OMAR RETURNED TO MY MOTHER. The fleeting years may come and go, But mem'ry spans Time's farthest space; Thus ever, when the roses blow, The fairest roses frame her face. OMAR RETURNED The SEQUEL to the RUBAIYAT OF OMAR KHAYYAM ihe ASTRONOMER POET of PERSIA, by RICHARD ASHLEY FORREST JUTHORS EDITION FOLEY & PERRY C O M P A N Y, Pnn/ers 623 F Street Northwest .' . .'. .-. WASHINGTON .(955 OS Copyright, 1922. By Paul R. Shailek WASHINGTON, D. C. All Ti.ihts raseroed. Copyright 1922, in Great Britian. Ireland and British possessions ©CI.A654463 FEB-i 1922 BELOVED OMAR : some say — is dead — and Romance, too. More fitted to Old Days than to the New ; Nay! say not so — Death's Shadows flee away — Omar and Romance live again — for You. Love is Immortal! and I see its Spark Oft as I wander through sweet Paths at Dark, Belov'd of Lovers, of this later Day; Plighting their vows in secret, in The Park: Romance returns— as Springtime comes again, Youth's call to Youth; is never made in vain Whether it be in far-off Naishapur— Or on a Buss-top — 'mid the April Rain. And as for Omar : who shall say that He Sleeps in His s^Garden— for Eternity? Is it so strange that He should come again — Or that His Spirit speak once more — through Me? * Omar desired his grave to b« near some, "Not unfrequeuted Garden-side. BELOVED Or Who shall question that the Tale here told, Wherein the Future and the Past unfold, Is not that Answer to our Human Fate Long sought by Omar — and by Him unroU'd? This is The Door! — let Omar turn the Key, This is The Veil He pierced that You might See; Thus having Seen, may Peace forever more Abide with Omar; and abide with Thee. niCHA'R'D JISHLEY FORREST, OMAR RETURNED RISE ! For the Powerful Lord of Day and Night O'erwhelms Death's strongholds in His rising might, E*en as the Sun doth drown with radiant Fire Manhattan's Towers in a Hood of Light. II Thus, in a Clarion-call that seem'd to chide. An unseen Voice from out The Vastness cried, "Behold ! The City is prepared — make haste- Why waits the Soul of Omar still outside?" Ill Then like a strong Wind in a sudden blast, Came rushing upward from the hidden Past Sweet Mem'ries of the scenes of other Days, Wherein I liv'd, and lov'd, and breathed my last IV Once more I dwelt in ancient Naishapur, And felt the gentle, spicy Breezes lure Me to my Garden 'neath the fragrant Bough, To greet dear Friends of old so tried and sure. OMAR RETURNED But ere I hasten'd to the Garden-side, Again I felt the swiftly-rushing Tide Of Mem'ry sweep me on to Other Shores, Where Past and Future meet — ne'er to divide. VI Again I saw those Messengers of Light Who bade me here return, and once more write Of all the myst'ry of Keav'n and Hell; That heeding Men may learn to walk aright: VII The Answer which I sought, but could not find, In Days of Old, when darkened and made blind By all the Vapors of my Earth-bound Soul, Rising betwixt me and The Master's Mind : VIII Unrav'ling the Knot of Human Fate, Which comes to all Earth's Children soon or late. And as each winds, or binds, for Good or 111, Makes clear the Road to Hell— or Heav'n's Gate. OMAR RETURNED IX This is the Truth that slays the False of Old, Turns Lead of Doubt to shining^ purest Gold Of Sure Belief, that you shall one Daj/^ see, The wondr'us Whole of What I part have told. Now in the West, as in those Days of Yore, I like to watch the Passers-by and pore With keen perception o'er their Acts and Thoughts; All the deep Secrets of their Lives explore. XI So come with me! with Omar you shall see The lives of Men stript to Reality, With all false gloss and glitter swept away, Man as he is; not what he seems to be. XII For some crave Wealth; and dwell from day to day Seeking the madness of its tyrant sway; Which, having gain'd, they bind their free-born Souls, As to their Loves, in passion rash, they say: OMAR RETURNED XIII "A Palace on the *Drive* where Flunkeys bow, A Swift-Six, and a well-lined Purse — and Thou Beside me, singing 'mid the Costliness — Oh, Costliness were Paradise enow! XIV "Some for the Glories of This World ; and some Sigh for a Saintly Paradise to come; I'll take my Cash, and do my Living NOW, Nor fear the Future e'er can make me dumb." XV Look to the surging Crowds about us — "Lo!" Laughing they say, "Into the World I blow At once the golden Treasure of my purse. Tear, and its Treasure on my Pleasure throw." OMAR RETURNED XVI And those who husbanded by saving Strain, And those who flung it to the Winds Hke Rain, Alike to no