RANDOM RHYMES Class _^^_,2.0y Book ■ £dS/f^3 Copyright 1^° y?/?^ COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. COOPKR'8 HOLLOW Overhanging crags on either side Form grottoes, ivherei/i might reside Dark goblin of an eastern story. RANDOM RHYMES BY ROBERT L. PEMBERTON ORACLE PRESS ST. MARYS, WEST VIRGINIA 1904 LifiRAKYcf CONGRESiij Jv.v Copio$ kicccivou NOV 7 13U4 CouyMsrai c/7^7 'copy XXc, i\u; o B. COPYRIGHT, 1904, BY ROBERT L. PEMBERTOM. DKBlCATliD TO A. B. P. PREFACE THE title of this book was sug-gested by the heading-, 'Random Remarks," under which I have contributed to The St. Marys Oracle a column for several years, and in which many of the verses made their first appearance. The local nature of several of the poems may be attributed to the same source. I have made no attempt to classify the work, but rather I have taken the poems at hap- hazard, preferring- that they should appear as they were written, without method and with- out other object than to meet the occasion that led to their composition. RoBT. L. Pkmbkrton. St. Marys, W. Va., Sept. 25, 1904. TABLK OF CONTENTS PAGK Desire 11 When the Service Is in Bloom .... 12 A Winter's Morning- 14 The Avowal 15 On the Death of John B. Goug-h 16 The Lute ^ 19 *'Montani Semper Liberi" 20 To a Bee in January 21 In the Sweet Smelling Hay 23 The Ohio Vallev . . .\ 25 The Traveler " 26 The Cicada 27 By Order of the Health Board 29 BiirsFad , 31 Retrospection 33 A Sad, Sad Son^ .... 36 June 38 In the Season 40 The Plum Pudding- 42 Song of the Tramp 44 Spring- 46 Artistic Jack 47 To Grif Alexander 49 What Ag-e is This? 51 A Happy New Year 54 The Hammock Boat 56 From the Hill 58 Berry Time 61 Evelyn 63 TABI.K OF CONTENTS — CONTINUED PAGE Anticipation ...... 65 The Old Man 66 On the Ohio 67 Peg-g-y Detected 68 Hot Weather 69 Love's Domain 71 The Art of Living- .... 72 Yet There Is Glory 74 A Married Man's Musings 76 A Wedding Gift 79 Cooper's Hollow .... 80 A December View 82 Drivin' Down the Pike 85 Down Long- Run 87 Mv Comrades .... 89 A Little Rhyme 91 The Canoe 93 A Memory .... 96 Doolin 97 Fall Limericks 99 The Long Run School 101 The Veterans 106 The Bridge of Ice 108 When the Heart Is in It 110 Vanitas Vanitatis .... 112 Wanita 113 Santa Claus 117 A Knight of Old 120 Pictures in the Fire 122 Ambitious Gardening- 124 Confidence 126 RANDOM RHYMES DESIRE IF aught of mine Should bring- a thrill of pleasure to a soul, Stirring- the blood like draught of sparkling wine, Then would I reach my goal. If aught I write Should banish sorrow from a stricken heart, Ev'n for a moment, it were great delight That I had done mj part. Could I but know That work of mine has helped some struggling one In life's great battle, I could calmly go, Believing it well done. Yet not content, But wishing that I might again reach forth To give my Master, for the gift he lent, Tenfold its simple worth. 12 RANDOM RHYMES WHEN THE SERVICE IS IN BLOOM. LAZINESS, some people call it; But the J cannot understand: Energ-y cannot forestall it, And it yields to no command; But upon me comes the feeling*, Certain as the crack of doom, Every nerve like drunkard reeling, When the service is in bloom. Listless languor takes possession -^ Labor is a thing- abhorred; I am plunged in deep depression When I'm asked to trim the sward; Office work is something dreadful. Filling me with deepest gloom. For of longings I 've a head full, When the service is in bloom. Want to answer Nature, calling To the woods and streams and hills; Want to hear the water falling O'er the dam at Sylvan Mills; WHEN THE SERVICE IS IN BLOOM 13 For I know the bass are waiting-, Open-mouthed, below the flume, And they '11 bite without debating- When the service is in bloom. Don't you feel it coming- o'er you? Don't you want to sit and laze With a living stream before you Whirling- in a frothy maze, And to see the cork go bobbing Through the snowy, sparkling spume? Don't you feel a feverish throbbing When the service is in bloom? 14 RANDOM RHYMES A WINTER'S MORNING WHEN all is drear and chill without, When cold the western breezes blow. And skirr the clouds in ragg-ed rout, And nature seems man's fiercest foe, Well sheltered in our little cot, What matter how the wild winds roar? With love we laugh and bless our lot, — All care is barred beyond the door. Yet comes a thought that chills our joy: Somewhere thro' biting winds doth roam,^^ Some wife's true love, some mother's boy. Ill-clad, unsheltered, far from home. God help the luckless wand'rer through, And guide him to a home of rest! Aud God help him who never knew The pangs of pity in his breast! THK AVOWAL 15. THE AVOWAL I KNOW not if jou love me — Your lips have never spoken; The cloud of doubt above me As yet remains unbroken. But, in the tender glances Now from your dark eyes straying-, I think that Cupid dances — His secret thus betraying-. And in the rosy blushes Your snowy forehead dyeing-, I feel the love-g-od rushes, All cold restraint defying-. Oh, fly me not, fair maiden! What is it you are fearing? With love your lips are laden And no one is in hearing. Ah! now I know you love me! By every sacred token! The sky is clear above me Since your red lips have spoken! 16 RANDOM RHYMES ON THK DKATH OF JOHN B. GOUGH WEEP! He is dead, who long- had rung The pealing changes of our cause; He, gifted with the god-like tongue, On whose rich accents thousands hung And thundered loud applause. Ay, he is dead — but such a death As seldom hero gains: Still teaching with his latest breath. As did that One of Nazareth, Immortal truths divine; And striving still to break the chains That hold men slaves to wine. All honor to the dead! who fell While striving yet for men: Honor the dead! and softly toll the bell. And let the deep tones tell His praise again! He called the weak Back to the strength of youth; Brought color to the wasted cheek With hope and truth. ON THE DEATH OF JOHN B. GOUGH He went where others feared: Pierced through the dismal g-loom, And hearts, all hope-forsaken, cheered— Saved them from doom. He spent his life, his all, to save The drunkard from unhonored g-rave, The young- from tempter's snare; The wife, the children, from the wave — The ocean — of despair! Oh, such a life as his were worth A dynasty of kings! 'Tis better far to raise from earth Men fallen from their noble birth And lost to conscience' sting-s. Than o'er the land and o'er the sea To have a boasted empery; Than in the Senate halls to stand. Or mighty armies to command. Yet will he live; both where the soul All happy dwells for aye. And on this earth, where our control Dies not with day. Our hero in his work will live; His deeds to other men will give An inspiration sweet; And as the oak's deep shades protect Flowers from solar heat, So, 'neath his shadow will collect Fair armies which he '11 yet direct To victory complete! 