BUDS OF PROMISE BY PEGGY REID Monroe Evening News Company Monroe, Mich. Copyrighted 1921 By Peggy Reid SEP 14 1921 ' - g)Cl,A622790 To My Dear and Honored Mother My Most Gentle Critic I Dedicate My First Book of Verse P.R. PREFACE Dr. Johnson says there is no mercy for a book. This is true and in the superlative degree for the hrst book of a poet. Such books seem to be the special meat on which small critics gloat. Byron was quickened to action by such, Keats unjustly said to have been killed by it and Tennyson by the same means silenced for ten years. Such criticism is critical hydrophobia. Any person of wisdom and virtue must know that a first book will not only show the various limitations of personality- and endowment but reasonably, naturally, and necessarily, it must show undevelopment and inexperience. It will show narrowness, disproportion, man- nerisms, echoes and techh'ical imperfections. These must be in any apprenticeship book. The real question should be, does this book reveal any of the essential qualities ot poetry and offer any ground for hoping for a real contri- bution. In this first book I believe there are some real promises. The most important quality here is the spiritual reality. This is not always regarded as such but it is the absolutely essential quality of poetry. This comes direct from the soul. It does not come from the head and is not doctored by the eye and ear. There is no sign of effort or strain, none of the cleverness or smartness that is so deadly, and no pretentions to talent or genius. It is a straight, honest, natural and direct utterance out of th^ heart and like all such realities, it has spontaneity and appeal. I do not see or feel a falsetto line or note in it. It is simple, sincere and vital. That cannot be a small virtue which is the very soul of all good poetry. The thought qualities are not especially marked. This is not rich, passionate, original or creating. These could hardly be expected from a freshman school girl and from work written in her first teen years Life, experience and growth will supply these later. The most promising indication of this first book is along the line of beauty. There is here something of that light "in which all things work and move." There is some- thing of grace, form, content, proportion, ideal relation, expression of inner being, glimpse of the divine or what- ever else we may call beauty. The hard, rough, lean and gaunt touch is absent. The themes, treatment and expres- sion rise up and fit into the finer senses of being. The "night songs" are evidence of this and some portion of these bear the genuine artistic stamp of nature on them. They are so above the common and have such a fine grace of soul that our esthetic sense li touched, wakened and led out to dream. Some of the smaller and commonplace sub- jects are redeemed and made significant by this quaMty. These approaches to and suggestion of the perfect that constitute the beautiful are manifest here in parts, a few times in wholes, and clearly seem an index finger pointing to a better beauty in the future. The sphere of the work need hardly be mentioned. It is between nature and the religious spirit. Her best pro- ductions are on these subjects. The former speaks for itself and a word on the latter may be in place. The teen life is generally regarded as reliigous, possessing the "reverence for the dreams of youth" but there are few old and still fewer young that are religious in this sense. This religious utterance is elemental, universal and so sane that it ex- presses the desire of life's higher and wisest spirits. "He Leadeth Me" is a hymn of such depth and reality that it can express the ripest and wisest of soul. Neither the ex- perience or expression is common and both are genuine prophecies of a future still more excellent. All lovers of poetrj' will wish that this young author will live and grow in the spirit of life, nature, literature and wisdom, which is ever religious. We welcome her to the fellowship of the poets. Poetry for the creators arid appreciators is its own exceeding great reward even if we do exeperience another word of Dr. Johnson on the critic and life in general: He judges the dead by their best And those that are quick by their worst, So these are immortal and blest And these are forever more. David Chalmers Nimmo, Detroit, 4-17-21. CONTENTS Wordsworth 9 Nature 10 To the Moon 11 The Brook's Melody. . 12 Night 13 The Moon 14 Evening 15 Sleep , 15 Shadows 16 October Again 17 The Afterglow 16 Nature's Life 18 Longings 20 The Evening Star 19 March 20 April 21 May 22 June 23 Spring Time 24 Invitation 25 Night Soul 26 Morning ► 27 Melodies 28 The Lily 29 The Shepherdess .... 30 A Vision 31 Poet Sense 32 So 13 Youth 33 The Flower of Poetry. 34 A Lullaby 35 That Day 36 Heart Wishes 37 My Grandfather 38 The Fields of Sleep. . . 39 Western Windows . . . 40 Springtime "Over There" 41 Dreams 42 To My Angel 43 To a Child 44 I Wonder 45 Word and Desire 46 Perception 47 The New Year 48 The Winds of God. . . 49 Dreaming 50 Christmas Carol 51 Behind the Veil 52 A Child's Wish 53 The Easter Rose 54 He Leadeth Me 55 The Novice 56 Eastern Windows .... 