PS 3-505- |.O305lj£ DOUM'DIRlC-LPiNES 'ETHEL' CUTTOli- .■.i?v-^jj^,>.- Goipglitl^? COPVRIGHT BEPOSm % Down Lyric Lanes Sj Ethel Cotton HARR WAGNER PUBLISHING CO. SAN FRANCISCO .t>s COPYRIGHT 1942 'By ETHEL COTTON 'Printed by E. C. Brown San Francisco V!i^ ■^^. ©CI.Ae02125 DEDICATION To you who by opening your heart have allowed me to creep into your understandings this little volume is lovingly dedicated. INDEX Sun and Shade: Fog Curtain, San Francisco 9 I Greet Thee, Spring 7 I Stand Beside a Spring 13 In Fancy's Wonderland 18 Leaves 17 Spirit of San Francisco 15 Summer 12 Tamalpais 8 Under the Trees 10 Wrath 14 High Noon: Bugle Note 26 Potential 27 Sunrise 28 Symbol Flower . . 31 To My Friend 25 To W. E. M 30 On Upward Trails: A Picture 37 Blinded 42 I Walk Unafraid 41 Kinship 36 On Hearing of the Death of Caruso .... 40 Prayer 43 The China Lily 39 Two Roads 35 SUN AND SHADE Down Lyric Lanes I GREET THEE, SPRING Hail to thee, Springtime of Gladness! Wonderful year-time of promise ! Each little bud In Its outline Sketching the coming of summer, Soon to burst forth In Its beauty, Full and complete In Its glory ! All of thy delicate colors. Wistful and dainty as fog-wreaths. Hover around and about us. Tenderly brooding above us. Filtering Into our senses, Stir the deep wells of our beings; Lift vague and shadowy fancies. Limn them, alluring, before us. Hope Is In every tendril. Tiptoeing up to the star-light, Climbing more close to the star-light; Power In every blade-throb, Feeling the pull of the planets; Gladness In every streamlet, Rippling In joy to the river; Spirit of flower-clad beauty. Symbol of gladness, I greet you I [7] Down Lyric iLanes TAMALPAIS With superhuman strength you shook Your giant head, and raised it to the sky. One mighty effort you put forth, And lo ! aloft you stand, your huge form Hfted high. Through walls of rock you came, — and broke The mighty masses, tossing them far, free ! The fragments pierce your mammoth form As mighty scars, now healed, revealing victory. As on a face made beautiful With marks of battles won, and conquered pride, So all the beauty of the years Is shown upon your slopes, emerging from your skie. Uncompromising, proud you stand; Majestic picture as you lordly tower; Emblem of strength, great force reserved. Unfaltering monument of your eternal power I Down Lyric Lanes FOG CURTAIN San Francisco Nature, beneficent, with artist's eye And lavish hand, her draperies hung high; They billow full on all her city gates. Encircling her seven hills with soft Diaphanous folds of silvered loveliness. From hill to hill the curtain clings, and falls In limpid lines and curves; — and swerves above Her strongly-chiselled features lovingly. Life's elements are guarded well beneath The mantle, holding close the juice of life. No blighting touch of frozen finger-tips Dare venture under the protecting veil. Nor over-heated breath of fevered sun To draw the moisture from the pregnant air, — Salt-laden strength that seeps Into her soil. Chosen days, rare days. In fleece-like waves. The languid folds are swung aloft and blend With warm sky-mist, that shafts of golden strength May fall upon our city's naked breasts And penetrate her form with nourishment, The while she breathes the tempered atmosphere. With twilight's soft approach her mantle, loosed, Lightly falls across her curving form, And, as a timid lover, wraps her close In tender, soft embrace ; to sleep again Cloistered within her coverlet of silver. Down Lyric Lanes UNDER THE TREES Under the trees I'm reclining, Under the sheltering trees — Heaven Is caught In the branches, Patches of blue link the leaves, Sheltering me with seclusion, Shutting away space and time, Bringing a sense of abandon. Peace and a languor sublime. Under the trees I am hearing Thoughts not expressed In mere words. Secrets revealed by the breezes, Echoed In songs of the birds. Murmurlngs out of the ether. Voices from vastness afar. Melodies fluttering earthward. Songs that were born on a star ! Under the trees pungent perfumes Permeate me, and renew Memories dear of dim forests. Cedar and cypress and yew; Falling leaves scatter their fragrance. Baptism holy and sweet. Filling the air with an