18 KANDOM RHYMES All honor to the dead! and be his name Our watchword for the right; For as the phoenix from the dying flame, So shall he rise and fight Till glorious day o'ercome the fated night! All honor to the dead! who fell While striving yet for men! Honor the dead! and softly toll the bell, And let the deep tones tell His praise again! THE I.UTE 19 THE LUTE THERE lies a lute that sweetW told Of tender love in days of old; But tarnished are its bands of «:old. And broken are its strings. No more in Luna's favoring- beam It thrills with all-enticing theme^ And wakes the lady from her dream,. Blest with the joy it brings. No more the vines are pushed apart, To let the roses downward dart, Bearing the troth of trusting heart — The serenader's gains. Happy the youth of proud Castile, Who thus could make his fond appeal I Sweet the reward for ardent zeal And the lute's mellow strains. But customs change: that time is gone;. Sightless the eyes that brightly shone; Withered the hand that woke the tone Of strings that now are mute! Yet lives on earth the same fond love. And falls the gage from lips above, While breezes blow in neighb'ring grove,. Instead of silent lute! 20 RANDOM RHYMES *'MONTANI SEMPER LIBERI." WHERE is perfect freedom found? Banished from Plataea's plain, Driven from the hallowed ground, Far across th' Atlantic main; Seek it: ye shall find it thrills Throug-h the West Virg-inia hills! Where is manhood? Where is power? Not in kingdoms long- decayed; Not where springs the noisome flower In some ancient ruin's shade: Find them 'mid the rocks and rills Of the West Virginia hills! Fair, though wild and rugged land. Forceful is thy mountain air; Jlonest heart and ready hand Flourish in thy fostering care: "Men of free, unconquered wills Dwell on West Virginia hills! TO A BEE IN JANUARY 21 TO A BEE IN JANUARY. WHAT tempted thee to venture forth, Brown toiler of the flower? For thee there 's little now of worth While Winter holds his power. What rog-uish calendar hast thou Hung- on thy waxen wall, To tell thee that 'tis summer now, When thick the snow-flakes fall? Perhaps the sun, that lately warmed, As with relenting" heart, Woke thee from dreams of life, and charmed Thee with its g-olden dart. And thou, all trembling- with the joy Of spring's congenial birth, Hast left thy hive to seek employ Upon the forward earth. But lo! scarce were thy wings outspread^ When northern winds arose; The fair but fickle sun had fled, And fell the cruel snows. 22 RANDOM KHYMP:S Now, driven bj the freezing- blast, Which thou wouldst vainl}^ flj, All chill and numb, thou'rt roug-hly cast Upon the ground to die! Fast, fast the falling- snow-liakes screen Thee from my pitying- sight — Thy life was 'inid broad fields of green, Thy death 'mid fields of white I So Fortune lures, with many a charm, Man from his calm retreat: Then leaves him strug-g-ling- in the storm, Till death itself seem sweet! IN THK SWEKT-SMKLLING HAY 23 IN THE SWEET- SMELLING HAY. WHEN the leaves softly fall in the cool autumn breeze, And the sun casts a shimmer of gold on the trees. And the blue of the sk}^ has descended to earth, And the knowledge of plenty gives all the world mirth. Then, with heart full of joy, I remember the day That we spent in the barn, in the sv/eet-smell- ing hay. With the choicest of fruit from the orchard below, (I have oft wondered since if such apples yet grow, ) ■ Through the great double door we ran mer- rily in. And arousing the clucking old hens with our din, Up the ladder we mounted, though gloomy the wa}'. Till vre nestled like birds in the sweet-smelling hay. 24 RANDOM RHYMES While without there was chill of the fall in the air, In the loft of the barn, warmth of summer was there; And the flavor of rambos was rich to the taste, As the riddles went round in a feverish haste ; And true happiness beamed from each face as we lay, With the wealth of our childhood, in sweet- smelling* hay. I have read of rare banquets at richest of boards. Where the viands were best that the whole earth affords; Where the wit was the keenest, and epigrams flew Round the board like the fireflies in midsum- mer dew; But no feast is so rare, and no wit is so gay, As the feast and the wit in the sweet-smelling- hay. THK OHIO VALLEY 25- THE OHIO VALLEY. Q ING, if you will, of western clime, "^^ Of clearest skies and heights sublime, Where nature with a lavish hand, Lays all her gifts at man's command; Yet, were I there, my heart would pine To see again this vale of mine. Sweet Valle}^ of Ohio! When Thou openest thy joys to men, There's not on earth a spot more fair. With brighter sky or softer air. More full of beauty fresh and good, More in attune with loving mood. More merry with the feathered choir. More rich in all the heart's desire! And whether hid from winter's sun,. Thy fields a-cold. thy hillsides dun, Thy singing birds in southern flight, Thy rivulets all mute and white. Or, roused by the great pulse of time. Rejoicing in a power sublime. Clad in a wealth of glorious green And smiling back at sky serene, I love thee! Be thou calm or rude, I love thee in thy every mood. 26 RANDOM RHYMES THE TRAVELER. BRONZED wanderer o'er the varied earth, Return unto thy home of youth! Retake thy place before the hearth; Thy parents' closing- moments soothe! White as the snow that crowns the mount Thy father's scattered hairs have grown; Thy mother's tears burst from the fount, And oft is heard her wear}^ moan. Oh, speed thee, Traveler, o'er the land! Oh, haste thee o'er the ocean's foam! Leap lightly on thy native strand, And turn thine eager steps towards home! Woe, woe the day! Too late, too late! Beneath those mounds thy parents bide; The fire hath died within the grate With those who perished at its side! A voiceless house, a cheerless home! Alas, such is no home for thee: Forth, Traveler, and aimless roam O'er foreign land and distant sea. Go; search the world for unknown rest; Pursuing peace, to battle fly; But never shalt thou end thy quest Until thou liest down to die. THE CICx\DA 27 THE CICADA. HIDDEN in the apple tree, Closely to the rough bark clitig-ing-, Colored like the bark is he, Veiling- himself modestly, Yet not modest in his sing-ing-. Very simple is his tune, And it has no variation; Starting" low, he rises soon Till he's hig-her than the moon, Soaring- over all creation. Now he makes the v/clkin ring-. Leader of the insect chorus. Overpowering- everything; Beats the frogs of early spring- — • To the marrow does he bore us. Ha! at last he's reached his heig-ht! Thank the Lord, he has a limit I Now he falls in easy flight, Just as sleep comes in the night, And he makes no haste to trim it. So he sings from his retreat That the dog days are around us; 28 RANDOM RHYMES Sings about the awful heat, Sing-s that summer is complete, Does his utmost to confound us. Crackling like X-raj machine; Whirring like a young horse-fiddle; Shriller voiced than cricket keen; Striving to be heard, not seen — Stops his song right in the middle 1 Glory be! The sand wasp hears; To the apple tree she hurries And the loud musician spears! Give the sand wasp rousing cheers — She has slain one of our worries! Duly licensed poets may, O Cicada! sing your glory; For myself, I only say I prefer you far away — Far from my nerves auditory. BY ORDER OF HEALTH BOARD 29 BY ORDER OF HKALTH BOARD. I^ET jour rake and shovel, neig-hbor, ^ On the fence-post hang- your coat, Earnestly betake to labor In the pasture of the goat; For the Health Board gives us warning That V7e may not disreg-ard, And in spite of all our scorning- We must clean up our backyard. Death to microbes and baccilli ! That's the cry this merry spring-; They must vanish, willy-nilly, 'Fore the White (domestic) Wing-. Here's a harvest of old rubbers, Rusty tin and glinting- shard. For the Health Board — lazy lubbers — Makes us clean up our backyard. Heap the stuff up in the center; Build a high funereal pyre; Gateway for microbes to enter Place where there is hotter fire. Dance the Death Dance as we feed it VYith a pleasure all unmarred. For the Health Board has decreed it — We must clean up our backyard. 