such rosy Past are turn'd As, left behind, Men wish recalled again. XVII The Hopes and Joys men set their Hearts upon Turn bitter — or if prospered, yet anon, Like Snow upon the Asphalt's dusty Face, Endure a little space; and then — are gone. XVIII Think! in these lofty towers that line Broadway, Whose blazing Lights turn darkest Night to Day, How Financier and Magnate with his Power Abode his little Hour, then went his way. XIX They say these Halls forevermore shall keep The Tale of how They labored and wrought deep; Ere They went forth — to Work beyond the Sun Called by that Builder, Who shall never sleep. OMAR RETURNED XX I sometimes think that never towers so high A dizzy Office Building to the Sky, But for each Story which so proudly rears. Progress decrees some Man shall fall to Die: XXI And e*en this out-flung Balcony on which we lean, Watching the River's swiftly changing Sheen — Ah, lean upon it lightly ! for who knows By what once fearless Heart 'twas raised unseen! XXII Ah, my beloved, our deep Faith shall clear The Past of vain Regrets, nor Future fear; What recks it, if Tomorrow we shall be Ourselves with Yesterday's Ten Trillion Years? XXIII For Some who loved and laughed, among our best Time from the Streets and Avenues has prest, Each laughed and loved a little space, and then — They One by One went silently to rest. OMAR RETURNED XXIV And we, who now make merry in the Room Thus left, each Summer garlanded with bloom, Shall we, like Roses, one day fade away; Lie like the Roses 'neath cold Winter's gloom? XXV Nay ! make the most of what you Here may do, Should Others shirk their Duty ; do not you ; "Dust unto Dust," is but an outworn Lie, Death is\ya«V Sting— You yet shall LIVE ANEW! XXVI Alike for those who for TODAY prepare, And those that for TOMORROW have no care, A Voice from out the Conscious wakes and cries, **Blind Fools! Their Reward is both Here— and There." XXVII For all the Untruthful Sages who discussed Of narrow Creeds and Isms — Will be thrust Like unwise Virgins out ; their Words in Scorn Dispersed, and their mouthings stopt by Dtist. OMAR RETURNED XXVIII Myself, when young, in somber vestments clad, To all Their turmoil harkened, and was Sad, But soon I saw its emptiness, and then — I found God's Truth and evermore was Glad. XXIX With them "The Ancient Wisdom" did I sow, And with mine own Prayers sought to make it grow; That in God's time the Harvest might be reap'd — The Truth declared; their Hearts speak out; "I KNOW, XXX Into this Cosmic Scheme and WHY not knowing, Nor Whence, like Rose Leaves willy-nilly blowing; And out of it, as Wind in void of Space, They know not Whither nor persist in Knowing. XXXI Thus, without seeking, hither hurried Whencef They know not Whither, they are hurried hence ! Oh, such self-righteous Pose would seem to try The Master's Heart, with Their blind indolence ! OMAR RETURNED XXXII For in what other Teaching can be found Save in Grand Evolution Round on Round, The secret of the Knot of Human Fate Which the dread Hand of God Himself hath wound. XXXIII This zvas the Door to nfhich I found the Key : This was the Veil tJirongh which I learned to See: Some little while of Me and Thee will be And then — no more of Me but only Thee. XXXIV Earth sings this answer ; and the Seas that shame All Their vain doubtings, of The Lords of Flame ;* 'Neath rolling Heaven, with all His Signs reveal'd Thunder this Answer in His Holy Name. XXXV The Spark of God in Me who works behind The Veil was lighted ; and my eyes now find A Light amid the Darkness, which has said, "The Dawn is breaking. They Shall Not Be Blind." The Four Kumaras — Four of the Lords of the Flame, still living in Shamballa. 9 OMAR RETURNED XXXVI Then to the Door of Pray'r I humbly turn*d, Where the deep Secrets of this Life are learn'd; And to my Ear it murmured — "While you live, Strive ! for, some Day you shall Return." XXXVII Gone were the Doubts, that I a fugitive Must flee from Death, and nevermore might Live, What joy to know that loving Lips IVe kiss'd May ever countless Kisses take — and give! XXXVIII For this remember as you climb the Way That leads you ever Upward, day by day; A PrayV should lightly rest upon your Tongue Which, oft, for weary Brothers too should pray. XXXIX Consider not this as a Story old, Too often passed your Ears unheeded roird, For Prayer can raise the humblest Clod of Earth To shine Celestial in a God-like mold. 10 OMAR RETURNED XL And not a drop of Gladness that we throw Out to Another, but we yet shall know Its sure return ; in some yet future Day To us — from out the Long Ago. XLI As the fair Lilies of the Field look up To Heav'n for their sure and bounteous sup Do you most humbly trust your Father's Will, Knowing He overEows His Children's Cup. XLII No more with Human Mind try to divine; Tomorrow's troubles unto God resign, Nor doubt The Master's Power you know not of To guide Your falt'ring Steps — as well as Mine. XLIII And, as of Life you drink, and Onward press, He in Whom All begins, and ends in — Yes; He shall decree Today, what Yesterday You deemed Impossible for Mind to Guess. 