CDpig!itN»__ fJlf COKBIGHT DEPOSrr. Rosemary and Rue and Other Poems by LILLIAN OLIVE HUEY ^ROSSMAR Y and ^ UE And Other Poems By Lillian Oli^e Huey THE CHILDREN S HOME PRINTSHOP WINSTON -SALEM, N.C. 1921 ^5*^ ^ ,<\?-^ ROSEMARY AND RUE AND OTHER POEMS BY LILLIAN OLIVE HUEY, SELECTED AXD ARRANGED P.V HER SON E. C. HUEY. COPYRKIHT I 92 I BYE. C. H'JKY. ALL R1(;HTS RESER\"ED. §)C!.A617163 W.4'/ 28 1921 vt) I to my three children who have brought Naught but Joy and Sunshine into the Life and Heart of their invalid Mother AND under whose LOVING AND FAITHFUL Care have come Inspiration and Endeavor I Dedicate These Poems Contents Page A BURR 27 A LITTLE BOY'S WISH 44 A THANKSGIVING PRAYER 40 BE PLEASANT 38 "DADDY JIM" 48 EVENING 18 EVENING TWILIGHT 14 FAITH : 4 HIDDEN GRIEF 10 HIS ABODE 26 HIS DWELLING PLACE 20 HIS PURPOSE 29 IF 1 HAD KNOWN 33 IT MATTERS NOT 7 "IIMMIE" 43 LAUGH 35 LIFE'S LESSONS 34 LOVE'S SONG 2 LOVE'S VESSEL 36 LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THY SELF 23 LOVE'S WAY 6 MEMORY 50 MOTHER'S CONSOLATION 39 MY CHOSEN FLOWER 15 MY CHRISTMAS GIFTS 21 MY PAW 45 NIGHTS LULLABY 8 OUR RED LETTER DAY 19 PEACE BE STILL 5 PRAYER 30 REST 24 ROSEMARY AND RUE 1 SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS 13 SOME DAY 32 STEPPING STONES 9 TELEPATHY 11 THE BUILDERS 25 THE DAY IS DONE 31 THE STILLNESS OF THE SABBATH .28 THE SWIMMIN' HOLE 46 THE THREE PUPPIES 49 THE TRAVELING MAN 47 THE WAIL OF THE FOREST 3 TOMMY'S LOGIC 17 TRUTH'S APPEARING 22 WAIT NOT 37 WHAT IS GOD? 12 WHEN DAD COMES HOME 42 WILD FLOWERS 16 WITH YOU AWAY 41 Page I Rosemary and Rue Each day bringeth her flowers; Sometimes rosemary, sometimes rue; But the sun is ne'er far from the showers, Behind the dark cloud is the blue, x^nd might we not tire of rosemary, Had we ne'er a small bit of rue ? Each day bringeth her flowers; Sometimes rosemary, sometimes rue; But we need hold none that is withered. For each day bringeth she new, Sometimes rosemary, sometimes rue. Page 2 Love's Song You dwell within a palace fair, While I an humble cot call home; You have your silks and jewels rare, And far across the seas oft roam. The wander-lust with thee doth bide; I dwell beside my ingleside. You have your ser\'ants at command, While I must heed love's daily call; You give rich gifts with lavish hand, Yet giving hardly give at all; My gifts are but love's deeds sincere. Yet given with a smile or tear. You dwell within a palace fair. While I within four walls reside; You seek for pleasures everywhere, While joy with me doth sweetly bide. Nor can wealth buy love's song, J'nf told, I have my song, you have your gold. Nor would I change mv lot for thine, For I have what your heart has not; Love's song of sweet content is mine; You have your palace, I mv cot; You have rich jewels, one have 1, A happy heart 'neath Love's blue skv. Pages The Wail of the Forest 'Twas Autumn gave a party, She announced it on this wise: "Come join our happy froHc Beneath the azure skies." The children of the Forest, In gala dress arrayed. Unto her invitation With gladsome hearts obeyed. It was a merry meeting Upon a pleasant wold. And jovial the greeting Of all the guests, I'm told. Thev rode upon the whirlwind. They danced upon the lea. These mad-cap little maidens, They frolicked merrily. And then, they say, a spirit Led them on, and on, and on. And that is why the Forest Doth so sadly wail and moan. For these mad-cap little maidens, In their robes of gold and red. With this strange and unseen spirit. From their forest home have fled. Page 4 Faith O, soul of mine, whv longer grope Within the dismal vale of tears ? Behold the glorious bow of hope That spans the clouded sky of fears; A radiant arch of light it gleams, To every soul who looks on high. Truth doth dispel all mortal dreams. By faith doth man false claims deny. Then look aloft, nor be dismayed — Tho' storms of error round thee roll; Of threatened ill be not afraid, Faith is the stay of thine own soul; Cast from thy breast the unseen foe. Which bids