PS3525 .*57S7 ' 1921 ^. s?« V' ^ ^ o »°v The Spirit Singing By Henry Victor Morgan .JKF* The Spirit Singing Copyright, 1921 By Henry Victor Morgan THE SPIRIT SINGING AND OTHER POEMS By HENRY VICTOR MORGAN Author of "Songs of Victory'* "Soul Powers and Privileges*' "The Healing Christ** Etc. PUBLISHED BY MASTER CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING COMPANY 3316 NO 31ST. TACOMA, WASHINSTON PRICE 75c \ty> CONTENTS AJJ^' The Spirit Singing .„___ 7 Success > 9 My Anchor Holds 10 The Hills of God 11 Freedom 12 Mother 12 The Vision of Lincoln 13 If This Were All 14 The Hope of the Dispossessed : 15 The Kainbow's End 17 Love's Challenge ,_18 My Father's House 19 The Song of Life 20 Our Daily Prayer 21 His Face 22 The Hope Eternal 22 Not Me 23 Greetings 23 On Earth as 'Tis in Heaven . 24 Life's Magic Staff 24 The Kichest Man on Earth 25 Motherhood 26 The Mystic Easter 27 A Man God-Size 28 The Healing Christ 29 MAR -I 1921 §>CU614092 The Song of Songs 30 The Wise Men 31 Unconquered Faith 32 ^0 I Believe 32 My Wish for You 33 Attainment 33 Victory 34 Be Still and Know 35 Inscribed in Emerson's Poems 35 The Soul's Awakening 36 Love's Horoscope 37 The Master of Fate 38 The Secret Fount 39 Wings . 40 The Yogi's Vision 41 Which Shall It Be 42 The Conquest of Pain . 43 Your Happiness Flower 44 The Maple and the Child 45 God Reigns _ 47 Wishin' 48 Sunset 48 To Mother in Heaven „ 49 Inscribed in Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass 49 The Eternal Santa . 50 Love's Conquest 51 Sunshine . 51 The Vision of Tahoma 52 THE SPIRIT SINGING One evening I wandered musing Far out by the ocean's shore And listened with deathless sadness To the sound of its sullen roar. The ocean, that rolled incessant, Seemed breathing heartbroken sighs, And the spray which it dashed in madness Were as tears from human eyes. My own lost ideals mocked me And the hopes of my youthful spring Glided like ghosts beside me On sleeping and soulless wing. For I had dreamed in life's morning Fond dreams of glorious worth, Had labored with zeal and gladness For the Kingdom of God on earth. But all my hopes were broken, My heart lay bleeding and bare, I drifted a wreck on life's ocean, I drifted— and cared not where. For the earth was no longer golden, But a level waste of pain, And the rainbow of hope alluring Could never be mine again. No hell could be worse than to stand In the midst of ideals slain, To walk with a show of gladness And the restless heart of Cain; To feel, 'neath the smiling surface, The misery at the core, That the longing of men for heaven Was to hell the open door. Till I said in my anguish, driven, "This earth-life's all in vain," When sudden from over the waters There floated a wonderful strain — The song of a soul rejoicing, And I asked not the singer to see, It seemed the Voice of the Spirit Singing Love's song to me. A song of man's soul, triumphant O'er poverty, woe and pain, And each pang my soul had suffered Seemed a part of that heavenly strain. I never can tell how it happened, But my sorrows melted away And the eyes of my soul were opened To the light of a heavenly day. Since that magical hour by the ocean, Which I call the Soul's new birth, I have walked with faith triumphant Through the darkest vales of earth ; 8 And whenever my way is darkened, And my life seems full of pain, It is then I can hear in accents clear Some notes of that wonderful strain. Oh, blest be the hour of vision When the ears of the soul can hear The music of choirs celestial, As we walk with our loved ones here ! Fain, fain, would I write it down — The message clear and ringing — But my earth-born words cannot express The Song of the Spirit Singing. SUCCESS I hold that man alone succeeds Whose life is crowned by noble deeds, Who cares not for the world's applause But scorns vain custom's outgrown laws; Who feels not dwarfed by nature's show, But deep within himself doth know That conscious man is greater far Than ocean, land or distant star; Who does not count his wealth by gold, His worth by office he may hold, But feels himself, as man alone, As good as king upon a throne ; Who, battling 'gainst each seeming wrong, Can meet disaster with a song, Feel sure of victory in defeat, And rise refreshed the foe to meet, Who only lives the world to bless, Can never fail — he is success. MY ANCHOR HOLDS Amid the whirling things of space My soul