The ^oice Of Th« tQuse. t VERSE t • • t JEfcitb C. Miltiams, I LIBRARY Of CONGRESS Two Copies Received AUG 15 1904 \ Oopyrffht Entry CLASS ^XXe.Ho. ^111 GOPYB flHMMW*MHM | COPYRIGHT, 19 04 BY EDITH C. WILLIAMS. EDITH C. WILLIAMS. DEDICATED TO MY BELOVED FATHER, HOUSTON GRAY, WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE JANUARY 23, 1900. REST IN PEACE. PREFACE. The true index to the character and civilization of a race or a nation is found in its literature. A good book or poem is priceless in value; the writer never dies. Any worthy effort along this line by Negro writers should be encouraged by all who have any race pride. The author has earnestly striven for a number of years, with voice and pen, calling the attention yf the race to certain existing evils so prevalent among them. Success has attended her efforts. She now sends forth this little volume of poems touching many phases of life and its duties, with no preten- sions of literary merit, but with the deep yearn- ings of a soul full of ambition and love for the suc- cess of the race. This little volume is sent on its mission not for pecuniary gain, or cheap notoriety — but with the hope that some soul now groping in sup- erstition, despondency, grief, discouragement, aiid disappointment may be made to look up and know that God lives and rules in the affairs of men and shapes the destinies of nations. May this volume be given wings, and Hie world for its domain. Read it for profit and strength. Read it for love; and think. Read it not to criticise, But read, to reflect and utilize. H. B. PEMPERION. 8-l-'4.-lM. Bishop College Print, Marshall, Texas. —1904.— CONTENTS. Edith C. Williams Frontispiece. Sweet Home School 6 Sweet Home — Second Term 6 Sorrow 7 To Be a Teacher 7 Sickness • 8 Roseborough Springs 9 Our Boy and Girl 10 Love, a Tie * 12 Intemperance 13 Spring Time 1* The Canker Worm 15 Ada's Heroism I 6 The Mated Pair JP Justice For All Men " i9 Tapping, Tapping at My Door 21 Temptation 22 Welcome Address '. 23 Fallen Women 24 Sick Bed Soliliquy 26 The Psalms of David 26 The Chirp of a Bird to an Invalid 27 Man's Blessings 28 The First And Only Child 29 Mistaken Lovers 30 Around a Country Home on a Rainy Day 31 The Ministers* Union 32 An Excursion Trip 33 Bishop College ;i4 Shreveport's Sanitarium 35 Booker T. Washington's Life and Work 36 Fanuie'fl First Washing 40 SWEET HOME srHOO],. When I went out to Sweet Home School, One pleasant summer day. The boys and girls came crowding in, To learn their teacher's way. The way that led to my little school Was through a shady wood. When entering- on a broad old farm, Behold my school house stood. Around the school house scattered '.vide. The dog fennel far and near, Many cows and horses ce.me. To ease their hunger here. The first day ten little children came. And then the number swelled Until ten was five times ten And all were learning well. Their ways were very strange to me. Each one was full of fun. They seemed as though they did not think They came there to learn. My writing class at Sweet Home Was a very lively one. The children thought it very nice The way the work was done. The advanced class was very apt They learned their lessons well, And often showed a lively face When they heard the tap of bell. The last week's work was done with spirit Each one did their best, They wanted to stand on merit They knew they soon would rest. SWEET HOME— SECOND TERM. The old field at Sweet Home Has partly been fenced in. Instead cf going straight across You have to make a bend. 7 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. It was a long, long- time Before I had a mind, To change my way across the field And another road to find. At last this conclusion I began to make, . Down the public road I'll go Across the way I'll take. The school house it was partly changed New blocks for it were cut The window panes were all placed in And strips thereon were put. The children they with interest grew To school they early came, And each day as they came to school They tried to learn the same. <^ SOB BOW. Sorrow is a bitter cup Though sweetness it may contain. Although we hate to drink it up Ere long it may remain. It makes the bosom of a soul Feel heavy, faint and sore, But yet it comes, it comes and goes We drink it o'er and o'er. Yet every sorrow has its balm That will the pain allay, It makes a soul feel very calm Renewed from day to day. TO BE A TEACHEB. Oh to be a teacher Is a joy on earth, Your heart as the children Enjoying all their mirth. THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. Such a pleasure in the morning To greet their pleasant smile, A greater joy at evening; To know we rest awhile. To watch each one with interest To love every one, To feel they all are yours Make rapture on the tongue. No king who rules a kingdom With his subjects all around. Can have more joy than the teacher Where their boys 'and girl.