I ur^ '^ 'ft^'^.Aj-A.X^. Class. Book .1 9<^ Xo_ Copyright N^__iLav_2_ Ci)P»{IGIlT OEPOSm DREAM DUST DREAM DUST E. MARIE SINCLAIR Author of "Random Shots." THE CORNHILL COMPANY BOSTON ^ \ ^b'^^ ^ h % Copyright, 1918 by THE CORNHILL COMPANY m 22 1919 ICI.A5 1 27 TS DEDICATED TO MURIEL TANNEHILL A SMALL TOKEN OF MY VERY DEEP AFFECTION Contents Page I Send You Love 1 Compensation 2 Today 3 Musicians 4 My Friend 5 Resurrection 6 Oxbow Lake 7 Friendship 9 Freedom 10 The Garden 12 Ghosts 13 Unheeded 14 Seeking 15 October 16 My Friend 17 A Song 18 The Dwelling 19 Dawn 20 Loss and Gain 21 Who Shall Say 22 The Portrait 23 Longing 24 Gone 25 Blind 26 Love Came 27 Opinions 28 The Genius 29 Fame 30 A Toast 31 Attainment 32 The Seeker 33 Wake, O Soul! 34 The Slave 35 They Who Sing 36 Fetterkd 37 Could I But Know 38 'Tis Not for Me 39 Two Worlds 40 Paths 41 At Parting 42 CONTENTS Page Remembkance 43 One Day 44 A World 45 The Dreamer 46 Life's Minstrels 47 Song 47 Love 48 The House of Memory 49 Day and Night 50 The Toilers 51 A Love Song 52 A Lullaby 53 Lines To 54 Thy Voice 55 The Garden 56 Love's Highway 56 Awaking 57 The Gift 58 Life's Lesson 58 Remembrance 69 Bermuda 60 Mates 61 Somewhere 61 The Supplicant 62 Fruition 63 If 63 Unwritten Words 64 * Together 65 Grant Me Sleep 66 Attainment 67 Lines To 68 Then You Would Know 69 Attainment 70 At Close of Day 71 A Supplication 72 To 72 My Friend 74 ThbSong 76 DREAM DUST I SEND YOU LOVE I send you love, — still more and more each day. I know your faith is lost and yet love goes To seek you everywhere, — and seeking, grows. Till all my life must answer to its sway, — Just as a mighty river seeks its way In channels deep beneath the winter snows. The star that seems to fade at early dawn Still burns throughout the day in that vast sky; Well knowing that its light can never die It waits until the night to be reborn. I send you love, and one day love shall steal Within your heart where faith shall hold it fast And you will trust again; then you will feel That tho' all else should end, — my love shall last. DREAM DUST COMPENSATION To M. T. In this great world and not so far beyond The power of our human gaze, must stand A reason and a motive for Hfe's ills We can but feel — yet cannot understand. Else why the toiling on from day to day A something undefined to lend us strength, Sustaining us, though we seem wholly blind; Some power guides our feet, — until at length A dormant knowledge wakes within the soul That all that is, is best unto which end With hope renewed, we seek each hidden goal. For joy must have its price and each must pay For happiness, with burning unwept tears; But as we pay — so we are paid in turn From out the changes of the changing years. [2] DREAM DUST TODAY Golden music Within my heart; Laughing stream and singing of the lark; Hope, — and a smile for any part. Perfume of flowers that blow on the hill Sunkissed winds; So fragrant the fields, that we want to lie still And just hark to the hush Of the day. While we may — Day will go onward with dusk Into night. None shall return. Today we go laughing Night is so near Who would happiness spurn? Gather life's flowers; Sunlight is ours, Who would our happiness spurn? Night — None shall return. [3] DREAM DUST MUSICIANS To E. M. J. O ye who hold the spheres and move the world By just a touch on some sweet subtle chord, An unsung melody within your souls That sweeps you on by strength of its accord! Can you but live within the empty day But giving to the world, — nor taking heed Of all that earth is taking, — gives not back. Have you yourselves, within your souls, no need? Have all God's songs unsung — yet sung to you — Swept all the need of earthly gifts away? Who give to life your very souls laid bare And find your heaven in your music's sway. In that tomorrow which we may not see Will songs you make repay what is your due — Who died but yesterday wrapped in your dreams And left to earth its crying need of you. 4] DREAM DUST MY FRIEND I ask no friendship that shall give Its soul into my hand, I only ask my friend to be One who will understand. No friendship that with time shall grow Into a slave, — to serve, I only ask my friend to give What pity I deserve. I do not ask that friendship be A source whence I derive The strength, the hope or fortitude That keeps my heart alive. I only ask that friendship live So vast, so strong, so free That while I toil among the rest It shall be kind to me. [5] DREAM DUST RESURRECTION The morning that the bard lay dead, The friends who loved him, wept and said: " The greatest of us all is gone And all the earth will be forlorn Without the truths he taught." The morning that the bard lay dead. The wise men smiled and softly said " Now we can go forth in our might A foolish poet died last night And all the truths he taught." Yet in that place where he had gone Loud rang the words — He is reborn. [6] DREAM DUST OXBOW LAKE Sparkling 'neath the setting sun Oxbow's waters laid Shores and mountains touched with gold 'Neath the blue arcade; All its ripples gold red gleamed Touched by setting sun — Here of old, I lay and dreamed When the day was done. Dreams so fair, so full of youth, Life so fresh and bright, Here I loved to lie and give Hopes to airy flight; When the dusk had