S 3513 R35 E9 320 '^"^ ^ eriences Of A Greenhorn And Other Poems / -ll EXPERIENCES OF A GREENHOliN and other Poems By ReT, Fr-^ Graufham. Danbury, Iowa To my beloved amd decesased parents to whom under God I owe very much- Copyrighted E:ipe:iencc3 of a Greenhcrn A^ 4'T INTRODUCTION This is n:y first real literary effort "hence my prayers and my heart go with this little book. Be- ing a Minister of the Gospel I would freely state to all my readers that my one and only purpose in writing poems as in my pulpit orations is to glorify my Maker. My "Experiences of a Greenhorn" are meant to cover my experiences th^ first year I was in the United States of America but the conditions pictured are before the automobiloa were popular D.nd many people still used horses as a means of transportation. If any of my pjoems would seem to be based on personal incidents f would say I am a close student of human nature and in ail my writings I try to picture things as they are, not as wo would always have them. The Author Danbury, Iowa Aug. 1. 1920 Copyrighted August, 1920 by Rev. F. Grantham ©CI.A597302 5^f -7 1920 r4 And Other Poems THE AUTHOR Experiences of a GreetiliortE THE EXPERrEKCES OF A GREENHORN I am Eng'lish: As a yoUKg- greenhorn All trim and neat, of beard well shorn. My native shore I left one morn The dear Hon'c-Land A mother's heart was sadly torn Such grief to stand- Forgive me if I seem to say Too much of her; She was niy stay Throughout the years. And still today I seem to hear These words "Do right my boy alway" From one so dear- And in my dreams I see her face So sweet, though cares have left their trace. And age is coming on apace Her hair is white If seventy years must end her race It is in sight My father on my leaving there Was seated in the old arm-chair Which he U3ed for many a year — God bless my Dad Choking he said as fell a tear "Good-by my lad" And Other Poems His hand held mine; With age it shook I could not in that kind face look My eyes grew dim. I seemed to choke — Nought could I say — So siezed my suit-case and betook Myself away. I could not well afford to quake For all my future was at stake Eu: sometimes yet my heart will ache And tears will come When I allow myself to take A glimpse of home. The pain of parting thus was o'er And fast the train steamed toward the shore Where ships are numbered by the score; As one thats dazed I sat. My eyes fixed on the floor Or outward gazed. Long years "abroad" I would reniaia Ere I would see my folks again Or ride upon a British train — Farewell ye all. Yet antidotes remove the bane Of Duties call. When Liverpool I reached t'was late To "tip" I did not hesitate So found a room that was first-rate With good clean bed. At six I rose, my breakfast ate And off I sped. P Exiici-ienccs of a Greenhorn The city was a busy place But toward the docks I turned my face, A ferry steamer with good grace Bore me away With folks of nearly every race Where our ship lay. Words fail to tell that good ships fame Come storm or calm she rode the same The Oceanic was hor ame Sirong built oi steel A floating palaro xvoc ) claim I'^roni deck to ];o3l That day we sailed. Bat en the land Something took pla':o both good and g'-and A crowd with hand i:e-> chiefs in hand Fond farewells waved With prayers and wishes from that batid The sea was braved. My state-room, number eighty-four. Was shared alike by three men more. A kind Canuck, a Scotchman poor, A Welshman hale. That night I thought as oft before Of Jonahs whale. Though fitful sleep prolonged the night The morning brought a glorious sight: Old Queenstown bathed in morning light Was at my feet. My eyes I feasted with delight On such a treat. And Other Poems Her changeless hills, bleak, bold but grand ' Which met my gaze on every hand, Challenging admiration stand Throughout the years. Who does not love brave Erin's Land: And weep her tears. \7e well nigh spent a full half -day In what is known as Queenstown Bay. Mail sacks galore were stowed away In the ships hold. Four hundred girls came on to stay — Not very old. I thought of mothers weeping sore Who would the Virgin's aid implore. Of what the New World had in store; —How in The States Some of these girls would fall before White slavers baits. While yet on board I oft passed through Experiences both strange and new; But I was with a pleasant crew And jolly crowd Of passengers. The sick were few, The laughter loud. The following story has been told (To seme its new, to others old) A woman sick, inclined to scold Said to her man, 'IBring up my old black shawl, I'm cold. Quick Jonathon." Experiences of a Greenhorn The good man hastened to obey But forthwith turned the other way His stomach heaved, He tried to say — In prose not rhyme. ''Your old black shawl, excuse me pray. May come next time.' Twas what you'd call a pleasant trip So sweetly sailed that noble ship Somet'mes she'd rise and then would dip In sea-gull fashion. And would the oceans bosom rip As in a passion. My soul still cleaves the ocean deep. To see her foaming white-caps leap Into the air like playful sheep Reflection brought. Of mysteries she still doth keep From deepest thought. Nor was that all it spoke to me It told of Gods Immensity. Of Him who on Lake Galilee Controlled her might Yes, He was God as He must be — God Infinite. That voyage passed. "Land now in sight" The watch gave out. This did oxciie All those on board. With all our might We each one j^azed And when we saw land to our right A cheer was raised. And Other Poems Grip-sacks were packed. We all v/ere ^^lad To get in port. But those who had Forgot to tip — An old time fad — Perhaps unfair Met stewards faces long and sad Most everywhere. Some other troubles were in store Before we were allowed on shore. Some were so angry that they swore The Customs flayed. And others mercy did implore, But each one paid. These men were kind enough to ni- The one who came my goods to see Was fair as :.ny man could be From first to last. I was O. K'd without a fee And safely passed. Another took me by the hand And welcomed me to this great land On learning I would join a band Of worthy preachers. Who always for the right must stand — Truths ablest teachers. His kindly words did me much good It seemed as though a kind of load Fell from my heart. He knew they would To faith give strength. And thus bear fruit; just as the bud The flower at length. 10 Experiences cf a Greenhorn We slowly crept into the dock. White handkerchiefs; a g'oodly stock Glad welcomes wrvcd. They seemed to meek My lonely heart. A foreigner, alone. The shock Some fears did start. I disembarked in New York City £cme p?.rt3 of which are very pretty. Seine folks there assume they're witty. Quite freely they Will tell ycu almost any ditty 'BGub where to £t 7, All such dispise, then you're all right. Seme good hotel seek for the night. May save ycu from a sorry plight If you sleep sound. Who cares to stay where bed-bugs bite And thieves abound. My stay in New York being brief I got around quick as a thief The sights to see. Nor came to grief By being lost. Thp.t which is easy, my belief To one "Just crossed" But briefly here I now will try To tell of blocks that scrape the sky. Some more than thirty stories high — They copy Babel. Can't be that all Heaven would fly If they were able. And Other Poems 11 Seme were good souls whom I met there Who breathed the Name of God in prayer. And some their follies were laid bare. No intermission Vv^as heard between each loathsome swear. That is Perdition. So n:any things there please the eye Bssideo those blocks thst scrape the sky. Her crowded streets through which cars fly. Her cars upstairs. Her ferry boats; Her bridges high. Her cheerful airs. But all of these I left behind. To sleep awhile I had designed While on the train, hut still my mind Interested grew. In studies of a worthy kind — The World called New. And oft this thought passed through my hea.; As on and on so fast we sped. Is this the land of which I read So much at home ? Is this the land to which this said The millions come? I saw the farms the land which grace And towns with folks of every race. One day in Pittsburg. Quite a place My problem solved. And yet Chicago sets the pace I am resolved. 12 Experiences cf a Gresnhorn Their lovely streets both straight and wide With crowds well dressed on every side. Prosperity did here abide The blind could see. To screw my courage up I tried Successfully. That trip was long. Three nights and days Passed ere these prairies met my gaze. The Middle-West is quite a ways. On Sunday morn I reached the Land of Oats and Maize; A young "Greenhorn" I sought my Superintendents home, At whose request I can:e to roam Across the rolling restless foam — No not in blindness. His v.-lfe, — blessings upon her come — Showed me great kindnesH I bathed. I dined. I went to bed. I know not if my prayers I said. I know I laid my tired head In sweet repose. I kncvv- full eighteen hours had sped When I rose. The following day I met this man. All ever me his eyes he ran. And smiling said "Perhaps I can Cf service be. Ycu are scarce familiar with our plan Of work" said he. Ard Oth-T Fo-i-t 13 14 Experiences of a Greenhorn Forthwith the good man did proceed As elders will their flocks who lead I listened. It was clear I'd need These things to know. For ignorance no man should plead The law says so. The week passed by. In Church once more When I had got to stand before A congregation; as of yore The Good News spread. I took my stand upon that floor With puzzled head. I said: "Now brethren let us sing Of Christ Our Blessed Lord and King. Who did for us salvation bring With His Own Blood." It did'nt go with "No great swing And no one stood. I soon caught on; And so did they Things brightened from that very day They said "He has good things to say" And that was kind. Folks love to meet to sing and pray. I ever find. Thus I begun to work new ground. Somewhat surprised I straightway found To do my duty; get around I'd need a rig. Success; the goal of monarchs crowned, To me looked big. And Other Poems 15 I hit upon a kind old gent Who gravely took of Sacrament A trait truly magnificient In any man. He seemed to be of good intent So my thoughts ran. Of that same man a horse I bought Convinced a lesson I had taught My people; whose good-will I sought, How faith thus winned. Instead they h'nted I v\^as caught And badly skinned Well let them talk of my old friend I'll trust his honor to the end And nothing shall my mind unbend From such a donor Eight royally did he befriend Both horse and owner. Besides the horse I bought that day I found him good in every way Was gentle kind and full of play Enjoyed good feed. In color was a pretty bay And had good speed. I loved that horse. He was my friend Companion, slave. His will would bend. He seemed half human to the end — Could almost speak. His rough old nose he loved to send Across my cheek. 16 E ; c.Ienjcs cT a Grssnhorn I rode behind him many hours A3 one whose temper never sours When out in sunshine or in showers He went right on His bridie oft cdorned wdth flowers As laurels won. When summer came the days were grand 'Till cyclones swept across our land Huge buildings like small grains of sand Were swept away. Stout hearts with such a storm at hand Still fear today. And heavy rains; They too were bad. As to the corn; The farmers had An anxious time. And all were glad The frost came late. Or else some folks would have been sad And mourned their fate. Nor did these troubles come alone A money panic made us groan. Twas caused by men with hearts of stone. By men who sin Who fain would have the world their own, And all fenced in. When times like these shall come again For come they will we all must ken, I have a word for tempted men. Tis simply this: God's providence is o'er us when Things go amiss And Ot:vy Pc 17 18 Experiences of a Greenhorn When Sprins: ccmes Ir.te; The Fall's likewise The corn crop light then prices rise. The op.ts are good and we surmise A brighter day. Experience makes us realize Things go that way. Hope will dispel the strongest fear Bid us believe the sky will clear The mists disperse, the sun appear. And we shall see Things better each suceeding year. "Land of The Free" Though some have called our scenery "Tame'' Large lakes, where fish both small and game Abound, whose woodland coasts I claim Are very sweet. For goodly farms Old Iowa's fame Cannot be beat. Cur corn fields waving in the air. Looking so noble grand and fair With any country will compare Let it be said. Eacii plant with haughty monarchs fair Lifts hierh its head. Ponds large and small around us lie. Wild ducks and geese o'er our heads fiy Where hunters go their luck to try — A happy band. As sportsman yet as preacher I Went gun in hand. And 0th 3r Poems ID That night I stayed out on a farm. We rose at five the ducks to harm And stole along lest we alarm And lose our prey But all cur tactics failed to charm — They got away. But be it to our credit paid When heme again at ten we made A rabbit and two ducks I laid Down on a sack. My friend with whom that night I stayed Killed one "Old Jack." Hunting the ducks is good clean sport The falling bird, the loud report What must it be to bring to port The wily deer. And even tJiough you danger court — The grizzly bear. Yet hunting has its cruel side For birds when wounded oft will hide And starve in pain, and so have died A lingering death. Why boast sportsman in thy pride, With heated breath. Just turn and read your "Bobby Burns" Whose mind to strange things often turns. See how in tenderness he yearns And fain would spare. That which the sportsman instinct spurns — "The Wounded Hare" 20 Experiences of a Greenhorn Thcugh this oi course meant some expense I h?.d to go to Conference. And tiu'.y failed to see the sense Of all things there I z;c ^t now. I was too dense Those things to square. 