■ ■ ■ ■ I i (* LITTLE FOLKS DOWN SOUTH By FRANK L. STANTON Author of Songs of the Soil, Up from Georgia, etc* ¥ $eto forft D. APPLETON & COMPANY 1904 US' U B ^a RY o f CONG : < ESS Two Cepiea Received MAR I! 1904 COPY 8 Copyright, 1904, by D. APPLETON AND COMPANY '.Ptolishedi S^ptembfir i 1904, y Go VALENTINE ■ FRANK AND MARCELLE CONTENTS PAGE The little volunteers I The fable of the small gentleman 2 In Christmas land .v, 5 The rattlesnake's breakfast 7 A country prospect 8 The unfortunate hopper-grass 9 The valentine man 10 The river n The little lady 13 The summer brigade 14 A youthful fisherman .15 The vanishing guest 16 When Katie comes 18 When the boys go home for Christmas . . . .19 His gift 21 Only one of 'em 22 The little old man of the snow 23 A little sweetheart .25 The old school exhibitions .26 His mother's way 28 Rock him to sleep ........ 29 A little fellow 30 A song of golden curls ....... 32 The "sassy" 'possum 34 V Contents PAGE A mother's song . . 35 On a little child's picture 37 Boy with the little tin horn 38 The backwoods school 40 For a little one's love . . . . •:'"•• .42 What's the use ? ......... 44 The whippoorwill . .45 A little song of love . .46 Autumn . 47 The fate of the 'possum . . . . . . .49 Wave your hand to care .50 Slumber-bound 51 A letter to Santa Claus 52 March 54 What more ? •..-'. ; §g A Thanksgiving song 56 At the gate . . 58 Sunlight and song . . . . . . . . .50/ When the heart beats right . . . . - . . .60. "Jen" 61 A wayside note 62 The old Georgia melon 63 A little child 65 An invitation 66 The holiday bells 67 The bad little boys 68 Po' HT feller 70 "Nannette" 71 The baby's ride 73 Rhyme of the little boy-king 75 vi , Contents His daddy takes his part 76 The queen of the regiment . 77 Recompense 79 The family opinion 80 He whistled on the way .81 The little waifs 82 The old-time circus clown 83 To a little one ... . 86 No time for trouble 87 One of the faithful .88 All aboard 90 The mocking-bird 91 With Johnny's kite 92 " Some of these days" . .93 His sermons 94 The home calling 95 A rain song .97 The kite maker 98 The toiler's dream 99 The seed dropper 100 The wind and the dreams 101 Recompense . 103 Rain 104 The Christmas children 105 A fisherman's opinion 106 His fire talk 107 In misty days 108 The rainbow 109 Christmas joys no Maytime in autumn in vii Contents PAGE Our friend "Bobwhite" . . . . . .112 In spring attire . . 113 A little New Year song 114 Marcelle . 115 The welcome home ' . . 117 His best love 119 Talking of Bob 120 A happy jingle 121 On the road 122 The light of morning . . . ., . . .123 Hints of fall-time 124 The guest unwelcome 125 A humble citizen 126 Lost away 127 Sometime 128 A snowy winter's night 129 A song by the wayside 130 Mister Cold Wave 131 The brighter day . . . ... . . . 132 Providential troubles 133 The little talker 135 The fall-time children 137 The story of the wood 138 Vlll THE LITTLE VOLUNTEERS Handkerchiefs for little flags, Epaulette — a rose ; Hobby-horses for their nags, And — off the cavalry goes ! (TheyVe heard the fireside talk of war, And that's what they've enlisted for !) With little shiny swords of tin (O patriotic sons!) And garden-plots for fighting in, With Lilliputian guns, They march to forts and fairy ships, With mother's kisses on their lips. And fierce shall rage the fight and long, Till from the flower-sweet west The shadows fall, and even-song Shall summon them to rest. Then mother's kisses, and "Good-night" Beneath their little tents of white ! THE FABLE OF THE SMALL GENTLEMAN A small little gentleman took him a wife : ''What a catch!" "What a match P Said the people. He was slim — he was small, But the lady was tail- On, a rival she was for a steeple ! No house in the land where the little man dwelt Would admit her Or fit her — Poor mortal ! The doors were too small For a lady so tall, And she never could stoop to a portal ! The little man sighed and the little man cried 'Gainst the gates And the fates That had found her, 2 Fable of the Small Gentleman Till at last he decided — While neighbors derided — To e'en build a dwelling around her ! The architects, carpenters, thronged at his side, While massive And passive, The lady (Naught else would content her) Stood straight in the center — Her shadow made ten acres shady ! They hammered and sawed for a twelvemonth or more, Till above her — Lord love her ! — The building At last was completed — Gas-lit and steam-heated, And the sun, being near, did the gilding. But alas ! and alas ! for the small little man ! To wait For the fate That should bind him ! Little Folks Down South When he settled the cost, In the house he was lost, And the tall lady never could find him ! She shrieked and she shouted his name to the walls : "He is here — He is there !" Ever feeling Her way like a cat ; But he looked like a rat, Or a wee bit o' mouse o' the ceiling ! He was lost to the lady forever — alas ! "What a match!" "What a catch!" Said the people. "So," quoth they, "in the lurch, Let the house be a church," And they stuck her on top for a steeple ! IN CHRISTMAS LAND In the beams and gleams came the Christmas dreams To the little children there, And hand in hand, to the Christmas land, 'Neath the Christmas skies so fair, They went away in a magic sleigh That tinkled with silver bells, Over the white of the snow, one night, Where the King of the Christmas dwells. They saw him marshal his soldiers small, In beautiful, bright brigades ; At the tap o' the drum they saw them come With guns and glittering blades. The little soldiers were made of tin, With painted coats of red, And they drilled away, with their banners gay, By a cute little captain led. But alas ! for the King o' the Christmas land And the march that his soldiers made ! For the dolls were dressed in their very best- On, the dolls were on dress parade! 5 Little Folks Down South And they smiled so sweet at the soldiers brave — Each beautiful, fairy doll, They dropped their guns for the smile they gave, An' ran away with them all ! But — such is the wonder of Christmas land — When in the morning light The children woke from the Christmas dreams, There stood the soldiers bright ; And the dolls were smiling their sweetest smiles, And they said : "From our land so true The soldiers brought us a thousand miles To the homes and the hearts of you !" THE RATTLESNAKE'S BREAKFAST The table was spread in the sunniest dell, And the Rattlesnake rattled the breakfast bell ; But the little birds said In the blooms overhead : "It's a beautiful table, and daintily spread; But the rills give us drink, and the blooms give us bread : No birds for the Rattlesnake's breakfast !" A COUNTRY PROSPECT Want to get away off — Taste the woodland joys; Think I'll take a day off — Day off with the boys. Hear the kildees calling In a loved retreat Where the nuts are falling And the honey's sweet ! Take the city's riot — All its dazzling gleams, m For the old-time quiet — For the old-time dreams ! Dreams I dreamed away off, With the woodland joys And a glorious day off — Day off with the boys ! THE UNFORTUNATE HOPPER-GRASS The Hopper-grass he heard 'twas Spring, And then he went to springin' ; The Mocking-bird he twitched him in, And then he went to singin': "The Hopper-grass" — That was his tune — "He hopped too high And hopped too soon !" The Lizard on the fence-rail high His blanket spread, and shook it ; Said he: 'Til leave it there to dry." But Mister Blacksnake took it ! Then Mister Blacksnake Winked his eyes: "YouVe too much blanket For your size." THE VALENTINE MAN The Valentine Man — he's in hiding to-day, For his work for the season is over ; He packed up his grip For a holiday trip — Went off in the darkness and gave us the slip, And he's laughing and rolling in clover ! The joy and the bane of true lovers, he sends Full many a beautiful token ; But on Valentine's Day (So the sad lovers say) He shakes and he shivers and hies him away From the sight of the hearts he has broken ! But for one that is sad there are two that are glad — That would hug and would kiss and caress him ; And were he but near them, And only could hear them, Fm sure, in the future, he never would fear them ; For their song is : "God bless him ! God bless him !" 