closed about When the night drew nigh I would lie and count the stars Lighting up the sky. Cradled on the soft warm earth Nature vast and crude. Oh, the solemn Limberlost And her solitude! Mirrored in the silent lake Each bright lantern gleamed, Shores and mountains dim and still — Here I lay and dreamed. [7] DREAM DUST Dreams that never have come true, Fancies of my brain, Yet I'd give the world today Just to dream again Those old dreams beneath the stars Gone like all the rest — Up in that vast Limberlost Cradled on earth's breast. [8] DREAM DUST FRIENDSHIP If friendship live indeed on earth Not ever soaring higher To merge into a dream at last A friend were my desire. Not this my hope, — a friend should come To covet and to hold Within man's petty scheme of things Till friendship shall grow cold. I ask no spirit — save my own — To give such love to one That she shall know I was her friend When my life shall be done. [9] DREAM DUST FREEDOM I hear the call of the open From the mountains and valleys deep; Here have I toiled and striven There would I silence keep. I have won me gain that is barren Striven that I might control A kingdom where none existed Just fame for an empty goal. I have builded a prison of marble Myself have I made a slave To the will of a little people Who took of the best I gave. No worth have I found in the winning; No hope has there been in the plan; To the greed of my brain's ambition I have given the heart of the man. Yet what have I now to reward me? Perhaps I deserve no reward, Since I satisfied my ambitions And lost of my own accord. Could I go back, ah, how different — The gain of the empty years Cannot rid of my mind its memories Nor my heart of its unshed tears. [10] DREAM DUST The voice of the open is calhng Far from the din and the strife And the voice of my youth gives answer To the call of that other life. The land of my youth — how it beckons ! How the very soul of me craves For the freedom that's out in the open Where they make not of other men, — slaves. [11] DREAM DUST THE GARDEN Not in some garden that is far away Doth sweet contentment and true gladness lie; But here within the valley where we dwell At home, beneath the vast familiar sky. Not in the south, nor yet in the far west; Not in the promise of an alien ground; But in the garden we ourselves create Where we have toiled and lost but still, — have found ! [12] DREAM DUST GHOSTS Out from the prison of the mind With memories sweet to heal And still the sadness of today The long dead years will steal. Faces of friends I loved so well The clasp of their vanished hands, Echoes of voices long since still Faith that youth understands. Ghosts of old hopes and joys all passed; Ghosts of old fears and pain Arise before my eyes today And rising, live again. US] DREAM DUST UNHEEDED Dreaming of life the mighty poet gave A song immortal to a world of men And women, — who but smiled and lightly said " A masterpiece from some inspired pen." They laughed at it as we laugh when afraid Of truth within our hearts; our lips deny A something that is stronger than our strength, A higher will our wills cannot defy. As one who dreams at night, — who feels the peace Of all the universe that fades with day They made his poem just a thing apart From life, — too simple and too noble to obey. [14] DREAM DUST SEEKING I asked of Death that he would let me see What lay beyond the portals of the skies, — Would open them unto my world-worn eyes. Life answered then, and said " This may not be. Your heart is truly old, you have not found My meanest treasures yet, nor humblest flower. You have not sought my soul through one short hour. Beneath your feet you have but seen the ground." And then Life's voice in clearer accents rang, — " You take, yet nothing feel, it should not be You rob me asking Death shall set you free. Heard you no music in the song I sang? " Life said, " Behold my beauties all for thee!" I strove to see but it was all in vain. Another voice had answered mine again; Life wept and loosed my hand. Death called to me. [15] DREAM DUST OCTOBER October, welcome to our midst! Warm summer days are done; We greet you in a brimming cup The winter has begun. The hollyhock and goldenrod Are joys of yesterday; The trees have put on crimson gowns And winter's on its way. The turquoise sea has turned to gray, The hills to red and gold. Then sit before the blaze with me — Outside the night is cold. And drink October's health and cheer, Away with discontent. Next August we will just recall How winter came — and went. [16] DREAM DUST MY FRIEND To T. von U. You are such peace, so full of deep content, Not counting hours lost — which are not spent In toiling on and on to win some crown And caring little though the world should frown That you just gather flowers by the way. That wither in your hand at close of day. You are true peace, a harbor of such rest, Just counting warmth and sunshine far the best Of all life's gifts. A sense of modest fare — A mind that has no room for greed nor care. That holds sincerity the greatest worth And noble friendship sacred on this earth. [17] DREAM DUST A SONG Close thine eyes to me, my sweet, Seal thy lips that are foresworn. I had dreamed those eyes the world And the light in them the morn. Now thy voice