5.'r.c3 tiu'-h Ts truth let truth be free, I car. net ?'ways serious be And sometimes when a joke I see I straightway spring it. Anncunce a hymn well knowing we Can never sing it. But when I to Our Conference went I £t:^.it9d cut with grave intent. Cn m?k!n-^' good my mind was bent I v/as groomed well. I hoped to meet that grand old gent — Bishop Goodsell. Foithv/ith I saw in this great land V/hore I had given heart and hand To preaching. Never work so grand Nor more sublir^te. It v/cu:d take grace to make me stand True all the time. Strpnge scenes of course; and furthermore Coiv.ir.ittees there I faced galore iZ aminations by the score Which were no snap. Dsbr:L?s there on the conference floor — Won by a lap. And Other Poems 21 I h?A been told those who aspire To rise to charges graded higher Mu^t i:Y£t ieain how to pull the wire Which should not be In men whose works "Tried as by fire" At last shall be. IIciico I muit say a word right here Let Ecms be tempted pra'ps to sneer iho fellows made whom I met there A body fine. A sight which could not fail to cheer This heart of mine So many kind friends there I met Who have a place in my heart yet. To seme I feel I owe a debt Of gratitude. But cne thing I do forget Though it seem crude. The Bishop pleads "We need more men". Straightway the Elder takes his pen And writes most anywhere I ken, He is persistent. The Conference spoils his plans and then Seems inconsistent. The fact I was a "Candidate" Seme little interest did create It was predicted that my fate — Mid agitation — Would be decided should I state My education. Experiences of a Greenhorn To meet the needs I had prepared By strenuous effort. Nor had spared Myself. My ''Useful life had squared" By labor sweet. My flickering lamp my struggles shared "Fu mony a neet" The Conference doorway as you sea Is built of men. Say five or three Nailed fast with sense and charity In these mens eyes (And others judge by their decree) We fall or rise. These men I met. One took my side. To win for me he vainly tried The chairman sitting by my side A kind good man. With arguments he quick replied "Pass him who can" When on the floor the names were called (For Conference is with work enthralled) I knew my case would be forestalled With odium blended. For with these words I was black-balled "Not recommended" Discussion hot at once began. Some were "Against" some "For" "This man' With strong headwinds that race I ran. — Known to but few. My Superintendent — Marred his plan — ■ My name withdrew. And Other Poems 23 Those honest men did me no wrong Not though their action may seem strong — They had not known me very long Hence I must wait And seek a place their ranks among Some later date But all the same I went to bed With sickened heart and aching head. The doctor called on me and said "Tis rest you need." When I was well three days had fled With lingering speed. Though fate at times may roughly shove The Church we still must serve and love. Tis to the world as was Noah's dove With olivo leaf. That know no grief. Tis nearest to the choirs above Some humorous things too happen there Clean jokes in which we all may share Good stories which the world can't spare And still be blesi. And lecturers from everywhere, The very best. A story here is versified, The moral too you'll find applied, A man his automobile tried To run one day When suddenly his engine died Home miles away. 24 Experiences of a Greenhorn He cranked and cranked and cranked again Until his arm he held in pain And yet these efforts were in vain It would not budge. If home he made twas very plain He'd have to trudge. He stumbled on a nobler thought And quick it's inspiration caught A ranchers home he should have sought Without delay. His monkey wrench he had not brought Along that day. But when the ranchers home he found His question did the man astound: "Have you a monkey wrench around?" With scornful pride "Tis cattle ranch you whimpering hound" The rancher cried. "And furthermore, this land" quoth he. From East to West is God's Country The garden spot of earth is she Long live Our Land" And waved his hat in highest glee. — A patriot grand. But now the Conference had adjourned We toward our homes our faces turne'l Some prap's with indignation burned Or felt distressed Some got than better they had earned Though filled with zest. And Other Poems 25 I now was on my charge again Forgotten all my recent pain, Though moved by Conference it was plain. I'd better stay. Therefore I longer did remain On larger pay. Then Winter came — So quick time goes — And keen the cold north-easter blows Biting your ears and cheeks and nose Your lips and chin. And boldly gnawing at your toes Until ycu grin. On duty bcund one winter night The cold w.nds blew. The snow fell whit; I drove six miles and tied all right. Son.e dirty crook My blanket p'nned and buckled tight Off my horse took. Of coui'se my blanket was a loss For it was new. But I was cross To see that poor old faithful 'boss Cold shaking stand. Because such dirty meanness was Abruptly planned. But evil oft is turned to good By Providence. Though like a flood The devil comes. John said he could Resisted be And beaten straightv/ay dog-like would Turn tail and flee. 26 Experiences of a Greenhorn Christmas was near. At which you see In every church a Christmas-tree Where Santa fills our hearts with glee Both young and old. A lovely robe he handed me To fight the cold. Another m?.n of worth and years Had long- lived there, And oft with tears The people warned. He had grave fears Of sin, its shame. That n an so much like ancient seers Fared just the same. Their value: Ten times what I gave For all that soulless brainless knave Took that cold night. Oh wretched slave To shameful sin. Seek mercy ere the cold dark grave Your slipping in. Seek mercy now. Seek it in fear Live square with men. Keep conscience clear With Retribution, oft severe We must contend. The honest ivan most everywhere Wins in the end. And should these verses reach the eye Of any thief, Make your reply By saying: 'Henceforth I will try As best I can By God's good grace to pass things by And be a man'. And Other Poems 27 Then if your conscience will not cease To give you pain which doth increase As days go by. It will release You right away If you will in your search for peace Confess and pay. And in the future will take heed Less to a dogma or a creed Than to your ways. Tis they that lead To weal of woe. The soul when from the body freed It's woes may know. The winter months have not seemed long Each day has brought some cause for song Though homesick days have been among The rest of life. A lonely man will do no wrong To take a wife. Our Lecture Course was well worth while The talent dressed in latest style The evening hours would oft beguile With music sweet. A negro chorus by a mile All others beat Spring now has come. Thrice welcome Spring- Once more the birds are on the wing Once more their cheerful notes they sing Their new homes build. And Niture back to life dothspring With beauty filled. 23 Experiences cf a Greanliorn But when Spring came we had to stare Right in the face a sir.allpox scare. The schools closed down and did declare Two weaks of rest. The churches did not meet for prayer, They thought it best. Th's does not seem a dread disease To us out here. But if you please Tis deadly scourge "Across the Seas" There people die. Its ravages the gods appease I know not why. If more of this you fain would know How it fills human hearts with woe How oft it deals a deadly blow To man or wife. Buy, read, and you will wiser grow. "Gipsy Smith's Life" Well knowing this I thought to hide My face at home. On every side Were yellow cards both large and wide. The truth to tell At heme I closely did abide, And so kept well. The doctor worked both day and night. Announced its form was very light And shut them in on left and right And vaccinated. And bravely won the fight. It soon abated. And Other Poems 29 To tell of all that I have seen. Whom I have met. Where I have been, Things taking: place 'behind the scene' By base boot-leggars. Of progress made by patriots clean Description beggars. Ai::l thuo has passed my 'geenhorn' year. Oft lonesome true. But kind friends here Have made me welcome everywhere Excepted none. Their sympathies the heart would cheer If made of stone. And now kind reader ere we part Let's talk together, heart to heart. Give me your fist old chap, and start This very day To serve the Christ, who doth impart Peace peace alway. Tis true that Jesus lives and saves, Tis true as rolls the ocean waves, Your soul this richer blessings craves For mercy longs He saveth all from seers to knaves And fills with songs. Why need you longer from Him stay? Why wander. Oh! so far away Why wait until your hair is grey And then begin. When years and years have passed away In wrong and sin. 30 E::reriences of a Greenhorn No other friend would you treat so But with them willingly would go. Christ is your Friend come weal or woe A Friend indeed, A Savior-Friend as all may know What'er their creed. Sin is not worth the price you pay. Not though the world may seem so gay "I've played the fool" You'll cry some day. — Hear mercy's call And cry away, away, away, My sins and all. The present life will sweeter be The future hold less mystery Death looming up by stern decree Will mean less too. Pax vobiscum — Peace be with thee Adieu, Adieu. And Other Poems 31 THE OLD MILL BY THE DAM All silently upon the hill There stands the old forsaken mill The river runneth slowly by And every ripple seems to sigh Once more the old mill wheel to turn. To laugh and leap, to foam and churn. Her wheels are still. No more they spin With noisy clatter, merry din. The dusty miller too is gone The old mill standeth all alone Save when the sparrow builds its nest Or lonely pigeon stops to rest. Her windows all are gaping wide Her doors unhinged and torn her side, The poor old mill is wounded sore And seems to say "I'll run no more, My days of usefulness are gone And I am broken and undone." No more doth come the sprightly steed With corn or grain to grind for feed. The winding lane is all grown green And strangely peaceful is the scene. The rodents too have gone away For lack of food they could not stay. 32 Experiences cf a Greenhorn The lordly dam well-built and strong- Which did good work and stood there long. Where fisherman with hook and bait For carp or catfish long would wait All ruined lies and most washed out With desolation strewed about. The ice-man used to come and go And haul big ice-cakes through the snow, He too has left the scenes of yore And winter bringeth him no more. The old boat-house is rotting down And tall weeds everywhere have grown. And thus the poor old mill doth stand Yet eloquent she speaks and grand: Our fleeting hours are passing by As she is now so you and I Will one day be; Our work-time gone And like her broken and undone. If we of life would make the best We must ^eap to our task with zest For life is but a span or so And we'll grow old before we know, Like that, old mill. — Our work — time past. "As is the first so is the last". And Other Poems ZS THE RUINED DAM O Dam: Thou idol of us all Who near thee dwell or in thy town Thou seemed so strong, defiant, proud We loved thy smile, we feared thy frown. The silvery waters o'er thee leapt And sweetly sang in deep bass tones But now thy song has died away Thy strength has turned to bleaching bones O Dam! Dam! O Dam: Thou speakest to us yet We hear a v/hisper from thy tomb It tells of men once strong and proud It tells of their impending doom. Exalted monarchs swept away Before an angry human tide The waters rose, the ice banks formed Down stream went kingly strength and pride, O Dam! Dam! O Dam: We mourn thy cruel fate For thou art now of yesterday Old Father Time has swung his blade And snatched thee from the world