-, are found. The pupil and the teacher For many days and weeks. Are weaving ties of friendship That no length of time can break. They live to form a union Stronger than iron bands. For the cause of learning Throuo-hout our fatherland. o The pupil may be a teacher But can ne'er forget. The many happy hours spent beneath Their teacher ; s watchfulness. May you who are teachers In this useful land. Know your noble mission. Take a braver stand. SICKNESS. How many human beings Are there upon the earth. Who can regard their sickness As a blessing, not a curse? Sickness is not an enemy But a friend indeed, Sometimes it stops the physical nature And gives the mental nature ease. 9 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. When we are careless in our way And will not stop to think. It places us in our cozy room Where we can meditate. -Sickness brings to mankind More qualities that are good. Than any other visitor That meet us on life's road. It brings to us patience Sympathy woven in a chain. Love bound with the strongest cord And meekness we attain. Sickness is a refiner It often purities the soul, It is one of the entrance ways To reach the Shepherd's fold. Sickness is one of the gateways By which we enter death. Death is often a gateway To reach eternal joy. Let those who have sickness Learn to bear it with patience It may be for a good cause Ere long it may remain. ^> R USEE OR O I UiH SPRINGS. A glorious spot this country has For health and recreation, At Roseborough Springs, the blessed place. Oh, what a consolation! Near Marshall. Texas, is the place Where people crowd and gather. With gloomy face they search for health Return in joy forever. A level tract with beautiful groves With cottages so neat, THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 10 Where the invalid in search of health Can rest their weary feet. At Roseborough, just entering the shed. There Hows a colored fountain. Where the dispeptic bows a drooping head With doubts as high as mountains. In search of health they came afar Not knowing success they'd find, A few days only glided by, Behold that drooping mind. Fur weeks and years they have s altered For nourishment for their body. J nst as all hope in life was gone The thought arose "Go forward*'. To Roseborough Spriugs they hasten on They reach this healing water. In search of health more grand than wealth They find they are rewarded. There are other fountains just as great Within the same enclosure, For other ailments of mankind. Oh nature's great restorer. The glowing breezes move with force Around this watering place, Everything for man's repose Is given without space. O OUR BOY AND GIRL, Little dark skinned, black vyvA. curly head boy That made our home such a joy. His childish prattle from morn till night Caused many smiles from faces bright, His little stoop within the chair Often caused mamma to say, ' Sit 14) There"'. He was always welcome by mamma's side When she worked or played or read, the while Eacdi book he learned to call by name. 11 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. And from its place could bring the same. The Bible he did love to bring And sit and hear his mother sing- He always sat very quietly When sister pondered o'er her book. He knew when she should speak out nicely And seemed to watch with great concern. The way long hard words she learned And how she did recite them. Around mamma's neck his arms he'd throw, And on her lips a kiss bestow, "[ love my mamma" he learned to say Love sister, papa, grand ma, yea, I love to go to Sunday School There to learn the Sabbath Rule. He has a mind for all his pets His dogs and calves and little cats. The pigs he always watch them eat And know the horses by their feet. Such is our three year old boy Joscphus Williams he is called. Our little girl's name is Ida She is always neat and tidy, Though only rive she is quite busy In many a little household duty, She has learned to sweep and dust the table To wait on mother and watch the baby, Ida has grey eyes and sandy hair A smiling face and somewhat fair. Her movements are full of grace As she goes from place to place, Skipping merrily all day long- As she tries to sing a song. She can feed the calves, turn out the cows. And read her book without a frown. Can sing in a voice clear and sweet. Spell hard words and make a speech. Tell mama many a pleasant thing About the baby and its whims. The happiest thought in mother's heart THK Vol' K OF THE MUSE. 12 Is that Ada may grow up and be smart, May be a nice girl without a spot May learn to shun the evil spot, He a woman like Solomon says Who brings joy and peace; upon her way. LOVE, A TIE. Love is the secret tie that binds The whole round world together, Uniting souls that's far apart In union, yes forever. Love unites races here and there Bound by the secret thought, That the same blood tills the veins of one That in the other's may be sought. Love is the tie that binds The nations far and near, That makes them for each other feel For each others need to care. The tie that binds each mother's son In a union great and strong, Oftimes causing them to refrain From treating each other wrong. The tie that binds the church on earth In union with its God, That makes a pilgrim tread the path In which a Saviour trod. THE CANKER WORM. Oh how I hate the Canker worm A poisonous stroke he makes, Spreading his cankered poison On every leaf and steak. The first appearance it doth make Was not within the walls, Upon the shrubs and bushes It first doth make a call. By the absence of the primer The canker worm did grow, Its cankered poison spreading In every narrow hole. She drooped her head in sadness Said. Oh! I have been deceived, The canker worm has spreaded Its poisonoes fangs between. But God who all things knoweth Had watched from time to time. The canker worm's proceedings On every leaf and vine. For He will ever protect his