30 RANDOM KHYMES See the rudd}' flames ascending", Lig"hting- up the evening" skj! Hear the snapping microbes ending^ Life with a despairing^ cry! Every spark that upward rises Is a microbe's soul, ill-starred, For the Health Board so advises — We must clean up our back\'ard» bill'.s fad 31 BILL'S FAD. THERE'S joy for him who casts aside The troubles of the shop, Who grailj hurries home to ride His hobby to the drop; His mind is fresh, his heart is light, His dreaming- makes him glad: A vision comes before his sight — A vision of his fad. No matter how the work may «-o Bill's face is always bright; The belts may slip, machine run slow^ Nought in the shop go right, And everyone may have the blues, The boss be swearing ma.d; But Bill, in nearing distance, views, The coming of his fad. The goodwife laughs to hear him laugh The children dance in glee; He greets them all with merry chaftV And all goes happily; For he has left the shop behind With all the cares he had, And turns with free and cheering mind Unto his darling fad. 32 RANDOM RHYMES His home to him is paradise, Where he has treasures rare; His children cherubs in disg-uise, His wife an ang-el fair; Bill's happiest when to their jojs One pleasure he can add; For home, and wife, and g-irls and boys Make up Bill's only fad. RETROSPECTION 33 RETROSPECTION. WITH eyelids half closed, as I sit in my chair, Fantastic blue smoke-wreaths incensing the air, My fancy reverts through the mellowing haze To the days of my boyhood — those wonderful days! I can't help remarking how strikingly strange The things of that day look from such a long range! Since I was a boy, everything has grown smaller, Or else in those days they were wider and taller. The creek was then twice as far distant from town; The hill that we coasted so merrily down — I'm surprised when I look at it! — short and so low. It's hard to see how we could make a sled go! Then the great Lover's Leap — those gigantic old rocks, Defiant of tempest and dynamite shocks — 34 KANDOM KHYMKS The monument common, where many a name Has been chiseled with tenpenny nails into fame — Those wonderful rocks have so dwindled in size That really it's hard to believe\my own eyes. Not only these places, but also some people. Who used to loom up as immense as a steeple; The teacher, the preacher, the lawyer, physi- cian. Were g'reat, awful being-s, of mig-hty position; But now, wlien I look at them close, I can see They 're just human creatures like you and like me. Another affair that I hardly see throug-h, Although it may be very easy for you — It 's common enoug-h, ne'ertheless it is queer: When I was a lad, in my tenth or twelfth year, I knew several g-irls of the same ag-e precisely; Tog'ether we played and we g-ot along- nicely; But in a few years they had g-rown so much faster Than I, that I suffered a mental disaster; They played no more g-ames; they talked only of "mashes". Forsaking- smooth lips for those g-raced with mustaches. KETKOSPKCTION 35 A bothersome puzzle — It near drove me mad To think they had gTov/n twice as fast as I had! For, two sets of 3^ears could there possibly be, The short ones for them, and the long ones for me ? But stranger than that: as the years saunter- ed on, I having arrived at mature tv/enty-one, By some necromantical, mystical means, Those very same ladies were still in their teens. 36 RANDOM RHYMES A SAD, SAD SONG. THERE lives a girl on Whiskey Run,- Sitig- ho, she is a daisy! Her eyes are green, her hair is dun, Her nose is like a hot-cross bun, The sig-ht of her will cattle stun And drive the chickens crazy. There is a man who loved this maid, — Sing- ho, he is a looney! He courted her by nig-ht, it's said, To look by day he was afraid; Yet, kissing in the deepest shado, He grew a trifle spooney. For she is rich in her own right, — Sing ho, the power of money! IVith wealth a man may have delight, E'en though he can 't endure the sight Of her who makes his prospects bright; Say, doesn't that seem funny ? Alas, he saw his girl one day, — Sing ho, but that was awful ! He cracked his fists and ran away, Nor love nor money could him stay; A SAD, SAD SONG 37 He asked two men of law, and they Said running- off was lawful. There is a place he'll always shun, — Sing- ho, his brain is hazy! He '11 never g-o on Whiskey Run, At least, when shines the blessed sun; He'd rather face a loaded g-un. Than meet that mountain daisy. 38 RANDOM RHYMES JUNE. 50 this is June, The month of roses! The year's forenoon, When nature poses In richest g-arb of rippling- g-reen; Sure, June of all the months is Queen! Her sister, May, Is bright and cheery, And drives away Sad thoughts and dreary. Yet sometimes cold her breath becomes And then the yearning heart she numbs. And April 's coy: She weeps in laughter; She gives us joy. But grief comes after, I like not these uncertain ones — • Oive me the friend who steady runs. July 's intense: She has a fashion Of violence With ardent passion; I fear the calms of proud July, For then I know a storm is nig^h. JUNE 39 But June is true, Pure-hearted, tender, From skies of blue Her radiant splendor Is shed upon the answerin.sf earth — All Nature testifies her worth. All have confessed Her breath the sweetest; In emerald dressed Her form completest; Let others choose what month they will, The queenly June's my favorite still. 40 RANDOM RHYMES IN THE SEASON. TO the hills the sportsmen hurry With intent to kill; Squirrels now have cause to worry^ If the boys have skill. Hear the popping- ! Never stopping- ! Squirrels dropping-? Game score nil. I myself once went a hunting- Armed with dog- and gun; Did the tallest kind of stunting-, Had a lot of fun; Rocky scrambles, Scored by bram.bles, In my rambles; Squirrels? None. Strenuous the sportsman's calling; Much he must endure; Tramping-, climbing, creeping, 'crawling-, Following the spoor; Puffing, wheezing; Heat unceasing; Gun increasing; Touofh? Be sure. IN THK SEASON 41 Now by proxy altogether Do I g"0 for g-ame; And I never worry whether He walks sound or lame; I'm not caring- How he's faring-, Though I'm sharing Just the same. Snug at home I eat my ration When it suits my will; And I let Imagination Traverse vale aud hill; Quail or pheasant Is my present From my pleasant Fancy's skill. 42 KANDOM RHYMES THE PLUM PUDDING. I SING of the Christmas Plum Pudding-, To every Eng-lishman dear: Reminder of g-lories departed, And earnest of those to appear. The Frenchman may tickle your palates With ecstasies done up in joy; But still there's a place for the pudding. In spite of the dainties that cloy. Its origin 's lost in the ages; We only can wonder how first That spherical marvel of Christmas On gladdened humanity burst. Conceived in the brain of a poet; Compounded by alchemist wise; The King of the Cooks then prepared it, And gave to the world a surprise! Surrounded by memories sacred. And hallowed through numberless years; The crowning delight of the table And finest of Christmas "good cheers!" THE PIvUM PUDDING 43 Behold now the pudding- approaching- In due and appropriate state, All steaming- and blazing- in g-lory, — A wonderful world new create! See, under that thin epidermis Are gems of exceeding- g-reat worth: Rich amethysts, topazes, rabies — You'll find not their like in the earth. There's joy in the rare exhalations That rise from the richest of spheres. And from it we breathe the sweet essence Of Friendship enduring- thro' years. All hail to the Christmas PIu;ii Pudding-! All hail to the symbol of peace! May cooks never fail in its making-, May time see its g-lories increase! 