37 Soul Desire 53 Morning After the Storm 59 The Ross That Grows in Flander's Field . . 60 The Lamp of Slumber. 61 "Poetry was all written before time was, find when- ever we are so finely organized that we can penetrate into that region where the air is music, we hear those primal warblings, and attempt to write them down, but we lose ever and anon a word, or a verse, and substitute something of our own, and thus miswrite the poem." — Emerson. WORDSWORTH Thou mighty poet. Nature's highest priest Who, like a gleaming star Rose from the glowing east Clothed by the Muse in shining raiment bright. Glowed in thy gentle breast That fair celestial light! Oh wondrous prophet; nature's bard sublime! We hear thy echoing voice. Through all the season's chime In thy heavenly songs we feel The inmost truths thou didst reveal To waking hearts — through nature fair Her heaven born gifts, so rich and rare. O rapturous muse, with God thou didst comn^une. The spirit of the universe Thou wert with Him in tune — The lifting power of thy strain Renews our inmost strength again To higher realms of poesy. Thou leadst us, by thy minstrelsy. Immortal poet, thy theme was all divint. No tributes are too great To place upon thy shrine A messenger of truth, who stood Above this world of strife Inspired genius, unsurpassed, A fountain pure of life. 9 NATURE A falling star, A floating clouH. A bird that sings Both clear and loud, A dancing leaf, A drop of dew A mossy bank A violet blue — The sun, the moon. The azure sky. The gusty breeze That hurries by, The mead, the hill. The dimpling stream All tell us of A power supreme — The dawn of morn, The close of day. The rainbow bright. The lambs at play ; These wondrous gifts Doth nature give. To see, to know Them — is to live. 10 TO THE MOON How silently, how silently, Thd silvery moon doth glide O'er Heaven's deep, while wee stars peep And peer on every side. How like a floating swan of white The shining moon doth seem While to and fro, with motion slow. And peaceful as a dream. She moves, that scarce a wave doth stir Upon that sable sea. " As when in sleep, profound and deep The earth-bound spirit free, On quivering, throbbing wings of thought. Doth rise to realms of light, 'Mid starry gleams and trailing beams. To scale the topmost height. Thou gliding phantom of the night In spell of beauty bound, A mystic beam, on night's still stream In solemn splendor gowned. n THE BROOK'S MELODY Through a peaceful shady nook Flows a little crystal brook. Singing on its pebbled way Songs of gladness night and day. "I wreathe and whirl, I laugh and sing While flowing on my way; I catch the yellow sunbeams That on my waters play." Modest daisies on its brink Bend their pretty heads to drink Of the streamlet's waters fleet, List'ning to its music sweet. Through the leafy emerald trees Whispers soft the passing breeze. Or some magic spirite or dream Murmurs to the answering stream. Through the swaying branches stray Little, fleeting sunbeams gay. Kiss with golden lips the brook Making bright the shady nook. Sunbeams through the grasses peep Waking violets from their sleep. Softly calling: "Come, arise! See thy kin in earth and skies!" "I wreathe and whirl, I laugh and sing While flowing on my way; I catch the yellow sunbeams That on my waters play." 12 NIGHT Lo! I hear the footsteps light Of the dim and shadowed night Coming o'er the hills afar Led by even'ng's cherished star. Her darkened mantle fringed with light Is decked with silvery stars most bright. Oh listen to the singing sweet As on she comes with velvet feet. "Rest lillle birds within your nest; Ye all are safe upon my breast! Sleep, blossoms, sleep, and let your dreams Be of the morning and its gleams! Peace mortals peace! Cease ye from strife And rest upon the heart of life! Hark, hark unto the nightingale Soft warbling in the woody vale! To all around his leafy bower He sings of that sustaining power. The gentle Night who bringeth rest To all the world and souls oppressed." SO A bird is winging its lonely flight. Singing a song of sheer delight. Filling the air with its notes of glee 'Till the very dreams come forth to see ; Higher and higher it soars from sight As a pure soul wings from earth its flight. Lost in the blue and a lyric bird Is singing a song that was never heard; So the poet sings. The immortal strain Is life to those that on earth remain. 13 THE MOON The moon glides o'er her airy floor Like a lovely phantom bright. The silver stars on the shaded bars. Are prints of her footsteps light. Like a glimmering ghost, with her starry host She moves, vs^ith a measured pace A vaporous cloud, her misty shroud. She draws o'er her pale, pale face. Like a cloistered nun when her prayers are done She peers through the bars of night Though the clouds may roll and obscure her soul She floods soon the Heavens with light. Like a changing spirite through the silent night Now shining; then fading from view For she hears the beat of the Morn's fair feet As she comes through vapors of blue. 14 EVENING Treading on the skirts of Day, Evening comes, on feet of gray. On her dusky brow doth wear Her favorite shining jewel fair, Her cherished star, her glowing gem, Gleaming in her diadem. Wrapped in her misty robe of gray, She watches the angels take the day And fly with it, over beyond the sea To bury it deep in Eternity. SLEEP Come, blessed sleep. Come, soothing sleep, The soul's sweet comforter , Come, Oh come, on footsteps light Angel of the silent night ! 