own From every dangerous harm. He will be your friend Your captain in the storm. THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 16 At hist a good conclusion The pruuer began to make, I will fast and pray to Jesus The canker worm to take. The canker worm began to feel The power of that prayer. Its shyness it began to show In silence everywhere. The primer did continue That faithful prayer to make, Oh! precious Saviour The canker worm to take. And, oh my precious Saviour Though the canker worm may stay, I'll fast and pray to Jesus Renew my prayer each day. The primer was wise For both her eyes Were opened on that day She made a vow, I will watch and pray ADA'S HEROISM A noble soul was Ada Fields, With disposition kind and meek. Whose every movement showed no ill Whose voice was modest clear and - Her aim in life was great indeed She wished to reach the highest mark. But patient in the time of need And much encouragement did imparl When brighest sun shone o'er her path Hope seemed fresh as blossoms rare. A sudden cloud gathered on high Told of a day without a sky. Without a sad thought or a blot Bv accident she wis shot. 17 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. No mother near to bathe her wound No friend was near not very soon. The children ran from place to plaee Informing friends of her fate, Left alone with none but God We find her trusting in his word. The blood it liowed with rapid sway As though it would ebe her life away, No earthly help to cease its speed We find her falling on her knees. We find her leaning by the gate She asked her God to seal her fute, To stop the bloods unceasing flow From the depth of her inmost soul. Ada said when she rose from her knees The blood ceased its rapid speed, Within her mind the thought appeared The great physician now is near. The earthly doctor filled his plaee Prepared his work to do, She was stretched upon his couch 'Twas sad this sight to view. The right hand almost severed So willingly is extended, The large tears in her eyes Her soul in God is blended. See her breathe a prayer unto her God And smiled as she looked up, But did not say as Jesus did Remove this bitter cup. Ada said, "Doctor I know I must bear I am trusting in my God", She knew that He would make it well The road that she must trod. So fast asleep from chloroform The doctor began his work, Of breaking joints and cutting flesh With a sympathetic touch, THE VOICE OF THE Ml 18 When the work was done and all was o'er The doctor aroused her from slumber, Told her to awake, look al her hand See her fingers what they number. They number two, the third and last, And that lonely thumb, Which went to make the future band For thus the work' was done. She looked at it and praised the job "So much nicer than I thought*'. JNo such courage was e'er attained Only by faith in our God. She says, -Where is mother; has .she seen? 1 ' The mother's nerves had faltered, She looked upon her mother's face Said. ''Mother. God will heal your daughter". To see the faith that was displayed Within the bosom of that soul, Would make a christian think of Him Who bore our mighty load. THE MATED PAW. The mated pair that loved so well Together they for years did dwell. In happiness, peace and love The emblem of two turtle doves. But bye and bye the scale did turn Confusion on the altar burned. Peace took wings, flew out of sight Hatred crushed love with all. Oh! misery for the mated pair Hope seemed suspend in the air. One bosom heaved and sighed and groaned Made by the other mate to mourn. One whose whole object of her life To bring disunion, to bring strife. Struck the fatal blow between the pair and laughed to think it was there, V 19 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. But God to whom vengance belongs Which He declares is His, Will give thai soul to justice's hands When mercy no longer for her stands. Oh wasted saddened, sorrowful mate Don't grieve so much at your state, Be like Job, turn your eyes above To God, who gives us all we love. Our God is able to remove your grief To till your life with love and peace, Your wasted flesh to place two-fold Your saddened heart to make it whole. Be like David, for your enemies plead Ask your God to give you heed, Trust, however deep the waters be However far he seems from thee. When God your faith sufficient tries He will turn to thee, be on your side, Your enemies while tliev think they stand Will fall by God's all powerful hand. JUSTICE FOB ALL MEN. Oh! Great United States hail the day When the true criminal finds the way, Be tried for crimes he is guilty of And not what some one suspects him of. When crimes are done that are not clear You p-ather men from far and near, And upon suspicion, right or wrong Destroy that life amid a throng. Amid rejoicing, amid loud cheers Some soul is hastened, cut short of years, Wafted away to worlds unknown An innocent, suspected soul is burned. A few days only hastens by What do we hear, what is the cry? The wrong man was condemned and hung Ts borne by many a human tongue. THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 20 Go search the fields, the wocds and towns Search every neighborhood the country around, We've executed the wrong man, we'll try it o'er If we must take one from every door. The papers herald forth the news, Let every officer keep full view. Of any bearing description as that Dark complexion, wearing a slouch