thee trust another God; The truth alone doth free, this know; Tread, child of Faith, where Enoch trod. P^g^S Peace, Be Still ! Tho' amid the storms of error, Wind-lashed waves may break and roar, Tremble not in fear and terror; Seek no haven far ashore; Know thy refuge is at hand; Truth doth e'en the waves command. Tho' the billows in their furry Madly dash and threaten ill, Be thou steadfast in discernment; Hear thy Master's "Peace, be still." Thus are stilled the storms of error; Calmed the waves producing fear. To the soul there is no terror. When the Master's voice we hear. Page 6 Love's Way A Pilgrim journeyed o'er life's wav' — The path was steep and long; He bore his burden mournfully, When lo, he heard love's song; And tho' he ne'er the singer knew. With jov he did his way pursue. A traveler journeyed in the night, The way was dark and drear; He knew not whence to seek a light, When lo, a ray most clear; And tho' by unseen hand 'twas held. The darkness was at once dispelled. The singer sang her song, nor knew The joy its singing lent. The hand that held the light so true. Ne'er knew of rays it sent, Yet such is Love's most perfect wa\'. That no o;ood deed shall e'er decay. Page 7 It Matters Not It matters not if cove or cot Our dwelling place doth be; If palace halls or cottage walls If high or low degree: It matters not the time nor place, Our sojourn here's but for a space. It matters not if men may read, Within the hall of fame, Our record of some noble deed: The carving of our name. It matters not, this be the test, "Hath he in life e'er done his best?" It matters not if we be known Unto our fellow men: Or be our name an obscure one It matters not, If when The Judge his final record reads, 'Tis "He did well butlowlv deeds." PsgeS Night's Lullaby The World was very weary With the duties of the day; Her ceaseless work was dreary, For she had no time to play. Then night with loving membrance Let her shadows softly creep Till the World that was a- weary In her arms was fast asleep, And she crooned a love-song lowly To the World upon her breast; Till the morning dawned most holv And the World awoke — at rest. Page (^ Stepping Stones As you climb life's rugged mountain, Seek you Truth's safe stepping stones; Drink you from love's sparkling fountain, Shun the valley and its bones. Tho the path be steep and rugged, Leading to the highest peak; Love shall guide you to its summit, If safe stepping stones you seek. Plant your feet on firm foundation— On the solid rock of Truth; As you climb life's rugged mountain. Seek safe stepping stones in youth. Page 10 Hidden Grief Some griefs are hid, and some are not: The hidden ones thrice hard to bear: And yet you think blest is my lot. You do not see my hidden care. You do not see my hidden woe: For hearts are strange, are strange, 'tis so. Some griefs are hid, and some are not; The hidden ones, O God! 'tis true, Are they which cut our lives in two; Which make us what we would not be. If grief had been in less degree: But in our hearts we nurse our woe. And joy that we may have it so. Some griefs are hid and some are not; Then chide us not when joy hath sped. And left us mourning o'er our dead; Then chide us not tho' rash in deed — You wear in grief no mourning weed. Then chide us not — tho' rash in deed. Page II Telepathy I love thee, dear, perhaps you know E'en though I had not told thee so. Although too far to hear my speech. Thine heart I yet may gently reach; For when I think of thee, my dear, Thought will whisper in thine ear, Will touch the cord that binds each heart, Although we are many miles away. Page 12 What Is God? Ask the mountain in its grandeur, Touring to majestic height; Hear the answer from its summit, "God is Light." Ask the river as it floweth. Ever onward, day by day; And its mighty voice resoundeth: "God is the Way." Ask the sun that shines with splendor On the path of age and youth; Comes the answer from the heavens: "God is Truth." Ask the violet meekly growing By the roadside, and we prove By