away And so it is with both of us We're governed by the same decree Save you will never be again And I; Yes I shall always be. O Dam! Dam! 34 Experiences of a Greenhorn A RAINY SUNDAY AFTERNOON The raindrops fall ten million strong- All re-inforced by millions more. The earth has washed his muddy face And drank his fill through eVv^ry pore. Has scrubbed his hands and batliod his feet A long shower-bath he plans to-night. To-morrow he will dry his skin With gentle winds and warm sunlight, The sun today hides well his face Behind a dark and threatening :^ky. My feelings too are slightly sad As sparrows chirp and south-winds sigh Y^es; it is Sunday afternoon And I am in the mood to write. As slowly pass the hours away And nearer draw the shades of night. Tcday a friend sails o'er the sea — A Welshman going back to Wales. To visit loved ones in that land The place from which he fondly hails. But one dear friend he will not meet — Besides her new-made grave will stand For God has sent His Angels down And she is in the Better Land. And Other Poems I seem to sail with him today, Our mingled feelings strangely stirred. On every side the white-caps foam Though seem through visions somewhat blurred. I too have those I left one day, We fondly kissed and said *good-by'. Today in quiet peace they sleep Within the earth. Beneath the sky. Next childhoods days come back to me. Those golden hours I used to know. The entrance to lifes w^inding ways Unfolding as we older grow. How changed the scenes. How rough the path- Though some still live, with children blest. But Oh! How many sleep today. In quiet scattered graves they rest. And thus I seem to see once more The place made sacred by such ties. And nestle snugly up to God Beside the spot where father lies. And mother sleeps in quiet peace. Not they They live where angels sing. With bowed bent head I yield afresh Myself; My all to Christ my King, 36 Experiences of a Greenhorn "THE HOUSE BESIDE THE ROAD"— A EULOGY Written after reading Sam Walter Foss's poem bear- ing the above title. The author knows nothing of The man about whom he writes save only as he has summed up the man from his very delightful and most popular poem. Let me sing of the man who sang that song, Let me sing of him evermore. His heart seems right. In his soul is light. His mind is a treasure store. His words are sweeter than lovers charms There is music in every note. He eclipses the jubilant mocking bird With a thousand songs in his throat. Let me write of the man that wrote those lines Let me write of him often and long. For he is a human of elegant grace And his life seems one grand sweet song. His ego is sending forth visions of light Like a fountain of luminous stars. He refreshes the weary; The thirsty he slakes. He seems as magnetic as Mars. Let me dwell witii the man who dwells among men Who knows how to sing and to sigh. Who is just a plain human without any airs Though his station in life may be high. No; I am not gone on the highbrows who think They are made of superior clay. But I love the poet who is just a plain man And whose greatness is seen in his lay. And Other Poems M Let me love with the man who loves his own race Who scatters good-will and not strife. Per who loves his fellow doth also love God Since Love is the Fountain of Life. It fulfills the command which He gave unto men Who taught in dispised Galilee, And said to the wayward the weary the worn ■'I.:: r/.l who will come unto Me". THE HAPPY DAY Hail; happy day. The very best of all the days That I have lived to see or e'er will see. For though adjustments new my ways disturb I now have got a mate to dwell with we In my snug nest. No longer now I walk alone But we together travel down the years And live and love and weep each others tears We are not units now. We two are one. Hail Happy day. The bride endowed with fondest hopes Though all the future to her is unknown To day she trusts, yes, trust without a doubt For God hath said: "Not good to be alone" And as the bird betrothed unto its mate doth ( ome So Cometh she, herself, herself complete She gives, with tears and smiles so sweet Gives unto him. Her idol and her home- 38 E::i:e:-iences of a Greenhorn Hail: Happy day. The bridegroom justly proud of her Who is, today,, his sweetheart and his bride. Lifes rugged path will now much rmoother be Since she, his day-star will be by his side The summer suns may shine or blow cold winters blast His heart is brave. He hath a help mate true A complete soul, like which in Eden grew And will be his so long as life shall last. Hail: Happy day. Together we join hands. Henceforth to face the world as man and wife And justly share the burdens and the joys So common to the pilgrims of this life. Our Pattern and our Guide the Christ shall ever be There is none else who knows and understands Our faltering feet, our wayward hearts and hands There is but one. — The Man of Galilee. Hail: Happy day. It seems we hear the Golden Bells And with those Bells we hear the angels sing. True love is now enthroned upon the earth The love of man and love of Heavens King. Another Wedding Feast the Future is to see T'will be the Marriage Supper of the Lamb The faithful Christian and the Great I Am. That Wedding is for all Eternity And Other Poems •^■> CONGRATULATIONS. I wish to take a little time To tell to you my friends in rhyme The many things I wish for ycu I wish my wishes may come true I wish you both in new velaticnc Accept my warm congratuhi lions Much happiness I wish for you With sweetest joys attached thereto, And added rich and robust health Plus not too-much, but yet some wealth. I wish you friends. Yes more and more Friends of the kind we all adore. I wish ycu each to each be true — A love thats old but ever new. I wish you free from every pain, — As you are now may you remain. I wish appendicitis may By you be ever kept at bay, Tuberculosis gaunt-like form Ncr you nor yours may never harm. No rheumatism in your bones Until you seek relief in groans I wish the air around ycu free From germs or dangerous bacilli That no disease on you will prey But keep ten thousand miles away. I wish you not one trying hour — The kind that makes our tempers sour. No days when everything goes wrong And ceems to take from life the song. I wish the flowers may smile on you For God has pleased to make them so. I wish for you the birds may sing The sweetest carols they can bring. 40 Experiences of a Greenhorn The trees stretch out their long green arnis To shield you mid the stornxs alarms I wish the hills tell you of God —The hills that Christ feet often trod I wish the seas moan in your ears Lest ye forget a world of tears. The skies above you ever blue — Gods arch of grand ethereal hue I wish the stars their silvery light May scatter 'long your path each night, I wish the moon — The Travelers friend To you its borrowed rays may lend And may 'Old Sol' with kindly glare Direct towards you his gentle stare. I wish that heaven and earth combine To crown your lives with light Divine, I wish right here to change my strain And come right down to earth again, I wish you neat and well-kept house May never know one little mouse. Your beds of clean and spotless white The noblest souls may rest at night. Each welcome well-met well-fed guest May rank among earths very best I wish you never fell downstairs Necessitating quick repairs I wish each night in peace you sleep While guardian angels near you keeo. Your dreams the kind that Jacob dreamed A ladder reaching Heaven it seemed With myriad angels bright and fair Ascending and descending there. May only good come neath your roof And only bad stay far aloof. I wish you music of the best Pianos, Trombones and the rest And may your fingers deftly fly And Other Poems 41 Along their notes both low and high Until the air is all replete With music rich and soft and sweet. I wish you sing with well-trained voice The songs your heart has made its choice Producing music from the soul Like harps sweet note or snare-drums roll. I wish you books. A goodly store Of Dickins, Scott and many more. The works of poets great and small Shakespeare and Homer Burns and all. The work of scientists of note Philosophies the best afloat, Good histories of every race Whose works have won for them a placo. I wish you humorous works — A chain From Chaucer down to Good Mark Twain. I wish ycu love more than your gold The story ever new though old *'The Book of God", "The Word of Light'* "The Chart of Heaven", "The Sword of Might". The Book that guides our wandering feet And makes our trust in God complete. I wish among my many wishes Your pantry filled with costly dishes And with it all a varied mass Of all thats best among cut-glass. I wish your larder filled with steak With pork and cheese and pies and cake. Three times each day your table spread With choicest foods. 'Our daily bread' A cup of black-tea steeping hot With more tea steeping in the pot, And when your tastes still craving seem A piled up dish of good ice-cream. I wish all these things may be yours And all things else your heart implores. 42 Experiences of a Greenhorn I wish your home may never burn From causes you will never learn Nor from a flue cr faulty wires — These two have caused a host of fires. I wish no burglar, beggar, thief Call at your home and cause you grief. May all such like pass by your door '•Poor devils" or "The devils poor" I wish the lightnings lurid light Strike not your home with all its might No meteor dropping from the skies Drop where your ship at anchor liej. No angry cyclones hit your town To tear things up and smash things down. No floods come seething through your street No hail storms on your windows beat Na land-slides tumbling plungi iieud long- Where you or ought you own belong. I wish the earth may never quake You and your home a victim mako. No air-ship passing o'er your head Crash down on you when you're in bed No pestilences in the air No war with all its death and glars. (God send the day when war.^ shall cease I pray you work and pray for peace) I wish you horses kind and good And carriages of cedar-wood. The kind that will not run away But always word and lein obey. I wish you driving fast and far. The latest style of 'motor-car' And in an air-plane oft to r'de So high the clouds the earth will hide I wish you in a big balloon, Go sweetly sailing toward the moon. And on the finest, fastest train And Other Poems 43 To ride or valley hill and plain. A lovely yacht to sail the seas To take a trip just when you please. A submarine I wish you'd keep And know the wonders of the deep. From accidents I would ycu Lpr.ro On land, on sea, or in the air. I wish you mansion, parks and deer With orchards, gardens, pens for bear. May you own factories, fields and farms And woods and lakes with all their charms With lots of time to fish and hunt The game just crowding round your punt. A well-kept watch-dog bold and brave To guard your tent and be your slave. I wish you lovely silken gowns The very best the country owns. Huge diamonds, pins and rings of gold And jewels rare: Of worth untold All things I wish I cannot name But may they reach you all the same. And since it is the truth that wins I wish for you one pair of twins. For one night may you walk the floor. Just one whole night. Not any more. I wish their faces full of smiles Their laughter heard for many miles I wish their tongues go like small clocks I wish them auburn hair in locks. I wish their eyes a pretty blue I wish their cheeks all rosy too. I wish their tiny little feet Go pitter-patter on the street. I wish they climb upon your knees To pull your hair to hug and squeeze. I v/ish they say "Tiss me mamma" And then likewise "Me lubs papa". 