white hat. Another suspected criminal is hung, The news upon the wires are sung. When lo! one with better resemblance is found But innocent blood has stained the ground. (rod looked upon Cain with many a frown When innocent blood had stained the ground. Ascended to heaven to make amends Atonement for that awful sin. Our God for justice remains the same As He did when Abel was slain by Cain. A patient Saviour pleads our cause But we must give an acccunt for all. If all the blood of innocent men Went up to heaven to make amends. To God, for the injustice done To innocent men beneath the sun. It would move the heaven and the earth And bring on men a dreadful curse, Many a wandering restless soul Would be banished from the fold. Oh! God in mercy hear the cries Of innocent men beneath the skie<. Cause the southland to stop and think That each man's crime is black as ink. That each must at the bar appear For every crime transacted here. All men's sins with Thee are great Though he is white as snow or black as jet. All men on earth thy image bear All receive thy protecting care. Each may on earth a crime commit So whv the courts of law are fixed. 21 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. TAPPING. TAPPING AT MY DO Oh. This midnight tapping worries me It divides my dreams. It arouses me from my napping Amid the purest scenes, But still it will not stop. For years and years continueing These midnight hours to fill, Not less thau three nights in a week That rapid step upon the floor. That tap, that tapping at my door. Advice does not interfere Counsel does no good, Reason will not put forth her voice Brave manhood is withstood. And yet it still goes on. Though snow may cover over the ground Jack Frost may spread himself. The heavy clouds hang threatening low The rain may patter down, That tapping still goes on. Qh! weary wayward tapper Through many years to come, Will you disturb these hours of sleep And break my sweet repose. By your continual tapping. Your health at risk Your constitution at stake You rob yourself of sleep Youth is banishing before the time, To give old age a place. When I must sleep to wake no more This tapping no more to hear, Will reason present herself Will she tap at your door? And will you let her in? True reason has a winsom way Her voice is always kind, THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 22 Wake up and seek her counsel now Lend her an attentive mind. She may be lapping at your door. If reason's tap is left unheard The day is nearly spent, Reason will turn her back on you She will leave you to your own accord, Some other soul she will seek. Why don't you rise, reach forth your hand Say reason please come in, 1 stand a waiting thankful one That you have patient been. She will come in. If reason's tap is left unheard And you look back o'er life. To view the road over which you came It will All you with surprise. To think reason yet remains. Cy TEMPTATION. Temptation, oh thy powerful arm Too strong for human hand. If God his subjects do not guide Temptation they can't stand. When you are asleep she visits you Invites you through your dreams And when you wake she welcomes you Makes things not what thev seem. Temptation docs not relax her hold As quick as moments fly, If she fails in one attempt Another she will try. Temptation tells us to be brave Tis cowardly to shrink. Unless you watch as well as pray He will lead you to the brink. No wonder Christ did watch and pray 23 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE, Those forty days and nights, To make the tempter give away Beneath his shameful sight. If we in life should ere avoid So many sad mistakes, We must not heed temptation's voice Nor ere our God forsake. Oh! God, I pray, remember all Whom the cord of Temptation binds. May thy watchword still finds its way Oh Satan get behind. WELCOME ADDRESS. In a voice strong and clear And in a winsome way, I say to friends from far and near Tonight enjoy your stay. Take every exercises in at will, A welcome chance is yours, While you enjoy these pleasant scenes With ease and sweet repose. It is one night and not one year These welcome tones you will hear, So Ave will say without delay You're welcome while you're here. Take in the breeze that is passing by In it there's welcome sound, Our water to your thirst apply Of which this place abounds, We welcome you to look upon The faces of boys and girls. Who in the future tills a place In the great business world. In the school room is the place Where we prepare for life, That as we go out in the world We meet both toil and strife^ THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 24 I say to you both boys and girls A welcome chance is yours, Pur in your time and do not miss Ere this fleeting chance may close. The golden moments passing by Oh do not let them slip. This is the time, prepare yourself That you may never miss. <^ FALLEN WOMEN. Oh! wretched fallen women Has thou considered thy way? Thou art weaving destruction Each and every day. When virtue is lost, the only gem Which crowns true womanhood. Has thou considered what is left On earth, to make thee good? Thou has departed from the way Which gives thee peace on earth. The only way which tills the soul With comfort, joy and mirth. Each day some heart is made to bleed By thy unregarded ways. Perhaps a mother's tender heart For thee has watched and prayed. As you hasten