44 RANDOM RHYMES SONG OF THE TRAMP. I'M a gentleman of leisure, I 'm a tourist, don't you know, Merely travelin' for pleasure, Idly wandVin' to and fro; Never g-rumblin' tho I Ve got to Get along- without an auto. Life for me 's one long- vacation, And I makes the most of it; Anywhere 's my destination — When I g-ets there then I flit; For I 'm told by men judicial, Chang-e for me is beneficial. Here, perchance, a day I '11 linger; There, mayhap, I '11 stop a week; Then I '11 toiler Fate's cold finger. Strike a town — and take a sneak; For the Mayor may not be lenient And a stone-pile 's too convenient. Like a king- his tribute takin', On I g-o, from spot to spot; Levy here for share of bakin', There I gets my coffee hot; Shady sward 1 use for table. Bedroom? In a barn or stable. SONG OF THK TRAMP 45 Sometimes on the cars I travel: Special train — no charge to pay; Till a brakeman starts to cavil, Then I softly slide away; Grates my ears to hear men cussin' And I hate this useless fussin'. Yet I 'm happy in my roamin', Seldom by a ca.re oppressed; I 'm no pig-eon, quickly homin' — Home is where I am a g'uest. I 've no sentimental pinin', Like a cat for old home whinin\ I 'm a g-entleman of leisure; I 'm a tourist, don't you see? Others sweat and dig- for treasure Then divide it up v/ith me; Wall street never g-ives me worry, And I seldom have to hurry. 46 RANDOM RHYMES SPRING. ^PRING is like a maiden coj, '^^ Peeping- at an anxious boy — ■ Torturing- and teasing- him, Pitying- and pleasing- him. Spring- bestows a smile to cheer, Making us believe she's here, Then contrives to disappear; So the hussj g-laddens Us, Then she frowns and saddens us. Naug-hty tricks are these to play! When she comes she ought to stay Well-behaved to charm us all, And with love to warm us all. But she fools the tender flowers With her smiles between the showers; And the birds have wasted hours Building- houses bootlessly, Warming wee eggs fruitlessly. Spring 's a sinner. Spring 's a saint; She is curious, odd and quaint; Truly she is feminine — Put a little lemon in Sugared water: that's her kind — We'll omit the bitter rind; Yet we love her: never mind Her bewildering silliness, Wavering warmth and chillinesSc ARTISTIC JACK 47- ARTISTIC JACK. ^ING ho! for merry Mister Frost, ^-^ Who paints our cheeks andnosest His crystals tossed, on panes embossed, Take most artistic poses. Our muddy streets he breathes upon, And lo! as if by mag-ic, The mud is gone — turned into stone, And Councilmen look tragic. Lace curtains? They're put in the shade When Jack is operating; No loom e'er made, nor shop displayed Such skill in decorating. Upon the icy sidewalk tread As lightly as you can, sir; Or else, instead, upon your head, You '11 be a sportive dancer! He's made good ice upon the creek; It 's strong and clear and glassy And hard and slick, come, hurry quick, And bring along your lassie. 48 RANDOM RHYMES Sing ho! for Jack's delig-htful ice, On which we '11 try, while speeding-, Some new device — and in a trice We have a nose that 's bleeding! Of artists Jack is surely king: He has a natural talent. He has a fling at everything, Nor misses maid nor gallant. TO GRIF ALEXANDER 49^ TO GJRIF ALEXANDER QING, sing-, je poets, if you will, ^^^ Of g"ods upon Olympic hill; On Grecian heroes work your skill, And rant like Hector; Of food ambrosial eat your fill: Your drink be nectar! Or, would ye touch the martial vein. Sing- how the gory crimson stain Lay thick upon the sodden plain, And roar of battle, And yells of vengeance, shrieks of pain, Made welkin rattle! Perchance, forsooth, the pastoral scene May wake your muse, and all serene Amid a show of living- green. For happy lovers Ye tune your lilting lute, and lean 'Neath leafy covers. E'en though it be an epic fire, Or odes that to the heavens aspire, Or serenades upon the lyre, Or sad repining — Of all the heart will surely tire, Except on — dining. 50 RANDOM RHYMES So, when Grif Alex, strikes the string's And from the Smoky City sing's Of " 'taters, herbs, and other thing's," We cease our napping- — The air is full of spirit-wing-s, And we hear rapping-! We smell the smell of lamb a-roast, Nor care we for its Banquoed ghost, Green peas and spear-mint sauce almost Go down one's throttle — Nor care if Barmecidal host Pass not the bottle. A '*poem that we need n't know?" Why, bless you, sing a score or so — That kind is relished here below, For we are human, And love what's human, even though It be a woman. V/HAT AGE IS THIS? 51 WHAT AGE IS THIS? LISTEN to our greatest sag-es: Man has passed through many ages, Rising by successive stages, Till he 's reached his present station; Proud, too, of his elevation. First we find him using wood For a weapon. Nov/, you should Read of Abel, foully slain By his wretched brother, Cain; Also, read of old Australia, How the Bushmen would assail 3^e, . Rushing out in howling gang-s, Flinging crooked boomerangs. Then we find him using bonej. Giving weapons sharper tone. Just at present, even so Does the greasy Eskimo. Then, progressing, up he picks Heavy stones to load his sticks; Grooves them, so they '11 bind on tight. Sharpens them, to make them bite. 52 RANDOM RHYMKS ' Then he hits on something- new. Adding- bows and arrows to ■ Stock of weapons — and this pag^e History knows as the "Stone Ag-e." Next behold him working in Mines of copper and of tin, Melting both the metals down Till Ihey 're done a dirtj brown, Molding knife and ax and sword. Now another page he 's scored, And the very knowing ones Call this time the ''Age of Bronze." Look again: we see him find Iron, and he leaves behind Brittle bronze, and makes his arms "Out of stuff that has more charms — Stronger, sharper, tougher far, Proper thing for peace or war. When he 's in this higher stage :He has reached the "Iron Age." Marching onward in his quest, Now we find him at his best, Using all the things he's known — • Iron and wood and bone and stone. And ten thousand other things To his many needs he brings. WHAT AGE IS THIS? BSl What's the present ag"e? you ask; Answer 's not an easy task. Some '^Electric Age" do name it; Others just as stoutly claim it Properly is "Age of Steel;" Many in this section feel "Age of Oil" or ''Age of Gas" For its title ought to pass; Some insist on "Age of Vapor;" Others call it "Age of Paper." In past ages men have fought With the weapons that were wrought Giving to each age its name — '*Stone Age," "Bronze Age" — and the same Rule holds good the present day, When the weapons most in play Are the papers. Don't you see? On this point let us agree, And conclude the proper caper Is to call this "Age of Paper." 