has found a resting place ; The Power that ever forms and moulds The universe, my faith upholds, I rest content ; my anchor holds. Long, long I lived in dire suspense Between the dual things of sense, 'Twixt form and substance, life and death, The form of clay, the quickening breath; Till from my soul a thread was wrought Through earnest prayer and silent thought, Then fearlessly myself I flung The chaos sea of things among. All things of life were now at stake, What if the ductile thread should break? Mine now the joy of faith's suspense Not knowing whither, when, nor whence ; One thought alone to me was clear, I can but sink ; I will not fear ! Then strong as steel became the air, My faith found anchor everywhere ! ' ■ 'Twas but a dream, ' ' I hear you say ; Perhaps! Perhaps! But from that day In faith serene, I smile and say — Amid the whirling things of space My soul has found a resting place; The Power that ever forms and moulds The universe, my faith upholds ; I rest content; my anchor holds. 10 THE HILLS OF GOD Soul, rejoice! The Living One Behind the seen your eyes may see ; Look upward to the Hills of God Forget your sin and misery ! Remind Him not of wasted years, The dreams of sense He can not know. Behold His face, and while you look Your darkest sins become as snow. Look upward to the Hills of Faith When clouds obscure the earthly way, Whene'er we find our rest in God The earth-born clouds pass swift away. The reason why our way is dark, The reason why our eyes are dim, Too much we watch our erring feet, Too little faith have we in Him. Look upward to the Hills of Hope, hearts that bleed, eyes that burn, Whene'er your heart rests deep in God. Behold your loved and lost return. There is no death for those whose eyes Look upward to God's glorious Hills; Nor life nor death can separate Hearts that the Father's presence fills. 11 FREEDOM Think not, man, that thou art free, Because no prison walls detain The freedom of thy will, Nor armed sentry stands on guard To curb thy liberty. For thee the palace doors fly wide, The gilded porter takes thy cloak And menial servants bow their pride; Thy wealth commands the church And heaven's high-sent priests are dumb, Nor dare to lift God's light To show thee who thou art, nor speak The sting thou feelest in thy heart. Thou art not free, though armies at thy will Compass the earth and sow red hate, While kings and princes call thee great. For thee the nameless Terror walks And God's strong justice locks thee in While outraged conscience talks. Thou art not free till God's great love is thine And then — no prison walls detain Though armed guards surround, Though sparkling bayonets gleam — Thy risen soul is free For thou hast Seen. MOTHER A word there is the Angels know And speak to one another, The Highest Name, the Holiest Love — On earth we call it — Mother. 12 THE VISION OF LINCOLN Whene'er some vested wrong seems right, When error sits on Freedom's throne; Whene'er Goliath armor-shod Shall dare to challenge Heaven's own, God sends some David to the field The powers of darkness to dethrone. Our Lincoln, reared among the woods, From virgin soil had drawn its powers, Untutored in the ways of kings Had grown in silence as the flowers, From nature learned the secret strength Of storm-clouds and of darkened hours. The powers of darkness, safely throned, Laughed deep in scorn to see him come In homely garb and ready wit, With jest and laughter on his tongue, They could not see the sword of flame Hid deep beneath the coarse homespun. He used the vision God had given To set a race of bondmen free ; Not hate, but pitying love was given To all who called him enemy, And in the deepest, darkest hours His soul drank deep from hidden powers. 