on the tide of life Each step you make is downward. Oh! fallen women, the shining way o£*life Points upward, onward, yonder. The holy scripture has declared The sons of men are ruined, Who are beguiled by thy charms By thy bewitching tongue. To be an object which GrOd has said The sons of men must snun, Should arouse the sympathy of 25 THE VOICE OF THE MUb'JE. Every woman beneath the sun. We should unite both heart and hand Persuade the fallen ones, Win them back to the true way of life Pointing upward to the sun. A faint appeal from woman's lips From woman's feeble tongue, Return, oh! fallen ones return, Pointing upward to the sun. If thy steps have downward been You have nothing now to do, Turn thy back on the downward way The upward way persue. Just as you wreck some happy home [n youth's bright shining hour, Some other careless, w r reckless one Will use the same vain power. Too many happy lives are exposed By thy degrading course, Whose future might be filled with good But for an evil source. Sometimes strong men are made to grasp Intemperance's evil hand, Just beeause, oh fallen ones, You broke the golden strand. Sometimes in prison's sickening walls Some one is bound for life, All because, oh fallen ones, Of thy continual strife. Sometimes a sTml is hurried hence . To till an early grave, Simply because, oh fallen ones, You don't regard your ways. Wisdom calls in solemn tones She says, oh wanderer return, Seek to make a better home That evil way to shun. Return! Return! at once return THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 26 Make up your mind that way to shun. Awake within a promise make At once the evil way forsake. If you will not return from thence The day will come, you can't repent. Your course must end in ruin and shame For thus ends sin's most wicked reigu. SICK BED SOLILOQUY. Have you lain upon your bed Your body feeble from foot to head. Saw the people come and go Heard them say you will rise no more? A tierce disease that body seize They will never know no ease, No cure on earth for them is found No physic can make that body sound. They are sending up their cries They may, at least, before they die, Let some one prepare a place To nurse this feeble sickly face. That face that lcoks so pale and thin Will soon pass out to make amends, Others whose interest in other confines Go around and say they are doing tine. Now if these sayings you have borne You have worn some things that are worn. You have wished the wish that the world might wail Until ynu quit this mortal state. THE PSALMS OF DAVID Oh the Psalms of David, written years ago, Food for weary travelers on this earthly road. Have you walked with burdens hard within to bear Just read of David and his noble prayer. / 27 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. If ever yon get discouraged on this earthly road. Read the Psalms of Df.vid they will relief afford. How when he was weary, turned his eyes above. Sought his only helper, who was the God of love. When his wicked enemies tried to do him harm. How lie sought his master leaned upon his arm. Though it seemed he waited, David never feared, He still trusted in Him, though delayed for years. Day by day at morning, and at noon and night. Sent his praises upward, to God far out of sight. Through the Psalms he tells us. we must never fear, Though our friends forsake us, God is ever near. Though we ask for blessings and our God delays. Never cease to trust Him. ask Him day by day. Enemies may crowd upon us. seem they will cause our fall, Do not feel uneasy, he is the God of all. They may be spreading nets for our feet, God will surely hear us, our sorest needs will meet. Oh! saddened travelers in this world below, Read the Psalms of David, read them o'er and o'er. Read how he suffered, how he groaned and cried, Read how he implored his God to be on his side. Weary, worn and saddened, stooped beneath his load, Yet in God still trusted and relief afford. By and by says David, when had grown old. His head had got hoary beneath the load he bore. When God, in his mercy, heard his fervent cry. Lifted him from sorrow sent his praise on high. God is just the same today as he was when David prayed, The Bible says he knows no change, he is the same though long he reigns. <^ THE CHIRP OF A BIRD TO AN INVALID. That little bird when I was sad THE VOICE OF THE MUSE 28 Which came and sat so near inc. Its cheering notes unto my soul Was sweet, they were consoling. In my sorrow and my grief I had been reading for relief, Whils the October breezes blew so calm That bird it seemed to hail me. Its seat it moved farther off Yet that warbling song kept singing. Each note aroused in me some thought That it sweet news was bringing. Oh! that I were as the bird, Could perch around and be heard. And sing a song Avith word so free, How happy, happy, I would be. Not as a bird perched on a tree. Out in the open fields I'd be. Rhyming words to suit my case, Singing tunes with ease and grace. News of peace, of hope and love. Of happiness that is from above, To those who need inspiring words That birds sweet song was gladly heard, MAN'S BLESSINGS, Why is it that man can't enumerate The blessings God has given. Until they all have tied and gone And man to want is driven. Let us enumerate them one by one Beginning with the voice That gives tone to our speech Which we can change at choice, Robbed of voice man drolls out words