10 THE RIVER Wish I could get back to-day To the meadowy fields of May Where we went the shadowy way To the river ; Where a little world of joys Blossomed round the barefoot boys As they went with jocund noise To the river. Splash ! splash ! The wavelets dash, And the splintered sunbeams flash Where the maples Used to quiver On the cool road To the river ! Wish I could get back to-day Where the mosses trailed in gray And the lilies felt the spray Of the river; II Little Folks Down South Where, above its banks of green, Well I loved to loll and lean In the shadow and the sheen Of the river. Splash! splash! The wavelets dash, And the splintered sunbeams flash Where the oak leaves Used to quiver On the cool banks Of the river. Wish I could get back to-day ! But the gold has left the gray ; Long the winters, brief the May, And the river With its gloom and with its gleams, Where life's dying sunset streams, Ripples through an old man's dreams Faintly ever. 12 THE LITTLE LADY Little bit of a lady — Isn't she sweet and wise, With all the light of the stars of night And the morning in her eyes ! Little bit of a lady, With the morning in her eyes ! Little bit of a lady — Life is a sweet surprise ; She does not know where the roses grow- If earth hath songs or sighs. Little bit of a lady, With the morning in her eyes ! Little bit of a lady ! Time on his fleet wing flies ; But violets sweet at her fairy-feet, And love when the springtime dies, For the little bit of a lady With the morning in her eyes ! *3 THE SUMMER BRIGADE They've made a pathway to the swamp Where leafy boughs are arching, And day by day they steal away — And tramp ! the boys are marching ! Tramp! tramp! tramp! Where the air is cool and damp; Never spend your life in wishing When there's fishing — fishing — fishing ! Away they go in great brigades While boys with bait-cans follow; They fright the rabbits in the glades, The raccoons in the hollow ! Tramp! tramp! tramp! Where the air is cool and damp; Never spend your life in wishing When there's fishing — fishing — fishing! 14 A YOUTHFUL FISHERMAN There's fun out there in the country air, Where the trees is swishin' — swishin' ; I don't know nothing but I just don't keer — For I want to go a-fishin'. I want to go ten miles from town, Where the breezes blow and the cork goes down ! There's fun there in the country air Where the trees don't need no trimmin' ; I don't know nothin'— and I won't next year, For I want to go a-swimmin'. I want to go where you see the sights — Where the 'gator grunts, and the catfish bites. There's fun out there in the country air, Where the swallows go a-skimmin', And you ain't pertickler 'bout what you wear, And the folks believe in swimmin'. Oh, the fish, they bite from spring to fall, But a boy ain't got no show at all ! 15 THE VANISHING GUEST The little old man with the silver hair And the burdened back is the old, old year; Within is laughter, and love, and light, Without is snow, Where the cold winds blow And the bare trees shiver in shrouds of white ; Where is he going to-night, to-night ? He is going away; For a smile will he stay With the children there in the hall at play? Nay, nay, nay ! There's a tear in his eye As he bids them good-by — He is going away — away ! He is going away in the night and storm From the faces fair and the firesides warm. The snow on the mountain lies deep and white, The keen winds cry To the ghostly sky And put the clouds and the stars to flight. Where is he going to-night, to-night ? 16 The Vanishing Guest He is going away; Will he turn — will he stay Where dwell the men of the locks grown gray ? Nay, nay, nay ! He bids them good-by With a tear and a sigh — He is going away — away ! Kisses and sighs for him — let him go ! He shall find rest in the night and the snow: Gone with his grief — with his darkness and light, With his prayers And his tears — His losses and crosses — his wrong and his right, Gone with the shadows and dreams of the night ! Drifting away From the winter and May: Shall the darkness appal him — the light bid him stay? Nay, nay, nay ! With a tear and a sigh And "Good-night" and "Good-by !" He is going away — away ! l 7 WHEN KATIE COMES When Katie comes climbin' to kiss me, With the golden an' light-givin' hair, An' is holdin' me tight With her soft arms an' white, It's "Oh ! but you'll smother me, dear ! Then, what will you do for a mother to kiss?" "An' I don't want no mother," says Katie, "but this!" When Katie comes climbin' to kiss me, It's "Oh! for the blue skies an' fair, An' roses that bloom In the valleys of gloom When she's kissin' an' callin' me dear. An' what would you do with no mother to kiss?" "An' I'll always have this one," says Katie, "like this!" 18 WHEN THE BOYS GO HOME FOR CHRISTMAS When the boys go home for Christmas won't they have a jolly time! Won't the cabin floors be sandy, an' the fiddles sing in rhyme ? An' from Billville up to Glory won't they all be feelin' prime — When the boys go home for Christmas in the mornin' ! When the boys go home for Christmas, don't you know that they will meet The friends they knew in youth-time, when the world with flowers was sweet ? They'll know the hearts that loved 'em, by the music of their beat When the boys go home for Christmas in the mornin' ! When the boys go home for Christmas, many hearts they loved they'll miss — Songs that were ever sweeter than a dreamer's song, like this ! 19 Little Folks Down South Even hearts that heard their own hearts — and lips they loved to kiss, When the boys go home for Christmas in the mornin' ! When the boys go home for Christmas from here and everywhere, Let them leave behind life's lonesomeness — forget the vacant chair; May they see the tranquil spirit of the Christ who made it there — When the boys go home for Christmas in the mornin' ! 20 HIS GIFT Purties' HT feller, Wid dem eyes er his ; What he give his mammy? Nuthin' but a kiss ! Dat enough f er Christmas ? Mammy say it is ! All he got to give her — Chris'mus is a kiss ! Putties' KT feller— Dat's des what he is ! Bless de HT heart er him — Givin' all a kiss ! 21 ONLY ONE OF 'EM What Christmas means to him I know- His arms are necklaced round me so ! And every day's a day like this : Love, richer than the wide world is! What Christmas means to him I know- His dear arms necklaced round me so ! 22 THE LITTLE OLD MAN OF THE SNOW The little old man of the snow — He stands in the lonesome night When the wind blows chill and the clouds hang low And the flakes fall ghostly white. And the little fellows who sleep upstairs And go to bed without saying their prayers, He fills their dreams with fears and tears — The little old man of the snow ! II The little old man of the snow Knows each little fellow in town ; He watches and waits at bad boys' gates To catch 'em an' swallow 'em down ! He knows when they anger their mothers so, And he chuckles and says to himself, "Oh, ho! I'll open my mouth and down they'll go!" This little old man of the snow ! 3 23 Little Folks Down South hi The little old man of the snow — You'd better keep out of his way ; For once a wee fellow was bad, you know, And the snow man stole him one day ! And he heard his mother call and call His name far over the garden wall ; But the old man swallowed him — shoes and all,- This little old man of the snow ! 24 A LITTLE SWEETHEART IVe a little sweetheart, and she's frolicsome and queer ; Comes and asks for kisses every sweet day in the year ; Twines her arms around me ; sways me to and fro ; But hers is love that found me years and years ago ! IVe a little sweetheart, sung in all my rhymes: One who says she loves me "a hundred million times !" One whose hands have crowned me where sweetest roses grow; But hers is love that found me years and years ago ! IVe a little sweetheart — loveliest of girls; Kisses for her red lips and kisses for her curls ! With her dear arms round me, all of joy I know; But hers is love that found me years and years ago ! 25 THE OLD SCHOOL EXHIBITIONS Oh, the old school exhibitions! will they ever come again, With the good, old-fashioned speaking from the girls and boys so plain ? Will we ever hear old "Iser," with its rapid roll and sweep, And "Pilot, 'tis a fearful night; there's danger on the deep"? Sweet Mary doesn't raise her lambs like Mary did of old; Their fleece is not "as white as snow" ; they're wander- ing from the fold. The boy upon "the burning deck" is not one-half as fine — He was not "born at Bingen, at Bingen on the Rhine!" The girls don't speak in calico, the boys in cotton jeans; They've changed the old-time dresses 'long with the old- time scenes ; They smile and speak in ancient Greek ; in broadcloth and in lace ; And you can't half see the speaker for the collar 'round the face ! 