PS 35-37 LB7355' rreER POEMS nri fopyiight}il^.__J^/^ COPYRIGHT DEPOSIR 6; THE SKY AND OTHER POEMS BY MARY SANGER ^ y TLbc Vtnfcherbocfsec press NEW YORK 1917 T^^^ >?^ •^'^i«i .^JS. APR r4i3l7 ©aA46032 5 2)cDicateD TO My Brother HENRY LAWRENCE SANGER CONTENTS PAGE The Sky i The Temple of Neptune 3 The Child and the Dove .... 5 The Depths of the Sea 7 Westminster Abbey 9 Kenil worth Castle in Four Seasons . . ii The Star of Bethlehem 13 The Christmas Bells 14 The Christian Martyrs 15 Silent and Bright 17 A Thought 18 Niagara Rapids 19 We Have Seen and We Have Heard . . 20 The Christmas Angels 22 A Call to Arms 23 Life . . . . . . . . .24 The Sky, and Other Poems THE SKY The earth has beauties that please the soul, Flower and fern and tree, And there's power and glorious melody In the waves of the open sea That flash in the glance of the brilliant sun Or foam on the beach so high ; But what in its beauty can ever excel The fathomless, free blue sky? Though now and again it is hidden by clouds, The sky is perpetually blue ; And the sun-rise colors that blend in the east Forever and ever are new. What artist could paint them as they are. Or a white cloud sailing by ? God knows for perfection such as this We must look up into the sky. What beauties and wonders the sky reveals — Summer, fall, winter, and spring; What glory of blue, what radiance of white Like the tip of an angel's wing. I The Sky And oh for a heart to fully see The good in things noble and high ! To understand and appreciate Then look up, my soul, to the sky ! June, 1914. THE TEMPLE OF NEPTUNE Facing the water the temple of Neptune Swept by the breezes that blow from the sea, Stands in the solitude as in the days of old, Under the same sky, majestic and free. And through the tall coltmins are vistas of moun- tains, Touched by the clouds that are drifting along; While up overhead through the roofless entabla- ture Is seen the blue sky, as is heard the bird's song. Where is the splendor and where the magnificence This temple was symbol of when it held sway? With the passing of years and departing of cen- turies Its old one-time glory has vanished away. But still there's a glory that haunts and pervades it. Though bare and deserted and ruined it stands, And time but enhances and adds to its beauty. And colors its stones like the yellow sea sands. 3 4 The Temple of Neptune And so through the day it is lighted by sunshine, Or beaten by rain from a lowering sky, Or paled by the rays of the moon and the star- light As night follows day and the years still go by. But part of the charm of this ancient Greek temple As it stands in the solitude facing the west , Is the beauty and charm of its quiet simplicity, For the things that are simplest often are best. February, 1914. THE CHILD AND THE DOVE A little child bereft of its pet dove Which it had tended with a joyful love, Sat in the meadow near the lost pet's home, Sobbing its heart out. But suddenly, lifting its little face From whence the tears streamed, Gazed into a sky of light and grace, Heavenly blue where sun-lit clouds gleamed, And that child's spirit, troubled and amazed By its late sorrow. Was soothed and comforted by its upward glance ; Subtly it felt the advent of a bright to-morrow Was more than possibility or chance, And in the vision of the sky that day, Hopeful again, the sobbing ceased And the refreshing wind soon blew the tears away. And children who have grown up with years. Children no more, and yet but children grown, In whose hearts that once beat high in youth Bright dreams have faded ; where are now fears, 5 6 The Child and the Dove Or sorrow, doubts, or great distress, Deep disappointments or bitter dreariness In their hearts too, hope will spring up anew If they but look up to the realms whence light descends, And in the radiance of the heavenly blue Gain there the faith that Heaven lends To those who seek; And at the last will come the day When their tears too shall all be wiped away. May, 1 9 13. THE DEPTHS OF THE SEA The mermaids live down in the sea, In a palace of crystal and light; No place in the ocean could be More fairy-like, dazzling, and bright. They swim and they dive and they float, They rise on the surge of the foam. They don't know the need of a boat, For the depths of the sea is their home. The waves are a wonderful blue And are often deliciously calm; The water- world ever is new, The sea life has always a charm; And those who would wish to behold The mermaids far down in their play In their palace of shimmering gold, Must plunge in the bubbling spray. For only the fearless and brave Who care not how far they dive down,. Who exult in the flash of the wave. And have not a fear they will drown,. 7 8 The Depths of the Sea Can get to the sea palace fair, Where rainbows shine over the lea, And the mermaids play soft music there — Deep down in the depths of the sea. September, 1913. Written while on the ocean on the way from New York to Naples. WESTMINSTER ABBEY Westminster Abbey ! Gothic vaulted shrine, Glory of England from Saxon times to ours, The piers and arches rise in lofty line, And higher still the two great western towers. Edward the Confessor reared thee knowing not That in that consecrated work his name Was written with his monument on that spot For time immortal unto fame. There in the chamber called Jerusalem, The soul of Henry was at last set free From things pertaining to an earthly diadem, Fulfilling thus the prophecy. There have been many coronation scenes; While rolled the organ's harmony sublime, Rested the carven tombs of kings and queens Still, in the solemn silences of time. And others too, to whom the nation gave In honor as their final resting-place, A portion of the Abbey for their grave, A parting tribute and a lasting grace. 