brings back to me Only echoes — cold and drear — For you never really cared Oh! my dear, my dear! Take my heart and bury it Where the young spring violets grow. Where the morning dew will rest, And where soft winds gently blow. There shall love lie endlessly. Ever sleeping — without fear, — Faith and echoes, — bury deep Oh! my dear, my dear! [18] DREAM DUST THE DWELLING To A. E. F. I have a little dwelling, Low moss covered roof, not much, It's so simple it is hardly More than just a rabbit hutch. The green fields slope about it, A stream trickles by the door. There a peace comes o'er my spirit That I never felt before. The larks awake and singing In the early hush of dawn, And my very soul gives answer To the promise of the morn. The sun beats down upon me, As I lie there on the ground, Listening while all earth awakens To the music in each sound. I toil not, nor endeavor — All day long I dream and dream Quite forgotten, earth forgetting, Just a part of nature's scheme. 119] DREAM DUST DAWN It was twilight in my world, And 'twas twilight in my heart — And my courage sank so low That I could not play my part Till you came. Yet I struggled day by day In the prison of my mind Often straying from the path In the darkness of the blind Till you came. All hope and all ambition, I had somehow cast aside And fate's mighty waters swept me In its ever surging tide. Till you came. Your voice hushed all the discord, Swept the gloomy mists away — And the night's dark shadows vanished In the sunrise of love's day When you came. [20] DREAM DUST LOSS AND GAIN I, who had known no grief — no joy — I looked on you, and your eyes were kind, Then watched you pass, tho' your glance met mine And I went my way with untroubled mind. I, who had known no grief — no joy — I touched your hand — and my love was born. I heard your voice, ah; 'twas wondrous sweet, And I dreamed of you 'til the early dawn. I, who had known no grief, no joy, Awoke to each — tho' my heart be slain, Tho' you but came to awaken me The loss was sweet — for my loss is gain. [21] DREAM DUST WHO SHALL SAY? It may be, dear, that you and I In two forgotten graves will lie. Where grief and joy shall end; Where hopes and fears no more shall last, Where even dreams will all be passed If death its peace may lend. It may be, dear, that you and I In two forgotten graves will lie Forever to abide; Or shall we share each joy and pain Beyond the grave, as here, again. Forever side by side? [22] DREAM DUST THE PORTRAIT Thou god of love, may thou my hand control. To paint my loved one's portrait in the whole. May my poor hand her inner sweetness paint So with the world her beauty thus acquaint. That all who seek for love's most cherished goal May worship at the shrine of her pure soul. Amid the light her radiant glance doth throw Which only those who worship there, may know Her face surpasseth day, it is so fair; And Titian's brush alone could paint her hair; Her mouth seems formed but for her lover's kiss And God made love for such a mouth as this. Ah! useless hope, no artist's skill is fit The portrait to conceive, or finish it. [23] DREAM DUST LONGING My whole life is dull and wasted Missing you, my sweet, Searching for you — ever — ever And forgetting never — never All the joys that once I tasted — Now I go to greet Shadows. Life is dull and wasted Missing you, my sweet. My poor heart is weary — weary Longing for you, sweet. Listening for your happy laughter, Joyous words that follow after. Years have been so dreary — dreary, Now I go to meet You for whom my heart is weary Longing for you, sweet. [24] DREAM DUST GONE Never again, for thee warm spring Thou art so sweet; Never again the rosy dawn And day to greet, Through long, long nights and troubled days The fates have swept thee, dear, always And now tho' love shall call thee, dear. Thou wilt not even know — or hear Or rise to greet. [25] DREAM DUST BLIND My first love was the real love But all too deep for me. The simple greatness it contained I could not even see. Thru' all the years that came and went, Thru' every night and day, I sought and dreamed of higher love — And life passed on its way. Thus did I spurn the first love, — The first love — and the last. Unrecognized until too late, Until it, too, had passed. I«6] DREAM DUST LOVE CAME I looked into love's eyes. My aching heart had seemed a stone Beneath the vast and cloudy skies To me a dweller upon earth — alone With dreams, and faith and hopes all over grown. With failures that the empty years had sown Until I saw love's eyes. Love clasped me by the hand. When suddenly the warm sun broke Through clouds and drove night from the land And with the dawn my tired heart awoke, From out its long and weary bondage broke. And tears of joy I could not understand Were mine — love clasped my hand. And then I heard love's voice. The sunny earth was mine once more. The message bade my heart rejoice — The love of Ufe was mine, earth to adore And all the knowledge of life's hidden lore. Deep faith in all mankind forever more — For I had heard love's voice. [27] DREAM DUST OPINIONS Once four fools sat on a tree. I spoke to three, Three spoke to me And each fool thought What fools they be. Four wise men sat on the tree. I spoke to three, Three spoke to me And each one