1 feel thy kiss upon my lips I feel thy gentle finger tips Press lightly on my drooping lids Thy loving arms about me twine Great spirit of the night divine O! wave thy opiate wand in air And banish every grief and care. 15 SHADOWS Shadows dancing, shadows flitting O'er the mossy grass Fairy phantom shapes entrancing In fleeting glory pass. Softly gliding, transient visions On a glassy stream Like dark birds on ripples riding Their pilot a moon beam. Trembling, quaking, shimmering shadows Fall on Nature's breast Downward mystic feathers shaking , From wings of angels blest. Shadows flicker, shadows quiver In the sunlight glownng To and fro they sway and bicker Then together flowing. THE AFTERGLOW The flaming sun has sunk to rest. Its last beams quiver in the west And touch with glory every crest. Slowly its rosy gleams expire Like dying notes on an angel's lyre As downward sinks the day's desire. Then across the west doth stream A shining softer golden gleam As if some trembling tearful dream Desired and reached a sudden hand And bade the softer beauty stand And feed the heart of all her band. h stood, it glowed, it fed the heart. The twilight dream did slow depart. 16 OCTOBER AGAIN Once again I am returning Garbed in robe of clearest blue; Once again my amber tresses Freely flow with mellowmg hue. Once again the flowers sadden As I strip each gold clad tree Color bright, then droop and wither As their finer spirts flee. Once again the pale leaf blushes As I whisper words of love. Colors as a lovely maiden To a lover far above. Once again my harp aeolian Plays a soft and tender strain Once again the red leaves dancing Call: "October's come again." Once, again I bring the harvest With its sheaves and golden days. Orchard trees and fields are laden In the mellow ripening haize. Once again God's precious songsters Warble sweet, their fond adieu; Once again they're flying southward Through the skies of cloudless blue. 17 NATURE'S LIFE There's a palpitating rapture In the throbbing heart of Nature Tliat fills and thrills my being With its magic, magic lore. For in its rythmic panting There lies a spell enchanting That folds and holds my Spirit In its Life forevermore. Mystic is the occult treasure Bound within its lyric measure. Gowned and crowned with song intrinsic Wrapped in meaning esoteric Like a wave upon the ocean Is its rhythmic, rhyming motion Rushing, gushing, waking, breaking Forth, in living, lilting lyric. Oh! immortal Muse, e'er glowing With the light of Fancy flowing Sweeping, leaping, with a passion That doth fill me more and more With an infinite desire For a hope that doth inspire That answers to the Spirit Of old Nature and her lore. 18 THE EVENING STAR Star light, star bright Shining in the vault of night Like an angel's watchful eye Peering downward from on high To see if all is well on earth. Fair star, rare star Hanging from an ebon bar Like a blossom white suspended From a bough of leaves that's bended With the beauty of its flower. Jewel fair, jewel rare Trembling in the lucid air Like a silver ornament Basking with a calm content Glowing on a lady's gown. Star shine, love sign Beaming with a light divine Decking like a tinselled gem The queen of night's embroidered hem Whose shadows trail into the west. i9 LONGINGS Oh stars that shine, Oh winds that blow, Oh crystal streams That murmur low! Oh leaves that dance. Oh blossoms fair, Qh clouds that float So high in air! Oh birds that sing. Oh waving trees. Bright butterflies And birds and bees! Would that my heart Could but express Your passion, life And loveliness! MARCH Howling March, with rapid pace. Streaming hair and blustering pace. Flinging measures loud and shrill, Trav'ling over lake and hill; Harbinger of gentle Spring Calling her though rough you sing; Bending boughs of leafless trees. Rendering nature's harmonies In mighty tones, in loud or low. Anger, wrath or grief or woe. Howling March so blustering loud Life is bold and strong and proud But within thy strife and noise May is coming with her joys. 20 APRIL In woven sunbeams April comes Across the vernal hills And all the earth with glory teems While Nature's spirit thrills. The heart of Nature leaps with cheer For on the throbbing air The songs of April she doth hear Like birds at morning fair. Then She — the maid of waking flowers Soon doffs her golden shroud And sheds her tears in breaking showers. While passing through a cloud. Oh! buddng trees, and winding streams Oh ! April skies of blue Flooding our hearts with springtime dreams Making our lives anew. 21 MAY The trailing garments of the May Are fringed with fragrant flowers Violets blue, and cowslips gay Bestowed by April's showers. May wears a glowing diadem Decked with many a dewy gem, Her feet have touched the valleys fair And left their rosy imprint there. Where e'er May treads, there daisies spring And Love, the life of living things So sweetly doth her praises sing In stir of leaves, and fluttering wings. Oh! Nymphs and satyrs, dance and sway, And play your pipes to greet the May She comes in panoply of gold While children bright, her train uphold. 