26 Old School Exhibitions O, the old school exhibition ! it is gone f orevermore ! The old schoolhouse is deserted, and the grass has choked the door ; And the wind sweeps 'round the gables, with a low and mournful whine For the old boys "born at Bingen — at Bingen on the Rhine!" 27 HIS MOTHER'S WAY When he in his cradle sleeping Wid dat purty smile er his. His mammy come a-creepin' En wake him wid a kiss. En den it's "Go ter sleepy, Sweetheart, fer mammy's sake." But, ain't a bit er use in it : She kiss him right awake ! She alius dar a-peepin' En talkin' out lak dis : "He look so purty sleepin' I 'bleege ter steal a kiss!" En den it's "Go ter sleepy, Sweetheart, fer mammy's sake !" But, ain't a bit er use in it — She kiss him right awake ! 28 ROCK HIM TO SLEEP He sich a KT trouble Ter worry wid en keep ! Take him ter his mammy: — Rock him ter sleep ! He 'min' you er de lilies What neither sow nor reap ; Take him ter his mammy : — Rock him ter sleep ! He gwine in de worl' now? — De worl' 11 make him weep ! Take him ter his mammy : — . Rock him ter sleep ! 29 A LITTLE FELLOW Ho ! little fellow — howdy do ? Long time since IVe looked on you ; But I know your eyes are the same bright blue — April eyes where the sun shines through ; You kissed me oft, and you loved me, too — Ho ! little fellow — howdy do ? Ho! little fellow — howdy do? Seem to see, as I sit and view Your picture there — on the mantel shelf, The arms, the charms of your own dear self ; Your kiss was sweet and your love was true — Ho ! little fellow — howdy do ? Ho ! little fellow — howdy do ? Same little fellow I one time knew? Never a change for all the years — Same sweet laughter and same bright tears? Oh, for a kiss from the lips of you ! Ho ! little fellow — howdy do ? 3° A Little Fellow Ho! little fellow — far away! Dream some time of the words I say, When the dark drifts over the eyes of blue, And the angels look through the lace at you ! Dream that I love you, and love me, too — Ho! little fellow — howdy do? 31 A SONG OF GOLDEN CURLS Stay a little, golden curls — twinkling eyes of blue; Stay and see the violets, for they are kin to you. Linger where the frolic winds around the gardens race, Cheeks like lovely mirrors, where the red rose sees its face. "Sweet! Sweet!" All the birds are singing : "Sweet! Sweet!" The blossom bells are ringing ; Kisses from the red rose, And kisses from the white — Kissing you good-morning, And kissing you good-night ! Stay a little, golden curls — brightening eyes of blue ; The violets are listening for the lovely steps of you ; The white rose bids you welcome, the red rose calls you sweet, And the daisies spread a carpet for the falling of your feet. 32 A Song of Golden Curls "Sweet! Sweet!" All the birds are singing : "Sweet! Sweet!" The blossom bells are ringing ; Kisses from the red rose, And kisses from the white — Kissing you good-morning, And kissing you good-night ! 33 THE "SASSY" POSSUM Rabbit run f 'urn de white man gun, En Tossum he take dat f er fun ! F'um top de tree He wink at me, Ez fat en sassy ez kin be ! But de Ax is keen ter cut 'im down, En de Fire burn ter bake 'im brown; En Rabbit call, Ez de Tossum squall, "Good-by, Mister 'Possum — bones en all!" 34 A MOTHER'S SONG She's the sweetest of the girls, An' I'm kissing of her curls, For they're f allin' like a shower o'er my bosom ; An' IVe never seen the skies That were bluer than her eyes, Nor a blossom that is sweeter than my blossom ! Rock away, rock away, Where the sleepy people stay, An' the birds an' all the fairies are a-singin* : Rock away, rock away, Till the breakin' o' the day. Rock away while the dream-bells are a-ringin' ! She's the sweetest of the girls, An' I'm kissing of her curls, For they're lyin' like the moonlight on my bosom ; But there ne'er was moon as bright As my darlin's curls o' light, Nor a sweet rose that is sweeter than my blossom ! 35 Little Folks Down South Rock Rock Rock away, rock away, Where the sleepy people stay, away where the poppy-blooms are Rock away, rock away, Till the breakin , o' the day, away while the dream-bells are a- swingm* ; -ringm' ! 36 ON A LITTLE CHILD'S PICTURE (J. J.) Earth lights and heaven lights blended in her eyes, And the June roses reddening in her cheeks ; This silent semblance — framed in Love's own skies, Speaks of her mother. . . • And her mother speaks ! 37 BOY WITH THE LITTLE TIN HORN What care we for skies that are snowing On fields that no roses adorn ; For blizzards so icily blowing, When the boy with the little tin horn So merrily blows As he goes, as he goes — With eyes like the violet, cheeks like the rose? He's the herald of Christmas — this fellow Who rouses the dreamers at morn ; The notes are not soothing or mellow That come from his little tin horn, But he blows just the same By the firelight's flame, And we love him — and so, there is no one to blame He summons the soldiers, reclining In corners great soldiers would scorn ; They rise, with their little guns shining, And march to the little tin horn ! 38 Boy with the Little Tin Horn They are stiffer than starch 'Neath the chandelier's arch, But they move when their curly-haired captain cries, "March!" For there never was music in battle, Where the flags by the bullets are torn, As brisk as the holiday rattle Of the toy drum and little tin horn ! With a rubbing of eyes All the soldiers arise When the little tin horn sends a blast to the skies! Blow, blow, little tin horn ! No summer Of song is as sweet as your notes ! And march, little rosy-faced drummer, With the soldiers in little tin coats ! "Hep-hep ! to the right I" With your regiments bright, And love for the captain who wins in the fight! 39 THE BACKWOODS SCHOOL Mis'ry Jinkins ! — Whar she at ? Ketch her arm, en shake her ! Come here, on dem foots so flat — Rise up, en spell "Baker!" "B-a, ba— (Ain't datde way?) K-e-r, ker, baker !" ( Sence she spell Dat word so well, Head de class I'll make her!) Knock-knee Jinkins ! — Whar he at ? Come out dar, en blossom ! Hit you on dat head so flat Ef you don't spell " 'Possum!" "P-o-s,— (Dunnoderes'!)" Well, I'll give you sorrer 'Less you go Whar 'possum grow, En ketch me one termorrer ! 40 The Backwoods School All tergedder now in class — Ever' li'l' sinner! Don't you let de nex' word pass ! — Rise up, en spell "Dinner!" "D-i-n— " (Gentlemen! Dis here ain't no funnin' — Dar dey go ! En lightnin' sho' Can't beat dem chillun runnin' !) 41 FOR A LITTLE ONE'S LOVE Suns and stars in the heavens above, But a life that longs for a little one's love ; A little one's love in the far away— The sweetest rose in the red o' May ! She is climbing to kiss me — Her lips smile there, And I'm rich in the wealth Of the gold of her hair ! ii Song o' the robin and moan o' the dove — I am weary to-night for a little one's love ; To see in her dear eyes God's tenderest light, And fold back her tresses, and kiss her "Good-night !" She is climbing to kiss me — How shines the dream there! — And I'm kissing the curls Of her beautiful hair! 42 For a Little One's Love hi And the wide world is weary, and ever I seem To move like a shadow that drifts through a dream ; And earth will not answer, nor heaven above, When I cry in the dark for a little one's love ! She is climbing to kiss me, Still radiant there, And in dreams I am kissing Her beautiful hair ! 43 WHAT'S THE USE? Oh, what's the use in sighing For things that can not be ? "When Molly puts the kettle on Well all have tea!" And what's the use in crying Because you've missed the tide ? "Wait for the wagon And we'll all take a ride!" 44 THE WHIPPOORWILL Oh, don't you hear them calling from the valley and the hill — "Whip-poor-will !" When the twilight shadows gather and the world is hushed and still, And the stars are just like torches on the tip-top o' the hill— Whippoorwill, o' the meadows ! II Don't you know what he is saying in the rosy twilight still, With his "WhippoorwiU"? It's all about the little boy who wouldn't go to mill — He heard it in the sunshine, from the ripple of a rill — And they whipped poor Will o' the meadows ! 45 *! A LITTLE SONG OF LOVE Blue sky, bend above her Brightly day by day; Lilies, lean and love her — Violets, deck her way ! For her smile is like the light that makes the morning, And her eyes are like the blue that makes the sky ; And her lips are like the crimson rose adorning The gardens when the springtime passes by. Earth grew green beneath her, Glad her grace to greet ; All your roses wreathe her — Thornless, fadeless, sweet ! For her smile is like the light that makes the morning, The light that lures the angels from the sky ; And her love — it is a deathless rose adorning The gardens when the springtime passes by ! 