44 Experiences cf a Greenhorn I wish they seem like jewels rare Given of God your love to share I wish all mad-dogs far away From where these sweet-heart children play. I v/ish then thousand blessings come Ar.d twice ten thousand to your home. And now I wish to say ''Adieu'^ My parting words "God be with you". And though the mighty sea us parts I crave a wee place in your hearts. I wish when bowed your knees in prayer You one petition for me spa.re. And when to Heaven I lift mine eyes To pray for you I'll not despise. Old friends, old scenes thus hallowed seem, So think of me. Of you I'll dream. I wish you life for many years With them no cause for bitter tears. Each year just like a bird flits by, May you stay young. May you aim high, May Death call on you very late, Your age may it be counted 'great'. Your graves ere be the fairest spot On some green hill. Some well-kept lot. And in the City of the Dead A big mausoleum house your bed. Well guarded by six tall pine trees Fanned daily by a gentle breeze. May sweetest carols scent the air The thrush and robin carol there. And may the place be hallowed ground The place where your remains are found. And strangers passing by your bed May silent stand or softly tread. When your souls reach the Pearly Gate For you may good Saint Peter wait And in the Name of Christ declare And Other Poems 4r» That you are more than welcome there, For on God's Records are made known The faith and works which were your own. Your faith in Heaven. Your trust in God. Belief in Christs all-Cleansing Blood. Your acts of love. You work of grace Your kindness to the human race. Your prayers and labors for the soul You thought in Christ could be made whole. Your noble lives. Your gentle mien Your symapthies so fresh and keen, Your words so full of hope and cheer And other things are written there. Then Heaven's Gate is opened wide Respectfully you step inside And walk along its ways of gold Whose glories never can be told. What there awaits the saved and blest Cannot be known until we rest Beneath the folds of some shade tree. The life well-spent. The soul set free. You reach the Great White Throne of God, None but good souls, that path hath trod Arrayed in robes of purest white With myriad souls, — A glorious sight — You join them while they sing th?.t song Known only to that blood-washed throng. The scene here ends. The curtain drops. Right here my quiet musings stops. I wish my faults you will excuse For I am but a budding muse And will perhaps some future day Have something more worthwhile to say. And this is my apology I study most theology. 46 E'-pcriencGS of a Greenhorn SOLDIER^ OF DEMOCRACY The boys have gone! Yes, our boys, The boys we loved and schooled and raised, And prayed for — If we pray at all — Its left us sort of half-way dazed. The boys who played their boyish pranks Mixed fun with work each working day, Made life one happy cheerful round, These boys — Our boys — have gone away. But they'll come back some better day — At least all who survive the fray — With smiles and yells and many a shout They'll wave their campaign hats about. Today they stalk the 'beastly Hun* With rifle and quick-firing gun. They fight for you. They fight for me The Soldiers of Democracy The boys have gone! Yes, our boys. The olive drab today they wear. We saw them off: We waved *good-by* Old Glory flew o'er many a tear. But they were brave and so were we For firm resolve crowned feelings bad. We pledged ourselves to see this through Not one would fail that soldier lad. But we shall see again some day — No, not the boys who went away — They will be changed. They will be men! One year will age them more than ten. If I make bold the truth to tell They will have passed through worse than hell. Through dangers thick on land and sea As Soldiers of Democracy. And Other Poems 47 The boys have gone! Yes, our boys, Our flesh and blood. Our kith and kin. Four millions march to meet the foe Erch man resolved to die or win. "The Old Flag never touched the Ground" By God's Good grace she still floats high. Thats M^hy our boys have gone away Thats why today we said 'good-by' They will return some better day — Though some, alas! in France will stay. In soldier terms will have "Gone West" 'Beneath the daisies' ever rest. — They will have got the Potsdam Gang Despite that hell-born serpents fang. Our love, our prayers, shall follow thee Proud Soldier of Democracy. BOYS IN BLUE I met one day a boy in blue A' standing by the highway With head erect and eyes that shone Like stars in the blue sky-way. I said "Hello! Where are you from?" He answered. "From the West, Sir" Then vanished for he drove away. I s'pose he thought it best, Sir. Though gone; In thought I followed him And rode the stormy billow. I felt my heart a'warming to'ard That brave and hearty fellow. Hats off to you Brave boy in blue ExperieHCeg of a Greenhorn We love you. Yes, we love you. And often pray The live-long day To Hiin who dwells above you. Still on you go Though strong winds blow, Nor heed the stormy billow Hats off to you Brave boys in Blue, My hale, my hearty fellow. On board a steamer small one day I sailed around some gun-boats. Tis true that they were Allies all, For none of them were Hun boats. I saw the helmsman near the helm, The gunner on the starboard The seaman washing off the decks The "Middle" to the larboard. Emotions strange crept o'er my soul, My heart leaped to'ard those fellows. For day and night safe watch they kept Upon the stormy billows. Hats off to you Brave boy in blue We love you. Yes, we love you. And often pray The live-long day To Him who dwells above you. Still on you go Though strong winds blow, Nor heed the stormy billows Hats off to you Brave boys in Blue, My hale and hearty fellows. And Other Poems 49 I saw one night a clear bright light A' shining 'cross a sea-lane. I knew a fighting ship lay there Or else a giant sea-plane. I knew each boy was at his post. That each would do the bidding Of duties call. Yes each and all, 'Bout that there is no kidding. Upon that spot I fixed my gaze. Then prayed: "God bless those fellows.'* I knew that they were heroes all And rode the stormy billows. Hats off to you Brave boy in blue We love you. Yes, we love you. And often pray The live-long day To Him who dwells above you. Still on you go Though strong winds blow, Nor heed the stormy billows Hats off to you Brave boys in Blue, My hale and hearty fellows. I saw one day a ship of grey To port come slowly steaming. Her visage marred and battle-scarred. For war is more than seeming. Her crew. Some lamed; some badly maimed In battles wild commotion And in the strife some gave their life And sank beneath the ocean^ O Christ of love in Heaven above Who stilled the angry billows Be with each crew of boys in blue Protect and Save these fellows. 50 Experiences of a Greenhorn Hats off to ycu Brave boy in blue We love you. Yes, we love you. And often pray The live-long day To Him who dwells above you. Still on you go Though strong winds blow, Nor heed the stormy billows Hats off to you Brave boys in Blue, My hale and hearty fellows. MY INDULGENCE Some folks like good buttermilk Some folks like root-beer Seme folks like to 'preciate Some folks like to sneer. Some folks like to work all day Some folks like to loaf Some folks like to do big things Some folks like to bluff For all of these I do not crave One thing is dear to me: Just pass the sugar and the cream And a cup of good black tea. Give me one cup Give me two cups Yes give me three or four. And if the teapot still holds out I'll take a couple more. And Othjr Pczlv.g 51 Give me seven cups Give me eight cups Yes, make it nine and ten. And if you still are friend o'mine I'll take another then. Some folks like to play baseball. Some folks like to root. Some folks like to play at golf Some folks like to shoot Some folks like to ride a horse Some folks like to walk. Some folks like to play the flute Some folks like to talk These things may be good and clean They don't appeal to me Without the sugar and the cream And a cup of good black tea Give me one cup Give me two cups Yes give me three or four. And if the teapot still holds out I'll take a couple more. Give me seven cups Give me eight cups Yes, make it nine and ten. And if you still are friend o'mine I'll take another then. Some folks like good apple-pie Some folks angel cake. Some folks like good oyster stew Some folks like beef steak. Scnic fo''ks long for sauerkraut Some folks crave for ham. Some folks love a weine roast Experiences of a Greenhorn Some folks like plum jam. And none of these would I despise But they seem poor to me Without the sugar and the cream And a cup of good black tea. Give me one cup Give me two cups Yes give me three or four. And if the teapot still holds out I'll take a couple more. Give me seven cups Give me eight cups Yes, make it nine and ten. And if you still are friend o'mine I'll take another then. Some folks like to mix with folks Some folks live alone Some folks take the marriage vow Some are never won. Some folks like to have their way Some folks do not care. Some folks like to boss the job Some folks would not dare. 'Bout such as these I've nought to say One thing looks good to me. Just pass the sugar and the cream And a cup of good black tea. Give me one cup Give me two cups Yes give me three or four. And if the teapot still holds out I'll take a couple more. Give me seven cups Give me eight cups Yes, make it nine and ten. And if you still are friend o'mine And Other Poems o^ I'll take another then. O you may cry "Extravagant" And sort of pious look Tea is not an intoxicant. Condemned in the Good Book. And I have gone without it For a whole year at a spell Eut juil; thG same I love it And the truth I aim to tell. Yes, I'm a friend of goodness And the church is dear to me. But I have got a weakness great For a cup of good black tea. Give n:c one cup Give me two cups Yes, give me three and four And if the teapot still holds out I'll take a couple more. Give me seven cups Give me eight cups Y"es, make it nine and ten. And if you are not ashamed of me I'll drink another then. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ SONNET ON IJFF And what is life? The victory of a soul O'er all the latent tendencies to sin. To cast out self; The Larger Self to win; The Self which is our aim and end and goal Of Life we read much in the Sacred Scroll It's source and secret are contained therein. With love of truth tis very much akin And all that Adam was when he was whole. 54 Expe-'iences of a Greenhorn Would we know life; We must be true and brave And love all folks; and Him who life doth give. Not 'fraid of death; but 'fraid we may not live Like Him who came the whole wide world to save Though all the world with teachings long was rife Christ spake: "I am the Way, the Truth, the Life". SONNET ON DEATH What is this death ? The passing of a soul Into eternity. Where it doth dwell As spirit is not known. Nor can we tell Ought of its shape while on the ages roll. But when at last some friends for us shall toll The stately solemn muffled old church bell The pain which loved ones feel they seek to quell Believing we have safely reached the goal When we lie sleeping in our earthy bed Returned, as wisdom saith, "Dust unto dust" Will realize the hope which all men trust Will earn the secret known but to the dead Will understand that cry above earth's strife. "I am the Resurrection and the Life." And Other Poems 55 SONNET ON WORSHIP (A Soliloqy) Why should I go to Church on Sunday twice, And take in sermons be they ere so good And pray, and sing old time worn hymns ? I would Piefer to spare myself such sacrifice. Who says I ought to go ? Is it not nice To spend the Sabbath as I please. I could Have pleasant times. Besides tis understood Heligion's had at much too high a price. But was a good thing ever had for nought? And things worth while are things that alw^ays cost. And if my character and soul are lost I have lost all no matter what I sought Since this is true to Church then I must go For there they teach the things I need to know. SONNET ON STN Sin lies in disobedience to God In will or deed. We wisely have been taught. Unholy acts of life Unhallowed thought. Forbidden fruits. The path by Adam trod. $6 Experiences of a Greenhorn Sin is to walk with feet that are not shod With gospel preparation. To have wrought Along a road unlovely and unsought Except to those who seek God's chastening rod. Sin is to turn away from Highest Good The Father's House. His kindly yearning love. Not to believe, when all around, above Are signs of God's true tender Fatherhood. How long; How long Christ shall sin abound In human hearts ? In Thee sin was not found. THE BED-BUG AND THE BUG 1 sought my room. I shut my door. The key I safely turned * For I travelled three days straight, a good nights rest had earned. My prayers were said while snow-white sheets did make a strong appeal With pillow soft and downy, all my tiredness to heal. I slept. I dreamed. I s'pose I snored and woke that bedbug up At any rate he sallied forth like Buster Brown's bull pup. He chewed my legs, he bit my back. That creature sucked my blood. An uninvited parasite who feasted long and good. And Other Poems 57 I have known folks much like him in a way that 1 will tell. Their nerve has chased their sense away; their heads an empty shell. They victimize their 'relatives' and 'friends' they treat likewise, Their visits are indefinite; they're governed by no ties. Propriety is nought to them they go just where they please, Convenient or otherwise they're perfectly at ease. Compared with such that lone bedbug who preyed on me that night. Was educated, cultured, well-refined and most polite. A RATTLESNAKE AND ANOTHER SNAKE 1 wandered o'er the prairies near Dakota's bleak Black Hills And heard the distant music of her rivulets and rills Accompanied by voices weird that sang in mystic tones Of frontier life; the gallant charms to all but knaves and drones They sang the praise of heroes brave: The men of yesterday Who drove the Red skinned warriors back and settled there to stay. 1 wildly shrieked! Ten feet I jumped! Perspired With fear did shake! Twas the warning and the gleaming eyes of an angry rattle-snake. 