11 OMAR RETURNED XLIV So when the Angel by the River-brink That Men call Death ; holds to your Lips the Drink Which from your Body calls your eager Soul, Bid it go blithely, without pause — to shrink. XLV Thus will your Soul fling hind'ring Doubts aside, And Joy'us to the Realm of Heav*n ride, Where broader Fields of Labor wait for him Loosed from his Earthly Garment cast aside. XLVI Our Journey here is but a one-day's rest Made by a Pilgrim, on a Heav'nly quest; His Soul arises, and The Master's Hand His Couch arranges for another Guest. XLVII And fear not this Existence closing, your Life and mine should drink of life no more; Out from His Bowl we have for Aeons pour*d, And on for countless Aeons still — will pour. 12 OMAR RETURNED XLVIII When You and I behind the Veil are pas't, What recks it if the World shall end or last, 'Twill spin until it has fulfilled His needs, Then vanish as a Bubble downward cast. XLIX No Moments halt— no, not a Second's waste Wherein your being, of Despair may taste; Fie has prepared the Journey and the Goal, His sure Perfection knows not pause — nor haste. Each instant of Existence here you spend Can, if you will it, fit His Plan, my Friend, For as each Hair is numbered on your Head- So much may oft on Words and Deeds depend. LI He puts a Veil between the False and True, And only he who seeks shall find the clue; Within the Door of Prayer turn soft the Key, Unlock the Treasure He has stored for YOU. 13 OMAR RETURNED LII Whose secret Presence since Creation's morn Was waiting when your eager Soul was born, For you to claim it as a rightful Heir, Make glad your Heart, laugh Human Fear to scorn. LZII For Some have guessed — then down behind the Fold Of soul-destroying Darkness back have roll'd But through the Vastness of Eternity They shall return, the Truth to seek— Behold! LIV No Souls in vain down on the stubborn floor Of self-made Hell to Heaven shall implore, The Master's watchful Eye forever waits To raise them up— give Peace forevermore. LV Waste not one Hour in any vain pursuit, Your God-like Purpose let no Man dispute. Within your Deeds is fashioned sure Reward Of everlasting Bliss— or Dead Sea fruit. 14 OMAR RETURNED LVI In other Days with many a wild carouse Men thought to find a satisfying Spouse, For all the questings of their restless Souls In barren Reason*s Solitary House. LVII For, though dimensions you with Rule and Line In all things Earthly can with ease define. By Logic you can never reach the Door Though you should search till all the Stars decline. LVlfl Oh! but wise computations, People say. By men of Science show no need to Pray; Believing this, they never learn to See Rosy Tomorrow, but dead Yesterday. LIX But lately, to my Chamber Door agape, Came shining bright one Eve an Angel Shape Bearing a Tablet on His shoulder, and He said : "Write I let not a word escape." IS OMAR RETURNED LX "The Truth that can with Logic absolute All of Man's fiercely jarring Sects confute, When used by God, the Alchemist, Who can The Gold of Truth from Leaden Doubt transmute. LXI "The mighty Champion sent us by the Lord, Before whose swift and ever-flaming Sword Black Fears and Sorrows come to plague our Souls Must flee with all their cringing, wicked, Horde. LXII "Thus, by the Grace of God, you dare Brand as a Deception and a Snare All tv/isted Doctrines of unseeing Minds, Seeking your Soul when It is unaware. LXIII "This is the Balm of Life, which must Be lived, as well as ta'en on trust. Which from the Master's Hand you take to drink, UpHft your Soul—fling Sorrow in the Dust! 16 OMAR RETURNED LXIV "So Hell is lost, and sight of Paradise Lies clear reflected, in the loving Eyes Of all His Pilgrims on the chosen Path Lit by Truth's Light that burns, but never dies. LXV "Nor is it strange that of the millions who Have passed this way, none should return to you, He, worketh hitherto, and they — ? Perchance