52] AUTUMN TRYST ALONE with beauty which I long to share! If I might meet jou where and when I chose, I'd choose a pasture where late sunlight throws Long shadows through the rain-washed autumn air. Until its beauty grew too great to bear We'd revel in the landscape's sweet repose; Then ease the tension as emotion grows, And let our eyes confess how much we care. Bright stillness round us after storming showers. The only sound a low-voiced cricket's trill. Long threaded cobwebs glint like steel or gold; The rain has washed dead petals from the flowers. Our hearts' commotion holds us very still. Intensely silent while our dreams unfold. [53] PSYCHE TO one I go for company, to one For vivid contrast, swift initiative. And to a third for rest, a fourth for fun, A fifth for guidance, so on as they give The one thing best. You are all things to me. You understand with half a word, I state But don't explain, for you see as I see. Vast struggles, turmoils, worlds at war with fate. All fade before you, vanish in the haze Of radiant loveliness your beauty throws About your presence. Deep in trance I gaze. Both drawn and held aloof by your repose, Whose restful peace has set my spirit free. And makes me glad you are all things to me. [54] BEAUTY'S SHRINE I RARELY see your fair ethereal face, Whose delicate transparency one fears, Whose wondrous beauty dims my eyes with tears, Transporting me to some celestial place Of loveliness that lies too deep for words. I wish you shared my joy, but if that's proved Impossible, I wish I were less moved, — As when I hear boys singing minor thirds. When we do meet I smile with happy heart From sheer delight at harmony so true. Is it for art's sake you are hiding thus Your beauty's self, to build a shrine apart? I long to find one who'll give more to you Than art, so give you back to live with us. [55] THE ROVING BREEZE A LAZY stream wound slowly through the sedge, And from their vantage point they watched it flow. The swaying grass disclosed it far below, With cattle grazing by the water's edge. Contentment stilled his heart. Her silent pledge Of dreamy love made both their faces glow. They looked beyond the river; lovers know Dream beauty lies beyond love's sunny ledge. Now roving winds bow down the slender grass And wake conflicting wishes singing low Within her heart, and speaking in his eyes. Yield him her first kiss ? While the breezes pass Her doubts are guessed and vanquished. Waters flow Unheeded now, and tranquil are the skies. [56] SAILING THE SEAS OH the sea and the sky and the sail winds have spread, Oh the light in your eye and the poise of your head! Oh the surge of the sea past the boom straining low, Both to windward and lea see it rush, see it flow. Oh the thrill of your voice as it floats on the gale. In the storm we rejoice, 'gainst the winds we prevail. O'er the shimmering flood and the glimmering haze Let us turn unto God, let us sing in His praise ! [57] EN PASSANT JEANNE, Jeannot, Jeanneton, Jeannette, Ou cours-tu done? Attends, arretes! Jeanne, Jeannette, Jeanneton, Jeannot, Que je te dise un tout petit mot. Jeanne, Jeannot, Jeannette, Jeanneton, Tu veux? Si c'est quelque chose de bon? Chere Jeanne (tout court, puis que tu attends) Heureux Noel et Nouvelle Ans. XK * AT '^ • ©IIS * 4? ^, ^ "^^^ ,-^0^ . %<^' lO-7!, . -^""^^ V 0_ \»"->^^>irr.* O ^ '-o^^^' <:* .^ <> *'v;** ^,G^ ''/ <.^' >5^"^. Vj>, o HECKMAN BINDERY INC. ^ DEC 88 N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA 46962 ^*>