11 JUNE Welcome fair and lovely June, Smiling brightly, skipping lightly Over grassy meadows green. Flowers bringing, sweetly singing Smiling on this beauteous scene. Glad birds greet thee, trilling sweetly Joyous notes so clear and free. A mantle green so soft serene Hangs with beauty on each tree. The happy brides, the lovers' prides Now are full eclipsed by thee. While June will reign her emerald train Is fringed with roses red. A coronet rare of lilies fair Adorns her queenly head. Rich robed in gold and raiment green June Cometh to be wed. 23 SPRING TIME 'Tis springtime on the hillside Where young lambs frisk in glee, 'Tis springtime in the budding wood And on the greening lea. 'Tis springtime in the meadows Where modest daisies blow. In garden and on purpling heath Where gorse and heather grow. 'Tis springtime in the leafy wood. And by the shimm'ring brook Where shaded scented violets grow Within the shadowed nook. 'Tis springtime in my soul to-day, Where Hope and loving thoughts hold sway When Youth and love are in the heart 'Tis Spring-time then, where e'er thou art. 24 INVITATION The criir.son leaves dance o'er the lea. Singing a soft, sweet song to me. This is the joyful lay they sing, This is the message that they bring: "Little maid, little maid So beautiful and fair. We pray thee come And dance with us O'er the meadows bare. "Little maid, little maid Come join our gleeful throng Come skip with us Come trip with us And sing our happy song." "Oh ! blushing leaves, that dance and plaj Gladly I'll sing with you, your lay I, in thought will join your band And dance with you o'er the golden land." Oh. we mortals here who dwell Thought bound in this earthly shell Let the prisoned fancy free Let it roam in ecstacy Like the scarlet leaf so gay Like the happy child at play. 25 NIGHT SOUL In sable robe the p>ensive Night, At her shining casement bright. Like a cloistered nun doth stand, Weaving with a mystic hand A rosary, of starry light. Holy, saintly spirit blest. Moon beams cross her sacred breast. On her veiled and drooping head Their eternal beauty shed. And lightly on her brow they rest. Where the mellow tapers shine. With a hallowed light divine. There, the nun, on bended knee; Before the shrine of mystery Whispers loving prayers, benign. And her prayers, like blossoms white With the calmness of the night Fall on hearts, that yearn and wait 'Till mom opes her glowing gate And Light as Love bursts on the sight 26 MORNING I hear the airy tread of mom As she with rosy finger tips Touches light, the blossom's lips; Bidding them to ope their eyes And see the glistening dew that lies C'ttering on each blade of grass. See how the lily, chaste and fair. Up rears her chalice in the air The drops of pearled dew to hold Gleaming bright as glittering gold ; A purity and beauty blest That Nature brings for morning's breast. Soaring birds are carolling clear Welcoming notes of joy and cheer. To greet the radiant morning; She comes, she comes, the lovely maid Like a blushing bride arrayed. All earth she's now adorning. 27 MELODIES How sweet are nature's melodies. The silver stream that murmurs low. The wanton winds that gently blow. Playing among the leafy trees Their sweet ethereal symphonies. The birds that warble loud and clear Their limpid, liquid notes of cheer. The brooks, the breeze, the birds that sing Their songs of welcome in the spring. The day and night and seasons change Fling melodies as on they range. Oh songs of Nature chain the ear And cleanse the heart and feed it cheer. But life's unheard sweeter strains Are nursed by nature's soft refrains. From friends, from lovers and from souls The richest, ripest music rolls. When heav'n within ourselves we find A heav'n of melodies unbind. 28 THE LILY Virgin lily chaste and pure Like a saintly nun demure Who consecrates her life to God Treading where His feet have trod. Oh ! fragrant lily sweet and fair. Shedding incense on the air, Wafted like a winged prayer To Him — who holds thee in His care. Like the Virgin fair thou art Spotless soul and golden heart Oh! place a lily on her shrine In memory of her Son divine. Sweet lily in thy beauty dressed A purity supremely blest Thy faith is in that power above Who lives in thee, whose name is "Love. 29 THE SHEPHERDESS Oh! lovely shepherdess so bright. Tending thy flocks throughout the night- O'er the deep blue fields of heaven Thy silent, starry flocks are driven. Outstretch thy shining crook on high, Fair regent of the tranquil sky. O'er thy herds that round thee play 'Till Davvn comes leading in the day. Treading the hills with lightsome foot. Calling w^ith thy silver flute Thy infant lambs into the fold Ere Phoebus doth his gates unfold. 