Or hisses sounds that are not heard Sinks in despair in his mind Said Oh that my voice might find. 29 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. The vocal music that fills the soul Of man oftimes as he stroles, Alone on earth from place to place Deprived of voice he meets a fate. The eyes by which man can behold The beauties of God that can't be told, When robbed of these man must see These glorious sights what ere they be. The hands that are so dear to man Without man a dependent stands Can't help himself in many ways, Upon this stream forever plays. The feet by which man moves about Upon which he feels strong and stout. Without man must forever sit Or hop about on rubber or stick, The ears by which man can hear If lost how strange man appears, He is always making signs about Which others can not well make out. THE FIRST AND ONLY CHILD. Their first and only child was dead And they stood by the grave. While a wan, sad and haggered look Shone o'er their weary face. The father stood near the grave His hand upon the tomb, Thought of his dear father who years before Had gone where there was room. No doubt his thoughts were wandering o'er Many bright and happy hours, Its presence made within their homes Removed by God's own power. With a scout and steady gaze His head he never raised up. It made one think that did look on THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 30 He drank from a bitter cup. The mother's frail and fragile form Did shake with inward grief, While many tears stole down her cheek Showed there was no relief. No such grief she ever felt A mother's own darling babe, Wrapped all in shrouding clothes Prepared to till its grave. While they were sad the earth was glad Today she claimed her own, While the heavenly kingdom did rejoice And praise surround the throne. The babe no longer wears a hood Woven and made by man, A glittering crown adorns its head Not made by human hands. If you would see your little one Forget that little grave. Turn your eyes up towards the sun Trust Christ your soul to save. So one day united you will stand Before the throne of grace, When you have done God's holy will Have run your mortal race. MISTAKEN LOVERS. A lover lying in his grave Who died not knowing the love he gave. Was ever returned in the heart Of her with whom he wished a part. He died the death of a broken heart A wandering mind that from the start. Was caused by her whom he would win For his true wife who should have been. For her heart beat with a love as true As ever man or woman knew. / 31 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. But voung and careless of her way Never confessed to him the love she gave. He married for the sake of having a wife, Out of that marriage there came strife, From discontent he roved from town to town, Never ao-arn was he settled down. Until a raving maniac he did rave, From that he filled an earthly grave, No more to grieve over unrequited love, Perhaps his soul was called above. Years and years have passed away That heart still yearns day by day, For that dead lover who never knew. A heart for him was fresh as dew. A deep sad and solemn thought That careless ways had solely bought, That lover covered with mother earth, Never knew her heart with grief did burst. Alas! for the lovers and their sad fate, Each bore their part in life's true state. The saddest thoughts with them are these, Mistaken lovers are never at ease„ ABOUND A COUNTRY HOME ON A RAINY DAY All nature seems full of life Upon this rainy day, The heavy foliage on the trees, With water droop and sway. The world, except where there's upturned earth Looks a solid beautiful green, The sky all hidden from the earth With" heavy clouds between. It is the day of the seven When people rest and visit, But tney are hindered from all this, Bv heavv rain and drizzle. the voir;-: of the .muse. 32 The howling dogs ;ind bleating- calves Show their discontentment ever, At the constant droping of the rain. That seems it will stop no never. Now and then some one is seen Crossing the mnddy waters, Returning home from a Sunday trip, Their clothes all damp and altered. To see what God grants to man For his earthly pleasure. Shows that man should worship him. Unceasing and without measure. While writing thus the scene has changed The droping rain cease falling, The clouds disband and fly in flocks Over streams of muddy water. They leave the sky to gaze upon, The earth all drenched with water. While they, like flying birds at night. Appear to seek a shelter. THE MINISTER'S UNI OS. The Minister's Union, a very small band, That should be formed in every land. For the strength of the ministers the gospel spread. In all ages the blind must be led. Would that the union would grow and grow Until ministers were united from shore to shore, Forming one great army to light against sin United thus the world for Christ they must win. Be strong ye ministers of the Lord. Unite ag'ainsl sin in one accord, Forget to let denominational lines interfere VVith the work of the Master given here. May the ministers tirst unite. Then let the ehurches oease their strife. Let Christ as our captain, we as a race, Serve God and work for the highest place. 