54 KAN DOM KIIYMES A HAPPY KKW YKA.R HURRAH for a Happy New Year! May trouble and care disappear! May joy take their places, With smiles on all faces Replacing- the frown or the tear! Here 's luck to the driller for oil! May g-rease be reward of his toil! His drill never rusty, His holes never dusty, And never a kink in his coil! Here 's wishing- the farmer the best! May he with a.bundance be blessed! His produce be doubled, His sleep be untroubled. For he 's the support of the rest. And here 's to kind woman, whose love, Like manna come down from above, Gives strength to the jaded And life to the faded: May joy fit her heart like a g-love! A HAPPY NEW YEAR 55 And here 's to the children! May they Enjoy themselves every day; May duty be pleasure, And Time never measure The moments they pass in their play! And here 's a g-ood will to the rich! Here 's hoping- their palms will not itch, But find that in giving- Is richest of living-, — For Fortune 's a fickle old witch. Here 's hope for the poor! May they know More comforts in life here below! May Fortune surprise them, So those who despise them Will put them in Quality Row! Hurrah for a Happy New Year! While spinning- around on this sphere. May kindliness flourish, And everyone cherish The blessing-s we find with us here! 56 RANDOM RHYMES THE HAMMOCK-BOAT rAR, far away I sail, Rocked g-etitly to and fro; The balmy summer g-ale Makes music soft and low, And carries odors sweet From flowers as I float; Oh, better craft no breezes waft Than this, my hammock-boat! To and fro, Here I go. In my hammock-boat; Gently tossing-. Oceans crossing-, On and on I float. Your launch may softly g-lide On an untroubled stream; Your yacht stem ocean's tide In vain search of a dream: In hammock-boat I lie, Nor sail nor oar require. Yet will it bear me anywhere, Unto my heart's desire. the: hammock-boat 57' To and fro, Hig-h and low, Rocks mj hammock-boat; Time unheeding". Onward speeding;, Over seas I float. In it the storms I brave Of torrid Indian Sea; The great Pacific's wave No terror has for me; From isle to isle I rove. Nor fear a pilot fleet: Where'er I roam, I 'm still at home- Mj hammock-boat 's complete! To and fro. Breezes blow On my hammock-boat; Love is gleaming" On my dreaming — Thus I 'd ever float! 58 KANDOM RHYMES FROM THE HILL THE breath of early morn is wondrous sweet, No matter where — in garden or in field, Or in the scarcely wakened city street; But nowhere does it sweeter frag^rance yield Than on the lofty summit of this hill. Where joyfully my eager lungs I fill. Upon the grassy crest I stand alone, By snowy mist enclosed on every side; Like one upon a desert islet thrown, Whose wistful eyes see nought but ocean's tide. While every wave against his foothold hurled Shows how has shrunk his once majestic world. The sun has burst the fetters of the night; His level beams already have the force To move the heavy mist, and vast and white The phantom billows roll, in mazy course, Beat back by crag, and torn by sturdy tree; Here rising high, there sinking hopelessly. FROM THE HILL 59 Pierced by the burning- arrov/s of their foe, These airy monsters writhe in direst pain, Now yielding glimpses of the earth below. Now rushing o'er me, hiding all again; Now like a faint, uncertain vision, fled — And far around a noble scene is spread. The Valley of Ohio I Ever new. Like well-tried friendship! It was my de- light In boyhood's day to watch thy distant blue Melt sadly in the blackness of the nig*ht. Or see, as now, the glorious sun destroy The mist of morn and give the world new joy. B3' this September sun, 1 now behold Another Kden, and these rugged heights Encompass it as Eden's walls of old; Or here, enjoying thousands of delights, Might Rasselas with Nekayah have dwelt, Nor longing for another world have felt. From hill to vale, and vale to hill, I gaze. And ever at the placid stream that flows With gentle strength through fields of ripen- ing maize. Dividing where green isles its force oppose. Forever moving to the distant West, And bearing wealth of empires on its breast. 60 RANDOM RHYMES Since first I knew that stream long- jears have flown, Years that have brought their changes, joy and pain, Yet to my heart the times are freshly known When as a boy I coursed the icy plain, Or plunged exulting in the limpid tide, Or fragile craft upon its bosom plied. And were it given me to once again Go through this life, selecting where to dwell Its various times, I 'd choose to live as then, In boyhood, by the stream I love so well. With hills and hollows, plains and shingly shore. Where oft I loitered in the days of yore. BERRY 4^IMK 61 BERRY TIME UP to the hills, ere yet the sun His daily labor has beg"un, The berry pickers rush; With clanking-, clinking- cups and pails, With frequent "hurry-ups" and hails, They press into the brush. The shining- fruit hangs high and low. Oh, never was more tempting- show To lure an ardent crew! The fever 's on, and each one hurries To fill his measure first with berries. And claim the honor due. Who gives a thought to piercing* thorn? Who cares for clothing- v^et and torn. While rivalry runs hig-h? The deadly copperhead 's forg-ot. The hissing- viper gets no thoug-ht. While absent from the eye. The sun g-ets high — his fervid beam Converts the dew to fleeting- steam; Few can endure the heat, And leaving- now the open g-lade, Far deeper in the woody shade. Still picking-, they retreat. 62 RANDOM RHYMES Here is the richest, largest fruit, Well \vorthy of a long- pursuit Through many a thorny trail; And oft the treacherous hand will slip The choicest berry to the lip Instead of to the pail. The buckets filled, they homeward tramp, Bedrag-g-led, dust}-, stained and damp, Yet proud of what they 've done; Who would not turn back thirty years, When clink of pail and cup he hears, To share the simple fun? EVKI.YN 6S EVELYN CHUBBY little Evelyn Came last week to visit us, Lifting- up her dimpled chin, Giving" everyone a buss; Soon as she had entered in, House belonged to Evelyn. As a visitor she came — As a conqueror she stayed; On the household laid a claim, And possession g-ood she made. Many a princess there has been But not one like Evelyn. Princess? Nay, she is a queen, With a scepter in her hand; Soon as slightest nod is seen, See us rush at her command — Anxious is each one to win Gracious smile from Evelyn. RAN»OM RHYMRS Loving- subjects are we all, Though we must her favors share With a certain darkey doll, Likewise one devoid of hair; But all folks are kith and kin In the eyes of Evelyn. Happy little queen is she, Full of smiles the livelong- day! Happy should her subjects be, For she wants them all to play I Happy may the kind Fate spin Thread of life for Evelyn! ANTICIPATION 65 ANTICIPATION ON the hills the lamb is bleating", Fling-itig" tail to sunlit air; Soon the iamb will make g'ood eating-, Roasted with a proper care. In the g-arden peas are springing-. Making- pleasant verdant rows; Eng-lish sparrows o' er them wing-ing- Tell of future Kng-lish foes. Near the kitchen door is spearmint, Scattering- fragrance all around; Sensible of g-reat endearment, To it are my heart-strings bound. Eitsoons, when the sun is v>^armer, Yet before the summer 's here, You may see a mimic farmer Glowing with a hearty cheer. Lamb and peas and mint so fragrant Form a combine hard to beat; And imagination vagrant Stops its wanderings at the treat. <)6 RANDOM RHYMES THE