4 6 AUTUMN There's somethin , in the burnin' Of the sun, as he goes down, That's hintin' of the turnin' Of the leaves to gold and brown. The air is gettin' clearer On the valley an' the plain, For the winter's drawin' nearer With its sunshine an' its rain. You kin see the blue smoke curlin' From a hundred happy huts, An' kin hear the sudden droppin' Of the heavy hick'ry nuts. An' the days is feelin' softer An' the nights is growin' chill, An' the wind is makin' music Down the valley, up the hill. 47 • Little Folks Down South Oh, the mellow, yellow autumn ! It is happy on the way, An' the sweet days seem a mixture Of the summer an' the May. An' the world is sweetly dreamin* Where the dreams is brightest — best, An' her mountains an' her meadows Sing a song of peace and rest ! 4 8 THE FATE OF THE 'POSSUM De 'possum say: "You can't ketch me; I knows you des ain't able." I climb en take him fum dat tree, En lay him on de table ! De 'possum say: "You can't cook me, — Ner any man in town, suh !" De Fire say : "Des wait en see ! Yo' name is Mister Brown, suh!" En den de 'possum take a fit, En raise a mighty row, suh ; De preacher eat up ever' bit, En say: "Whar is you now, suh?" 49 m WAVE YOUR HAND TO CARE Get out into the morning And breathe the blessed air; Light up your soul with sunshine And wave your hand to care! Go where the streams are singing — Stand where the skies are fair ; God's bells of joy are ringing — So wave your hand to care! 50 SLUMBER-BOUND Gwine off ter sleepy Ian' — Tell de worF good-by ; Kiss yo' han'— yo' liT han'— Shetyo'liTeye. Lay dar in yo' liT place — Rockaby, lak' dis ; Wen de sun peep in yo' face Say, "How sweet you is!" Gwine off ter sleepy Ian' — He his mammy's joy. Flower in his liT han' — Good-night, liT boy! 51 m A LETTER TO SANTA CLAUS "Dear Mister Santy Claus: We's two little boys in blue, An' we thought we'd write a letter, 'fore Chris'mus comes, to you; We live here with our parents, in a house 'at's painted green, An' of all the boys 'at ask fer toys we're the best you ever seen ! "An' so, we thought we'd tell you jus' what to bring, 'cos we Know 'at you have a heap to do, an' busy as kin be ! We know you're hitchin' up your team, an' purty soon you'll leave, An' these things is thes all we want — thes all — on Chris'mus Eve : "Two little drums, An' sugar plums An' a slate 'at won't do any sums; An' a Hobby Hoss You kin ride across, An' bicycles, an' balls to toss ; 52 9 A Letter to Santa Claus An' a steamer-boat ( Like the ones 'at float) , An' a wagon hitched to a Billy Goat ; An' tops to spin (What they's music in), An' a climbin' monkey, dressed in tin; An' two toy-guns ( Like the Jones's ones) , An' a railroad train 'at winds an* runs; An' a slidin' sled 'At's painted red, An' a bran'-new little trundle bed ; Horns, whistles, drums, An' sugar-plums — Bring all youVe got when Chris'mus comes ! "We thes thought that we'd tell you, 'cos you got so much to do, An' all the little boys an' girls is writin' notes to you ; We was 'fraid you might forget us, while you're hitchin' up to leave ; But them things is thes all we want — thes all — on Chris'mus Eve!" 53 MARCH He comes in like a lion — He boisterously blows ; He tilts the lily over And rumples every rose. The February quiet Was more than he could bear; He needs must raise a riot To 'liven up the year. He brings a breath of blossoms From flowering fields of May, And sings of April, dreaming Beneath a rainbow's ray. But soon his song and clamor 'Neath starry skies shall cease, And Spring, with lips rose-reddened, Shall kiss him into peace. 54 8' WHAT MORE? A corner cool and cozy — An oak's green branches spread ; And peaches hanging rosy, And melons ripe and red ! 55 fl A THANKSGIVING SONG It's comin , 'long — Thanksgiving', with its pleasures and its joys — An' we're all a-lookin' forward to the meetin' with the boys ; An' Sue will come from college, an' Jimmy won't for- get, An' we'll all feel mighty thankful that we're all a-livin' yet! The turkey's been a-spreadin' of his feathers — fat an' fine, An' his "gobble, gobble, gobble" seems a-darin' us to dine ; But the verdict's been ag'in him, an' his execution's set, An' he makes us feel right happy that we're all a-livin' yet! There's folks will come from Texas, from Illinois and Maine; New York will send us Billy, an' Hampshire'll give us Jane ; 56 A Thanksgiving Song We'll have a great handshaking when all the friends are met, An' won't we feel right happy that we're all a-livin' yet! It's comin' 'long — Thanksgivin', with all its love an' light, Its dinners in the daytime, its melodies at night ; The turkey's fat and juicy — the table silver's set, An' we're feelin' mighty happy that we're all a-livin' yet! 57 AT THE GATE She comes to meet me when the soft twilight Darkens the roses round my garden gate, And wistfully the dewy blue eyes wait — Twin, tender stars, that glorify my night ; And as my steps draw near I read aright The meaning in her eyes — divine and great : Love that comes early and yet lingereth late ; In God's own garment of celestial white ! Up to my heart she climbs — my little one ! Close to my bosom nestles like a dove, With soft caresses of her gentle hand. (Ah, God ! if some day, when my toil is done, I miss her clinging arms — her kiss of love, And only see her footprints in the sand ! . , 58 * SUNLIGHT AND SONG It takes just a wee bit o' trouble To sweeten the roses along ; The rain's in the dark cloud, my dearie, But the world's full o' sunlight an' song ! 59 t WHEN THE HEART BEATS RIGHT When the heart is beatin' right, All the world is full of light ; Sun by day and stars by night, When the heart is beatin' right. When the heart is beatin' right, Storms bring only rainbows bright, And the soldier wins the fight, When the heart is beatin' right. When the heart is beatin' right, Roses blossom red and white ; Weakest souls are souls of might — Earth a garden of delight, When the heart is beatin' right. 60 "JEN" Jen's the gentle lass for you: Jen's true blue ! Be it rose, or be it rue, Jen's true blue ! When the cares of life surround you, When the chains of grief have bound you, Then her dear arms are around you — Jen's true blue ! Jen's the lovin' lass for you : Jen's true blue ! Love like hers is what'll do : Jen's true blue ! If you kiss her and caress her ; If your sinnings sad distress her, Still she clings to you — God bless her ! — Jen's true blue ! 61 A WAYSIDE NOTE Songs, my dear, I sing to you — Flowers that I bring to you — Little arms that cling to you. Life, my dear, is fleet for you ; Yet the flowers are sweet for you ; And the child-hearts beat for you. 62 THE OLD GEORGIA MELON (A Parody) "How dear to my heart are the days of my childhood" — How memory loves on their beauty to dwell ! The journey from school through the field and the wild- wood To the sweet watermelon that cooled in the well ! The sweet watermelon — The striped watermelon — The big Georgia melon that cooled in the well ! In fancy I still hear the dinner bell ringing, ('Twas ever a welcome and musical bell !) And the men from the fields on the mules would go sing- ing To the sweet watermelon that cooled in the well ! The sweet watermelon — The fat watermelon — The big Georgia melon that cooled in the well ! 63 Little Folks Down South Now art has taught mortals to store it and ice it, And sometimes, beholding, I seem to rebel, When I think of the tree where we'd take it and slice it— The sweet watermelon that cooled in the well ! The sweet watermelon — The fat watermelon — The big Georgia melon that cooled in the well ! 64 A LITTLE CHILD Bright, golden curls, and innocent white brow, And lips like red rose-petals blown apart — And laughing eyes of blue ! I pray you now, Come yet a little closer to my heart ! Nay, fear me not ! Thy child-heart understands Love that trusts all and knows not to condemn ; Give me to hold thy tiny, tender hands, That I may warm my withered soul with them ! Oh, let me feel — since in my memory No earthly love upon my life hath smiled, That heaven in mercy hath reserved for me The kisses and the clinging of a child ! 65 AN INVITATION Watch out, Mister Rabbit! — Time f er layin' low ; All de folks is fixin' Ter track you thoo' de snow ! Done got on de f ryin' pan — Greasin' er de griddle ; Come down ter my house En hear me play de fiddle ! 