30 A VISION Last night I dreamed a radiant dream While stars were shining bright And mute earth lay asleeping 'Neath the pale moon's glimmering light. A fair celestial garden rare And there an angel wrought And in the flowers of his care Breathed in his spirit's thought. What panting passioned flowers grew In that sweet sacred place Our earth has never dreamed the dreams Of their celestial grace. Far, far more fair than lilies white More lovely than the rose Such odors, forms and colors bright No earthly zephyr blows. And thither came diviner birds And softer vital airs And in the dream I heard the words That lifted off my cares. Then all did vanish, all was fled. As dreams fly with the night But there was glory on my head And in my heart delight. 31 POET SENSE TKe poet, Nature's worshipper Ever sees God's smiling face. In the streamlets, in the flowers He beholds His wondrous grace. He hears a voice in accents tender In low, soft winds that play. Hears God speaking in the twilight At the closing of the day. He hears the birds, God's lower choir Chant sweet their hymns of praise And the poet's heart is lifted For he understands their lays. He sees God in the rainbow's glory Glowing with His promise bright Sees Him in the waking morning When unfolds the new-born light. He sees Him when dusk's curtains falling And shadows fill the skies When the last gold thread^ has faded And the waning beauty dies. "God is nature" sings the poet — "God is love" and "God is all"-^ — If our hearts are wide and open We shall feel and hear Him call. 32 YOUTH Youth in her slender fingers white, Holds fast with cherished fond delight The rosy bud; that is to be .The flower of futurity. Fair youth, with wide expectant eyes Blue as summer's rifted skies At her gilded casement stands Waiting there with outstretched hands. Gazing on the great wide world. That hath to her its charms unfurled The heart and soul of childhood teems With radiant visions, hopeful dreams. Throbbing life so warm and glowing Through youth's pulsing being flowing Kindling with a mystic fire Youth's fond hopes and high desire. 33 THE FLOWER OF POESY A heavenly flower, fragrant and rare, Blooms in my radiant dream garden fair, A source of peace and joy to me. This tender flower of poesy. From life's tempests e'er defended. By white handed Hope attended. Its petals fair, ope to the light Holds in its heart a promise bright. 'Tis my aim in futurity. To pluck this flower of poesy, Its hidden meaning I would find. Deep as the sea, strong as the wind. Sweet blossom, let thy Censer swing O'er the wide world its perfume fling Filling all hearts, with calm content And be to me a sacrament. 34 A LULLABY Dearest baby, close your eyes And mother will sing sweet lullabies. While o'er thy swaying cradle streams. And glance and dance, the pale moonbeams. The Lady Moon with stately step Doth mount her lofty throne. She sits a queen in bright array To watch her starry zone. Her silver mantle lightly falls Upon the peaceful land. She tends her bowers of silver flowers With light and loving hand. Each blossom is a thought of love That rises as a prayer. The Lady Moon doth weave them bright In lovely garlands fair. There are bright dreams and flowers sweet Around the Lady Moon. Now down to earth they're falling soft And round thy cradle strewn. Then dream my dear, dear baby Of moonlight and of flowers. Of morning and the warbling birds In green and leafy bowers. 35 . "THAT DAY" That day like some departing guest Slow lingered in the violet west, Still gazing with reluctant sorrow Upon the earth that waits the morrow. 1 hat day, it wore a halo bright And shimmering robes of rainbow light. To her the joyous birds did sing While lightly tripped the silver spring. Blossoms curtsied in the breeze That played ethereal symphonies. While freely snowy cloud ships flew Across the airy main of blue. That day whose brow the poets dressed. With living songs in splendor dressed. Inspired muses sang her praise In long undying lyric lays. Oh happy day, thou must not die! I cannot bid thy soul "Goodbye!" The memory of thy smiling mien Yet in my heart is sweet and green. As fainter glowed the waning light And nearer drew the black palled night Days' spirit fair from earth did flee To live on in eternity. 36 HEART WISHES Oh that my heart were like a leaf So flutt'ring light and gay! Oh that my heart were as a bird Singing its roundelay! Oh that my heart were like a rose Shedding its fragrance rare! Olh that my heart were as a cloud Upon the wings of air! Oh that my heart were like the dew That freshens each lowly flower! 