OLD MAN. OLD man, whose locks are like the snow, Why mournest thou? Why droops thy head in sorrow low? Why do the dimming- tear-drops flow? Why roug-h and wrinkled is thy brow? '*0 youth, when thou shalt see the prime Of manhood pass; When thou shalt lose the laughing- rhyme, And feel an unrelenting time Write in blank verse upon thy face; "When love shall lag-, and fame shall flee, Then wilt thou know — Dim shapes will haunt thy memory. Regret will come, and thou shalt be Led by strange fancies to and fro. ''I weep because my world is old, And soon will die; Because the years that o' er me rolled Have left me thin, and worn, and cold, And cheerless, starless, is my sky." ON THE OHIO 67 ON THE OHIO HERE sang mj lady on a summer eve, While from the resting- oars fell slowly The g-listening drops, as loth they were to leave The air of song-, so pure and holy. The bird's rich matin no more rapture bring-s To one who wakes from peaceful slumber. Nor music of the coming angels' wings To him whose days have run their number. Dreams, visions of the future and the past, Were all forgotten in that pleasure; I only felt — could this forever last, My soul could wish no fuller measure.-. 68 RANDOM RHYMES PKGGY DETECTED. Q LIPPING g-etitly down the stairs, "^^ I caught Peggy unawares, Graceful curtseys making; Not a soul but she was there — Peggy, blue-eyed, rosy, fair. Smiling, bowing to the air. While my heart was aching. Aching for a smile from her. For I was her worshiper, And would give all gladly Would she bow and smile to me; Hard it was to stand and see Favors wasted lavishly, Which I longed for madly. * 'Cruel Peggy!" then I cried, * 'Wasting smiles to me denied! Blush in your detection! " •Startled, Peggy turned quite red; "I was practicing," she said: Then she smiled and bowed her head- Practice brought perfection! HOT WEATKKR 69 HOT WEATHER. ^^\ A ^ HAT is told by everybody must be so;" VV That 's an axiom I picked up long" ago; So when people that I meet Tell how dreadful is the heat, r m inclined to think the temperature aglow. Yet the constant repetition makes me tired; Many statements of the case are not required To impress upon my mind That the weather man's inclined Too'erdothe thing, and that he should be fired. While the perspiration's dripping- off my nose, An acquaintance comes the secret to disclose That the atmosphere is hot! But I rather wish he 'd not. For it turns the warmest friends to coolest foes. IrCt the weather man enjoy his little jest In predicting" cooler weather from the west; Every day he gives me hope So I do not sadly mope; And I steam along" and try to do my best. KAN DOM RHYMES I console myself with this immortal thoug^ht; Cooler weather heretofore has followed hot; If it miss connection now There will be a pretty row, For the mercury 's about the melting- spot. i,ove's domain 71 LOVE'S DOMAIN. COME where the green sward makes A stage for fairy folk ; Where bud of violet breaks Beyond its sheltering cloak. Come where the free bird tries Its wild and happy note; Where radiant butterflies Like air}^ flowers float. Come where the rose bush bends; Where droops the columbine; Where stalwart maple lends Its strength to clinging vine. Where bright eyed squirrels race, Secure in leafy covers; There is the hallowed place That nature made for lovers. With butterflies and birds, With flowers blooming near, There may we breathe the words That none but us should hear. 72 RANDOM RHYMES THE ART OP LIVING. LIVE as you' d live on forever, Live as tomorrow you' d die — This is the cream of endeavor, Essence of how and of why. Passing the years of the Psalmist, Yet little weakened with age, Brain yet at clearest and calmest, Stood by the fountain the sage. Filled with inten^^e admiration, Sought I the cause of his might. Kindly he gave explanation. Telling how Time failed to blight. * 'Yield to misanthropy never," Thus the old man did repl}-, '^'Live as you 'd live on forever, Live as tomorrow 3-0U 'd die. ''Plan for the years in the distance. Build for the rest that you plan; Plan with a youthful insistence, Build with the strength of a man.. THE ART OF LIVING 73> *'That is what God is expecting- — Why he permits us to live; Everything-' s lost by neglecting- — Even the hope he doth g"ive. '* Always live ready to meet him When he shall knock at the door; Fearing not, dreading not, greet Him Like to a true friend of yore. **This is the wonderful lever Lifting the heart to clear sky: Live as you 'd live on forever, Live as tomorrow you 'd die." 74 RANDOM RHYMES YET THERE IS GLORY. BACK throug-h the past Your eyes are cast, You sig-h for times long- g-one; When steel-clad knig-ht Rode forth to fight \Vith g-ilded gonfalon; You long to hear The clash of spear, To see the war cloud dun — Your heart's desire Is knight and squire And glory to be won. But all is bright As when the knight Rode charger on the plain; Ambition needs No gory deeds, Nor rises from the slain. You need not cease In times of peace To give up search begun; Just now, as then, For earnest men. There 's glory to be won. YKT THKKE IS GCORY 75 Then, all men knew The paths were two That led to glory's height: In war or church They made the search- As abbot or as knight; But in these days Are many ways Ambition's course may run: The world is wide With paths untried Where glory 's to be won. 76 RANDOM RHYMES A MARRIED MAN'S MUSINGS. UP slowly to the ceiling- The lazy smoke ascends; From shelves, in vain appealing-, Smile forth my ancient friends. A musing- spirit has me; I yield me to its power: Come forth, each g-rim phantasma, And chide me for an hour! Here comes a hazy notion Of promise I made once (Perhaps in strong- emotion My tong-ue made v/eak response) That I w^ould cut my smoking- To certain pipes per day; And here I am revoking- — A sharper in the play! Old Conscience stings me keenly, And tells me, o'er and o'er, That I have acted meanly A score of times or more, A marrie:d man's musings 77 In quietly eluding- Some thing-s I should have done, Or never quite concluding- Some jobs that were begun. And many a phantom hovers Above my easy chair — Rosebushes without covers Exposed to frosty air; Ag-ain, when rainbirds carol, My spirits flag- and droop, Because that water barrel Is minus yet a hoop. My memory 's erratic, And leaps to other scenes. Forgetful of the attic And certain window screens; And now upon my musing- Intrudes a cry of woe: "The saw that you V7ere using- Lies buried in the snow!" The clothesline I was trying To stretch to yonder tree. Upon the ground it's lying- — Forgotten utterly! I dare not search my pocket For fear of letters there. For memory jumps the sprocket In spite of all my care. 78 RANDOM RHYMKvS And there is one thing- only I know I can't forg^et, Without which I 'd be lonely, And life a vain regret; And that 's the strong- affection That bears with my misdeeds,. That saves me from dejection And helps my many needs. A WKDDING GIFT 79 A WEDDING GIFT. BLUE is the wave, the»sky is fair, And blows the balmy breeze; The boat is ready now to bear You far across the seas, And friends are nigh To wave g-oodby And wish all things that please. With Love for pilot all is well; He '11 guide your vessel through; Nor rocks, nor shoals nor surging swell You '11 have, but waters blue. And never fear But skies are clear When Love is pilot, too. Up with the anchor, spread the sail; Amid bright isles away! Where joy replies to each glad hail And all the world is gay! 