thought What fools they be. Four people sat upon that tree. Two were fools as all could see And two were wise all did agree, Yet all four thought What fools they be. [28J DREAM DUST THE GENIUS Gone are the mighty hopes you woke, Gone are the tears that you made to flow. The soft sweet laughter that you awoke, The worship of those who could not know. Gone are the men whom you taught new strength, A blinded people you helped to rise. Yet lives your fame, w hich must leave the earth To write your name in the vaster skies. Gone are the cities you helped to rear Yet live their plans, that you made so true. Gone is the stone where they carved your name Yet in men's lives, lives the need of you. New races come, yet your soul goes on Down through the ages — the while you sleep So must you live, 'til the end of time A silent force, that the world shall keep. m DREAM DUST FAME Our foolish brains have dreams more fooUsh still. We dream of fame, and honor, you and I; \Miat difference do they make, we all shall he Beneath a time-worn headstone, by and by. There on the stone some humorist shall carve A worthy passage from our Christian creed And praise us, quoting how we filled our need, That those who knew our lives may smile and read. Then in three hundred years some connoisseur On epitaphs and genealogy' Shall come and trace what they wrote over me And print it in some book for fools to see. [90J DREAM DUST A TOAST To E. S. Here's hope, high purpose — strength to you. Honor in all you strive to do. Here's name — and greatest fame to you, Health — happiness — your whole life through. But lest my wishes come not true, Here's fortitude — and courage too. For life's uncertain — and dreams go wrong And there are tears in the sweetest song. 181] DREAM DUST ATTAINMENT To C. R. I could not choose to live If life held but petty recompense. I'd sooner wander free Among the souls unborn That know not what it is — To cry out in their sufferings and to long For passions of this life Beyond the knowledge of a plain man's soul. I could not choose to live, unless perchance I, too, could climb the distant heights above And reach the highest goal. m DREAM DUST THE SEEKER I sought of my life a reason So I knocked at the temple door And they told me old world legends, But I wanted something more. I was only one among many, Just a stranger in my own land. The first to question the teaching Which I could not understand. Then I searched among new teachers And my questions won me fame They understood me a little — They called my need by a name. But my heart and brain grew weary For I found not what I sought. When a voice rose up within me And I listened while it taught. Thus it spake, " seek a star above thee And into thy heart its beam Shall carry the message of knowledge, — The soul of life is its dream. [33] D 11 E A U 1) u s r WAKE. O SOUL! Sovil, O soul! have you won your goal From the grief and the strife of time? Soul. O soul! have you found true peaee In a sphere that is quite divine? Do your thoughts ne'er turn to the old delights The thrill of the lesser way — The eall of old voices — are tliey dead In that world of your yesterday? Now to you does all nature blend? Soul, O soul! see you not the end? These are but shadows, and this vague land Is the dream of a spirit spent ; This but the land of a famished hope In the realm of your self content. Wake. O soul! in your narrow cell, 'Tis the close of a little day. What matter if in your world of dreams That in life you lost the way. Soul, O soul! you have wandered far In the hopeless quest of a great dream's star! [341 DREAM DUST THE SLAVE Fettered I stand amid a million free. The galley slave, the man in me. The man is held in worldly fetters still And yet my soul can wander forth at will. The man is forced to live his little day Amid a world now sad — now gay — And when at last comes night, ah! who can tell Where soul and body then will dwell? Together will they sleep throughout the night, Or is death but a door that leads to light — And if at last another day shall break Must we be slaves of what we still create? DREAM DUST THEY WHO SING Their need will live, when you and they are gone And singers new will search eternal skies To dream new dreams, they too may give to earth That song shall live for man, though singers die. All earth takes up their gifts of thought and sound And when their song is sung and they are past The weary world is gladdened by their dreams — So through all time and space their songs shall last. [36] DREAM DUST FETTERED I live in bondage — yet my soul is free, Free to go forth at will to thee; Fettered in sweetness, held in loving bond, I have no thought but thee, no dream beyond. Naught but thy wish can set my spirit free, No lips but thine can grant me liberty. I am a prisoner, — yet my soul is free — I am a prisoner of my love for thee. [37] DREAM DUST COULD I BUT KNOW I think, dear heart, should mine own people turn From me, when most I needed all their love, I think that I could still keep toiling on, And still believe God watched me from above. I think, dear heart, that should the world forsake And leave to me the bitterness of tears I think that I could struggle on and on And still could trust to Him the future years, I know, dear heart, if