58 Experiences cf a Greenhorn I wandered next mid different scenes: Society I sought Charmed by orchestral music and the sweetest vocal note. They moved in shining silken robes; wore sparkling diamond rings. That audience would most outshine the Courts of Europe's Kings. Arrested by a female voice I cau2"ht her gleaming- eyes, Her tongue v/as filled with venom and her words were filthy lies. Great God! I yelled! I jumped again! Which did confusion make. I loathe a gossip-monger as I loathe a rattle-snake. THE FORD CAR AND THE TRAIN Tv/as Sunday morn: The 'phone bell rang. A farmer on the line Called up his neighbor for a chat. The weather it was fine. "Come bring the folks along" he said, ''Lets spend the day together. You can't afford to stay at heme this glorious Spring weather." And so the 'little Ford' v/as cranked; the family got in. And Goon the neighbors heme v/as reached. Twas but a little spin. The children in the school-going togs played on 'til well past noon. Indoors two v^omen cooked the meal and laid each knife and spoon. "The men! The men! Where are those men?" They oft were heard to say. "We've waited now 'til three-fifteen, at ten they AnJ 0.:i - Po: n 59 went away." They had to eat without them, for the meal time long was past. — They always eat without them, now when 'er they break their fast. Those two men and that 'littie Ford' had sought a place in point Th3 Ford drank nought but water v/hile they hit' a bootleg joint, Then started home. The booze they'd drank accele- rated speed. They did not see that train c.t all nor crossing-warn- ings heed. Twas over in a moirents space: A crash; A scream; A yell. The 'little Ford' was in the ditch. Those men in Heaven — cr Hell. I saw that br.dly smashed machine. The bottles and the brains A-strewed alon^; the railway track. -Don't pay to fool with trains. Somehow I feel a scene like that would turn a black man white, For booze had turned God's Day of Rest to darkest blackest night. God pity them. God pity us unless we strike him down —John Barleycorn alias Booze, of infamous renown. The funeral hour. The crowds flocked in their sym- pathies to show But all the same we laid them by mid scenes of deep- eci: woe. Gcd help us a'l lli: bcc.c to fight, your enemy and And beat the devil at his game and bust his *'Wacht am Rhein." 6d Experiences of a Greenhorn THAT TELL-TALE SHOE I v/as out a-raising money for a Cause both great and grand. I called on people everywhere: — A canvass had been planned. I called on people eating and when working in the field. I even called on wash day: — Not good policy I yield. I called on ladies cleaning house or putting gardens in. I called on farmers planting corn or ready to begin. I called where there were eighteen folks. I called where there was one I called where they were 'going to town'. I called where they had gone. I called where they were cleaning grain or doing up the chores. I called on people on the street or trading in the stores. I called en men in barbers' chairs or buying gasoline I called on folks Vd met before and folks I'd never seen. I was calling, calling calling calling 'gain and yet again I'd take life on 'Treasure Isand' to another such campaign. I called 'til I was calling sick and almost calling mad I poiTnised God I would not fail. — God help me if I had. The scene is staged: A stylish home. A farmhouse near the road. The man reported well-to-do but carrying quite a load He's busy working in the field: His clothes well dashed with mud. His ears he straightway loans to me. My case I And Other Poems 61 now make good. I get a sort of promise then return to take my car The distance from the field and house is never very far. The lady tall polite and kind bids me now step inside The family are all in there and visitors beside. With mus^c sweet she entertains since she has learn- ed to play And upright player-piano brought into her home that day. *-My Old Kentucky Home" is heard and then tis "Old Black Joe" Two old plantation melodies; both old yet ever new. That drawing room is spacious and its guests are courteous too But all is spoiled. — A trifling thing. A naughty tell- tale shoe. She's peddling hard: The music stops. I leave. Try not to see That shoeless foot. That heelless sock. That smil- ing company. There is a moral to my tale. That moral is applied. If we allow what we condemn, wrong will refuse to hide. Our faults will ventilate themselves when other folks are there And we shall be embarrased and perhaps act kind of queer. The lady mentioned in the case her foot held neath her dress I was polite and came away, the right thing too I guess. I tried to make believe that not a thing was out of place Apologized for going so soon and left with perfect grace. 62 Experiences of a Greenhorn And yet a lesson I had learned and thus myself ad- dressed "My soul be what you seem to bo or you will go unblest, If you have faults and hide them rest assured they will be known, Not what you seem but what you are will bring its own renown." What then I said unto myself, I now would say to you: — We all must mend our stockings or the holes some day will show. While playing there her shoe fell off and showed that gaping hole Before God tis not what we seem but what is IN THE SOUL. AN ARDENT LOVER Long years ago I left her though I loved her through and through. She was beautiful yet treacherous. She was false yes grandly true. Oft while leaning on her bosom I have seen the tear- drops fall And her heart was wildly beating yet she smiled on through it all. Yes she loved me, kissed me, hugged me, claimed me as her very own While her breath was sweet with flowers and she wore a silken gown. And Other Poems 63 Ten thousand times she pled with me, she wooed me night and day And her wooings were the strongest on the day I came away. I waved a fond farewell to her as from the port wo sailed From the shore she sweetly kissed me though her wooings now had failed. And i watched her 'til the distance wider and yet wider grew And my heart was aching sadly when she faded from my view I knew she blessed and prayed for me. I blessed and prayed for her And with emotions new and strange my heart was all astir. Just then my eyes turned mastward: Lo, her flag was floating there I stood erect; saluted; then walked briskly to my chair. She had children. A great many. Some poor; some had great wealth Some underfed and suff'ring others blessed with robust health. They had sapphires, rubies, diamonds and a crown of jewels rare Honors, titles, mansions, castles, gold in plenty and to spare. These exalted favored children oft their loyalty had proved But not more than other heroes who had died to prove their love. Her virtues, they were many and as many were her sins. Nor could I love her less for these. Hence here my tale begins. 64 Experiences of a Greenhorn Twould seem I am impervious to good designed for me. With heart like bold Gibralter's Rocks who scorn a moaning sea. Stern soldier-like and militant of sentiment undone A frozen unthawed iceberg that resists the summer sun. Oh false impression flee away. Ye do, ye do me wrong ? Tis not with rocks and icebergs and the like that I belong. I loved her: She who wooed me. Yes, her eloquence was grand. But I sought one younger, fairer, hence I left MY NATIVE LAND. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ THE NIGHT. The night is upon us; the day star has vanished; The Sun hides his blushes behind yonder hills. Man hurrieth homeward; birds nestle in stillness. Bright stars by the million heavens highway now fills The earth is in darkness; we sleep 'til the morning Shall bid us return to lifes tasks left undone. How welcome the darkness; thrice welcome the day- break, The glory, the challenge of day just begun And Other Poc;;.s 65 The earth now is smiling: her tears she has banished — The dew-drops that fell from her cheeks in the night The flowers are bloonving; her busy bees humming, The trees of the field clap their hands with delight. So let us be happy since light follows darkness And smiles force their wsy through our oft falling tears. We traverse lifes highv/ays or grass covered by-ways Our Sun will 'go down' at the end of the years. _ THE BULLHEAD AND THE SHITEPOKE . One day I went a fishing with a hook and rod and line I did not have 'no luck at all' though some said 'fishings fine' I used as bait a score of things from beefsteak down to bread And sat a full half day to catch one homely old bull- head. One day I went a hunting for big antelope or deer Though I confess such game as that might give me quite a scare I did not see 'no game at all* and hunting seemed a joke For the only bird that crossed my path was a long- necked o-d Ehitepoke. One day I went a preaching for the souls of men to 66 Experiences of a Greenhorn save My mind was stored with Truth Divine and grace my heart did crave I thought to catch some men that day, some sinner's heart to win A short man and tall wife I found with mean con- temptuous grin. My fishing trip was not in vain because it pleasure gave The flowers and trees and rocks were there, the birds, the winds, the wave, They sang to me; they sang one song Love made them all and me My heart rejoiced, my soul seemed filled with eager childish glee. My hunting trip was well worth while, I walked full seven miles My cheeks were red when I returned and radiant with smiles My appetite was sharpened and I slept like Jacob when He dreamed a dream of angels though that night I dreamed of men. My preaching trip did some folks good, that follows as a rule But those afore I speak of were the big frogs of the pool. Frogs did I say? I take that back; apologize with speed Ke was a ' bullhead Anglophile, and she a 'shitepoke Swede'. And Other Poems 67 WHEN THE KIDS START PLAYING MARBLES AND THE BIRDS BEGIN TO SING When the wintry winds are blowing and the snow in gentle flakes Lays her blanket warm and fleecy o'er the earth — her hills and lakes When the eaves are growing ch'n-beards formed from icicles that hang When we freeze in zero weather and tis winter with a bang. When the trees are hibernating or like skeletons stand mute When the song birds have gone southward and we miss their pipe and lute. Tis we sigh n^ath winters burdens and each day we long for Spring — When the kids start playing marbles and the birds begin to sing. When the winter days are over and the Spring-time has appeared When the coal-piles cease to lessen and the blizzards are not feared. When the farmer takes his tractor or perhaps his faithful mules And he plows his fields with ardor while his own best judgement rules. When the hogs are rooting up the soil and do not need the shade And the cackling hens announce ths egg deposits they have made. The balmy days are here again. — Tis Winter turn- ed to Spring.. For the k'As are playing marbles and the birds be- gin to sing. 08 Experienees of a Greenhorn When summer days are here once more and it is scorching' h:t, We seek relief in cooling arts when such arts may be got. \«/hen the corn is growing taller by an inch or two each, day Vv'ith the tossles fast appearing 'long with stacks cf new-mcv/n hay. When the cat-fields have grown yellow and the harvest is at hand, And cur undulating ccuntry is a picture great and grand. It makes us think of Heaven's Plains: But what about the Spring — When the kids start playing marbles and the birds begin to sing. When Autumn days have rolled around and Nature bows her head The green has changed to amber-hues or sort of greenish red. The fiuit- trees laden down with fruit have thickly strewed the ground And everywhere abundant signs oi: 'tundance may be found. The shocks have turned to lone straw-piles, the stubble has been plov/ed "While the house-wife of her well canned fruits is sbrt of justly proud. The silos sides are bulging out: E'en then we wait for Spring — When the kids start playing marbles and the birds begin to sing. And thus it is the years flit by, the seasons come and go. And Other Poems 60 And With them come the summers heat the winter'? frosts and snow, The milder days of Spring and Fall when all seems bright and gay — Oh! that the brighter days of life might longer with us stay. Each season brings its share of good; of good for you and me Yet Icng ago I made my choice: My choice shall ever be. The days when life springs back to life; the time we call the Spring — When the kids start playing marbles and the birds begin to sing. THE BULL DOG AND THE CHAIN It was Autumn. It was evening. I had stayed long with my books. Hence I strode around the village, sought its still sequestered nooks. The Hermit Thrust was singing from the tree top in the grove While the blue jay screeched his contrast to the silent mourning dove. The trees were robed in beauty green with many a colored tint And the western skies spread cnnvaso r:howed the artists glad imprint, I drank my fill of Natures Art to soothe my weary brain. When I saw a friendly bulldog tugging leaping at his chain. 