'Tis Love's domain. Where you'll remai?n Forever and a day. so RANDOM KHYiMKS COOPER'S HOLLOW. WHAT home more fit for Naiades? What sweet seclusion more could please? What rarer spot could painter's art With skilful brush to cloth impart? O'erhang-ing- crag-s on either side Form g^rottoes, wherein mig-ht reside Dark g-oblin of an eastern story, Or ancient hermit, bent and hoarj. Who from the world's wild sins has lied To borrow other sins instead. It needs but little fancy here To see above yon falls appear A virg-in of a mythic race. All lissome leaning- on her vase, Above whose brim the Vvater dashes And downward thro' the sunlig-lit flashes, And singing- o'er its ston}^ bed, Or through a foamy eddy led. From side to side, as childhood skips, By fallen tree and rock it slips, Till, laughing loud, it leaps below, To join the stately river's tiow. 81 And in Diana's silver prime I warrant fairies beat the time As on those vines thej gaily swing- In fashion most bewildering-, In mazy circles, like to snow By whirlwinds driven to and fro; While comrades, on that bit of green, Dance for the merry Fairy Queen. It may have been long- years ago, Here watched the red man for his foe, And hurled the axe with thrilling yell That roused the echoes of the dell. Until they caught the dying scream. And crimson ran the murmuring stream. Perchance, again, an Indian maid With love for guide, has hither strayed: Plucked from the crevice lilies fair And garlanded her coal black-hair; Then gazed into that pool to see Her face reflected smilingly. But whether love the place has blest Or haired here has been a guest. It matters not, for Nature knows No dilierence in friends and foes. But yields her charms with easy grace To all v/ho look upon her face; And nov/here with more potent spell Than in this little rock-bound dell. RANDOM RHYMES A DECEMBER VIEW WHO fears the cold Should stay in doors; None but the bold May try the moors Or climb the hill When winter's chill Comes moaning- from the northern shores. December's snow Lay pure and white; Within, the glow Of gas fire bright; "To go, or stay! Which wins the day?" We went, and clambered yonder height. We felt the pride Of conquest gained; Of cold defied, Of point attained; With potent flood Of surging blood, Like lion leaping forth unchained. A DECEMBER VIEW 83 There far below St. Marys lay, Ensconced in snow; The winter day But adding- to The glorious view And giving fancy better pi a}'. No clangor broke Its still repose; No curling smoke From chimney rose; Yet warmth and life, We knew, were rife, Beneath the cold and clinging snows. So hearts may glow With love most strong. Yet never show To passing throng; And holding fast Love to the last, May die without a sign or song. Beyond there rolled In graceful line A stream of gold — A gift divine; For never stream In life or dream Compares to thee, Ohio mine! 84 RANDOM RHYMES And far away, Far as the sight Could catch a ray, Stood height on height! All clad in snow, Yet all aglow, For now the sun displayed his might, 'Twas like a sea; Each lofty hill A wave, once free. Now standing still; Caught by King Frost When tempest tossed, And bounden by his mighty will. Ye shivering ones Sit by the fire; For summer suns Nurse your desire; But yet will I The cold defy And to a further height aspire. drivin' down thk pikh 85 DRIVIN' DOWN THE PIKE PUT the bosses in the wag"on; Let's all take a trip to town. What? You Ve not a decent rag" on? Sho, now, that 's a han'some g-own, Good enough for Mrs. Teddy When she goes to market eggs. Come erlong ! The chariot 's ready, Git up, Barney! stir your pegs! Nothin ' better that I like Than ter drive erlong ther Pike! Hyer it seems a leetle sticky On ercount o' Sunday's flood. Gee, thar, Barney! Don't be tricky, Scrougin' Billy in ther mud! Easy now! This hill o' Roby's Is a mighty slick'ry bit. Blame it! I have smashed my tobies Joltin' in that orn'ry pit. Hello! Howdy, Uncle Ike? Rayther rough erlong the Pike! Hjer ther mud is somewhat yaller; Cotchin' of it on your dress? Orn'ry stuff — like greasy taller ; Soap '11 bring it out I guess. % RANDOM RHYMES Hyer is Gibson. Hello, Charlejl Plantin* taters rayther late? Yes, it frosted some rigfht 'arly; Fruit *s all gone, as sure as fate! Well, g-ood by! WeVe g^ot ter hike, Trav'lin' on this measly Pike. Folks kin see a powerful distance Frum ther top of this hyer hill; Kinder widens out existence — Makes the 'arth a bigg-er pill. Thar *s Mount Carmel — see it shinin? Full six mile or more erway. Yander'sOwPs Head, near combinin* With ther sky its bluish gray. Tell yer, when yer wanter strike Grand ole scenery, take ther Pike, Hyer 's the river hill — Now, carefull Steady, Barney! So, boy, sol Makes a feller kinder prayerful, Fer yer don 't know whar you '11 'go. Holy Moses! What a cracker! Whoa, thar, whoa! Pick up that kidi Blame it! Swallered my terbacker — Thing I never yit have did! Feel as sick as pukin* tike, Drivin' on this ornery Pike! DOWN LONG RUN 87 DOWN LONG RUN DOWN Lon^ Run fair flowers grow: Lily, iris, quaker lady, Trillium, too, as pure as snow. Hunting- nook retired and shady; Bluebell, nodding- graciously, Laurel, dark-leaved, thick and glossy; Delicate anemone. Peeping from a covert mossy. Down Long Run the water flows Gliding, dancing, leaping madly; Jeweled, in the sun it glows. Smiling here, there laughing gladly; Tinkling over rapids here. There it rushes deep and narrow; Famous for wee boats to steer — Shooting rapids swift as arrow. Down Long Run the red birds sing Songs of springtime, true and tender; Cedar birds delight to swing From the tips of branches slender; You may hear the merry thrush Cheer his kind with new ambitions, — Tree and shrub and tangled brush Are alive with gray musicians. 88 RANDOM RHYMKS Down Long- Run is many a thoug-ht To be g-athered for the seeking-; Vagrant fancies to be caught While Dame Nature does the speaking; Fancies that in after life Come to bring their meed of pleasure, When the heart is sick of strife And the soul digs up its treasure. MY COMRADES 89' MY COMRADES WHEN wintry winds blow o'er the fields. And hold me prisoner in my den, Although the wall my body shields, My soul, undaunted, never yields. But rushes to the world again. Nor do I lack companions good — For they are ever quick to go With merry step through gay greenwood; Or swinging sword in battling brood, Or ranging in a civic show. With kind Sir Walter for my guide I traverse Scotia's storied land; Sail on Loch Katrine's silver tide. Or from Tantallon's towers ride — A Marmion with defiant brand. Hark to the battle's stirring roar! By gallant Richard's side I fight; At Acre's walls push to the fore And stain the ground with Paynim gore, And shout again, "God aid the right !"