13 Today above a world war-riven Majestic-like his face I see, His heart of strength and love sustaining All those who work for liberty, And smiles as one whose soul can see A world United ! Happy ! Free ! IF THIS WERE ALL My heart in a golden rapture Was calm in the eventide, As I rode through the golden sunset With the love of my life beside. The day had been full of blessing, With the sweetness of work well done, And before me was home and comfort And the kiss of my little son. The sun that had sunk from vision Still crowned Tahoma's brow With scarlet and pink and crimson, Till I said, ' ' 'Tis heaven now. ' ' Then sudden a sweet Voice whispered, As soft as the moonbeam's call, "0 child, it were all illusion, If that which you see were all." 14 THE HOPE OF THE DISPOSSESSED " There comes to my ears," the Lord God said, "From the earth a sound of woe; Now, Gabriel, fly to the troubled earth, On the wings of the morning, go ! ' ' And the strong-winged angel earthward sped And traveled the whole world o'er, Then swift to the heavens again he rose And stood God's throne before. "Now tell me the cause," the Lord God said, "Of the woe that I hear expressed?" And the angel covered his face and said, " 'Tis the cry of the dispossessed. As I neared the earth, on Your errand sent, I saw the world blood-red, In awful heaps Your children lay, On the sad earth, cold and dead. And I asked the wise of the earth, my Lord, ' What means this thing I see?' And they blindly answered my quest and said, 'They died for democracy.' But where is the thing for which they died? And what has their shed blood brought? Then the rulers of men, Lord, were dumb, And their cold lips answered naught. 15 Then I asked the workers of earth the same, And they scarce could speak for pain, But the answer came, 'For what we fought Is lost in the strife for gain. "We gave our all, and our loved ones died For the vision of earth made free Till the tyrant fell, then back we came To the same old misery. No spot on earth can we call our own, No hope our hearts to cheer, Our backs are bent and our spirits rent To fatten the profiteer. But deep in our hearts there burns a fire That never can be suppressed, For we b'lieve that God is a righteous God And the hope of the dispossessed ! ' ' And the Lord God said, "My Spirit still Lives deep in men's hearts, I see; And they who would crush the weak will find They are fighting even Me." 16 THE RAINBOW'S END Long years ago, when but a child, I heard the story told, Could I but reach the Rainbow's End I'd find a pot of gold. "With eager steps I often ran To reach the golden lure, But ever as I sped along The rainbow sped before. " 'Twas but a myth," I later said, "That story I was told. No mortal ever reached the end Nor found the pot of gold." Until one day, from glorious height I saw the Rainbow's End, Encircling in a golden glow, The dear form of a friend. But when unto my list'ning friend My story I had told, "Alas," he said, "I saw no bow, Nor have I found the gold." And looking in his laughing eyes, To me this truth came clear, We often fail to find our good Because it lies too near. Deep now I know the Rainbow's End Rests o'er each human soul, And wheresoe'er we walk in faith We find God's pot of gold. 17 LOVE'S CHALLENGE I send my Word, my wing-ed Word, My Love-Clad Word of power, O'er angry lands, thro' hostile fleets, And poison-spitting tower. I ask no truce, no allies seek, I cry alond for war ! To all the hell-bound hosts of hate I cry aloud for war ! Say, are you blind, you boastful giants? Your eyes with blood run red, You think you live, you foolish ones, Your hearts with hate are dead. You cannot see my glittering sword, Your eyes with blood run red, I could not slay you if I would, Your hearts with hate are dead. The Voice says : ' ' Prophesy to them, These seeming living dead," The Voice says: "Prophesy to them, Whose hearts with hate are dead." The Voice says: "Prophesy and say, blind and dead, rejoice, You died because you fought 'gainst Me, You died because you could not see, (Grim death was in your choice.") 1 bathe with Love your hate-filled eyes, I breathe thro' brain Love's power, I pierce your heart with Love's sharp sword, I cry aloud for war! The earth is rosing toward the Dawn, I call you to Love's war! 18 MY FATHER'S HOUSE Within my Father's house so long, A beggar asking alms, I stood, Weak, knocking at each untried door, My body worn with pain, so sore ! Nor knew the Father's all was mine Forever — evermore. But now the Light — God, so great, In trembling love I hesitate — Too great the glory seems, too good, The Father's love is understood, And all He hath is mine. Within my Father's house I stand; I see His ways! I feel His hand! And learn, through faith, to understand The wondrous meaning of the plan Through which God lives His life in man. Within my Father's house — a King — Through faith, His law of Love I sing. No longer alms of men I need, No more the unlocked doors are tried ; I know my needs are all supplied, Love's law I heed. With Him today I walk in peace, And if I pray, 'tis not to beg Life's trials to cease. But knowing that His ways are just, I meet each trial on the way In love, in trust. 