when my task is done. When I have given all I have to give — And I lie down to rest, on that still dawn Which breaks on that last day I have to live; If I can know that I have made you glad, — And easier the pathway where you trod. If I can feel you close — when death shall call — Then I can sleep, and leave the rest to God. [38] DREAM DUST 'TIS NOT FOR ME Not given to me, dear. The brightness of a summer's day — Sweet silent nights — each filled with dreams of thee Strong heart — high hope — and purpose urging me To play my part, These fates have swept away. Not given to me, dear, The silent summer-night — its stars so bright. With dreams of life — nor memories of past years Sweet peace to come at last e'en born of tears That brought you near Just at life's end — the night. [39] DREAM DUST TWO WORLDS Dearest, can you remember other days In that far distant land where first we knew. Where you did lead me blindly in your ways, Teaching me life — I knew naught else save you. I lived but by your very love alone And little cared that other means had flown, Your smile — your voice — your touch were all to me I only wanted never to be free. Of all the joys — and peace — and struggles too Of those few years — God gave me you. I tied my earthly hope unto a star For all is strange, and often bitter fear Is in my heart, you are no longer here But in that world — where doubt and silence are. [40] DREAM DUST PATHS I could not keep the gift of thy dear heart, Beyond my dreams — beyond my fancies highest flight — You stand apart. Not this my aim, a higher purpose yet Doth hght my heart within its darkened cell, and so I'd not forget. My love seems kindled by its very fires I could not — nor would I forget the throbbing grief Of lost desires. Upon this earth our separate lots are cast. Our paths met once, but to diverge again, for here Joy could not last. Delayed our love may be, for more lives yet. But in some future age our separate paths will meet — We can't forget. [411 DREAM DUST AT PARTING Shake hands, nor part in anger, Touch lips, nor part in tears. Remember only happiness Throughout the coming years. Though life has found me wanting In what you needed, dear. Yet let us part in friendship Since love no more is here. Yes, let us part in friendship. For sacred memories last And though apart we face new years My hopes lie in those past. [431 DREAM DUST REMEMBRANCE When I no longer, dear, may clasp your hand In that far distant and that silent land, Will places that we loved all seem forlorn. Will you remember still, when I am gone? When death has gently closed my eyes in rest And earth lies softly on my weary breast. Will you remember me enough to keep My memory in your heart the while I sleep? Then death could hold no fear, peace would abide. The step from life to death is not so wide. Though far from you I may be happy yet If I but know that you will not forget. [43] DREAM DUST ONE DAY Lines To . The beauty and the end Of one sweet day, The memory of the words You could not say Live in my heart — And Uving die again. The beauty and the end, The sweetness and the pain. I hold my life more dear For that one day divine, I owned and gave away For it was mine. And none can take from me The loving of you, dear, Nor rob me of the thought That you are near. [44] DREAM DUST A WORLD To E. S. A world of love and laughter Crushed into time and space, A world of love and sadness That time cannot efiFace; A world of mists and shadows, A world of doubts and fears. Of emptiness and loneUness, Of wastefulness and tears. A world — a world of longing, Of memories that die; A great world, full of solitude — A race — that passes by. [45] DREAM DUST THE DREAMER I am a dreamer, one who seeks to know The garden spots of earth, where all dreams grow- A useless dreamer, one who takes no part Yet hears earth's wondrous music in his heart. I am a dreamer, dreams are all of me And so perchance — I never clearly see Earth's beauties growing round about my door Since dreams to me are real, and nothing more. I am a dreamer, yet would I remain A dreamer ever in mine own domain — I would not know the bitterness of tears. The empty usefulness of toil-spent years. I am a dreamer — one who takes no part Mid turmoils of this life, just one whose heart Is ever filled with dreams of wondrous worth, Whose joyous songs must one day fill the earth. m DREAM DUST LIFE'S MINSTRELS I sing my song, but no one knows, So quietly I sing it, day by day Within my heart the music grows and grows Till all the world is governed by its sway. I sing my song, yet none have guessed — And when this song is finished none will heed, Yet when the song is sung and I at rest, Another singer will fulfil earth's need. SONG I placed my love in a golden urn, Only its ashes thus could I save; I buried love in a lonely spot And planted a flower on its grave. When twilight came I went there to weep — The flower had withered, bent its head. But my tears had fallen upon its grave And a garden blooms — where love lies dead. [47] DREAM DUST LOVE To E. J. S. Some few there are who call me but a dream, Who only feel that living brings them pain. Who cannot know I change their loss to gain And am the soul of things — that only seem. The sun at dawn — the twilight of the day, The beat