Incense, Scenting soft paths for my feet. lO Down Lyric Lanes Under the trees all my senses, Stretched toward the canopy green,- Touch the tall tips of the branches Hid in the shadowy screen. Life is imbued with a fullness, Earth i^ a garden of ease Under the trees in the open, Under broad sheltering trees. Down Lyric Lanes SUMMER Moments there are when joy has filled the heart Too full for one more upward sigh; When deepest yearnings of the soul surge strong within, But silent die. Before the cup is over-filled or runs Beyond its bound, A moment of quick ecstasy vibrates the calm, Deep peace, profound. Summer ! Zenith of all beauty, — Art Supreme, weaving with thy myriad tinted bloom A fabric exquisite; the masterpiece Of Nature's loom. [12 Down Lyric Lanes I STAND BESIDE A SPRING It bubbles from the earth unceasingly; Unceasingly it sends forth water clear From source unending, — from a bountiful And unturned faucet, flowing year by year. What giant hand could lay this mighty main That furnishes the life to beast and man? What wisdom filter all the streams of earth, Supply men's needs upon this lavish plan? Spontaneously it sparkles from the earth, As if it joyed to live, and squandered free Its gift. Its subtle touch paints deep the rose. Its pregnant power stirs every budding tree. 13 Down Lyric Lanes WRATH The sea is breathing heavily tonight, Like some huge beast unsatisfied, but leashed; It heaves its savage breast, And tugs to strain the chafing of its bounds. The weathered clouds, taunting above its lunging head, Beyond its power to strike, But stirs its sullenness. Now muttering low, it growls and snarls And shows its fangs of tawny foam; Still tossing, battling restlessly, With wrath increasing, voice becoming loud. It shouts its vengeance at the stolid cliff ! Incensed by the repulse. As if the mad attack increased its fury, It beats and lashes all its ominous depths Into a mad upheaval of white rage, until — Exhausted, spent, and broken in weak wrath, It dribbles back and slinks away, ashamed. The sea is breathing restlessly tonight, As if disturbed by its mad burst of futile passion. 4] Down Lyric Lanes SPIRIT OF SAN FRANCISCO Spirit intangible that creeps and slowly sinks Its roots into the soul ! Spirit unbound, Unchartered, — ever roving where it wills — Rising elusive from the pregnant ways. Embracing, sense-absorbing, vine-like myth. As strong and varied as her rough-hewn hills ! Encouraging the languorous to loll At ease upon her sun-draped slopes, and dream- While pillowed soft in fragrance — lazy dream Of sunny slopes of Spain, to turn again And see them mirrored in the silver bay. The roving soul, sprawled restless on the sands. Peering with seeing eyes beyond the gate. Contented, shrugs more deep his shoulders wide, And settles in the shifting sand-grains, as From lowered lids he follows vagrant craft Across the bar, and sees them slowly drop Below the curve of the horizon's edge; Knowing, however fair the old worlds seem, The veering sails will one day turn again To catch the western breeze; and drift once more Within the shelter of the luring port. [15] Down Lyric Lanes Tang of the air, that presses open wide The lifted nostril; thrusting in its curve Revivifying odors of salt spray! The breeze with incense of the Orient, Faint pungency of eucalyptus sap, And subtle sweetness of the lupines' juice! The rigid son of Commerce, Protege Of Art, — Bohemia's loved vagabond, — And youthful minds that yet can thrill afresh At intake of the breath of life breathed hard,- All, all respond to subtle influence That, wraith-like as her ever guarding fog. Is only dimly seen, and dimly sensed; But ever growing, creeps and winds itself Close, with its tendrils firmly rooted, deep Into the soil of every heart. Roots strong. That penetrate the bed-rock of the ground. [i6 Doivn Lyric Lanes LEAVES Splashes of scarlet and orange ! Brown-tinged yellow and russet ! Leaves ! Gorgeous, glorious leaves, Etchings and motifs of autumn; After the season of blooming, Burnished with glorified colors; Riotous, orient splendor ! Leaves ! Languorously fluttering, poising, Carpeting bare open spaces Rich with your orient weavings. Leaves ! Down to the earth you're