19 THE SONG OF LIFE (Suggested by a visit to Mt. Auburn Cemetery, the rest- ing place of Longfellow, Holmes, Lowell, Channing and Phillips Brooks.) I stand within the sacred walls Where dwell the Living Dead, And muse in dreamy solitude Upon the words they said. The busy city lies behind Where men in blinding strife Beat out their days in restless haste And call such living Life. The kings of finance and the mob Mad with the lust for things, I envy not. Let me today Live with God's chosen kings. God's chosen kings, who cannot die; They rest beneath this sod, The winds are vibrant with their thought These men who walked with God. I cannot think of death today, Their world is green and young; And every living blade of grass Seems but an uttering tongue. Here Minnehaha seems to sing Her wild sad song anew While on the air the Nautilus Spreads wondrous wings to view. 20 The stirring words of Sir Launfal, The prayer of Agassiz, And Brooks' and Channing's Song of Faith Blend in sweet harmony. I listen to the Inner Voice Too deep for thought or sound, I cannot speak, I only know This spot is holy ground. The Living Dead! I hear them say: "Back to earth's care and strife." And strong in faith I turn away To sing the Song of Life. OUR DAILY PRAYER Our Father, who in heaven art, Thy name shall hallowed be, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, Till earth with heaven agree. The bread of life for all our needs In fullness Thou dost give, And teachest us by Thy great love Our brothers to forgive. And when our feet in error stray, Thy love will swift restore. Thy Kingdom, Power and Glory, Lord, Oh, give us evermore. Amen. 21 HIS FACE I do not ask God's face to see — Enough His garment now for me. The sunset clouds with love aglow I watch, I dream, deep, deep I know Behind the cloud a Glory stands — At times I see the Painter's hands, Across the heavens a glory trace. I rest content — I wait in peace; Love knows when I have inward grace I then shall see and know His Face. THE HOPE ETERNAL Light of the endless ages, Truth that alone makes free, Star of the Wise men drawing My heart to the heart of Thee. Fire from Celestial Altars That burns but the dross away, Gold from the garnered ages, Faith that abides alway. Prisoned in Hope expectant, Yet by my love made free, Babe in heart's manger sleeping, Christ that is yet to be. 22 "NOT ME!" My baby boy is scarcely three, And yet so very wise is he, Whate'er suits not his majesty He simply says to it, "Not Me-e! ,, Sometimes so full of pranks is he My neighbor spanks him laughingly; Swift comes my darling home to me, "Bad man spank rompers, Dad, Not Me-e!" Deep marks of dirt on kitchen floor, Show Murray's been in mud galore, Dear Auntie points and says, "Now see!" "Bad dirty shoes/' he says, "Not Me-e!" He comes with bump on little brow For Daddy's kiss. I say, "See now, Our baby's hurt, Mama see!" " 'Twas Murray's head," he says, "Not Me-e!" I believe the cares of life would flee If we with his wise eyes could see, And say to all the ills that be, "You touch the outer man, Not Me!" GREETINGS May the angel's song in your soul be heard And the Christ be born anew, May the lilies of peace around you spring ; This is my wish for you. 23 ON EARTH AS 'TIS IN HEAVEN One Law alone, one Power divine Holds suns and planets in control, The diverse atoms own its sway And round into a perfect whole. Where'er we look, whate'er we see Within, without, beneath, above, Is held together by a Power We ne'er can see, but call it Love. Who simply live for selfish ends, Will hear Love's voice where'er they go, They cannot rise beyond its heights Nor sink its wondrous depths below. All laws are blended into one, On earth beneath, in heaven above, Earth's dearest words, "I love you so," The angels answer, "God is Love." LIFE'S MAGIC STAFF Peace, Power and Plenty, Words that are heaven-born. Say them, ye hearts that are weary Till hope in your soul is born. For words are things that will lift on wings The one who believes them true, And whatever you will when the mind is still You may call to the soul of you. 24 THE RICHEST MAN ON EARTH I cannot count my wealth by gold Nor name the things I own, The riches of the earth are mine, I reap where Love has sown. The wind brings messages of peace, The stars of night aglow Seem like the souls I knew and loved Long centuries ago. The baubles that the world calls great Become of little worth; 'Tis when I give them up I am The richest man on earth. All things are mine, I would not claim One single thing apart; 'Tis when I share my good with all I reach to Love's own heart. 