9 lo Westminster Abbey Missionary and soldier — the name upon each tomb — Statesman, explorer, musician, poet too; Deepens the darkness of the nights' descending gloom And fades the honored list of fame from view. But not from memory, for truly there The good deeds and the great must ever live To help this very present time its share Of faithful, upright following to give. That right may triumph over every foe And truth be the foundation of the land ; Then not in vain the century long ago, When Edward caused this Abbey here to stand. So may it stand still pointing to the skies, Here sound the organ and the choir sing, And earnest prayers from many hearts arise To Heaven above, to the Almighty King. June, IQJ4' KENILWORTH CASTLE IN FOUR SEASONS The summer rain is weeping, — Falling softly on the ivy, And the birds have ceased their singing From the ivy-covered walls ; Past memories are sleeping, Unawakened silence keeping. While the mournful wind is sweeping, Round these old deserted halls. The autumn wind is blowing, — Whistling through the stairs and doorways, And the dry, dead leaves are circling Through the empty courts below; While the wind is slowly sighing With a sadness past replying. And above gray clouds are flying That give promise of the snow. The winter snow is shining On the old and broken muUions, And the glory of the moon on all is shed; And the moonUght calmly lightens All the scene it softly whitens. Till the ghostly castle brightens With the lustre that is shed. II 12 Kenil worth Castle The early day is dawning With the light and air of springtime, That speaks of joy and banishes past gloom; Birds' songs float from the towers, While the sweet and dainty flowers Now make glad the sunbright hours With the fragrance of their bloom. September, 1914. THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM The world was in darkness Till the bright and guiding Star appeared. The shepherds and wise men saw it Heralded by the angels. Why is there now not peace on earth Since long ago the message of Peace and good will was given? It is because men in their selfishness, Dig in the earth for treasures That they seek but cannot find, Rather than see the Morning Star, Live up to it, and be ennobled. Oh, may grace to us be given To see the Star! And walk ever in that Light Until we come to perfect joy And everlasting peace. October 8, IQ14. 13 THE CHRISTMAS BELLS The church bells are ringing and singing and flinging Glad tidings of Christmas most joyous and fair, And the tones that are sounding and sweetly- resounding, Are pealing and echoing out on the air Where ever so ever the news is repeated, The glorious message those bright bells are voicing — By old and by young it is welcomed and greeted; So ring out ye bells then ; Rejoicing ! Rejoicing ! Ring into the city and still its harsh clatter, Ring over the country with peace and good- will, And ring in the South till the mountaineers hear you, That Christmas a place in their lives may fill. Then away, happy bells, to the snow-covered Northland, And all through the world may the glad tidings bring The power and hope of the marvelous message That is heard once again as the Christmas bells ring. 1913- THE CHRISTIAN MARTYRS The amphitheater's ready; cleared are the long passages of vaulted Roman brick; The walls of the dungeons, gloomy, dark, and thick hold the day's victims. Under the amphitheater's oval space Uneasy stride the lions and the tigers — Fierce with fury and the rage Of long imprisonment in their hard walled cage. The seats above are filling now with people un- concerned or gay, who, coming. Turn to the Corinthian columns marking the Imperial box, For Nero comes to-day. But lo! what song is that upon the air? The Christian martyrs singing on their way to death and victory ! The hoarse jeers of the crowd, The sight of flame, The roaring of the beasts affect them not. Their thoughts are not on earth. But on Eternity, And the dear Lord who died that all might live. To Him they serve their lives and souls in trust they give ; 15 1 6 The Christian Martyrs And as they die, with their last breath they cry, Seeing before their closing eyes The vision of the Cross divine and true : ''Forgive them, Lord; they know not what they do." Oh, faith celestial, in the life to come, Descend to us in glory and in power As unto those who died for Jesus' sake ! Our thoughts and hearts, our lives and spirits take; Our best is poor. Yet we are sure. As with the saints who died of old, Our efforts will be blessed a hundred fold. October, 191 3. Written about ruined amphitheater of Nero at Pozzuoliy near Naples. Printed in The Triangle, Brooklyn Heights Seminary. SILENT AND BRIGHT Far away over the sea The moonlight is shining clear. Softly borne on the air to me The breath of the breeze I hear. Oh mighty ocean, stay silent and calm, Shielding the ship of my dreams from harm, Lull it to sleep by thy quiet and charm — And bring it soon safe to me. Wondrous moon, high in the air, Lighten the way with thy rays, While the wind, cool and fair, Over the water plays ; Silver the sea with thy beauty to-night. Tenderly linger and make the way bright, Guide my beloved one home by thy light-^ Over the distant sea. Winter, igij. Printed in The Triangle, Brooklyn Heights Seminary. 