descending. Back to the mother who nourished — Draping her dullness with beauty. Showering glory upon her; Even as they who are snatching Splashes of color from living. Brighten the source with new gladness; Pierce the pale drab with a splendor ! Bringing the golden and scarlet Into the browns and the shadows ! [17] Down Lyric Lanes IN FANCY'S WONDERLAND Long years ago, In childhood days, My parents always thought my ways Uncommon strange, eccentric, queer; For things to them quite real were mere, In my small brain, fantastic show; Or stranger still, were all aglow With glories, splendors dear to me That none but Fancy's eye could see. I could not understand Why others could not with me share Alluring visions pictured there. In our small home, I lived alone In Fancy's wonderland. And when they did not comprehend My little vagrant visions, then A new Idea seized my brain: (It first brought joy, and later pain.) That I was really not their child. But long years past a brigand wild. Through crafty, subtle act, unseen, Had stolen me from magic queen, In mystic foreign land. And since no filial love they felt. For many wistful days I dwelt On wrongs I knew. That later grew In Fancy's wonderland. [i8 1 Down Lyric Lanes When after I was made to feel My parents were my own, and real, Keen sorrow with the thought was sown. That I was only, as their own, A simple child, of simple birth, With lowly station on the earth. Until at last a vision new Evolved itself, and ever grew Until the world it spanned ! No more in modest home we dwelt, But in my childish mind I felt My home, once plain, New grandeur gain In Fancy's wonderland. I'd climb the rustic loft of hay And to my inner self I'd say : "These ruins add much to the charm Of these vast acres, wooded farm Of my old squire." And gazing through The farmyard gate, I only knew It as the portal stately, tall, That led into the entrance hall Of castle large and grand. And every little rustic walk Or garden path, to me would talk Of wooers old. Knights brave and bold. In Fancy's wonderland. [19 Down Lyric Lanes In going to my simple bed I'd turret mount, with tousled head Held high; as childish thought would roam Around this mansion, once the home Of royal knight, now far away; And we, his kinsmen, here to stay Ujitil the wandering one returned. And as the candle lower burned, With childish eye I scanned The curtains, that to me were old Soft Persian, threaded all with gold, And carven chair. And grandeur rare. In Fancy's wonderland. At morn, as I on pony sat, (In truth, 'twas rather slow and fat,) I rode on steed with flowing mane. And cantered through the country lane As if but viewing the estate Of my ancestors, proud and great. Instead of open fields and road. Upon my steed of black I rode On tropic fairy strand. With tall trees waving as I passed. And blossoms that forever last. Full many miles By bridges, stiles, In Fancy's wonderland. 20 Down Lyric Lanes A little way below the hill The ocean with unswerving will Surged in upon the rock-bound coast; Here proudly I would stand and boast Of my domain, boundless and grand ! The water-ways were fairy-land Where lived my people, and the tide Swift carried them. I saw them ride High up upon the sand. Toward visions vague as mist, I'd strain My eyes across the restless main, And long I'd gaze In mystic maze In Fancy's wonderland. O waves ! Your rainbow-tinted spray Painted my childish dreams for me; Created fair my fairy-peopled strand, As now your surging melody Makes martial music on the way Of my abiding, rarer wonderland! [21] HIGH NOON Down Lyric Lanes TO MY FRIEND If I had wings to carry me away, I'd fly to you, O friend of my glad heart. And sing a melody of thankfulness For strength, of which you gave the greater part. For when to me the narrow road seemed rough. Too steep to climb to reach the longed-for goal, You always guided, urged my tired feet. And with your faith revived my weakened soul. O tender heart, unselfish In your gift, And generous In every helpful thought, In a full tide my thanks flow back to you Seeking the comfort that you always brought. If I, In simple note, can tune again One other silent voice to vibrant songs, To you shall then return the praise and joy; To you the cup of happiness belongs. 