'Tis vain, Dear Heart, to try to tell In words how much I'm worth. 'Tis when I love as God I am The richest man on earth. 25 MOTHERHOOD Madonna, Mother of the Christ, Before I lift my voice to sing Of Love that leads to victory, One offering to thee I bring. In joy I now approach thy throne Not mortal-built of stone or wood, But founded in the hearts of men, The spotless throne of Motherhood. Thou bendest still o'er every child In tender pitying mother care, And where thy children toil in pain Mother-love thou still art there. And every woman knows thy name, And thy deep voice is understood, When through her being thrills the thrill That tells of coming motherhood. haste the day when full of joy They too, like thee, in that great hour Shall bless the God of Life who gives To them alone on earth the power To usher in the Prince of Peace, The hope of ages undefiled, The holy one from Heaven come down Once more to earth — a little child. Then shall the deserts bloom anew, And heaven and earth be one indeed, The reign of Love o'er all proclaimed And man from every sorrow freed. 26 Then shall the Eden come to stay And man and woman glad and free, Shall walk together unafraid, Redeemed, Mother-love, through thee. Madonnas, mothers of the Christs, The countless Christs that are to be, To you I bring this song of love, The fond child of my minstrelsy; You are the gates of life and death, 'Tis yours the human race to free, To bring to earth the Age of Peace, Fulfillment of all prophesy. THE MYSTIC EASTER Doubt not, Soul, that one great day God's mighty Son brought life to clay, When every blade above the sod Reveals the quickening life of God, And spring winds woo with fragrant breath Such wondrous life from last year's death. The power that raised Him ! May it be Soul, the Life of life to thee. Let Love fill full this house of clay, Let Faith roll every stone away, Let Spirit reign, let flesh obey. This is the Life, the Truth, the Way, This is thy Mystic Easter day. 27 A MAN GOD-SIZE From out of this state of strife and hate, From out of earth's noise and fuss, There will yet arise a man God-size Who will stand for the whole of us. Our ears are sore with the noise and roar Of the partialist's rant and fuss, Who stands for his class and not for the mass, For the whole big bunch of us. In childhood's day we were taught to pray To One who was Father to all, Who strengthened the weak, protected the meek, And noticed the sparrow's fall. We were told of a Man, a wonderful Man, The greatest this earth e'er trod, Who told each man whatever his clan To measure himself with God. So we wait today and deeply pray In the midst of earth's noise and fuss, For a man to arise, in Love God-size, In the heart of each one of us. 28 THE HEALING CHRIST The Healing Christ! He stands today Within a world with anguish red, Within a world with sorrow gray. The Healing Christ ! I hear him say : "What means this orgy of the dead? Was it for this I lived and bled? Have ye not seen, have ye not heard, When Peter, fierce and anger-stirred, To save me from impending fate, Would use the weapon forged with hate, Have ye not heard my living word? Did I not say : ' Put up the sword V " 'Twas not a dream; my soul did hear These living words in accents clear. I lowly turned to him and said: "I know, dear Lord, the cross was bliss To thy great soul compared to this. But know, Christ, that hearts aflame With thine own love, still call thy name And pray alike for friend and foe Across this tide of sin and woe, That all thy healing love may know." Then deep I heard the dear Lord say: "Such only have the right to pray; To such I call in this great hour To save the world from error's power, To heal the wounds that hate has riven And bring to earth the dream of heaven/ ' September, 1917 29 THE SONG OF SONGS Singer, there's a song unsung, Singer, there's a song for you, Fresh as when the world was young Ere the first great singer drew From the chaos of his mind Music fresh with heaven's dew; In that