its answer sweetly given, "God is Love." Ask the seed-pod as it groweth Its wee heart with beauty rife: Lo, its answer: "Wise men knoweth God is Life." Pause, ye scientists, and ponder; Seek not for material laws. Our God is a God of Wonder, And his word the only cause. Pag^ IS Showers of Blessings Trickle, trickle, trickle, Adown the window pane; How I love to watch thee, Little drops of rain. And the thirsty flowers Hold their tiny cups To receive thy showers; And the whole earth sups From thy sparkling goblet. And revives again; Welcome are thy showers. Little drops of rain. And the blessed Father, From His throne on high, Sends His richest blessings Lest His children die. Like unto the flowers. We must hold our cup To receive His showers — Of His blessings sup. Page 14 Evening Twilight Softly falls the twilight And the tapers flicker low Dimly burns the embers, And sweet visions come and go. Light is drawing nearer. Close about shadows creep; Voices call now clearer. And I lay me down to sleep Page IS My Chosen Flower I choose thee not, O, little flower, Because thou art more fair, Than all thy neighboring sisters are; I choose thee for thy graces rare. I choose thee for thy graceful mien; The sweetness of the mignonette; The modesty of the violet; I choose thee for my garden queen. Page 1 6 Wild Flowers O give to me the daisy sweet, That's trampled 'neath our wand'ring feet, The violet from her dewy bed, That Nature o'er the earth hath spread. O give to me these sweet wild flowers. They'll serve to cheer the lonely hours. They speak to me of Nature's birth, And graceful presence on the earth. They speak from out the dale and dell, "God loves the woods and plains so well." They say to wand'ring passers by, "God placed here beauty for thine ev^e." They speak to children romping over, "God placed us here for each gay rover. The rich or poor may heed our call, God placed us here for each and all." Page 17 Tommy's Logic A little boy entered a candy shop, Longingly looked at each peppermint drop, Asked of the clerk, who was smiling and kind, "Do you give six drops for a silver half dime?" "Why, yes, little man," was the clerk's reply. As he picked up a sack, conveniently by; "Six for a nickel, how many you wish ?" And he placed his hand in the coveted dish. Then Tommy began, as he scratched his wee head, "Six for a nickel," he thoughtfully said, "Then five for four cents, and four for three — If you'll run it on through, you'll with me agree. That one is for nothing. I haven't a penny; I'll just take the one that doesn't cost any." Page l8 Evening I love the rest and silence That with the gloaming come; I love the voice of nature Calling the wanderer home. I love the low sweet vespers Sung at the twilight hour; I love the unseen spirit That whispers of His power. I love to watch the evening As the daylight slowly dies; To behold night light her tapers In the white and azure skies. I love the soft effulgence Of the moon whose silver beams Doth steal into my chamber With the magic of love's dreams. 'Tis then that Mother Nature Upon her loving breast Invites the heart a-weary To sweet repose and rest. I love the fancies flitting Around me and about; I love the hush of evening When the dav is crowded out. Fage IQ Our Red Letter Day We're always glad when Sunday comes, It's our "red-letter" day; P"or Dad he's off thru all the week, But then he's home to stay. 'N' mother says, "Now do your best To make the day a treat; Your father needs a change for rest ^N' something good to eat." 