^ 90 RANDOM RHYMES Perchance I'll choose to spend an hour With mig-htj Johnson at his tea; Or sit with Pope in fragrant bower, Or with bold Captain Cook to scour The vastness of the Southern Sea. Tliere's Coleridg-e longing- for a talk: Macaulay, brimming o'er with screeds; And Dickens, ready for a walk; And Du Chaillu, who loves to stalk The wildest game that Afric breeds. Good fellows all, of nature kind, Entirely free from jealous bile; I leave them when I am inclined. And they, rare comrades, do not mind. But wear an everlasting smile. So may I laugh at wintry blast While I have friends like these to use, And power to let my lot be cast Near or afar, time now or past, Just as my vagrant fancy choose. A LITTLK RHYME 91 A LITTLE RHYME ^^ jM AN wants but little here below," A V But wants that little often; He'll have it so, in weal or woe, From cradle to the coffin. A little plot of rolling- g-round Amid the hills of Pleasants, Where hares abound and quail are found, And also drumming- pheasants. A little spot on which to raise The things we need while living, — Some wheat and maize, with fields to graze, And fruits of Nature's giving. A little creek not far away. With bass and jack in plenty. Where you may stay for many a day In dole e far niente, A little cabin built of logs, Well sheltered from the weather; With chickens, dogs, and, maybe, hogs, At liberty together. 92 EANDOM RHYMKS A little woman's smiling- face To give you welcome greeting; A fond embrace with artless grace — What joy can match such meeting? A little path on which to stroll And watch the crops a-growing-; A little hole on yonder knoll From which much oil is flowing. THK canoe: 93 THE CANOE T>EHOLD! The sun, arrayed in mighty ^ glory, Behind the western summits takes his flight, And comes sweet Luna, coy and amatory. To grace the richness of a summer night. Now shall I turn to thee, my long loved river. Serenely winding through the pleasant vale; \Yhile yet the south wind makes thy surface quiver And fills, with gentle starts, my tiny sail. So, onward speeds my light canoe, well heed- ing The slightest bending of the willow blade; By graveled beach and dripping branches speeding. Pursuing yonder star through light and shade. Away! Away! From human habitation! Ev'n thus some Indian brave, in former years, Might have withdrawn for quiet meditation, To read his future in the silent spheres. Vv^hat mine may be to me now matters little; The present in the larger part of life- 94 RANDOM RHYMES Too often have fine promises proved brittle, And friends g-rown lukewarm in the daily strife. Away! Away! These moments are too precious To waste upon the errors of the past. Speed on, my boat, and fly those mystiqmeshes Which would enwrap and bind one hard and fast. Yet there is pleasure in this idle dreaming" On what has been, or rather, should have been; What warp and woof for life's mysterious weaving! V>^hat floating- ends may Fancy g-atber in! The south wind falters- -weaker g-rows and weaker; My sail is useless and the star uncaug-ht; So fails the life of many a foolish seeker Ere he can g-rasp the treasure he has sought! Unstep the mast, and let the boat go drifting- Upon the silent current, soft and slow, An even course — no falling, no uplifting! Oh, that my life as easily could flow! Behold! The star, that late I was pursuing, Now follows me, defiant of my art. Like some proud beauty, scorning ardent wooing, Yet loth to see her lover soon depart. THE CANOE 9S Mj star thou art, for g-ood or evil shining-; Yet not my star — beyond me and above; Of what avail my desolate repining- That I may not approach the one I love? Oh bird, that singest in the gloomy forest, Hast thou a soul like mine, that 's given to grief? And can it be the wondrous song thou pourest Upon the midnight air gives thee relief? Ev'n so would I, when sick at heart and weary. Unto my Lord in Heaven my bosom bare; That so His love would banish what is dreary, And change the shadows into shapes most fair. Still on I float, the gentle stream descending. And still the star and mellow song pursue; Ev'en thus, perhaps, when life shall near its ending. Both voice and light, unreached, may bid adieu. And so unto my hav^en now returning. Farewell, sweet river! Sinking moon, fare- well! My heart hath had enoug'h of useless yearning, Enough of pensive thought and mystic spell. '96 RANDOM RHYMES A MEMORY. THE evening- shadows reach from hill to hill, And darker dye the stream that rolls be- tween; Low murmurs now the deepening- hollows iill, And elfin lanterns glance with fitful sheen; Yet need mj eyes no lamp, for I have seen This spot so oft I know each rise and fall, Each turn and eddy, and no night can screen. Nor distance dim, a part, however small. The light of love illumines every nook, The smile of love adorns each field and glen; It is as when one lifts a well-read book And every passage flashes forth ag-ain; For she has hallowed all with one sweet look. And always will it be as it was then. DOOLIN 97 DOOLIN DOOLIN was a famous stream Many years ago; Like a brooklet in a dream Doolin seems to flow. Memory makes me stand aghast! One and thirty years have passed Since my first pin -hook I cast In the depths of Doolin! Here beneath a rocky cliff, Doolin like a deer Leaps and hurries, just as if Driven mad with fear. Just above that cliff there grew Prettiest flowers I ever knew; Finest birch bark flourished, too, On the cliffs of Doolin. There it skirts a stony beach, Happy as a child Jur,t escaped a bogie's reach — Laughing free and wild. That 's the place we launched our craft, Shingle ship or twig-built raft — Whirled about like goslings daft. On the waves of Doolin. 98 RANDOM RHYMRS Here there is a grassy cove, Where the bluets peep; Water seems too tired to rove — Wants to g-o to sleep. And upon that shady shore, 'Neath a white-limbed sycamore, Minnows, sunfish, chubs galore, Gasped farewell to Doolin. At the bridge it 's deep and wide. Covered o'er with foam; Here the water snakes reside. In a favored home. Swimming there was perfect joy; Dread of snakes could not alloy Pleasure of a healthy boy Splashing in old Doolin. Doolin was a famous stream. Many years ago; Even now I catch a gleam Of its silvery flow. Wonder if the fish still bite? If the foam is just as white. If the ripples gleam as bright. As of old in Doolin? FAI,L I^IMERICKS 99 FALL LIMERICKS NOW g-one is the warm summer sun, And Artist Jack Frost has begun His fall decoration; And each new "creation" Is lauded by every one. The maples are crimson and g-old; But oaks, ever sturdy and bold, Keep green banners flying", The artist defying, Maintaining- the weather 's not cold. Far up on the hill is a blaze. Yet one that a smoke ne'er betrays — The sumach is burning, Its velvet leaves turning- To glories of sun's evening rays. The chestnut burr bursts in its pride Of nuts brown and glossy inside; The north wind has caught 'em And to the ground brought 'em, Where vainly in leaves would they hide. L.of 100 RANDOM RHYMES But chipmunks in plenty are there. In search of the delicate fare, And through the leaves rustle. And scramble and tussle, Each anxious to gather his share. And children are after them, too — A merry and clamorous crew; And terrorized squirrels, Avoiding new perils, Make haste in withdrawing from view. Now tremble in agony, Tree! Assaulted most furiously By saucy curmudgeons With rocks and with bludgeons^ I' faith, but I 'm sorry for thee! Hark! Hark to the fall of the fruit! The brownest and glossiest loot! At every shower There 's gain in lung power. And yells that would shame a Pab Utet The Autumn is rich in delight — Fair landscapes to gladden the sight; And then there are chestnuts — Decidedly best nuts, The sweetest and easiest to bite. THK I