Source from which he drew Singer, there's a song for you. Singer, there's a song for you Where the men of science meet; Letters from the Heart of God In the dust beneath your feet; In the mire and scum of things You shall find your beauty theme, 'Mid the sordor and the filth You shall see Love's rainbow gleam. On the fields where nations reel, Blinded by hate's glowing rage, You shall sing a song of peace That will all their hearts engage. There's a song that you will sing Loud the cannons' roar above That will pierce the souls of steel, Melt the hearts of hate with love. Not for you the lilting rhyme — Daisies white, and violets blue, Leave these for the lesser bards — There's a loftier song for you. 30 Singer, there's a loftier song Than the song which Nature sings, Songs from out the soul of man, Where God's angels sweep the strings. Yours to set the inner life Of the Soul before our eyes; Lift us with a song of Faith To the gates of Paradise. 'Neath the robes of Nature, you Shall discern where He has trod — Winder of the circuits, you Shall discern the living God. Yours to reach the garment hem Of the Watcher of the Night, Hold God's mirror up to men — Show us earth in heaven's light; You shall feel the Heart of Love Throbbing 'neath all human wrongs, When you reach the Heart of hearts Then you'll sing the Song of Songs. THE WISE MEN May the Wise Men lead your heart, my dear, Where the Christ is born anew ; May Love's kingdom come, And God's will be done, In the depths of the soul of you. 31 UNCONQUERED FAITH They move me not, these things of sense — I walk with joy where tempests blow Since faith unsealed my inner sight, And it was given me to know That God is the storm and He Sends only what is good for me. I do not doubt, I question not, Nor for the future do I pray, But reach strong hands of loving faith And trust the Stream that knows its way. God leaves me not alone, but He Speaks from the storm and strengthens me. Some day my bark will reach the brink Where darkness seems the only goal. Can I not leap within the night To meet my Captain soul to soul? The Lord of Light will surely me Within the vale to comfort me. I BELIEVE I believe that Life deals out to every man The hand he needs must play; That he is wise who murmurs not, Nor shows the hand life deals, But plays his equal part And bears in love each cross. I believe that loss and cross well born Are pinions strong to lift to victory's heights 32 MY WISH FOR YOU What could I wish you more, dear friend, Upon this Christmas morn, Than that within your heart each day The Christ of Love be born? That you may walk with courage strong, Though clouds hide heaven's blue, And reach a hand to those less brave, Their courage to renew; That wheresoe'er your footsteps lead, The flowers of hope may spring, And in the hour when flesh seems weak Hear God's strong angels sing; That you may be a light to all, One whom God's light shines through: Then all Love's kingdom shall be thine — This is my wish for you. ATTAINMENT I am content : no more I dream Of ships that sail on distant sea; No more I wait with longing heart For what is mine to come to me. Too long I in the future lived, And dreamed of things that were to be, Untasted left the present good, But said, "Mine own will come to me." 33 Unveiled at last my holden eyes, I saw the present glory shine, And knew the universe was filled With good that was already mine. Since that glad hour I sail serene On what before was troubled sea, And bless each wind, howe'er it blows, Since it but brings mine own to me. And is this faith? I do not know — I know it smooths life's troubled way And brings all things for which I sighed Within the kingdom of Today. VICTORY I sing of victory, from the deep Of broken years and sore defeat; From out the bitter fires of pain I chant the victor's conquering strain; For he who seeks to win the prize Must hope till even courage dies ; And trust, though beaten to the dust, That Truth will win when hope is lost. This, then, is Victory — to know, Though crushed beneath the foeman's blow, That every throb of mortal woe Brings God to face the conquering foe. 34 BE STILL AND KNOW weary storm-tossed soul, Be still — The Master speaks ! canst thou but say "I will," Then all the adverse winds obey Thy Word of Might— And lo ! from out of chaos' darkest night Will come obedient To Thy still small Voice, the