66 THE HOLIDAY BELLS They sound their sweet notes o'er the cities — They ring o'er the hills and the dells ; They echo the voices of children — The happy, sweet holiday bells ! The holiday bells, The holiday bells ! They ring o'er the cities — they thrill through the dells ; And never birds singing Where roses are springing Sing sweet as the holiday bells ! They are telling the tenderest story That life with its joy ever tells ; They ring out the gloom for the glory — The happy, sweet holiday bells ! The holiday bells, The holiday bells ! They ring o'er the cities — they thrill through the dells ; No birds that are singing Where roses are springing Sing sweet as the holiday bells ! 6 7 THE BAD LITTLE BOYS Three bad little boys kept wide awake Once on a Christmas Eve, Though their mothers tucked them up in bed And kissed and covered each curly head, They just played make-believe. ' We'll wait and watch for Santa Claus, And we won't make any noise ; And we'll see him drop From the chimney-top!" Said these wicked little boys. Then the house grew lonely — dark and still, And the fire died in the grate ; And the wind that over the chimney blew Wailed like a witch, and said : "You-oo Are sitting up too late!" And the snow that pelted the window-pane Made faces at them all ; And the clock on the mantel ticked, "Oh, ho! I know — I know — I know — I know!" And the shadows danced on the wall. 68 The Bad Little Boys The clothes in the corner looked like ghosts With the shadows over them shed ; And they wanted to scream, but they couldn't speak, For they heard the stairs go crickety-creak, Like the goblins were going to bed ! And then — down the chimney came Santa Claus, Fresh from his snowy sleigh ; But they thought 'twas a ghost from the goblin crowd, And all together they screamed so loud That they frightened him away ! 6 9 PO' LI'L' FELLER Po' liT feller, los' in de snow, En nowhar's ter go — en nowhar's ter go ! En yit, he de one what de Master call When de day wuz gone en de shadders fall— Callin' sof ter de lambs dat roam: "Come home, liT chillun — come home!" Po' liT feller, los' in de snow, En nowhar's ter go — en nowhar's ter go ! But a light is shinin' fer de feet dat roam, En some one's a-callin' : "Come home — come home!" En some er dese times — when de Lawd think bes' Dey'll all come home ter His lovin' bres' ! 70 'NANNETTE' O fragrant Southern Roses ! bear sweetest kisses yet To the red lips of Nannette — To the red lips of Nannette ! For I know you caught your crimson — -and the world will not forget ! — From the red lips — from the red lips of Nannette ! II O Stars! that make the dreams sweet, match all your jewels set With the bright eyes of Nannette — With the bright eyes of Nannette ! For I know you caught your bright light — and the skies will not forget ! — From the dreams there, in the bright eyes of Nannette ! 6 y t Little Folks Down South III O Autumn! with your tresses with dews of morning wet, Braid the brown hair of Nannette — Braid the brown hair of Nannette! But spread where Love lies dreaming, the soft, the silken net Of the brown hair — of the brown hair of Nannette ! 72 THE BABY'S RIDE A baby on a bicycle went round the world so wide, Through valleys sweet with violets, but Love was at her side; And all the roses climbed to kiss the wavy golden curls, And the wind spread all the blossoms and the sky rained down its pearls. Round and round the world so wide — Love's the dearest, sweetest guide ; Love said: "That way," Love said: "This — You shall. pay me with a kiss!" A baby went on a bicycle round the world — as far As the moon is from the meadows and the stream is from the star; And the violet whispered: "Wait for me" — the white rose whispered : "Stay !" And the morning-glories climbed the gate and went the baby's way ! Round and round the world so wide — Love was still the baby's guide ; 73 Little Folks Down South Love said: "That way," Love said: "This — You shall pay me with a kiss !" A baby on a bicycle went round the world — but Love Set all the birds to singing and lit the lamps above ; And the heather bells — they chimed the hours, and lilies marked the way, And the wild winds sang in music and the Winter dreamed in May. Round and round the world so wide — Love was still the baby's guide ; Love said : "That way," Love said : "This — You shall pay me with a kiss!" 74 RHYME OF THE LITTLE BOY-KING Oh, the little boy-king Hath his sword at his side. ( He's a dear little thing, And his mother's own pride!) He has vessels to sail in And chargers to ride; And the little boy-king Hath his sword at his side. Oh, the little boy-king — He can swim, he can ride ; But they won't do a thing To that sword at his side ! They'll take it and break it, And scatter it wide, For it's really too big For a little king's side ! 75 HIS DADDY TAKES HIS PART His mammy's always a-whippin' him — Lord bless his little heart ! But he looks jest like his daddy, An' his daddy takes his part ! Never have teched him in my life, — Can't stand ter see 'em start The tears that rise in his bright blue eyes, — So, his daddy takes his part. Never 'pears ter be doin' wrong : Sayin' o' things so smart, I stand an' stare — fer he ain't four year ! — So, his daddy takes his part. An' he seems ter know it, fer sometimes, he Climbs up ter my arms — poor heart ; An' gives me a kiss like this — an' this, — Kaze his daddy takes his part ! His mammy's always a-whippin' him — But I ain't got the heart, Fer he looks jest like his daddy, An' his daddy takes his part ! 7 6 JESSIE TENNILLE ANDERSON THE QUEEN OF THE REGIMENT [The youngest child of a living confederate general, the daughter of General "Tige" Anderson, of famous war memory.] A little queen o' the regiment! One in her glance divines That she looks away where the bugles play — over the cheering lines ! That she looks away, and a "Hip-Hooray !" rings from the ranks around ; And the boys will battle for her where Love is the bat- tle-ground ! II A little queen of the regiment ! and we see in her eyes to-day The glance o' the brave old general who once led the boys in gray ! 77 Little Folks Down South Is she thinking now of the phantom fields where his dauntless blade gleamed bright — As it flashed amain o'er the war-swept plain in the glory of the fight ? Ill O for the laurels he won in war ! but what are they all to this — To a little queen o' the regiment whose lips are his own to kiss ! What were the wreaths that bound his brow when Peace with her blessings crowned him, To the love that shines in the child-eyes now — to the arms she twines around him ! IV O little queen o' the regiment, crowned of the skies above, The rippling banner over you is the banner bright of Love! And fair be your way forever — splendid your dreams and joys In the arms of your country's hero, with "Hip-Hoo- ray!" from the boys! 78 RECOMPENSE So many sorrows had beset my way I thanked God for the dying of the day. The shadows gloomed above my hopeless path, And even life's roses veiled red thorns of wrath. So that I railed at Fortune or at Fate, When little feet came pattering to the gate. And lips that leaned to kiss me sweetly smiled, And life seemed lovelier for a little child ! O, truest love, that comforts in our need ! Is it not writ, "A little child shall lead"? 79 THE FAMILY OPINION Daddy says, boys— they must stick to the farm; No use in raisin' a row. Cities will do you a worl' full o' harm. (Daddy he wants me to plow!) Mother says, boys — they must stick to the home; Livin' in cities ain't cheap. Boy got run over who wanted to roam. (Mother, she wants me to sweep!) Sister's the sensiblest one o' the lot ; Says it's the right thing to go. Work in the fields in the summer is hot. (Sister's a-ketchin' a beau!) 80 HE WHISTLED ON THE WAY No deeds of fame enshrined his name — No laurel-wreath or bay ; And yet he made earth happier : He whistled on the way ! When sorrow frowned and stars were drowned In stormy skies and gray, He saw the light stream through the night: He whistled on the way ! And even grief found sweet relief — Hope shed a brighter ray, And hearts he knew not blessed him For whistling on the way ! And when from life's dark shadows He passed into the day They wrote above this line of love : "He whistled on the way!" 81 THE LITTLE WAIFS We won't have no Chris'mus To come an' make us glad, 'Cos we ain't got no mother, Ner father — like we had. It don't come to no place like this : — We's orphants — that's thes what we is! But Johnny — he's too little To know our parunts' dead ; An' he thes waits fer Santy Claus An' hears him on the shed ; An' he's hung them stocks er his, Thes like folks knowed wher orphants is! But Sis an' me — we's older, An' we thes keep awake An' ask God, please sen' Santy Claus Only fer Johnny's sake. 