within the very heart of life That stills the sorrow, making calm the strife. The answer — that no more shall pass away. I am the garden where God's flowers grow, The mighty ocean — where life's rivers flow, I am the goal of vanquished hopes and fears, The sweetest solace through the passing years; And when earth's kings and monuments are past Through all eternity encircling I shall last. 148] DREAM DUST THE HOUSE OF MEMORY I have built a house of memories That I may wander through — All its rooms are filled with treasures Of those hours I spent with you. All the walls are hung with pictures That I took from out my heart And I live here close beside you — Though the fates swept us apart. O my house — my home of memories ! Here I hold you to my breast And your love shuts out all sorrow As your voice stills all unrest. Life's long hours are not empty, Each is filled with joy divine In this home of happy memories Where we dwell, lost love — of mine. [49] DREAM DUST DAY AND NIGHT Lines To . When day is breaking When the dawn grows gray When earth is stirring When at last comes day I hear you calUng CalUng — caUing When 'tis day. When day has faded When the stars grow bright When earth is sleeping When at length comes night I hear you calling Calling — calling When 'tis night. [501 DREAM DUST THE TOILERS To him be gold, whose soul is bought By barren gain through empty years, Who cannot climb the distant heights Nor feel the misery of tears. To him be fame, who writes in song, Whose language flows as crystal streams, Who dwells apart — whose world is one Carved out of fancy and of dreams. To him be love, who chose the way Where many weary travelers trod — Who gave to weakness of his strength And built a pathway up to God. [51] DREAM DUST A LOVE SONG Fair is my love, peace reigneth in his face. His eyes and mouth, his smile — can show but part Of all the beauty growing in his heart. Blest be my love — so dear he is to me That all the gods who dwell in worlds above Seem not one half so fair, as him I love. God guard thee well, thou dearest love of mine — May angels bring the sweetest dreams they can Of years when thou art come to be a man. [52] DREAM DUST A LULLABY Why dost thou weep, my little one; Rest gently in my arms, The angels watch as thou dost sleep And guard thee from all harm. Thou little child, my precious one — Thy tiny toy -like boat Steer to dreamland's wondrous seas, Where the happy children float. The laughing winds sing lullabies And sweet thy rest shall be, Then dawn shall bring thee back again My dear one, safe to me. [53] DREAM DUST LINES TO Your love was mine, tho' I let you go I sometimes dream that you love me still. That I hear your voice — that you call my name And your love still answers my selfish will. My eyes still search for you everywhere. Each place we loved in that other day I haunt again in vain hope that I May see you passing along the way. My life seems dead — I am dead to you. You were mine, Alas that I have no right To call you back, since I let you go To take the day and leave me the night. 154] DREAM DUST THY VOICE Lines To . Thou I love and may not see Dead thou art, — I can grasp thy still cold hand Knowing thou wilt understand All my heart. Life and love must come and go, Swept in time's relentless flow Toward Death's sea; But my heart may still rejoice At the memory of thy voice Left to me. [55] DREAM DUST THE GARDEN I seek ray garden when the day is done. So peaceful it is there at setting sun. Sweet memories and whisperings fill the air, So calm it is, I love to wander there. There are no shadows, lurking dim and gray From out the tears and grief of yesterday; My garden has no walls, yet stands apart, A memory of you within my heart. LOVE'S HIGHWAY Now on earth's open highway Could I choose to spend my days. Rather to wander by your side Along its still by-ways. Each path enchanted — I would find All nature then would blend. The dust would bring us dreams untold Love's dawning at night's end. [56] DREAM DUST AWAKING Last night I dreamed a wondrous dream, That I lay in thine rapt embrace. And that warm kisses pressed my Hps Until my heart found resting place. Upon my fevered face and brow, I dreamed I felt thy cool, sweet breath And lying thus, in thy dear arms I felt no dread of coming death. But morning saw the dream pass by, And when I sought, in vain, to find Thy face again as in my dreams Ah ! then, — I knew death could be kind. (571 DREAM DUST THE GIFT A breath from heaven faUing, 'Twas kissed by the summer breeze. And fell to rest within my heart Bidding my every grief depart — It was your voice. A gift from heaven falling, 'Twas shaped by an angel's hand, And fell to rest within my heart, Bidding all loneliness depart — It was your love. LIFE'S LESSON When first I loved, I did not know my soul Could suffer so for want of love's control, But life has taught me — swept all peace away And there is no more sunshine in the day. Yet must I struggle onward — strive in vain With any other joy to quiet pain; What joy is there for me, since I have known How vast love is — since you to me have shown There is no other way, so death were best To bring my weary heart — at last its rest. [58] DREAM DUST REMEMBRANCE Dear, in those days — long past — how I recall The