01\ that my heart could comfort bring To souls that strifes devour? Oh that my heart like lilies fair Were pure and spotless white! Oh that my heart a fountain were. Sweet singing day and night! Oh that my heart were cleansed with fire That Christ might enter in And fill my soul with love's desire And all of being win! 37 MY GRANDFATHER As I sit with head rechning Gazing on the embers bright I acn see the snowy image In the fitful ruddy light. Memories fond and rich return Of my childhood hours so dear When I listened to his stories And that voice again I hear. Once again he's softly telling Tales of knights and ladies fair, Elfs and goblins, dwarfs and giants. Princesses with golden hair. Then I see that face so kindly With its crown of silver hair. And I see the love-light beaming In his eyes so blue and fair. Till I picture in the embers Prancing steeds and warriors bold. Ladies on their snow white palfreys Crumbling castles famed of old. Then my fair and transient vision Slowly, slov/ly fades from sight And my knights and ancient castles Vanish in the fitful light. Oft I see the honored parent Who first taught me poet lore. And he seems an ancient singer In the golden days of yore. 38 THE FIELDS OF SLEEP The Fields of Sleep, the Fields of Sleep, O'er which the stars, in nights still deep Their tender, silent vigils keep. The Fields of Sleep, the Fields of Sleep Where poppies nod on the dewy sod And winds are singing sweet songs of God. The Fields of Sleep, the Fields of Sleep Where fairies white, out of moonbeams bright Are wearing the radiant dreams of Night. The Fields of Sleep, the Fields of Sleep Where the seed of Peace is sown With the Lily of Rest, folded close to the breast. From the heart, all care hath flown. Blest Fields of Sleep, blest Fields of Sleep O'er which the stars in the nights still deep Their tender, watchful vigils keep. 39 WESTERN WINDOWS Gazing through the western windows Toward the slow declin.ng sun. Its departing gleams of crimson Tells another day is done. Looking from the western windows. As the sun sinks low to rest. Flooding earth with beams of glory. Gilding every mountain crest. As I watch its dying splendor, Fading slowly from my sight. Gazing from the western windows At the purpling, changing light. Then my heart is filled with longing. There to fly and seek for rest. And to find my soul's desire In the bosom of the west. 40 SPRINGTIME OVER THERE When springtime cometh "Over There" She decks the graves with blossoms fair. Those mounds, beneath which heroes lie Who, for their country's sake did die. Covering with nodding poppies red. Hue of the gallant blood they shed, And modest daisies, snowy white. That tell they fought for truth and right. Spring strews the turf with violets blue In memory of our brave and true — They're woven in our banner free. Those glowing radiant colors three. The soft, sweet winds that hurry by. The songbirds soaring in the sky. Sing of fair spring, in vernal dress Who comes, that hallowed spot to bless. 41 DREAMS There are dreams that fill the fancy With visions bright and fair, There are dreams of fame and riches. And dreams of beauties rare. There are dreams of joy and gladness, And dreams of hope and love; There are dreams of lofty genius Bestowed from Heaven above. But the dreams that are the fairest, The dreams that comfort bring. Is to dream of running brooklets, And the violet banks of Spring. To dream of birds soft singing. And low winds love songs sweet, And little glancing sunbeams That dance on golden feet; Of the iris tinted rainbow. The odorous breath of flowers. Of humming bees and butterflies. And sound of vernal showers. Old nature has a bounty. Of power and change and schemes But she's alwayes overflowing With more than lover's dreams. 42 TO MY ANGEL Sweet Guardian Angel, tender, miid, Protect and guide thy wayward child ! Oh take me gently by the hand And lead me to that heavenly land Where sorrow ne'er can enter in And all are free from guilt and sin. Oh purest Angel, guardian dear. Grant when I feel thy presence near I may obey, as servant meek Serve whom my fervent heart should seek! Oh cleanse my heart from every sin And let Thy presence encer in. Dwell in me, guardian angel, dwell And to my inmost spirit tell The pure, divine and inner word Like that "the two" so gracious stirred! Still lead me, guardian spirit lead. The way of life and love and mead. 43 TO A CHILD Oh little child of tender years Who treadeth not this vale of tears But wide inviting paths of light Where angels smile in gleaming white ! Within thy heart doth yet remain Mem'ries from whence thy spirit came. For thy swift careless motions free Are gowned in sweet simplicity. The heavenly things that round thee lie Are imaged bright before thine eye. Thine eye that can but only see Reflections of the pure in thee. God's perfect child, knows naught of fear! Rests in that presence ever near! And finds beneath the wings of love A kind protection from above. But yet we stumble through the night Still crying morn's departing light. The light that fainter still doth glow As farther* from our God we grow. 44 I WONDER I wonder if the gleaming stars That beam throughout the night Are little fairies of the skies In shining robes so white? I wonder if they bring the dreams The magic dreams so fair That come to babes in "Rock-a-bye land' When sweetly slumb'ring there? I wonder if the woodland elves Throughout the silent night Paint and perfume the sleeping flowers With soul and senses bright. I wonder if on heav'n's blue lawn The little cherubs fair Together with the Christ child play And love and serve Him there? I wonder if when skies are gray The sun has stayed in bed. And raindrops are the sparkling tears The baby angels shed? 45 WORD AND DESIRE Words: They are but idle things. That never can express The inmost thoughts and feeHngs That rise within the breast. Words: So soon forgotten, That fade away as dew Lost as a singing bird That soars in the cloudless blue. O: If by words we could commune With raptured spirits bright Our longing souls we'd satisfy E'er striving for the light. O: For one glimpse of the vast unseen That round about us lies. O: To behold those spirits fair Unseen to mortal eyes. 