they too, have loving Tasks to do.'' LXVI This Law of Truth I studied long and learn'd. Until its message in my Soul was burn'd So deep, that from Its teachings nevermore Have I strayed slightly, but have quick return'd. LXVII My Soul went forth through the Invisible, And saw strange Sights in Heav'n and in Hell, For all the tortur'd of the Pit cry out For this same Truth to work its healing Spell : 17 OMAR RETURNED LXVIII By Truth alone can they thus quench the Fire Which in their Souls was kindled by Desire, And all its train of Wickedness and Sin, That must die out ere they can Heav*n aspire. LXXX The Universe is like a changing Show Of blazing Suns and spinning Worlds that go Swinging forever on their fiery Course, So vast that none save God may ever know: LXX Not helpless Pawns of some blind Fate that lays A curse of Discord on their Nights and Days; But Spheres whose Music lifts, and grips, and sways Our Hearts and Souls, as in fond Love He plays. LXXI Each Chain and System as it comes and goes With sure precision, a last Answer throws To any who should question or, should doubt. He knows about it all — He knows! HE knows! 18 OMAR RETURNED LXXII Thus doth God's Finger write ; and, having writ Let him who braves His Judgment, cancel it By e'en so much as even half a Line Or dim the Light of Truth His Hand hath lit. LXXIII Better to lose his Life than cursed be, Better a thousand times it seems to me, A Millstone round about his Neck had hung; And Stone and Man were sunk beneath the Sea : LXXIV Than that one Word, against His Truth be spoke. Bringing the sure and swift-avenging stroke Of Retribution on the luckless Wight, Who dared the blasting Law of God invoke. LXXV Read this with Gladness, that you may prepare Your Soul for Triumph; and not black Despair; See! this the Road on which you go, and why; KNOW ! at the End, God will be waiting THERE. 19 OMAR RETURNED LXXVI I tell you this — When, started for the Goal, None shall have Power to halt your rushing Soul, No Will save yours shall dim its steady Light Burn'd free from Sin, as Fire burns pure a Coal. LXXVII The Truth puts forth a fibre; which about Clings your whole being — let the Scoffers flout: Of its pure Metal may be filed the Key That shall unlock the Door they stand without. LXXVIII This also know: that where the one True Light Burns pure with Love, the Blackness of the Night, May ne'er return to vex His chosen Band, Who have forevermore attained to Sight. 20 OMAR RETURNED LXXIX The Angel came again and spake once more Mid flashing, blinding Flames that seemed to soar From Earth to Heav'n in shining Bands of Light That played about His Head and by the Door. LXXX "Write on O Scribe, that he who reads may SEE ; Write not the Past, but what is yet to be ; WRITE ! for the destined Hour at last is come — Write! not of Death—but IMMORTALITY/' LXXXI Thus, at the SHINING ONE'S direct behest, Ere Scroll is roll'd or weary Hand seeks rest It is decreed that all who read may learn Of that New Land now rising in the West. LXXXII E'en now, far out beyond the Golden Gate, Its Mountains form fair Isles that soon or late Will be the Home of a new Race of Men, Surpassing all whom Earth has counted great. 21 OMAR RETURNED LXXXIII Once more, where now the Billows run It is decreed ere yet her Time is done Lemuria from her Ocean Bed shall rise To lie again beneath the smiling Sun. LXXXIV Then, after Ages pass, another Round; In which far greater Progress yet is found. Will come to go, as Earth shall lie obscured, While Mercury glows where Light and Life abound, LXXXV Mercurial Day will fade with passing Years, Its life-stream passing on to other Spheres Which shall in turn have each their Day and Age: Their Hour of triumph — as their Hour of Tears. LXXXVI Thus ever on — until the Shining Day Of High Gods ended, brooding Night holds sway 0*er the vast System lying in repose; As The Preserver on Time's Head, alway. 22 OMAR RETURNED LXXXVII But even then, Man's Future stretches on — Down endless Ages Life Immortal shone ; My dimm'd Eyes sav/ no further, yet I KNOW God loves His Children — dreaded Death is gone. LXXXVIII 'Tis Night — ^about, on ev'ry side, Manhattan's Lights shine brightly far and wide ; But brighter far this Light to guide Men's Souls, Held by The Master, and Unfailing Guide: LXXXIX The Call has come ! Take now Thy Pilgrim's Rod, The Master beckons where His Feet have trod; Thus as I go to work in Other Fields, With Love I leave this Message— SEEK THY GOD! 23 •r^;l4