paths where thou and Love and I did stray, The woods and streams and fields we wandered through; The open road, where first we met, then left For unused trails where we might walk alone. Where soul to soul might speak — unheard by those Who cannot hope to gain life's sweetest gift. How couldst thou leave the paths where we three walked I wonder didst thou hear the call of earth. Or was the silence all too deep for thee Who doubtless wearied of the love I gave; Yet I who walk these by-ways of lost joys Still seem to feel thy presence here among These paths where thou and Love and I once dwelt. [59] DREAM DUST BERMUDA Lines to . Great coral beds o'er grown with budding life, Beyond horizon of the ocean lie, Set in a sea of opal coloring Beneath the endless warmth of azure sky. Far from the noise of crowded city streets A world apart, where weary hearts may steal Forgotten in the quietudes of days And solemn nights — where only dreams are real. Here would I be — for one I love the best Is ever with me, in this fairy land. Dreams are so real — that she walks by my side And though she is not here — she clasps my hand. 160] DREAM DUST MATES The mountains merge into the sky, The land's ends kiss the sea. The setting sun greets darkest night. My heart cries out to thee. For even nature has its mates, And sings with joy divine, And so when first I touched your hand I wanted you for mine. SOMEWHERE Dear heart, when Hfe's last hour has come — When sight shall fail, and voice grow dumb And death its lonely watch doth keep — Sweet dreams of thee will fill my sleep. Dear heart, my soul will wait for thee. Await thee — through eternity. Dear heart, no death can e'er destroy Our memory of hallowed joy. Life has no more to give than we Drink from love's cup of ecstasy — In death our love shall be reborn And we will meet again at dawn. [61] DREAM DUST THE SUPPLICANT Dear, I have known so many, many blessings Yet, never one — until you came, mine own; And I kneeled down — in humbleness to worship Before — Love's throne. Dear, I have known so many, many sorrows Yet never one until we parted, dear. And I felt every hour dull and empty You were not near — Dear, all my very life is spent in waiting. I little care if years be long or few Since toward the end God listens to my pleading And gives me you. [62] DREAM DUST FRUITION Somewhere outside the vale of little things I felt a spirit drawing near mine own So thru' the years I've waited, Patient and alone. Somewhere — above, beneath and far beyond — I heard a sweet voice calling to my heart. So I have waited all the years, — Life's greater part. Somewhere within my life — within my soul — I dreamed this fairest dream of dreams came true. So when you came to me that day. Dear heart — I knew. IF The love which I may only dare To tell you in my dreams. How sweet 'twould be if we might share The real, for what it seems. For all my life, — my heart — my soul Are tensely strained to this To waken from imprisoned love In one forbidden kiss. (63] DREAM DUST UNWRITTEN WORDS You ask me why I write no verse to you — No poem of our love — there are a few Things all too sacred for the poet's pen, I cannot write of love as I could when I wrote, but as I dreamed such love would be, I cannot give to earth your love of me. My song of love is dead — its grave forgot; I cannot write of love — since I cannot Find words suflBcient in my barren art To still the wondrous music in my heart. [64] DREAM DUST TOGETHER Out from the cold and darkness You came, yet I never knew 'Til your hand touched mine in the sunlight That life and the world meant you. Meant you, — with God's sacred promise Of all that love holds most dear. The fulfilment of life's endeavor, The knowledge that you are near. For you changed the night to morning — I stood in the light at last And the darkness so filled with sorrow Seemed a thing of ages past. Your love shed a mighty radiance Which wrapped us within its light, And the twilight can hold no anguish — Together we wait the night. [651 DREAM DUST GRANT ME SLEEP When I have finished living, dear, And lay me down to die, Should I go to another world Beneath an alien sky. And lie among the sleepers there With hands clasped on my breast Until you come — my soul will know It cannot rest. When I have finished living, dear. And lay me down to die, Should I go to another world Beneath an alien sky; The heart that still belongs to you Its endless watch will keep Until you clasp me in your arms And grant me — sleep. [661 DREAM DUST ATTAINMENT A dream was born within the soul of me. It whispered — I will linger thru' life's day To teach you hope of all the things that be And ever guide you safe along the way. It led me on thru' long, long nights of pain. It laughed with me within the noonday sun. I told it fables of my hopes long dead, Of songs unfinished — and of deeds half done. And ever and always the dream was true, It seemed to grip me — to hold me fast 'Til the song rang clear in my heart again And my life had become my dream at last. [67] DREAM DUST Lines To On my poor heart, as on a sheet are traced Thy words, that ne'er again can be effaced — One perfect day descended into night And God alone with His all-seeing sight Doth know the bitter anguish of my breast. Doth know the pain that will not let me rest. I seek for day — yet cannot find the light. For save thy presence — earth is dark as night. Come weep with me, if you be one whom they Will make believe, but then to take away The faith they teach, yet cannot hope to live. The love they take, yet cannot hope to give — Whose lips are death and yet at whose command You give the best of all that you had planned. Thou whom I love, by what grim stroke of fate Have I turned love to bitterness and hate? As at God's altar — priests have prayed before, So have I worshiped you in wondering awe. Just at a word, how my weak pulse has throbbed And at your silence how my heart has sobbed. Is there a sage who could have prophesied That this great love you gave, had so soon died? 