17 A THOUGHT THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD Help me remember, Lord, that Thou art always with me. That which I do, I do it in Thy sight ; Whate'er I think that thought is known to Thee. Mould Thou my thoughts that they may worthy be, Guide Thou my deeds that I may do aright. i8 NIAGARA RAPIDS Roaring over the rocks, Rushing and tumbling far, The water sends out a crystal spray, Ever continuous night and day, Where the restless rapids are. A dove sailing high in the air Against the cliff is seen ; White as the lightest mountain snow, White as the whirling stream below, It takes its course serene. There's a blue sky overhead, And trees on the river's brink there Where the sun and the sparkling water send A shimmering rainbow to color and blend Fairyland into the air. Summer, 191 3. 19 WE HAVE SEEN AND WE HAVE HEARD Our eyes have looked on things most beautiful: The blooming flowers in the meadow lands Enriching all the world with purity, For Spring has come and they its surety, And they are gifts to us not made with hands. And we have seen the glory of the sea — The rich blue waves in sunlight glistening, Ever murmuring to our ears listening, In sparkling sapphire shades with melody. Our eyes have watched the sky's deep majesty Ineffable, ethereal, far above. Whose ever-changing sunset hues we love, Envying the birds that fly up in felicity. And we have seen the siui rise on the peak Of a white snow-capped mountain far away. And pink and gold reflections on the bay ; But words its depth of glory cannot speak. Beautiful little children we have seen. With radiant eyes and shining golden hair, — A look of Heaven about them ; and so fair They are, so peaceful and serene. 20 We Have Seen and Have Heard 21 Our ears have heard music most beautiful : The sweet birds singing in the fields of Spring By brooks, or wild flowers, and the trees Whose leaves move faintly in the softened breeze, And make the woodland echo with the song they sing. And we have other kinds of music too, The harp, piano or the violin, — Melodious strains, that touch our hearts and win Our love, and make our hearts to sing anew. There is the music of the human voice, Of those we love in speaking or in song, Whose tone the memory holds for years along, And hearing makes the soul rejoice. Our eyes have looked on things most beautiful, Our ears have heard music most wonderful ; But eye or ear has never had unfurled Nor has it entered in the heart of man What things God has prepared in His great plan For those that love Him, for the future world. April, 1915. THE CHRISTMAS ANGELS A message from Heaven to earth has been sent, The glorious Angels appear in the sky ; — The chords of their harps with their voices are blent In an anthem of praise to the great King on high. Oh, heavenly vision of angels most bright ! Proclaiming the birthday of Him we adore Shine into our hearts with thy mystical light, And help us to serve and to follow Him more ! Ah, little Lord Jesus in poverty born ! Why seek we for splendor and riches on earth ? That vanish away in the light of the morn, Forgetting the things of more infinite worth. Thy gifts of the Spirit forever endure ; Make us worthy to take what Thou freely wouldst give. Which lacking, the richest on earth is but poor, And having, the poorest in gladness shall live. November y 1913. 22 A CALL TO ARMS Christians awake ! the hour is at hand ! Arise from sleep and answer to the call, Praying with heart and soul to understand God is our all. Where is our faith, telling of things to come? Do we not trust the truth the prophets told. And Christ the Saviour, our Eternal Home; Why are we cold? Where is our hope — hope that shall never die? For hope shall buoy the soul in time of need. And help us in our last extremity Hold fast our creed. Where is our charity, greatest of the three ? Have we forgot its value and its power? There must be more and truer charity ; This is the hour. Where is our honest love for God and man? Raising us ever higher from the sod. Helping us daily do the best we can — So help us, God. August, IQ15, Reprinted by permission of The Living Church. 23 LIFE To meet and part, — To meet and part While time is fleeting ; Until the final parting Which we call Death, Which is the means To the Eternal Meeting. To wake and sleep, — To wake and sleep While this globe its turns is making ; Until the final sleeping Which we term Death, Which is no other than The Great Awaking. To hope, and pray. And work, and win, and watch, Though our faith be dim; Ready for that last parting And that final meeting; Believing this, that all the way, God leads us on to Him. Spring, 1916. 24