70 Ei.pe^'^cnccs of a Greenhorn I strolled along the beach one day and heard the wild waves sing Above them circled myriads of seabirds on the wing. The little pools the tide ha:l le^' v/ere everywhere about With scattered crowds of youngsters stepping bare- foot in and out. A fairy sweet with golden curls fast plied her little spade The sea she planned to empty in the trench which she had made. Her pail she filled a score of times, her efforts were in vain Like that playful friendly bulldog tugging leaping at his chain. I met a weary pilgrim who had strayed far from the West His mind was filled with fallacies his soul with eager lust He talked of 'revelations' Joseph Smith and Brigham Young And gave us all a lashing with an ill-directed tongue He mourned us all as ruined lost from old men down to youth And prayed us to enlightened be with *01d Jerusalem' Truth. His words fell harmless on our heads. The truth is more than plain. Just another playful bull dog tugging leaping at his chain And thus are taught lifes lessons as each day we journey on. The tragedy about it is how soon our tasks are done. We are mostly chasing bubbles through a thin elusive air And Other Poems 71 Bursting ere our hands have grasped them leaving dark and deep dispair. A mystery ship we sail in largely on a phantom sea Often wondering and debating what the end is go- ing to be But this is good philosophy and I would say again Always leave a friendly bulldog tugging leaping at his chain. THE ACCIDENT OF BIRTH I Who has not heard in days of old There lived a warrior brave and bold Whose brothers mean one fateful day, Conspired against and drove away. The reason for this heartless deed — No Reuben here his cause to plead- Was simply this: — He came to earth Cursed by the accident of birth. His mother was a harlot vile Who lived perhaps in royal style, And when her child was born he had A lecherous monarch for his dad. Therefore his brothers drove him out, And taunted him with many a shout. His outraged soul cursed each and all, — He drank the bitter dregs of gall. 72 EApeifiences of a Greenhorn Now in his veins ran kingly blood Combined with vilest motherhood. Straight to the land of Tob he fled, The bandits cave was now his bed. As chief of daring outlaw bands He lead his men to other lands. He pillaged, murdered: — Truth to tell Where Jephthah went twas just plain hell. He slew in long and bloody fights The fierce and warlike Ammonites. And then as war with Ephraim grew Full fifty thousand men he slew. When victory caused the war to cease For seven years he ruled in peace. The people loved him. Well they might — Could rule as good as he could fight. An honest soul will eulogize None but the great, the good, the wise. Will pity those who come to earth Cursed by the accident of birth. II A word about the Ammonites Whom Jephthah slew in hard-fought fights. They too were outlaws fierce and bold With crimes to numerous to be told. And Other Posmi 73 But we must learn their origin Before we judge their heinous sin. Like Jephthah, Ammon came to earth Cursed by the accident of birth. In Sodom lived a man named Lot, Describe his sin: I'd rather not. Twas wine he drank. The rest is known. — They called him Ammon when he'd grown. Ill Nations and people still today Walk more or less the sinners way. And some there are who come to earth Cursed by the accident of birth. What shall we say of deeds of shame? Of vilest sins too foul to name? Of lost abandoned shameless lives ? Of libertines and faithless wives? What shall we say of dread disease With all its frightful ravages ? The brand of Cain on souls unborn, And Innocence held up to scorn What shall we say of lives 'laid down'? Careers of crime, their vile renown ? What of the hard of 'cruel fate'? What of the souls Eternal State? Experiences of a Greenhorn If others had lived straight and clean Then Jephthah's faults would not have been. If Lot had lived as all men should Then Ammon would have spilled no blood. If we would sometimes stop and weigh The thing we do, the thing we say. The world would know far less of pain And we would know far more of arain. We cannot all bequeath gi'eat wealth We can give vigor, life and health. Our children crown with truest worth Blest by the accident of birth. The Way of Life let us pursue Tis rich with blessings ever new. It negatives cur deepest woe. Brings lasting peace where 'er we go. MY WISHES I do not ask a hundred things then twice two hundred mere. Tis gold I want for gold is good and gold I would implore Wealth brings the care that buyeth health, a .niracle it works Then build our schools and colleges, our hospitals And Other Poems 75 and kirks. Then I want knowledge of the best, the sciences and arts, Why God has made this world of ours and why these human hearts. Don't tell me knowledge pufFcth up, that shows a shallow mind. The more we know the less we know is wisdoms path you'll find. I want a lot of common sense, real horse sense; more and more. If I could choose like Solon an I'd own a sense cold- store. I'd have the mind of Socrates, the humor of Mark Twain. The good sound sense of "Honest Abe" again anJ yet again. Yes I w^ant gold with power to use that gold in doing good. I knowledge want for knowledge is a power well understood. And common sense the kind I seek is blessing rich and rare But God of Grace give me Thyself is my supremest prayer. SATIRE ON A LIAR I know net who has done this thing Nor where to fix the blame. I I:i:;t: ho ?hct wide of the mark And badly missed his aim. 76 Experiences of a Greenhorn He wrote of me. I write of him, — A lesson for to teach That truth may lash his soot-black soul Like angry waves the beach. He dares to scratch my name beneath A challenge and a threat Someone has stolen someone's book. — An act we all regret. He thus suggests I have that book — He is a healthy liar. A moral burglar shoots at me And I return his fire. To use mild terms on such young braves. Is but to waste your time. A spades a spade. A fools a fool A madmans crime's a crime. No principle dwells in his soul No conscience and no scruple. There's just one place where that boob shines — The Devil's high-grade pupil. And should he die in that said state He's apt to dwell for ever Where wild-eyed demons scamp and scream And mercy comes; No never. Someone has stolen someone's book Thereby caused someone grief. Go find this shameless liar And you've got the dirty thief. And Other Poems 77 IN HOSPITAL Kind friend who comest here to stay Be not o'er burdened with thy grief. Good souls dwell here who with great skill Will seek to give thy pain relief. Strange thoughts are thine and stranger moods While gloomy feelings with thee stay, Alternate hopes and lears combine With longings for a brighter day. Bid fear depart for God is here He listens to your every prayer. 1 But thou hast friends who grieve today, — Be glad for these. God gave them thee. They watch beside thy pain-tossed bed With cheerful tender sympathy. And should the worst here come to thee The worst is better than the best Since death is but the gateway to The Realms of Everlasting Rest. Be not dismayed. Trust thou in God And in the Saviors Cleansing Blood. But thou desirest to get well In search of health thou camest here. Tie health that others seek for thee By skill applied with words that cheer. One half of one per cent or less Die frcm the troubles that are thine. How then can hope give wpy to fear? No need to quietly repine. Hope thou in Gcd. Thou vv^ilt be blest And calmly leave to Him the rest. 78 E„;,c:Ic::cc3 cf a Greenhorn Kind friend who comest here to stay God grant thee peace ere thou depart. Gcd grant thee grace when thou art gone, God send His Love within thy he_. ': Hast thou lived well in other years Rich blessings be upon thy head. Hast thou lived far away from God Turn ere the western skies grow red. And thus dear friend thou shalt be whole Thy body healed and cleansed thy soul. THE IMMORALITY OF THE SOUL AN ARGUMENT No theological question has caused the writer so much serious thought as the above question. For years he has investigated along every line of thought open to him sometimes amid doubts and fears always hoping often sincerely praying to God that the truth might be known regardless of conse- quences. After a most impartial and honest investi- gaion he has been compelled to come to the conclu- sion that the human soul is immortal. As Browne says "Though demonstrated in nothing it is implied in everything. And is my soul immortal And shall I live again, Somewhere where perfect life is known Where come nor tears nor pain And Other Poems Where shineth neither moon nor stars Nor ever cometh night: Where Christ doth all illuminate With calm and heavenly light. tell me if I yet may hope Of such a world to know When thus has run my earthly course My ''Pilgrimage below?" It seems so good. Can it be true ? 1 long, I yearn, I wait This thing to know.Then by God's grace I will investigate. But just a moment I must pause 'Till freed from prejudice. The path is holy I must tread And I may walk amiss. Dear God; who made all things and me To Thee I come in prayer. Forgive my sins, remove my doubts My soul for Truth prepare. And thus the Good Book oft I take And there my lone heart finds Real comfort as it comes to feel Those great and noble minds Inspired were of God, who knows What is and is to be. They wrote as minds to whom revealed Our final destiny. 80 E:.; crici.ccG cf a Greenhorn So unto faith I have appealed And some assurance found. But reason she asserts herself And asks; If on th:it gi.cu.nd I have a right thus to conclude For evermore I live. She asks to here join hands with Faith And help the verdict give. Together they will do their part Will frame a grand reply To those who doubt a future life And say "Tis nought to die" Tis universal this belief In life for evermore. Tis found in pre-historic man Tis found the whole world o'er. The primitive unscienced man Believed he'd live again His soul when from his body gone Close by would long remain. He crudely worshipped creature things Nor reptiles would he harm He said this were his ancestry Assumed another form. The dark Egyptian was embalmed To make his soul a home And well cooked meals in tombs were served Lest hungry he should roam. What of the Greeks ? Who does not know The martyr Socrates Preached life immortal; hence was slain By wicked men's decrees. And Other Poems 81 The Savages: E'en they have faith To see another life For when a chief or near-chief dies Forthwith they kill his wife. Her soul it must acccmpany his Into the Spirit-World Since he will surely need her where Stern death his soul has hurled. Then Buddha taught successive life Until the soul doth win Sufficient merits to outweigh Demerits caused by sin. Nirvana is at last attained In which we dwell for aye Despite the fact it lies beyond A long and slippery way. Mohamet and Confucious Hold as their crowning hope The Life Beyond; if with success 'Gainst evil here we cope. And Patriarchs and Prophets old Born of the Hebrew race Their testimony long and loud The world can not efface. Of Christ the Lord what need I say We know He came from God To teach all men the Way of Life Which path He also trod. Man's universal hope He knew He squelched our doubts and fears "Were it not so I would have told" Comes down through all the years. 82 Experiences of a Greenhorn Our aspirations what of these? For many souls aspire To noblest Christ-built character To better life and higher. Such souls capacities and powers Fruition cannot know While here on earth. And shall these end With this short life 'below'. And what of suffering we bear For each must bear their part Our bodies racked with mortal pain Deep woes the tears which start. "Man's inhumanity to man" ''Nature's red tooth and claw" These surely speak of Better Life Leastways I think it so. As to the Globe we call The Earth So friendly and so kind Can we plow all it's mysteries With a poor dull human mind. The keen philospher of note — Perhaps a genius odd — Sums up his labored treatise thus ''In the beginning, God" Therefore Creation's mysteries Are just as big and deep As is the future life of him Around whose grave we weep. There's mystery in it I admit And scope for faith to play But not m.ore so than to explain The life thats ours today. And Other Poeir.G 83 The holy exercise of prayer We ever pray to be With Christ and with departed ones I^'or all eternity Beyond a fear or doubt we know Our God doth answer prayer Another factor in the case Of what av/aits us There. Thus Faith and Reason joining hands Together sing of this Hope universal dwells in man Life culminates in bliss. It must be so they both reply I''or God doth live and love For to Himself He must be true — He giveth Life Above. BEFORE MAKING A SERMON Thou Almighty Living God; Talk with me while I sit and think For I am but a creature small, And basely insignifi- cant. And Thou the Great God art and Wise, Thy Name is Mercy, Goodness, Love. My trembling spirit waits on Thee, Thou Great Spirit from Above. 