25] Down Lyric Lanes BUGLE NOTE Before you came into my life, I had not known In my un-seeing heart there could be sown Such love that soon would color fair a whole New world for me, — illume my blinded soul. Before you came into my life, and altered all. No voice had thundered forth the clarion call "Awake! thou idle dreamer! Onward go! To lure of laggard's voice, dare answer 'No'." Before you came into my life, no loving guide To upward path walked ever by my side ; Yet though with you my heart can really rest, Alwa^ys I hear the call, ''On ! Live thy best I" [26 Down Lyric Lanes POTENTIAL Do you know how little violet accepts its draught of dew, And lifts its head once more to azure sky? Do you know how golden gilly-flowers their yellow cups uphold, Receiving benediction from on high? Thy friendship thus inspires my soul with gladness. And stirs my heart in new desire to be All that I craved, all that thou still believest. And in thy blindness thou now thinkest me. [271 Down Lyric Lanes SUNRISE The day dawned cold, deserted, damp and drear, Nothing above Or on the earth or sea gave forth a sound. Save one lone dove. Grey mist surrounded it; I saw it pictured there A bird forlorn. As, sad, it rested on a storm-swept branch That cheerless morn. That one grey lonely dove murmured its plea, A plaintive cry. To find its mate. My sad heart echoed forth Its wail on high. Then from the barren grey of life You came to me. The sun broke through illusion's mist, and shone Gloriously. You kissed my eyes, my lips. — Then tenderly You touched my hair. Caressingly you stroked its midnight mesh. And lingered there. 28 Down Lyric Lanes Ah love, the warmth that flamed forth from your eyes Dispelled life's grey; And there was born anew that hour for me A fairer day. What matters if all life be one long night, Dark skies and drear? For me has dawned that joyous golden day — My dawn is here ! 29 Down Lyric Lanes TO W. E. M. I wonder, dear, if you can guess How much you give of happiness In life's great hours or moments less, Because — you understand. I feel it matters not with you If I seem thoughtless, or untrue; You love, no matter what I do, Because — you understand. Some look for explanations; fear The acts or deeds of which they hear, And friendship bought thus proves too dear, But you— you understand. Such faith as yours proves all I need To help me strive for nobler deed. And strengthens me to live my creed; Content — you'll understand. [30] Down Lyric Lanes SYMBOL FLOWER You brought me a blossom, dear, You had plucked in a wayside yard; A fragile, delicate thing, That whispered of your regard. The day had been steeped in fog; No sunshine kissed the pane; The blossom breathed of May, Touched life with hope again. You brought me a symbol, dear, A delicate, fragile thing, And the fragrance that stirred in the air Was you, and your love, and Spring. 31] ON UPWARD TRAILS Down Lyric Lanes TWO ROADS The path of Least Resistance Is an easy path to tread, For the road seems broad and winding, and we can- not see ahead. It looks to be quite level, but It really leads you down Into Sure Dissatisfaction and Irritation Town. The path of Daily Effort Is a rocky road and steep; But on the rugged pathway you can always get a peep Of Self-Respect and Progress. And as you higher stray You'll find the flower of Happiness growing by the way. Although the former pathway seems fairer to one's view, It does not lead to places where you keep your vision true; The harder road leads always on where life is rugged, free. Come, buckle on your mental spurs and mount the heights with me. 35 Down Lyric Lanes KINSHIP I do not feel myself descending low, Or shrinking into pale significance When I behold the wonders of the earth Or recognize the strength of cosmic force; But, as I ponder with a searching mind Upon the process and the law of life, I realize my kinship with the source, And find exhilaration for my soul; When I become a part of Infinite Mysterious Nature, I cannot but know That you, O Man, are also linked with life, And therefore greet you as a soul sublime. 