'Cos he's done hung them socks er his, Thes like God knowed wher orphants is! 82 THE OLD-TIME CIRCUS CLOWN I wonder where's the circus clown, with all his fun an' noise — The feller who jest ruled the ring when you an* me were boys ? There's lots o' funny fellers now that travel with the show ; But where's the old-time circus clown we all knowed long ago ? I remember, like 'twas yesterday, his every smile and frown — The capers that he cut up when the circus come to town ; How the old ringmaster nagged him ; all his frolic and his fuss ; Jest the best thing in the circus — was the old-time clown to us! When he smiled, we fell to laughin' ; when he laughed, we give a shout ! We was always watching for him and a-follerin' him about ; 83 Little Folks Down South He use to come so reg'lar that we knowed him, up and down ; He was sociable an' friendly — was the old-time circus clown. We would jump behind his wagon, when he wasn't tell- in' jokes, An' he'd give a grin o' welcome ; maybe ask us how's the folks? Ijle knowed the little boys an' gyrls from Billville clean to Brown, An' they loved him — every one o' them — the old-time circus clown. I wonder where he's gone to now? The circus comes along, An' the steam pianner's playin' of a screechy sort o' song; There's half a dozen painted chaps in every street pa- rade ; But their fun is mighty solemn to the fun the old clown made! 8 4 Old-Time Circus Clown I wonder what's become o' him ? I guess they've laid him by; Warn't used to three-ringed circuses an' women kickin' high; He kinder saw his time was up ; the circus lights growed dim, An' he couldn't see the faces of the old boys cheerin' him. He's gone an' gone forever, but on every circus day, When I sit with all the children where the new clowns prance an' play, My old eyes grow right misty, an' a tear comes tum- blin' down From a old-time circus feller, for the old-time circus clown ! 85 TO A LITTLE ONE The way is long for thee, dear one, But 'tis the same way I have trod ; I cannot say: "This evil shun, Or take this way that leads to God." Find thou the way with thy frail feet, Even as I have found it sweet ! I cannot say: "Beware the thorn!" Because, above it climbs the rose ; Nor whisper: "Night will follow morn." For stars will shine at daylight's close. Find thou the light and darkness fleet, Even as I have found them, sweet ! And yet, for only thy dear sake, The tenderest prayer that thrills my breast Is that the kind, good God shall make A world of roses for thy rest ! But thou must find, with thy dear feet, The thorn or rose — as I have, sweet ! 86 NO TIME FOR TROUBLE Ain't got no time fer trouble — fer Billy's at the gate With a little wilier basket that is wrigglin' with the bait ; An' the river looks inviting an' it's shady as kin be, An' fer all the fish that's bitin', thar's a fish '11 wait fer me Down by the river — Life is like a song, An' the yaller perch air bitin' The rosy mornin' long ! Ain't got no time fer trouble — fer weather's mighty fine, An' I see the worm wriggle on the fur end o' the line ; The mockin'-birds air singin' in the blossoms all eroun', But the best the weather's bringin' is the cork a-goin' down! Down by the river — Life is like a song, An' the yaller perch air bitin* The rosy mornin' long ! 7 87 ONE OF THE FAITHFUL ["Mammy" Hester Ann Buffington in the ninety- third year of her age, the faithful and beloved nurse of three generations.] Crossed — the last dim river — ended now the way : Faithful in life's winter, and singing in its May: Love that still was loyal — love that nothing craves — Hands that rocked Life's cradle and wreathed with flowers its graves. Stormy days or sunny, Knowing not to roam Till that— "Good-by, honey:— Mammy's gwine Home!" Toiling, ever faithful : by those hands caressed Childhood left its playthings — climbing to her breast: And the old, sweet songs she sang us in twilight shadows deep ! . . . "Sing us all to sleep, Mammy — sing us all to sleep !" 88 One of the Faithful In Life's storm or splendor, Knowing not to roam Till that farewell tender: — "Mammy's gwine Home!" And I think somewhere the angels — far from this world of sighs, Let the first light of Heaven dawn on the dying eyes ; And they said there, of the angels, as they felt the shad- ows creep : — "They are singing you to sleep, Mammy, they are sing- ing you to sleep !" And the Lord — he will deliver ! . . . And to the lives that roam Comes that echo o'er Death's River : — "Mammy's safe at Home!" 8 9 ALL ABOARD We've forgotten all the rain: Doves o'er meadows wingin'; Yonder comes the picnic train An' mockin'-birds are singin'! 90 THE MOCKING-BIRD De mockin'-bird done fol' his wing En hide away f um snow ; You ain't a-gwine ter heah him sing; De weather freeze him so! He say: "I'll keep my music Ontell de roses grow; I foF my wing : I des won't sing 'Twell sunshine cl'ar de snow. "My chillun, dey done flewed away, Though I been love 'em so ; Dey gone ter whar de springtime stay, En lef ' me in de snow ! "En so, I'll keep my music While all de blizzards blow ; You ain't a-gwine ter heah me sing In dis heah sleet en snow!" 91 WITH JOHNNY'S KITE Where's that spool o' thread o' mother's ? Not a living soul can guess ! Where's that very pretty pattern That was cut from sister's dress? Where are all the silken tassels Of the curtains ? Out of sight ! And we can not hope to find 'em, For they're up with Johnny's kite ! Where are father's new suspenders That he hasn't worn a week? Where's the saddle-girth and bridle? Let the household standard speak! Where's the flour we bought for breakfast? In a scattered paste of white ! All the household's topsy-turvy And gone up with Johnny's kite ! 92 "SOME OF THESE DAYS" "Some of these days" — that's the way that we sing it: "Some of these days" — so the merry bells ring it; In the dark o' the ways All the stars are ablaze O'er the dreams that are leading to "Some of these days!" II "Some of these days" — that's the old song forever: Life will reach heights crowning every endeavor ; And prayer will be praise Where anthems we'll raise In the beautiful sunrise of "Some of these days!" Ill "Some of these days" — that's the way for the singing! "Some of these days" — let the bells keep a-ringing! Though sorrow betrays And the thorns choke the ways, God's roses will bloom for us "Some of these days!" 93 HIS SERMONS Wen de HT chillun cry Ez de col' win' wailin' by, Does you clothe 'urn, does you feed 'urn ? Tell me dat ! Ef you don't yo' chance is slim Wen you reach de sight er Him Who show you whar' de liT chillun at ! Do de liT chillun say, Ez you walkin' long yo' way : "De good Lawd sont 'im ter us!" Tell me dat! Ef dey don't, you'll never rise Ter dem mansions in de skies What' de mostest er de liT chillun at ! 94 THE HOME CALLING Far off the hills are calling where fair the country shines And the brown thrush pipes his treble in the tangle of the vines ; I hear the dews a-falling where the meadow-daisies foam, And hills and streams are calling: "Come home — come home — come home I" I hear it in the blowing of the wild winds o'er the dells— The singing of the mocking-birds, the ringing of the bells ; In twilight shadows falling on fields I loved to roam — That low, sweet calling — calling: "Come home — come home — come home!' , It tinkles in the fountains — that message sweet to me; It echoes o'er the mountains and sings across the sea ; The bee is in the blossom, the lark flies o'er the loam, And Love with yearning bosom calls still : "Come home — come home!" 95 Little Folks Down South "Come home!" The sad winds sing it across the rip- pled rills ; "Come homer The glad bells ring it: "The night is on the hills !" "Come home! The lights are shining to guide the feet that roam." And on Love's breast reclining in dreams my heart goes home! 9 6 A RAIN SONG What de use er sighin' Kase it cloudy overhead? Sky is des a-cryin' Kase de sun is gone ter bed ! Can't be always sunny — Hush, my liT one! Go ter sleep, my honey, En you'll wake up in de sun! Go ter sleep — Go ter sleep; Dar's gold in de rainbow, en you gwine ter git a heap ! Ain't it time fer bringin' Er de dark along? Ain't de rain a-singin' Of a by-by song? Close yo' eyes, my honey — Hush, my liT one! Can't be always sunny, — But you'll wake up in de sun! Go ter sleep — Go ter sleep; Dar's gold in de rainbow, en you gwine ter git a heap ! 