33 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. Don't let Satan buffet nor his elects plan Weaken you, but take a braver stand, By living right your strength will increase Your lives will end in joy and peace. Shrink not from preaching doctrine strong The Lord will insure susternance along, Though men appear more wicked than used to be, The true word of God they surely will see. AN EXCURSION TRIP. An excursion trip to the free home dinner in Luth- er, Oklahoma Territory, June 19, 1900, from Okla- homa City. On the morning of June the nineteenth To Luther we are bound, Over many happy faces Joyous smiles are found. From Oklohoma City These happy excursionists went, To the free home dinner in Luthur, Where on a pleasure trip they are bent. The rattling of the car wheels Fills one with perfect joy, While the great whistle noted, Luthur was not far off. As we passed the little station Much cheering we could hear, But we never thought a moment With our pleasure to interfere. Prof. Page and Emmett Stewart, Lawyer Scott, the orators of the day. While Mrs. Williams, a traveling one. Had words also to say. • Some for dancing halls were making. While the base ball carried a crowd Others to the picnicing grounds were making. Where speeches made were loud. THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. o4 At the close of the trip To the train we did depart, While the band it did follow. And such music did impart. We reached Ok 1 oho ma City, Each one with busy tread, To their homes each departed To tell what they had heard and said. ^> BISHOP COLLEGE. Bishop College, a great school indeed. Planted in the south for the Negroes' need, A small beginning she had at the start. As a mustard seed she spreads afar. Bishop's branches are spreading afar And the colored youth as the stars Are dotting each and every bower, Seeking for knowledge the lever of power. From President Culver down to Chaffee, The wheel of time o'er Bishop has rattled. Pushing along with steady turn That the student m.ire wisdom might learn. With a few frame buildings the start was made, Until time after time by the use of the spade, The foundation was laid for several buildings, Where you will certainly receive culture if willing. Bishop not only a shelter for the colored youth Will dispel darkness, teach the way of truth. Yet professions and trades the role combine Helping each true usefnllness to hud. Her influence in Texas and other states Is covering the masses with much weight. In home and school and our church rule. By the way Bishop her students enthuse. Bishop situated on a commanding sight Is the emblem of a great light, A source of great intelligence To raise the Neoro to eminence. 35 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. Oh give thanks to the mission hand That fosters this school in our land T And for every avenue which opens up To brace old Bishop in future work, ^> SHREVEPORT sanitarium: Shreveport sanitarium long may it stand In our fair southern land, With such a great man, with such skill To operate and manage with good will. The fame of Schumpter has spread far and near And many a sad face gathers without fear, All races and colors like Jesus he cures, Yet true te his profession, no life he insures. See them crowding through the entrance way The maimed and blind, the halt and the lame- Each seeking relief from some of their ills, They reach the sanitarium their wants are lilled. Well supplied with good specialists and nurses These afflictions they bring that prove such curses. Are soon subdued, brought under command. I repeat the hope may the sanitarium stand. Though the name of Shreveport has rung for years. Of this sanitarium thousands never hear But may the wonderful news continue to spread. That through the sufferers may be led. Though the institution doesn't bear a religious im- print, We know this great good from God was sent, May all employed with those burdens take part Have the holy spirit planted in the heart. God's grace alone can make our lives complete fur the cares That fall to our lot in this world to share, Our hearts as Jesus filled from above, For every human being we have a love. THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 36 BOOKER T. WASHINGTON'S LIFE AND WOBK. Booker was born in a large old log cabin, The floor was that of mother earth, While his bed was not a stead but a pallet, His covering mostly of rags. See a little urchin clad in one garment. Clinched by the strong chains of slavery, Standing by his dear loving mother. While she for deliverance is praying. Winning the favor of his old master Extra privilege is granted to him, That of peeping into the big house Which was a source of pleasure indeed. On witnessing the tortures of slavery. As his own beloved is whipped at the stake, His little manly heart was stirred With the sad thought of the Negro's fate. Listening to his very first lecture The emancipation of the slaves. Yet child-like his interest seemed unnoticed But its memory will last to the grave. One of his first desires was for knowledge As he watched others read the news, His resolves were strong and unchangable, The stairway of knowledge to view. Hooker is &een as a little boy miner Decending the depth below the earth, Hut by the light of his mining lamp For knowledge he continues to search, Hired out to a strict New England woman Booker thought life hard indeed, Hut the training he received from her Made him in time succeed. Behold! the boy with a slouch hat. A little bundle tied to a staff, Ploding along with bare feet To a place lie knew not where 37 