'N' my! our table fairly groans Beneath its good repast; But then it ought, for all the week We skimp along 'n' fast. ^N' Dad he eats a good square meal, 'N' praises home-made cookin'; Says, "Another's always on her job 'N' makes things temptin' lookin'." Then after dinner we all walk 'N' see the things a-growin' ^N' listen to our father talk; For Dad, he's mighty knowin'. But he's a travelin' man, you see. In Winter 'n' in Summer; When I get big I mean to be Like Dad, a popMar drummer. Page 20 His Dwelling Place A-weary of form and of fashion, A-weary of envy and pride, A-weary of priest and of temple, With the ways of the world sore-tried, I stole from the din of the city. Where Mammon is king of the mart; And sought by communing with Nature, To bring again peace to my heart. And lifting my eyes to her mountains, And drinking the wine of her sod, I needed nor priest nor temple. For here was the dwelling of God. I laft at the code of the sages, I laft at the creed of their school. Blind, blind have we been, aye, for ages, For love is His law and His rule. Returning again to the City, Where the hungry are begging for bread. And no one has time e'en for pity, For the God of Greed must be fed; I sang my sweet story of plenty. Will His children but seek him aright; And love blest the message I bore them, And stead of their darkness gave light. Page 21 My Christmas Gifts "Such as I have, I give to Thee." Not worldly vanities I bring. It were not meet to serve my King With gifts of such a low degree. I give thee love; love is of God, And God doth all good gifts bestov/: Then all is thine, this truth e'er know, And raise thine eyes above the sod. I give thee smiles to light thy way; Meet gifts are they this Christmastide; May they within thy heart abide This blessed Christ-Child's natal day. I give thee thoughts of love and peace; Good thoughts are prayers that to Him rise Like incense, and from Paradise Bring unto thee care's quick release. Then take these gifts; 'tis such I bring As offerings unto Christ, my King. And lo. His voice, "I say to thee Done unto these, is done to me." Pil'-Jc- 22 Truth's Appearing Why come ye to an empty tomb In search of life and love r Behold its emptiness and gloom; For truth hath rolled away the stone; Then seek thy Lord above. List to his voice in accents low, "Whom seekest thou?" Dost thou not kno> Thy Lord doth risen be ? "Why vveepest thou?" This message bear, My father doth a place prepare, Within His house for thee, Then tidings of his triumph bring, Lo, Christ the Lord toda\' is king, And reigns and rules on high. Then bless His name this Holy morn, And bless the dav the Babe was born Beneath an eastern sky. Page 23 Love Thy Neighbor As Thyself "Love thr neighbor as thyself Studied I this strange old rule, Memorized but could not know How this rule was meant to go. Studied I in Life's great school. "Love thy neighbor as thyself" 'Twas not hard to learn by heart. How was I to know just who Was my neighbor, until you Came into my life apart. "Love thy neighbor as thyself." 'Twas not hard if we may choose Who this neighbor is to be — But suppose that she refuse — Must I love her and she not me? Page 24 Rest Growing of burdens a-weary, Like children tired out with their play, Who turn from the shadows so dreary, At the close of a tedious day, And seek the strong arms of the mother; We turn, dear Father, to Thee. Like unto these tired children. Who find at the close of the day, A sheltering arm awaits them. When they shall have tired of their play. We find, O, Heavenly Father, A rest and refuge in Thee. Then folding our hands at evening, Tired of our toil and our play. We thank Thee, O Heavenly Father, For rest at the close of the day; And closing our eyelids in slumber. Our heads on Thy bosom we lay. Page 2S The Builders Build they castles out of sand Dolly and her play-mate, Dave; Dwell they in sweet fairy-land 'Till, anon, there comes a wave, Sweeps their castles all a-shore: Out of reach forevermore. Tears spring quickly to the eyes Of wee Dolly, broken hearted; But brave David merely sighs; Weeps he not o'er joys departed, Other pebbles on the beach His strong hands yet may reach. Little children, thot I gravely, Little reck ye of the day, When thy castle built in earnest. Shall be rudely swept away. And thy tears unbidden flow. For thy castles swept ashore; Out of reach forevermore. tui^e His Abode Not in the city's busy mart, Nor on her streets where thousands trod- But close to Nature's throbbing heart, Among