97 THE KITE MAKER I Uncle Jerry is a good one — thes as good as good kin be; He always is a-makin' of the bestest things for me! An' he says : "Thes like a kite, in this worl', from left to right, They's lots o' folks a-flyin', but they dunno whar to light!" II Uncle Jerry is a good one — he worke, an' talks, an' sings, An' thes keeps on a-tellin' of the skeeriest o' things ! But he says: "Thes like a kite, in this worl', from left to right, They's lots o' folks a-flyin', but they dunno whar to light!" 98 THE TOILER'S DREAM I He looks beyond the shadows of the west — The day's dull labor done — To the white city of eternal rest Where shines a deathless sun. II Long was the toil and thorn-strewn was the road, But toil and pain must cease ; Rest for the weary, and the lifted load In violet-vales of Peace. Ill On his dim vision dawns the lovelier day — The cloudless morn and bright, And unseen angels beckon him away Where there is no more Night. iLcfC. 99 THE SEED DROPPER I I drap de seed in de furrow — so, En I pray de Lawd fer de seed ter grow Wen de warm sun shine en de cool win* blow In de harvest over yander ! II I drap de seed, en I thinks I see De green blades bendin' down ter me, En de reapers singin' fur en free In de harvest over yander ! Ill En de seed — it sleep in its rainy bed 'Twel de sun shine down fum overhead, En it sho' ter bring my daily bread In de harvest over yander ! 100 THE WIND AND THE DREAMS Across the dew-sweet meadows and over vales and streams The wind is not a dreamer, but he's ever whispering dreams ! In quiet, hidden places — fields where they sow and reap, Forever and forever he sings the world to sleep! And it's love-time and dream-time By valleys, hills, and streams, And life is with the daisies, And Love is with the dreams! He wafts to you the music of the dove's delighted wings, In the swaying vines he's saying just innumerable things ! And he knows the sweet home-places where the morn- ing-glories creep, — And the children's rosy faces, and he sings them all to sleep ! IOI Little Folks Down South And it's love-time and dream-time By all the hills and streams, And life is with the daisies, And Love is with the dreams! 102 RECOMPENSE Round and round the old world goes; Ain't she hard to beat? Gives a thorn with every rose, But every rose is sweet! 103 RAIN What of the rain? Each drop of dew From clouds that hide a bend of blue, Falls on a rose that blooms for you! 104 THE CHRISTMAS CHILDREN "How many days till Christmas ?" They're countin , 'em one by one; "How many days To the frosty ways Where the beautiful reindeer run?" "How many days till Christmas ?" Let 'em hasten o'er hill and plain! Story and song — Let 'em speed along, And we'll all be boys again! 105 A FISHERMAN'S OPINION The fellers studyin' — writin' In the dusty, rusty town, Kin feel the fish a-bitin' — See the cork a-goin' down ! But the sunshine is a-tanglin' Of the shadders whar I stay, An' the honeysuckle's danglin' Whar I ketch 'em every day! 106 HIS FIRE TALK Red Fire in De chimbly-place ; Show me now My Sweetheart face! Red Fire answer: "Face too black Ter show off well On de chimbly-back !" 107 IN MISTY DAYS Mist on the mountain And mist on the plain, (If you thanked God for sunshine, Still thank Him for rain!) Why should a fellow Of winter complain When Love leads the roses To sunshine again? 108 THE RAINBOW If you don't give in to trouble — If you only stand your ground, You'll find the rainbow's riches When the world turns round! 109 CHRISTMAS JOYS Bear with the trouble that's but for a day. (Turkeys an' pies for Christmas!) Winter must come ere the bloom o' the May. (Turkeys an' pies for Christmas!) No use in sighin' that Sorrow stays long ; Thorns will be found where the sweet flowers throng ; Back o' the sorrow there's ever a song. (Turkeys an' pies for Christmas!) no MAYTIME IN AUTUMN I Out and away With a summery day When keen should the cool winds be blowing ; Here's May in October, With roses to robe her, And meadows where daisies are growing! II Trees bending down With the green o'er the brown; Vines just a-swaying and swinging; And hark! from the dells Music sweeter than bells Floats skyward. — The Mocking-bird's singing ! Ill Out and away! And the rose-dreams of May — Gold-gleams where each sun-circled hill is; If the little boy's lost Where the red leaves are tossed, You'll find him asleep in the lilies! in OUR FRIEND "BOBWHITE" In the brisk October weather, In meadows of delight, Once more the keen, clear calling Of old "Bobwhite"! What visions sweet it brings us! How Youth-time comes in sight ! When Love listened with his sweetheart To old "Bobwhite." The pathway through the woodlands — The stream with ripples bright ; The grainy fields and golden Of old "Bobwhite"! Is Youth-time gone forever — Its loves like birds in flight ? Nay ! — Memory is music When sings "Bobwhite"! 112 IN SPRING ATTIRE The valley like a dream appears, In gorgeous colors dressed; And now the smiling meadow wears A daisy on her breast. ll 3 A LITTLE NEW YEAR SONG Oh, New Year, Be true year To all our hearts and hands! Oh, year so new, Bring skies of blue, And sunlight to the land! Oh, New Year, Be true year To age and hopeless youth ; Let every day Still pass away In God's white light of truth! Oh, New Year, Be true year, True to the soil and sea; A beacon-light, That in the night Mankind may look to thee! 114 MARCELLE Whither went Marcelle — Marcelle — She whom I had loved so well? Not the winds that swept the dell, Not the singing birds would tell Whither went Marcelle — Marcelle! Whither went Marcelle — Marcelle? Not a hidden heather bell, Not a violet blowing sweet, Not a daisy at her feet — Not a bud, a bloom would tell Whither went Marcelle — Marcelle ! Need I ask them? Is it well, Since they love Marcelle — Marcelle? Since the rival roses stir, Reddening to the lips of her? Since the blossoms, blown above her, Hide her, whispering, "We love her!" 115 Little Folks Down South Since the violets are sweeter For the thought that they shall meet her? Since the winds on land and sea Kiss her curls away from me? Heart of mine, cans't thou not tell Whither went Marcelle — Marcelle? 116 THE WELCOME HOME When twilight bells are ringing sweet And evening echoes greet me, My happy heart seems singing sweet Of some one who will meet me. Of blue eyes 'neath a golden crown — Dear eyes! that watch and wait — And little footsteps pattering down The pathway to the gate. Though sad the toil, in barren soil, Though Fortune has not found me, I know that night will bring me light And twine two arms around me! And let the day be gold or gray — What thought so sweet as this: "It drifts and dreams my darling's way, Who keeps for me a kiss." O love of life, and strength in strife ! O joy, to sorrow given! O dear child-eyes that make life's skies, And earth as sweet as heaven! 117 Little Folks Down South I still can bear with grief and care And face the storms to be, If Love, the comforter, will share The crust — the crumbs, with me! 118 HIS BEST LOVE He say he love his daddy Fur ez de eas' fum wes', But I bet you dat he lovin' Of his mammy still de bes' ! Des let him make his choosin' — Don't anybody stir! I bet you he'll be reachin' Of his HT arms to her! Kaze why? He sho' would tell you- But he des kin coo en creep, En now her arms is roun' him En she rockin' him ter sleep! 119 TALKING OF BOB Talk 'bout Bob, by day or night, Why, Bob's all right! It ain't so many days ago I saw him wadin' through the snow To help a poor soul to the light: — Yes! Bob's all right! Talk 'bout Bob, by day or night — Why, Bob's all right! 'Pears like it was but yesterday I saw him go a beggar's way, To lead his blind steps to the light: — Yes! Bob's all right! Talk 'bout Bob, by day or night — Why, Bob's all right! It ain't a day or night ago He made a lonely fireside glow, And made a dark soul see the light: — Yes! Bob's all right! 1 2o A HAPPY JINGLE Never mind the lonely way, Black storm in the sky, Winter'll find a rose of May — "Good times by an' by!" Sorrow never comes to stay, Song for every sigh; Darkness lost in perfect day — "Good times by an' by!" Evermore a sunny ray When the storm is high; Tune your voice an' sing away- "Good times by an' by!" 121 ON THE ROAD On the road to Happiness — Bound fer happy lands; There we go a-singin' — All a-holdin' hands! "Hooray!" from the soldiers- Music from the bands ! On the road to happiness — And the lamps alight! Hurry up the rear ranks — Green hills are in sight! "Hooray!" from the soldiers- See! — the morning light! 