84 Experiences of a Greenhorn Tis true that I a preacher am; A prophet 'mong the sons of men. Where I must think and speak for Thee. Be with me Lord. Be with we when I hide within my study walls; Consult my Bible, thumbworn, marked. And other books with themes galore. On which great minds have oft embarked. The needs of men, Lord, who can meet? Heart mind and will. The human soul. And bring these human ships to port; Mid sandbanks rocks and many a shoal But Thou God the Pilot art. With Thee on board no ships are lost. Though all must ccpe with v/ind and wave, And some are badly tempest-tossed. Then if my sermon is worthwhile, My Pilot You Great God must be. The helm of thought I yield to Ycu. The helm of thought please take for me. So now from poetry I turn: Go bad: to cold and reasoning prcse. But Thou Pilot of the Seas, My vessel guide where e'er she goes. A HYMN AND PRAYER Blest Word of God; Thou Light Divine We read Thy Pages o'er and o'er And Other Poems Thou hast the Way that leads to Life The path of saints who lived of yore. The Way of Prophets — Men of God Who dared to stem the evil tide Of maityrs brave who with their blood Bore witness true — and thus they died. Come Holy Ghost; Thou Blessed One inspire our hearts to dwell with Thee To walk along the heavenly road To tread the paths of service free Illuminate our spirits night Chasten the gloom and fret of sin Come now and seal us for thine own Oh enter, enter, enter in. Oh Christ of God; Thou Living One Thou Son of David. Son of God. Possess us 'er we go astray Along the path so often trod. Our foolish hearts. Our wayward souls. The world would seal and call it's own We seek a better way than this Tis known oh Christ to Thee alone. Cur Father God; Eternal Source Of all that is and e'er will be. Oh pity us; We are thine own From Sin and Satan set us free. Reveal thy loving living self We wait we worship at they feet Unworthy all we know too well But come our God and with us meet. 86 E::i:o ;:cneca cf a Greenhorn THE CHURCH BY THE WAYSIDE (Dedicated to the Methodist Episcopal Church at Unique, Humboldt C::un'y, Iowa.) There's a Church on the Hill by the Wayside, Tis a landmark that's stood there for years, Tis the home of the souls round about it And the scene of our joys and our tears. Cho. Oh come to the Church by the Wayside Oh come to the Church on the Hill. Bring your friends, bring your folks, bring your kinsfolks, And your souls with his love He will fill. There the birds swell their beautiful anthems To the praise of Jehovah Most High From the trees in the grove on the hill-top As they solemnly point to the sky. Chorus. Tis from here we have buried our loved ones — Whom with Jesus now dwell evermore — ■ From the Fountain of Life oft come drinking When our spirits are wounded and sore. Chorus. Won't you come to the Church by the Wayside Won't you come while His mercy is free ? Won't you come with your sins and your sorrov/3 For the Savior says "Gome Unto Mo." And Other Poems 87 Cho. I will come to The Church by the Wayside Yes I'll come to the Church on the Hill With my friends, with my folks, with my kinsfolks And our souls with His Love He Shall fill. ECHO'S OF THOUGHT Oh God! Life is a mystery I may not know. I cannot se? Why some things are and son.o are not I know they're known O God to Theo Then there are sins which T com.mit The foolish thought, The caif^les^ word Much as I love I yet know well I poorly represent my Lord Oh God! My ways a mystery Unto myself. Wilt Thou nat bless My heart with peace. And lead me forth Into some field of usefulness. I crave not gold. I ask not fame Nor long I for the crowds applause. Some lowly task, some humble sphere Where best I serve the Master's Cause. Oh God! The worlds a mystery The w^ays of men with other men Wars tumult and the woes it brings Experiences of a Greenhorn To this I cannot say "Amen". Might conquers right. Hate conquers love. And evil triumphs over good. I stand abashed confounded tried Yet undismayed. Tis best I should. Oh God! Folks are a mystery Some are so good while some are bad. And others miss the Upward Look Or lose the faith which once they had Their path with briers and thorns beset Their life a battle ground hard fought They purposed well: But strength gave out Sin in their hearts hath badly wrought. Oh Christ! Thou are a mystery Thy gentle words. Thy wondrous life Thy goodness and Thy greatness too Alike the same in peace or strife. My soul with burdens sore oppressed Turns unto Thee: Tis gain not loss I leave them, lose them, at Thy feet Dear Christ! I lose them at Thy Cross A PLEA FOR PEACE "When the war-drums throb no longer When the battle-flags are furled In the Parliament of men, And Other Poems 89 The Federation of the World." 'I bus wrote a famous poet In th2 days of long- ago Who taught the brother-hood of man Ak:! W3pt o'er human woe. '•Whcn the war-drums throb no longer When the battle-flags are furled" When no blocd-soaked fields of battle Tell where legions have been hurled With a wild and savage fury — Part of war's mad reckless waste — At the other legions charging Or retreating" in great haste. "When the war-drums throb no longer When no mighty siege-guns roar While they belch forth lurid thunder And their high explosives pour. When the strains of martial music Shall not tell of warriors brave Massed in legions. Armed for battle. Marching forward. — To the grave. ^'When the war-drums throb no longer Nor the dying and the dead Lie in heaps to tell the story Of a ghastly hail of lead When no war-horse dis-embowelled — Man's best slave and faithful friend — Maddened cries and struggles bravely 'Gainst a cruel tortured end. 90 Experiences of a Greenhorn "When the war-drun?s throb no longer When the sailor tru.2 and brave To defend his country's honor Need not drown beneath the wave. Who no lurking lord-y terrors' — God of Heaven stay Thine Hand — Shall commit the foulest murder Ever known on sea or land. "When the war-drums throb no longer When the nations build no more Giant super-dreadnaughts monsters Each one larger than before. When our armies and our navies — Proud and brave and they may be Shall on land but police the empires And of pirates clear the sea. "When the war-drums throb no longer When the mother weeps no more For the boy or boys torn from her To return, no nevermore. When the widow, — Heaven shield her When her heart doth bleed and break O'er her hungry helpless offspring Orphaned for their country's sake. "When the war-drums throb no longer — God of Mercy hear our prayer For the lands still torn and bleeding From the wretchedness of war. Pity, pity for Thy Name's Sake Let the battle flags be furled. For the sake of those still living And the future of our world. And Other Poems 91 GOOD PIE She was long and lean and lazy Always v/ore the same old dress. Some folks said "She is a daisy" What they meant I could not guess. She had virtues more than vices Wheat more plentiful than rye. I refused her stale advices But I always ate her pie She was mean unto her pastor Often meaner to his wife. And her tongue would speed up faster Being loosed by oil of strife. She was meaner than the meanest Like a storm cloud in the sky. Reader of her faults thou gleanest. Would that you might taste her pie. Better tis to speak of graces Than to speak of peoples faults. Know the grace that oft effaces And our baser judgement halts. I can hold no brief for badness Yet I'd rather sing than sigh, Hence I do recall with gladness Not those faults that well baked pie. 92 Experiences cf a Grosiihorn OPERATION ON A CHILD Our little boy g'ot sick one day We took him to a doctor, A first rate surgeon and M. D. — No spine-jab chiropractor. He said "There's just one thing to do, He needs an operation A^nd though all other th'ngs ycu try You'll come to my persuasion". We took our boy to hospital And put him on the table I stayed right with him through It all And glad that I was able. It took just fifteen y. >nutc2, Yes, five multiplied by three. A moments space: but seemed that day Etern'ty to me. And Other Poems 93 ■* «# )» 94 r : c::cr-2CD of a Greenhorn GRANDMA MALONEY She was aged grey and feeble, What we call "Well up hi yc-.rs" She had tasted bitter sorrow Shed a multitude of tears. Yet she was the soul of sweetness And her heart was filled with love, While her kind face told the story Of her faith in God Above. As a maiden she had married And a family had raised; One boy and two girls to love her While through life a trail she blazed. Then her helpmate pined and sickened Soon to cross the Jordons Ford, Twice a daughter hailed the Boatman Where his boat called Death is moored She was now Grandma and Mother And her grandchild loved her well Prayer and worship welcomed day-break, God was thanked when evening fell. By her neighbors she was honored Though her joy was most complete When a child cried "Hello Grandma" Running toward her on the street. That she was the Soul of Beauty Goes because she Beauty loved In her garden see her active Where her skill she always proved. Dahlias, daisies, poppies, pansies Lilacs, lilies, roses white There he helped Great Natures Artist Paint His pictures day and night. And Other Poems 95 She dwelled with the common people Claimed no greatness, knew no fame But if goodness makes true greatness Greatness therefore she can claim. She "Has sailed" but memory paints her With her virtues rich and rare When we meet the Great in Heaven Gran'ma Maloney will be there. SMALL TOWN GOSSIP Dame Lashtongue said to Madame Mules I guess we own this town And; we are going to run it Or, we're going to tear it dov/n. The Church and Schools and Bank are ours, The Red Cross and Garage,, We'll rule; or ruin everything With a mustard gas barrage. And so they ran the Red Cross Then the Red Cross busted up. The Ladies Aid was next in turn. That straightway rusted up. The schools they ran until they ran The schools into the ditch In church they posed as pattern saints But 'nobody would hitch.' There are some folks who feign would run The world and God who made it. Pestiverous as mites who bite The egg and hen that laid it. Oh such as these pray you please Go seek a job eternal. We trust you just go rust or bust Up what;— The World Infernal. 96 E 4-e-ierices oi a Greenhorn WHEN ED PAVEY SPOKE HIS PIECE Ed. Pavey was a white man. Just as white as he cculd be. Ed. Pavey was a Church-man and a patriot clean was he. Ed. Pavey spoke a piece one night for he was on the square When the Red Cross needed money and the boys were "over there". Ed. Pavey was a stout man but he was not stout enough, So before he went to *speak his piece' he went aside *to stuff'. He took the biggest unionalls within his well-kept store And crept inside that khaki skin with pillows most a score. Ed Pavey came upon the stage to pose as a balloon The audience saw the funny side but saw it all too soon They laughed until their sides just ached and tears came to their eyes, Twas the best thing they had seen for moons and twas huge surprise. And when they got to laughing so then Ed had to laugh too, But being tightly wedged in there he knew not what to do. He laughed until the khaki split, and since I am polite All I can tell you is just this. — The pillows hove in sight. And 0th 21- Poo~n 97 Ed. Favey finished up his piece then hurried from the stage With feeling's sort o' mingled 'twixt hilarity and rage Just then the audience thundered forth unanimous applause And would not yield 'til Ed came back. Twas all for a good cause. I said just now they laughed until their eyes shed mirth-wrought tears. Some of those folks had not so laughed for very many years. It was an accident throughout but was just one big feast. And still they laugh when they recall Ed Pavey spoke a piece. THE LURE OF THE WlLDS Some folks think the city great And eagerly anticipate Or sort o' sit and antedate The day when they will move. Up from the farm they will arise Will leave that base of rich supplies Exchanged for fare of city guys, That fare I cannot love 98 Experiences of a Greenhorn And thus with hopes nailed to the mast They dream that city joys will last And life be furious fine and fast, And each in order true Will furnish juit one happy round Of rampant pleasures, safe and sound. Since nought but good will there abound Nor will it say 'adieu'. Just wait 'till these have quit the farm You'll hear them chant a