her hills I walkt with God. I walkt and talkt, nor was afraid. Fair Nature smiling everywhere; Voices from leafy fen and glade Proclaimed His omnipresence there. The earth His majesty did praise. And in my heart a stillness stole; My hand in His, I walkt Love's ways, His perfect peace within my soul. y"./.v A Burr In walking through tlie woods one cla\ I chanced upon a rude shaped burr. There was no beautv as it lav, And pricklv w as its coat of Tur. I picked it up — methinks I'll see If aught there is beneath th\ shell ! And lo! when ope'd 'twas sweet to me, What truths this burr to us doth tell ! In passing through this great wide world We chance upon crude folk each da\ , But should'st we strive their hearts unfold, We'd find <^reat beauty hid awa\ . Pa)(e 28 The Stillness of The Sabbath Softh into mv room fell the ra\ s of the morn- ing's sun, Dispelling the gathering gloom that sorrow had deftlv spun. I'hc shadows that lingered bv me ga\ e place unto visions of light, \Iv heart was filled with the rapture of the day that banishes night, A song bird sang at m\ window and sweeth' into my soul The stillness of the sabbath into m\ being stole. A peace the world ne'er gi\cth ho\ ered o'er me like the dove, Sweet spirit, from the All-Wise Father, token of pleasure and lo\ e. M\ heart filled with thanksgix ing, a glorv engulfed m\ soul. As into m\ being tl»e Sabbath's stillness stole. Fage 2g His Purpose There isn't a rose in Love's garden But blooms for a purpose most fair; There isn't a dew-drop of morning, But nestles, with purpose, somewhere. There isn't a rill or a runlet But winds, in wisdom, its course; Then whv, O soul of m\' being, Irfast thou forgotten thv Source? The sun beams that shine in the morning Dispel the dark shadous of night; Song-birds of the forest gi\'e warning. Nature doth in fair purpose delight. There isn't a grass blade or leaflet But bends. His \\\\\ to obev; Then why, O soul of my being, Must thou forgotten His wa\ r Ha^e JO Prayer Praver is the living coal o\ tire That on Love's altar burns; The incense of all right desire Ascending to His throne. Prayer is communion with thv Lord Within His secret tower; Safe from the world, "with one accord," Thou dost receive His power. Prayer is the song of jo\ful praise, Fh) will to His confiding; Glad paean of a thousand lays, Unceasino; and abidinij. /^/A' The Day is Done The day is done; The shades of evening gather in the West, And o'er the earth the purple twihght steals; Night folds the world unto her sable breast, And m\ riad stars His majesty reveals. Tlie day is done. The day is done; And oh, my soul, hast thou its hour filled with zest, Or have its fleeting moments idly sped? Night folds thee to her sable breast. Doth thou in peace lay down thy head? The dav is done. t,iire J2 Some Day SoniedaN \ou'll wander, all alone, I'he paths we oft have trod; You'll hear the winds low, sobbing moan, You'll see the Howers nod; .\bout ^ oil everywhere there'll be Strange whisperings about the past and me. And then, perchance, \ our wa\' \ ou'U wend Unto a little mouml. Where grasses in the breezes bend And silence is profound; And there, where all things are asleep, .\J\ soul, with \ours, its trust will keep. But let not seeming things deceive. For thus the heart is made to weep; There is no life within the gra\ e. And death is but a little sleep, 'Tlien sa\ unto the silent sod, Her spirit dwells on high with (jod. J^^'g^ 33 If I Had Known \i I had known how rough the way, 1 might have faltered, e'er the ila\' Had scarce begun. I thank thee, Lord, I did not know How steep the path that I should go, E'er f had gone. [f I had known how dark the niglu, I might have trembled e'er the liglit Bespoke the dawn. 1 thank thee, Lord, 1 did not see The dark that seemed 'tw ixt thee and me, E'er it had come. If 1 had known- but this I knew, (lod gi\'eth strength tor each da\' through, 'Tis all 1 need. Though steep the path, 1 need not fear, Though dark the night. He still is ncai". His hand doth lead. P