36 Down Lyric Lanes A PICTURE I saw him on a busy street, This night so balmy, mild, A lad of eight or ten, perhaps — A little hungry child. But brave he called his evening news In plaintive tones, yet loud; His tiny form could scarce be seen Among the bustling crowd. His pleading voice made swift appeal To my keen listening ear; And eagerly I turned to him, And quickly he drew near. Oh, not in words he told his tale 1 His face, pale, sadly thin, Betrayed a vital, urgent need, A hungry soul within. Such hunger — not alone for food. But hunger of the heart For carefree hours of happy play That should have been his part. 37 Down Lyric Lanes The tired lines and weary droop Of head upon his breast Appealed for hours that boyhood needs Of rich, life-giving rest. His very presence there alone, With no fond mother near, Was living plea for sheltering arms That childhood holds most dear. I then had left a gallery Of modern painters' art. But this, a living picture, burned More deep into my heart. 38 Down Lyric Lanes THE CHINA LILY (China-lily bulbs will bloom longer and the fragrance be sweeter if bulbs are kept in the dark a few days after planting.) Sheltered in darkness, humble, unseen. Till thy bulbs burst into tenderest green, Blossoming patiently, greeting the sun Only when all thy maturing is done, Sweet China-lily that breathes on the air Delicate perfume, fragrant and rare. Strong are thy rootlets, sturdy thy stem. Teaching a wonderful lesson to men. ****** If we but hastily seize on a theme. Build a belief from a fabric of dream. Thought lacking judgment and reason and power Fades into nothingness — lives but an hour. 39 Down Ljfric Lanes ON HEARING OF THE DEATH OF CARUSO There burst upon earth's waiting ear a song! As if Life's orchestration held a tone Of new-found harmony, a vibrant note Of soothing sweetness, not of joy alone But joy that mingled sorrow in its strain, Awoke some long-lost chord, and tossed it free, Vibrating the heart-strings of the world, To blend them in one strong responsive key. And shall we hear no more these stirring notes Of beauty? Can such joyous sounds be stilled? Nay! In the inner ear still dwells the real Eternal music! All the air is filled With poignant memories undying, all The melting tones the singer joyed to give; While in our consciousness we feel, we know, That harmonies, once sung, forever live. [40 Down Lyric Lanes I WALK UNAFRAID I leave behind uncertainty, mistrust, I bury deep the faint and faltering word; For I have seen the work that I must do. The voice of lofty purpose I have heard. No more shall any hand turn me aside. No more shall pleading voices bid me stay. My feet are firmly set on my own path. And cannot from my course be led astray. Not I alone, but all men walk with me; All men who keenly feel or see or hear The mystery of life, all tread the road That leads to height beyond all mortal fear. [41 Down Lvric Lafies BLINDED 'In stricken Poland," so the Item states, "Innumerable babies are born blind, And scientists say In the mothers' womb A lack of vital nourishment they find." A simple little story, simply told Within the pages of the daily press; Not a bare headline to attract the eye Or vague suggestion of dire thoughtlessness. Are we, through plenty, even surplus now, Become Immune to thoughts of others' need? Do we bow down before an earthly shrine And place our gold above all other creed? It may be that we, too, are maimed for life With loathsome blight that menaces the whole Fair race with more far-reaching direful scourge, With deadly blindness of the human soul. Dare Congress pause to think on "Foreign Trade," Or "Better Business," while far nations weep? When little children, innocent of crime. In blindness cry, and In their blindness creep? 42 Down Lyric Lanes PRAYER Give me Thy quietness, Heart of the World; I would be still, and long commune with Thee. My soul is weary yearning for Thy peace; Let me repose in Thy tranquility. Oft for a moment I could hear Thy voice Amid earth's myriad noises sounding near; Too faintly came Thy message, my true sense Of consciousness is dulled. Thy voice, still dear, I long to know. Give me but power to feel The Spirit of that brooding heart of Thine. Tune my ear true that in each human voice I recognize the tone of the Divine. [43]