'Tis more than life you take, well be it so Since it has failed your need — I gladly go. [68] DREAM DUST THEN YOU WOULD KNOW There are no words to tell you, none I know Which could express my love of you, my need And longing, through the endless days and nights That come and go, yet never bring me near The garden where you dwell, nor think of me. You have no need for this poor heart of mine. No need of anything I have to give, I am but one who stands apart to watch Your rare and your unfailing loveliness Then once more seeks his place amid the crowd. But should I meet you one day face to face Though I should talk to you of all things else Yet never voice this love of all my life I think that you would know — and understand. DREAM DUST ATTAINMENT If I were one whom all the world held great Perhaps you might not love me over much. Might even think me great, and yet pass by And never find in me, your mate, and such Small things that you today do love me for, And that the world forever will pass by — Yet if I gained the world and lost you so I had not lived, when I came down to die. If I were one whom you alone held great, Just one who follows where the wise shall lead And never wins the heights above the plains, — Tho' earth for one like me has no great need, — Yet still possessed the worth to keep your love And know that you would stay, — tho' fame passed by. If I but filled your need — and lost earth so I will have lived, — when I came down to die. [70] DREAM DUST AT CLOSE OF DAY Lines To . Sunset of molten fire — gold and gray — A perfect peace which comes with close of day. Mountains grown dim, against a dimming sky Vast solitude profound, and you and I. The silent sea, a mirror for the night Of moon and stars — that are not half so bright Above us in the quickly darkling skies As the soft radiance in your dear eyes. Night, and the world itself has turned to rest; I, too, would lay my head upon your breast Shutting out thought — knowing how fast time slips, Feeling your kisses only — on my lips. [71] DREAM DUST A SUPPLICATION Lord, teach us our love to hold, Letting it our lives unfold. Make it to us, sacred — blest Far excelling all the rest. Hear our prayer, all else is thine, Take not back thy gift divine. Grant our love shall ever be Perfect, through eternity. TO To me you are very wonderful, My dearest one. I see you standing before me With your deep grave eyes alight With love and tenderness For me. As my heart kneels down in worship before you Words rise from my soul my lips dare not utter — Because of my love for you That ever holds them dumb. [721 DREAM DUST I feel the soft caress of your hands As they reach out and touch my face. And the moisture of your Hps When they press against mine own, And your burning kisses That cool the fever of mine unrest. For always you are by my side Though my hand may not touch your hand Because of earth's space between. To me you are very wonderful. My dearest one, I hear you speaking of all things. But of that within your heart You are ever silent For me. But my eyes seek your eyes amid the darkness Of our waiting — until the dawn breaks for us And your eyes give mine answer Though our lips be dumb, love waits. [73] DREAM DUST MY FRIEND To E. C. La M. What majesty it is, — A loyal friend Without beginning and without an end, Who fills the song of life with theme so sweet That, lacking it, all life were incomplete. Thousands and thousands of long years ago It seems that such a friend I then did know. That we have traveled on thro' time and space Until we stood acknowledged, face to face. And never once to me her lips have lied. Though we have walked so closely side by side That even thoughts of mine, I never spoke. An answering thought for me in her awoke. She has been strength — when all my strength seemed gone — And never wearied — tho' the days were long. I love her, with a lov^e that knows no end, Proud of her friendship — proud to be her friend. [74] DREAM DUST THE SONG You are so wondrous in mine eyes All life is glad. I ne'er will tire Of all my dreams that fold you close And keep my heart a singing lyre. At twilight dreams have power to bring You close. I feel your lips on mine. And hear your dear voice whispering Till life and earth are turned divine. You are so perfect in mine eyes That in them you could do no wrong, And though the world outside be sad Within my heart you are the song. [75] SiAvt » -HowtANoPiua 271 Franklin St. 'BOSTQM fgggj^j^^SSSSi LIBRARY OF CONGRESS llllllllllliilllli 018 395 215 8