different psalm. For city life can lose its charm And lose it overnight. You can be Icnescme in a crowd, And city folks are kind o' proud. When for their virtues we've allowed — They smile when suckers bite. I would not change my lot with these, Give me the country if you please, A free-born soul is ill at ease Nor will ycu hear it groan. No lovely song-bird seeks a cage A forest lion hates the stage No human broken down with age A prison house of stone. Just send me out to plow the corn Beginning with the early morn Life's tasks each day remade, reborn As seasons roll around. Awakened by :,"roud roosters crows To toss down hay from well filled mows To slop the hogs and milk the cows, — A life for work renowned. And Other Poems SQ Or in the wild and wooly West There let me be the prairie's guest Or dwell on shady woodland's crest Inhaling Nature's breath. Or drop me down beside the sea Or 'mong the mountains wild and free. Give me, give me Liberty Yes Liberty. Not Death. Or let me sail where waves roll high Out where the wild winds tough and sigh Or where the lovely landscapes lie In splendor at my feet. Or let me stay where grass grows green Where flowers bloom and birds are seen And Nature sits enthroned as queen All else is but a cheat. As one small atom of the race I now have stated well by case. One firm request with perfect grace To make as time goes by. Don't crowd me in 'mong city walls Imprisoned in its stately halls. The Wilds or else I die. The Wilds! The Wilds! Thy voice still calls. THE LIGHT Tiz -cne! Tis gone! My faith! My faith! My faith in human kind. There is no good in all I see 100 Experiences of a Greenhorn Save that which is combined With greater ills or faults or sins Or cold inhuman greed. And this applies to all within And all without a creed Of any sort, I care not what Their name or church or state. My wounded soul; it bleeds, it dies, I weep, I love, I hate. A good share of this world I've seen — A cold dark world and bad. Unchristian Christians 'christianing' Course sinners wild and mad. Demons done up in forms of men, Red devils dressed in flame, Volcanic hells loosed everywhere And God seems but a name. Tis light! it breaks. Tis Morn; I wake My mind of dreams unshod With faith reborn and fed my these —My little boy and God. And Other Poems 10 POEMS WRITTEN DURING THE WAR KAISER BILL Who took the lid off Hell? Kaiser Bill Stormed the earth with shot and shell Kaiser Bill With a mighty host of Huns Armed with burnished blades and guns Slew ten million mother's sons Kaiser Bill Who began the war at Liege Kaiser Bill To poor Belgium did lay siege Kaiser Bill Slew her old and helpless men Ravished girls and women then Burned the City of Louvain Kaiser Bill Who got licked at Mar-ne? Kaiser Bill And this is truth, not blarney Kaiser Bill France's sons there bled and died Fighting nobly side by side France's freedom was her guide Kaiser Bill Who sank the Lusitania? Kaiser Bill Who drowned the sons of Scandia? Kaiser Bill 102 Expeviences of a Greenhorn Said to all the world "Now blease Keep your ships from off mine seas Or I'll sink dem all mit ease Kaiser Bill Who hates the Allie's Fleet Kaiser Bill You dare not come out and meet Kaiser Bill These brave tars of Allied blood For your super-dreadnoughts would Sink or else run home for good Kaiser Bill Your mind is filled w^ith rot Kaiser Bill You speak of "Me unt Gott" Kaiser Bill Your nightly owlish scream That of all you are supreme Is but a devils dream Kaiser Bill Who sent out his cruel "Zeps"? Kaiser Bill Over fertile fields and steppes Kaiser Bill Bombed big cities from the sky Though their helpless babies die When there was no reason why Kaiser Bill Who fears the Yankee Boys? Kaiser Bill And Other Poems IC ; We're not out to make a noise Kaiser Bill We are out with all our might For "Old Glory" and the "Right". By God's help we'll win this fight Kaiser Bill UNCLE SAM Who's the best man in the world? Uncle Sam. Who Old Glory has unfurled? Uncle Sam. Not for treasure, nor for land, But with purpose good and grand, To put down a tyrant's hand. Uncle Sam. Who was born 'mid fire and smoke? Uncle Sam. Cast aside a tyrant's yoke? ^ Uncle Sam. Plunged headlong into the fight, Hit out on the left and right, Trimmed the British over night. Uncle Sam. Who subdued the rebel band? Uncle Sam. When war-torn and sad our land? Uncle Sam. 104 Exi;eriences of a Greenhorn Who put down a mad aggression, Freed the slaves from their oppression, Saved the union, stopped secession? Uncle Sam. And who got the Spaniard's goat? Uncle Sam. Gripped his navy by the throat? Uncle Sam. Straightway beat him to a frazzle, Victories won, the kind that dazzle? And to you this was no puzzle. Uncle Sam. Who's the champion of peace ? Uncle Sam. And his war dogs won't release, Uncle Sam. Till some maddened, war crazed guy To enslave mankind will try, Then who won't stand idly by? Uncle Sam. Who is not too proud to fight? Uncle Sam. To contend with all his might? Uncle Sam. Who's most fitted shall we ask, To assume this mighty task, To tear off the kaiser's mask? . Uncle Sam. Though this spoils mad Willie's plan, Uncle Sam. i:d 0th 2r Poems 105 For we'll fight to the last man, Uncle Sam Though our heroes brave are dying And to God for succor crying, Yet the Stars and Stripes are flying, Uncle Sam. Who has loyal hearts to love him? Uncle Sam. And a God that dwells above him? Uncle Sam. Nought from you our hearts shall sever, We will stain your name, no never, We will love you, always, ever. Uncle Sam. Who's the best man in the world ? Uncle Sam. Who Old Glory has unfurled? Uncle Sam. Not for treasure nor for land, But with purpose good and grand, And we're with you heart and hand, Uncle Sam. THE RED CROSS Be ^ patriot and a man. Join the Red Cross. Don't say "You can't." You can. 106 Experiences of a Greenhorn Join the Red Cross. Some folks make a fellow sick Way they to their money stick, Come; dig up a dollar quick. Join the Rsd Cross. Little children yonder starve. Join the Red Cross. You as host your fat joints carve. Join the Red Cross. Burdened mothers God beseech, Hear them wail and moan and screech! God of heaven! Go out and preach. Join the Red Cross. Our boys in blue are brave and true. Join the Red Cross. They fight the subs, each gallant crew. Join the Red Cross. Life on board is not a joke. Don't you sit around and smoke, 'Bout the cost of living croak. Join the Red Cross. And for us our soldiers die. Join the Red Cross. Or for months on sick beds lie. Join the Red Cross. Or in muddy trenches deep Shivering cold close vigil keep While at home you warmly sleep. Join the Red Cross. Thus the cause is just and good. Join the Red Cross. And Other Poems 107 P'r'haps you wouldn't; but I would Join the Red Cross. You're not worth a hard baked cracker, You're a tightwad and a slacker, Come across and be a backer Join the Red Cross. Don't you style my musings hard, Join the Red Cross. (For a hobo helps his pard) Join the Red Cross. Be you homely or a beauty, Be you saint or friend of Clooty, Get in line; this is your duty. Join the Red Cross. You have mciiey for your pleasures. Join the Red Cross. What one day will be earth's treasures? Join the Red Cross. 'Tis the plain truth that I tell, Come in crowds our ranks to swell, Hurry up! Rush in pell mell! Join the Red Cross. POEMS WRITTEN WHEN IN SCHOOL THe WOOINGS OF FRESHMAN GIRL Ccme list to me and you shall know Of all the little doings A Freshman girl at Morningside Experienced in her wooings. 108 Experiences of a Greenhorn Her dark brown hair, her browner eyes, Her winning smiles — a cheat, And hobble skirts took all by storm The boys swept off their feet. The first to fall beneath her charms And count himself most lucky, A Freshman was, like grass as green. You know him — Melvin Muckey. But when he called some later date; Perspired and said, "The Dickens" Turned pale as death and from her fled, For on the couch sat Wickens. Poor Muckey, he just tore his hair, He saw he was a victim. With clenched fists he muttered low "That boob, I should have licked him." This did seem inconsistent and Will so appear to you. On learning she stands four feet three And Wickens six feet tw^o. But Wickens quickly met his fate, With Muckey was a mourner, Of love and time and cash mis-spent — She now made eyes at Corner, Corner declared himself in love And wooed her with great zest, — Could even lose his grades for her, — Just then she sighted West. And Other Poems 101) "Beware, Beware," three lone hearts cried, She's just a cruel flirt." But love is blind; West heeded not. She said, "They're mean as dirt" But West soon found their words were true, She changed as with the wind, And cast around those glances keen, Some other dupe to find. She found him — Ellerd is his name. (Poor West he mourned his fate) When Ellerd in the parlor sat, And stayed there until late. Soon Ellerd thought her heart his own, He loved with might and main, He dreamed of her by day and night — And then she dreamed of Crane. But, in the steps Crane followed quick Of all his fallen brothers As Cushman did and Maynard, too And Fuller and some others. Last — Pattishall had found a "peach" She found a "pumpkin," too. For her he changed his boarding place- To eat and bill and coo. As each one told his tale of woe. And chewed and bit his tongue, The sentiment of all he said Was, "Gee but I was stung". 110 Experiences of a Greenhorn In fact the time's too short to tell Of lives made sad and dreary, Of Seniors, Juniois, Fresh'ys, Soph's Who loved and lost Miss Weary. THE SKUNK IN CHAPEL Who put the skunk in Chapel ? You can't prove that by me; I was not there when it was done^ nor could I wish to be I have got some affection, and maybe lots of spunk, And yet I never dreamed to pet a measly little skunk Who put the skunk in Chapel? When it was dark at night, Went stumbling up the fire-escape; nor dared to use a light. Pushed up the window stealthily and uttered one loud wail, When he, the skunk, alighted and gently swished his tail. Who put the skunk in Chapel, chagrined our janitor, And had the old man search the place from top to bottom floor. Who made him work excessively; who put him in a rage ? This surely is a novel way to show respect for age. And Other Poems 111 Who put the skunk in Chapel, the students to anno> ' The lengthening of class periods did not increase our joy. We hoped to visit in the halls instead of goinji to Chapel — Ths Faculty thought otherwise; vvith lesson.-? made us grapple. Who put the skunk in Chapel, to tease ihe Faculty? To hear them say, "Such beastly trick this school did ever see" To have them sit in session the culprits for to know. To say the joke had angered them — it's grieved them more I trow. Who put the skunk in Chapel? when our good na- tured Dean Was left responsible for all; to act that way was mean. The situation was "intense" and most embarrassing. Unusual skill was needed to sift out such a thing. Who put the skunk in Chapel ? with Prexy far away Gone to the East on pocketbooks of rAJIlionaires to play Who made him pound the desk (as we have seen him oft before), And say of "stink" and "stmker", "Such conduct I deplore." Who put the skunk in Chapol cur v;o:shjp did disturb Desires for the highest things t,was wicked thus to curb. Besides, we could not give "Nine ilahs" nor sing 'Pride of the Sioux"' O'er hero's at mass mcoting: :..": \Vo ar'3 wont to do. — 112 Experiences of a Greenhorn Who put the skunk in Chapel pulled off a dirty stunt And no doubt in the future for a sweeter joke will hunt. Few know yet who the parties were and even if all did, There's not a man in all the school who'd "snitch upon a kid." _ And Other Poems 113 List of Poems Page The Experience of a Greenhorn 4 The OM Mill by the Dam 31 The Ruined Dam 33 A Rainy Sunday Afternoon 34 ''The House Beside the Road" — A Eulogy __._ 36 The Happy Day 37 Congratulations 39 Soldiers of Demacracy 46 Boys In Blue 47 My Indulgence 50 Sonnet on Life 53 Sonnet on Death 54 Sonnet on Worship 55 Sonnet on Sin 55 The Bed-Bug and the Bug 56 A Rattle Snake and Another Snake 57 The Ford Car and the Train 58 That Tell-Tale Shoe 60 An Ardent Lover j_^ 62 The Night 64 The Bull-Head and the Shite-Poke 65 When the Kids Start Playing Marbles and the Birds Begin to Sing 67 114 ri'/fieriences of a Greenhorn The Bull-dog and The Chain 69 The Accident of Birth 71 My Wishes 74 A Satire on a Liar _-_ 75 In Hospital 77 Immoitality. An Argument 78 Before Making a Sermon 83 A Hymn and Prayer 84 Echo's of Thought 87 A Plea for Peace 88 Good Pie 91 Operation on a Child 92 Grandma Maloney 94 Small Town Gossip 95 When Ed Pavey Spoke His Piece 96 The Lure of the Wilds 97 The Light 99 POEMS WRITTEN DURING THE WAR Kaiser Bill 100 Uncle Sam 103 The Red Cross 105 POEMS WRITTEN WHEN IN SCHOOL The Wooings of a Freshman Girl 107 The Skunk in Chapel __^ 110 ■mS^ of congress 015 905 5x|";"|j