'Tis not in words, but in the loves Where heart with heart doth meet God needs not words to understand Through Him all loves pan greet. 46 PERCEPTION The spirit eye can clearly see Beyond the veils that round us be. Can slow and certain penetrate The darkness round our mortal state. Earth state of mystery will unfold New grace and glory yet untold Beauties will rise upon the sight Clad in their pure celestial light. The purified with God commune And all in Him keeps perfect tune. The songs of spirits we can hear Through love's immortal mind and ear. Oh if we could but realize The strength, the power, that in us lies To higher levels we would rise And souls and thoughts diviner prize. Cast off the doubt of fear and night And enter into Love and Light! Within that love enlightened mind The truth ye see, the souls ye find. 47 THE NEW YEAR The sad bells are tolling For the year that is dying — For the old year, the Sere year That's passing away; The low winds are sighing For the friend that is dying. For the old friend, the true friend That's dying to-day. The glad bells are ringing, A welcome they're singing To the new year, the fair year. So lovely and bright. She comes, a fair maiden. Her arms are o'erladen With gifts, precious gifts. Of Hope, Promise and Might. The clear bells are pealing. Their m.usic is stealing Deep into our hearts. With a joy that's sublime For the young year, the pure year. The sweet, radiant New Year. Then sing bells, then ring bells. Your welcoming chime. 48 THE WINDS OF GOD As I walk on Life's rough shore, List'ning to the waters roar The winds of God blow up to me From far across that restless sea. The winds of God around me blov Whisp'ring in accents soft and low Of that sacred isle afar O'er which doth shine, Life's Beacon star. A golden island of the blest, Lies on the green sea's watery breast; 'Tis this haven in the sea Oi which God's voice is telling me. Hush : Hush ; the winds of God now die ; The island fades from off the eye, A cloud of worldly dreams has crossed And that fair island dream is lost. Oh v/inds of God, oh winds divine Without thy breath my soul would pine. Oh whisper of that island far And blow the clouds from off that star. 49 DREAMING Dreaming alone while shadows are creeping Over the earth that is silently sleeping The wandering wind in the tree tops high And a silver star in the tranquil sky Far draweth the heart from the world so nigh. Musing alone in the twilight hour How the soul v/ill ope like a magic flower. A solemn communion with angels I hold Who hover around my altar of gold On gleaming wings that slowly unfold. Dreaming, still dreaming of beautiful things While deep in my heart a gentle voice sings Lulling and soothing my spirit to rest, Filling my heart with a joy unexpressed Like a messenger sent from the realms of the blest O wondrous the thoughts that can rise in the mind When spirit with spirit by love is combined ! Then sorrow and sighing retreats to the side ^ And glownig Hope through the portals doth glide An angel of earth, a Heavenly bride. 50 CHRISTMAS CAROL Slumbering in the manger there Lies the new born babe so fair; Infant holy and divine. Angels sing as round a shrine. Virgin mother chaste and mild Gazing on the new born child With a mother's fervent love Praising to the courts above. Wrapped in garb of poor array Hope within the manger lay Crowned with gleaming halo bright Emblem of that inward light. Hark and hear the angels sing Praises to our heavenly king! Life today spreads over earth ; Love has had divinest birth. 51 BEHIND THE VEIL Though dear earth friends, afar are flown Communing silent and alone They speak to us in tender tone. Behind the veil, behind the veil. When the weary mind's at rest. They come to us from realms of blest Their love for us still fills the breast. Beyond the veil, beyond the veil. In the serenity of Morn, When the Angel of Light brings Day new born If we listen, we shall hear, Hear our loved one's voices dear. Behind the veil, behind the veil. In the day's slow waning light. In the silence of the night. If our faith is strong and deep Our hearts, a pure, fair chalice keep. Then we may see behind the veil. Behind the veil. 52 A CHILD'S WISH Oh! I wish I could sail in a fleecy cloud Through the azure sky so clear, I wish I could ride far away to the land Of beautiful dreams, so dear. I'd fill my arms with dream flowers bright To bring to the slumbering babes at night; Then a cradle I'd weave of moonbeams fair For mother to rock her babe with care. Then I would sail past these earthly bars In my mystic boat so small And gathering all the silvery stars I'd gently let them fall. Straight to the lap of Mother