122 THE LIGHT OF MORNING It's a sigh and a song — but we're driftin' along To vales where the daisies and violets throng ; With courage that fails not — with faith that is strong, We drift to the light of the morning! ii Though bitter the crosses — the sorrows and cares, We look to the future — the beautiful years ; And light glimmers bright through the rain of our tears — We drift to the light of the morning! in And life takes on beauty, and splendidly beams The light on the hillside — the valleys and streams; And sorrow is only an echo of dreams As we drift to the light of the morning! 123 HINTS OF FALL-TIME Breeze a-blowin' from the north — Feelin' mighty chilly! Roses all a-hidin' out — Shiverin' leans the lily! Mellow sunlight streamin' down — Hints of autumn bringing Green a-glimmerm' to brown — Happy reapers singin' ! Wagons rumblin' on the way — Gins the cotton packin' ; Boys a-rollin' in the hay — Teamster's whips a-crackin\ Milder sun an' golden moon — Cheerful fires a-blazin'; Every fiddle well in tune, An* life an' love amazin' ! 124 THE GUEST UNWELCOME Mister Summer, ain't you gwine ? Hit's a purty how- dy do Dat you loafin' roun' de fall-time, lak de worP wuz made fer you! You better up en go Fo' dey pelt you wid de snow — Yo' roses en yo* violet s'll be freezin' fo' dey know! How come you wants ter tarry w'en you know yo' time is pas' — Wen you lookin' old en wrinkled in de river lookin'- glass ? You better up en go 'Fo' de roads is white wid snow — You lookin' mighty feeble, en yo' fire burnin' low ! Dey ain't no use in stayin', or in grievin' fer yo' loss: We wants ter see de 'possum, en de punkin spice wid fros'! Yo' hair is gray, I know — Dat's a sign hit's time ter go! You better ketch de wagon fo' dey track you in de snow ! 125 A HUMBLE CITIZEN I goin' my ways in de Christmas days— I 'umble ez kin be, En ever' man whar de Christmas stays Git's "Mawnin', suh!" fum me. I HP my hat like dis — en dat, I 'umble ez kin be, En ever' man whar de Christmas at Git's "Christmas gif ' !" fum me. 126 LOST AWAY Something is lost away From Christmas skies so fair, Dear, is it that to-day I see your vacant chair ? I can not sing or say — But the loneliness is there. Something is lost away: A touch — a glance — a tone That gave God's skies of gold or gray A beauty not their own. I can not sing or say, But dream my dreams alone. Something is lost away: "O heart, be brave and strong!" (So to my heart I say.) "Sing thou a sweeter song!" But dear, life is so brief a day, And eternity so long! 127 SOMETIME Sometime — sometime t'ings is gwine ter be Better f er de country en better, too, f er me ; Dar'U be turkeys on de hen-roos', en 'possums up de tree, En we'll all sing "glory" in de mawnin' ! Sometime — sometime — storm a-blowin' high, De clouds'll cry dey eye out, en de win'll push 'em by, En we'll see a purty rainbow des a-runnin' roun' de sky, En we'll all sing "glory" in de mawnin' ! 128 A SNOWY WINTER'S NIGHT Life has lots of beauty — Life has lots of bright When the sparks fly up the chimney On a snowy winter's night; And the children's eyes are beaming With loveliness and light. What though the summer roses Have faded from my sight; That spring is but a memory, And all her birds in flight? If the children's eyes are beaming With loveliness and light? 129 A SONG BY THE WAYSIDE Too much o' the summer sun, Too much winter rainin'; But day by day We walk the way : "What's the use complainin' ?" Too much sighin' for the song — Little grace for gamin' ; Too much toil On sea an' soil, But "What's the use complainin' ?" Too much tears, an' doubts, an' fears; But there's a rest remainin'; Earth has love An' heaven's above, — "What's the use complainm' ?" 130 MISTER COLD WAVE Mister CoP Wave comin , — Weather-man, he say; Soon be froze In summer cloze — Chillun, cl'ar de way! Mister Col' Wave comin' — Comin' 'long ter stay; Rise en shine! Dat 'possum's mine,— Chillun, cl'ar de way! Pile dem oak log higher: — What de Col' Wave say? "Toas' yo' feet, En roas' yo' meat," — Chillun, cl'ar de way! *3 l THE BRIGHTER DAY Oh, a brighter day's a-comin , Like a regiment a-drummin' ; You can hear the bees a-hummin , Where the roses drip with dew; An* the spring her love is sending The storm a rainbow's bendin* With promises unendin' Over you! Somewhere the birds are singin' ; Somewhere the bells are ringin', An' mornin' sw T eet is bringm' Better tidin's from the blue. There's a song in every hour, A rose in every bower, And every sweet, sweet flower Is for you ! 132 PROVIDENTIAL TROUBLES De cyclone blowed Br'er Jinkins In de tip-top er de tree, En dar he foun' a beegum Wid honey flowin' free ! Oh, my chillun, Providence is wise ! Dunno but de cyclone May blow you ter de skies! Br'er Williams in de dark night — He los', en gone astray; De cloud let slip de lightnin', En lightnin' blaze de way! Oh, my chillun, Providence is wise! Dunno but de lightnin' Will light yo' ter de skies ! De ship dar, in de tempes' — De billows fret en foam ; J 33 Little Folks Down South Dey pitch Br'er Thomas ter a star Dat rise right close his home! Oh, my chillun, Providence is wise! You dunno but de big sea Will toss you ter de skies ! 134 THE LITTLE TALKER Folks dunno what he sayin' — dis chubby liT man, En yit, his mammy tell urn she know, en onderstan'! He skacely is a-creepin' — hit's long befo' hell walk, En yit, she say: "Lawd bless 'im! — Des lissen how he talk!" Wid a "Goo, goo, goo!" En "I wonders who is you?" "He talk des lak a angel, en dey lissen at 'im, too!" His Uncle come ter see 'im, en den his mammy low He des in time! — "My sweetes', talk fer yo' Uncle now!" En he say "Goo, goo!" — ez usual, — reach fer his Uncle's hat, En his Uncle say: "My gracious! What kind er talk- ill's dat?" Wid a "Goo, goo, goo!" En "I wonders who is you?" "He talk des lak a angel, en dey lissen at 'im, too!" 10 135 Little Folks Down South But his mammy take up fer 'im, ez he squallin', high en low: "His Uncle hu't his feelin's — hit's a shame ter treat 'im so! He des a grum ole bachelder what laid up on de she'f — I wisht he had er dozen er dese sweetnesses hisse'f!" Wid a "Goo, goo, goo!" En "I wonders who is you ?" "He talk des lak a angel, en he half a angel, too." 136 THE FALL-TIME CHILDREN De sun shine over de hilltop En light up de fiel' en town, En dar liT Mis'ry Jinkins Playin' wid Happiness Brown. ii En dar liT Webfoot Williams, Frisian' de orchard 'roun', En sweet liT Bowleg Tomkins Shakin' de apples down. in En yander Charity Hopeful, En Innocence Johnson, sweet; My! what a worl' er sunshine! — Chillun is hard ter beat ! l Z7 THE STORY OF THE WOOD What said the Wood in the fire To the little boy that night — The little boy of the golden hair, As he rocked himself in his little armchair — When the blaze was burning bright ? The Wood said : "See What they've done to me! I stood in the forest, a beautiful tree, And waved my branches from east to west, And many a sweet bird built its nest In my leaves of green That loved to lean In springtime over the daisies' breast ! "From the blossoming dells Where the violet dwells The cattle came with their clanking bells And rested under my shadows sweet ; And the winds that went over the clover and wheat 138 The Story of the Wood Told me all that they knew Of the flowers that grew In the beautiful meadows that dreamed at my feet ! "And the wild wind's caresses Oft rumpled my tresses ; But sometimes, as soft as a mother's lip presses On the brow of the child of her bosom, it laid Its lips on my leaves, and I was not afraid ! And I listened, and heard The small heart of each bird As it beat in the warm nest the mother had made ! "And in springtime sweet faces Of myriad graces * Came beaming and gleaming from flowery places; And under my grateful and joy-giving shade, With cheeks like primroses the little ones played ; And the sunshine in showers Through all the bright hours Bound their beauteous ringlets with silvery braid. "And the lightning Came brightening From far skies, and frightening 139 •V! Little Folks Down South The wandering birds that were tossed by the breeze And tilted like ships on black, billowy seas ! But they flew to my breast, And I rocked them to rest, While the trembling vines clustered and clung at my knees ! "But how soon," said the Wood, "Fades the memory of good ! Though with sheltering love and sweet kindness I stood. The forester came with his ax gleaming bright, And I fell like a giant, all shorn of his might ! Yet still there must be Some sweet mission for me : For have I not warmed you and cheered you to-nigh i So said the Wood in the fire To the little boy that night — The little boy of the golden hair, As he rocked himself in his little armchair — - When the blaze was burning bright. 140 ^m H H • 41