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. Making his way to Hampton Institute For a place as a student he applies, After careful thought and deliberation The coveted place is not denied. « Not a school on our modern style But one of a humbler mode, Yet he was certainly sure That a course of learning was the code. After pursuing the studies in course Building the powers of brain. Collecting too-ether such views That in the future would establish his fame. Now comes the da}' of all days When Booker a graduate stands, Making his first speech before an audience, A place for life to command. Enthused with a conquering joy The sadest event of his whole life, The loss of a mother so dear, She ended a life of toil and strife. Education never changed his idea To toil willingly with his hands, See him as a waiter at Saratoga Springs, But one day as a guest he stands. Let us follow him to the school room With his ninety pupils or more, Kindly and willingly training them That knowledge has an open door. Then arises the flame of ambition still burning When West Virginia he must stump, In the contest for removing the capitol, The place gained for Charleston in three month; Going back to Hampton again Not a weary moniless boy, A position now as teacher he fills. Yes we know it filled him with joy. From thence the call was now made. By the citizens of Tuskegee's present site, THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 39 A place designed by the Ahvise Where Booker must raise for his race a light. o Here began the great Tuskegee With only an appropriation from the sta.e. Booker must begiu the foundation to lay And begin the struggle with fate. So eager he was to improve the mind Of a race whose chances were slim. That he began in a building so old. That oftimes his umbrella sheltered him. Interesting thoughts puzzled his mind, That to master more in life More of the student's time he must have, To drill them in the rules of right. The hand of death now plays a part And takes from him his youthful wife, Leaves him alone the struggle to bear. Another sad page in his life. From '84 to '94 Tuskegee shows steady growth In possessions and students too, Industrial work begins to grow Different trades the students now pursue. Another matrimonial step he makes Miss Olivia Davidson's hand he takes. A friend indeed she was to this school, Pushing every interest, each golden rule. In 1889 Mr. Washington's sun refuse to shine, Mrs. Olivia Washington's frame doth undermine With sorrowing tears Tuskegee grieves Of one so true she is sadly bereaved. Three loving children two unions leave, For them their father great interest feels, Portio, the girl; Baker and Davidson the boys. For an upward life may they always toil. His oratory two continents shake. At his sound the nations quake, At Tuskegee he would no longer stand 39 ~ THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. If he would go at each command. See him opening up avenues for his race By his manly views in many a place. Yet not forgetting from whence he came To elevate the negro is his aim, He a turning sentiment doth make Between a white and colored race, Styled as a foremost Negro on American sod, When he was once a barefoot boy. His hopes in Tuskegee now realized, All nations for her now sympathize. Equipments worth 300,000 or a greater sum Quite different to when she first begun. A little more rest he now can nave, An endowment fund has been prepared, Tuskegee's progress is now assured, By great effort means has been procured, Would that we had great numbers in each state, To work with such energy the Negro to elevate, Our progress as a race the world would tell, That the Negro race is advancing well. May he live long to fill his place, Until men and women all over the race Lift high the banner he has unfurled And the Negro race is the pride of the world. May Mrs. Washington stand by his side While being tossed by the waves of life's tide, May her health with her interest grow strong May the bark in which she floats glide smoothly on. May the influence of her mother's meeting spread Until mothers to these organizations be led, Until the mothers in every state Will unite their efforts ere too late, May all young men whose chances are slim Take example of Mr. Washington, imitate his vim, Let no discouragements hinder their progress But step by step mount the ladder of success. THE VOICJS W THE MUSE. 40 FANNIE' S FIRST WASHING. Fannie, a little tot five years old, Bending over a tub washing clothes, See her with hand rub the spot most soiled Then back to the wash board faithfully toil. When bending her little form is double, She rubs dub. dub, without any trouble, She raises her little head her cheeks are red, Her full large bright eyes in her head. Water is scarce, her little arms pain As she brings the little bucket from the spring, But patiently she works at her task Baby must some clean clothes have at last- Though she wrings them with a backward twist, It seems she would wrench her wrist, Still at another piece she begins to rub Wash, wash, bending: over the tub. o With energy scarcely seen in one so small One so young and not very tall, Happy indeed to wash baby's clothes, Very great interest for a little one to show, Sarnie he thought it very right For him to help so he waged a fight, Captured the bucket then away to the spring. With bucket in hand some water to bring. FINIS AUG 15 1904