Earth, To fill the children's hearts with mirth. Then I would sail away to the sun, And stealing lots of gold I would carry back to earth with me All that my arms could hold And then to every mother and child I'd be a fairy old. 53 THE EASTER ROSE. Weeping 'neath the cypress tree In the garden of Gethsemane; The lonely Master knelt to pray That the cup might pass away. In that olive garden fair A red rose grew; its fragrance rare Was wafted on the balmy air. To the Saviour, kneeling there — Like a message from above Sent by the tender hand of love. "Oh! sweet Jesus, let me be A heavenly comforter to Thee," Spake the rose with words of grace — The Redeemer gazed on the flower's face. From His deep soul there fell a tear, On the crimson rose that blossomed near. And, lo! in the morning's breaking light Its scarlet petals were changed to white. 54 HE LEADETH ME He leadeth me. He leadeth me Where blossoms strew the way. Along the path of light and life Where hope and faith have sway. With dews, shed from the wings of morn He feeds my thirsting soul, That follows where His Spirit leads Unto love's shining goal. The golden fruits of peace and joy From life's immortal tree Plucked by fair angel's tender hands My dear Lord giveth me. He walks in glory by my side So what have I to fear? When heaven's kiss is on my brow And God's voice in my ear. 55 THE NOVICE Gentle Novice, sweet and fair. Free from sin and worldly care. Leaving self to follow God, Treading where His feet have trod. Kneeling in the chapel there Far from worldly pleasure's snare. O'er and o'er her beads she tells As with love her spirit swells. For the gentle Master dear To her heart doth bend His ear. Knows her faith is strong and deep And her life His law will keep. Now the sun's last splendor steals As the blue robed sister kneels And its rays of gleaming red Rest in blessing on her head. 56 EASTERN WINDOWS Open wide the eastern windows! Quaff the balmy air of morn For the rainbow east's proclaiming That another day is born! Open wide the eastern windows. Listen to the robin's song. Heralding the waking morning. Bidding thee be pure and strong. Open wide the eastern windows ! Let the splendor vanquish night! Look unto the glowing orient Bursting forth in amber light I Open wide the eastern windows! Let the golden sunlight stream On life's fears and foes and phantoms! Shadows vanish at the gleam. 57 SOUL DESIRE. Loving Father, tender Shepherd, Listen to my humble prayer! I am weak and I am wayward. Keep me 'neath Thy Spirit's care. Set me free from evil passions, Guard me from all sense of sin. Free my heart form doubt and darkness That Thy love may enter in. Keep me ever pure and spotless, Sinless as a little child! Lead me on to realms immortal Through the world, but undefiled! Shield me, guide me, and protect me! Let me feel Thy inward grace, Till within Thy radiant palace I behold Thee face to face. 58 MORNING AFTER A STORM The earth, refreshed by silver rain Wraps its reviving form again In traihng mantle gay The raindrops sparkle in her hair Like precious diamonds, rich and rare; While laughing children at their play Uphold her fringed train. The lily, from her cup of gold Quaffs the sparkling vintage cold The fresh June rose, just newly blown Scarce can raise its drooping head For the kisses that are shed On her damask cheek alone By some mystic lover bold. Aurora climbs her azure stair Sw^inging her golden censer fair O'er the greenery of earth See, vv^hat gem like drops are shaken On the buds that early waken To the purple morning's birth Pregnant with an odor rare. 59 THE ROSE THAT GROWS IN FV ANDERS' FIELD There is a flower, a beautiful flower, A rose, with fragrance rare Blooming on a hero's grave In that stricken land "Over There." Growing beside a lowly cross, Adoring that emblem divine. Watching sentinel of love. Guarding that lonely shrine. Sweet symbol of a mother's love Tenderly guarding her boy. Who gave his life for his country To bring to the world peace and joy — The crimson hue that the blossom yields Blenrls wi'^^h the blood of the battlefields Of these fine lads, so bold and brave Who died as Christ, the world to save. Soaring birds trill joyous notes While peace upon the breeze now floats; Zephyrs whisper to honored dead Sweet peace now reigns, cruel war has fled. Oh ! lovely rose, so sWeet and fair You waft a message on the air. Bearing it to the hero's soul. Who gave his life — and gained his goal. 60 THE LAMP OF SLUMBER Come! Shadowy maid of sleep profound And scatter drowsy poppies round Those, who thy sweet name doth bless While longing for thy soft caress. How beautiful is Sleep! Sweet sleep, that comes at dead of night. Bearing the lamp of slumber light. Whose quivenng beams are shed afar. Like meteors, from a glowing star. She comes ! the gentle angel sleep In sacred, creeping, silence deep — Decked is her brow with lilies fair. Shedding their fragrance sweet and rare As incense, from a censer swinging Peace and rest to mortals bringing. Nocturnal Goddess ! in thine eyes A tender brooding silence lies Folding the world in fond embrace The sad, sad world with its care worn face. 61