power Of courage born, and strong desire, Clothed with the mantle of celestial fire That burns the dross of helplessness away. Then thou canst say, "Be still!" To all the winds that blow, And in thy deepest being know The Mighty God stands pledged To make it so. Soul, be still— And know Thy Mighty God stands pledged To make it so. INSCRIBED IN EMERSON'S POEMS The wisdom of ten thousand years Is in each throbbing line. On every page the Deity, Which words can ne'er define, Speaks to the heart's deep memory Of That which outlives Time. 35 THE SOUL'S AWAKENING An angel there dwelt in a form of clay, In a form as fair as the gods have made ; But the angel slept, and she knew it not, While they who were wise in silence prayed That a quickening power might yet be given To wake the guest by the maid forgot And change her earth to a dream of heaven. But the maid still traveled the beaten way That leads to the heights that men call fame, But the gods wept deep o'er the soul forgot For the gods see not as men the same, Nor heed they the noise of the world's acclaim; For they know that the way to life is not By the shining roads of wealth and fame. Then the sorrows came and the way grew dark, And the maid wept sore in her grief alone, And the gods were glad when they saw her weep, Tho' their hearts seemed hard as hearts of stone; But the angel stirred by sorrow's stings Awoke in that hour from its earthly sleep, And lifted the maid on living wings. Today she sails in a magic bark O'er a sea of mingled fire and pain, But the pains of the world they touch her not And never can touch the soul again ; While the hours of pain seem a magic strain, And wealth and fame but dreams forgot, Since the hour of the Soul's Awakening. 36 LOVE'S HOROSCOPE Soul, be still, be strong, have hope. The stars within thy horoscope Will answer to thy sovereign will When thou canst bid thy mind be still. The Power that framed each heavenly world, And on their course the planets hurled Is thine to use. Be still and know The mighty God ordained it so, That every star in heaven above Is subject to the Law of Love. Blame not the heavens for thine ill, It lies within thine unused will ; Within thy soul is power to know Dominion o'er the starlit show; Then listen deep and thou wilt hear God's wondrous footsteps drawing near And feel thy heart again grow strong ; Soul, be still, tarry long In silence brooding o'er the deep Where God's strong angels vigils keep, And hear them say : ' ' Let faith and hope Work out for thee Love's Horoscope." THE MASTER OF FATE Today on the heights I stand Above the sea of thought And look o'er the changing drift At the baubles for which men fought— That slip through their clinging hands And ever remain uncaught. Unchained through the drift of years They float o'er the surface clear And forever warm hands reach out As the illusions of life draw near ; Till the weary hands sink deep And the eager new appear. The eyes of my soul see clear That the reaching hands were mine Through the countless ages past Till I reached the Thought Divine; Now I laugh at the dream of loss Since the Gleam of the Whole is mine. Today on the heights I stand Where God's winds sing lullaby, And no more I reach for the gleam Of the baubles for which men die — For I reach to the heart of God And Master of Fate am I. 38 THE SECRET FOUNT From out of the soul of the woman I love There floweth a stream to me, That lightens the load of the burden I bear And lifts me on wings of the free. For the soul of the woman I love is strong And silent and deep as the sea. I stand in the sun on the heights above And men sing their praises to me; But little they know of the fountain of strength To which in my need I flee ! For what is their praise when I know in my soul She waiteth alone for me; And the deep of her eyes will look into the depths Where no other eyes can see. soul of my soul, in your silent depths Is the strength men praise in me, To the deep of your soul I come for help As the stream urges on to the sea; For the stream could not flash in the sun, my love, Were it not for the strength of the sea, Nor could I work on the heights above Were your strength not under me. And I call to earth's sons, my love, my love, To praise not my work, but thee; And I call to the angels above, my love, To wait on still wings and see — For even the angels might learn, my love, The secret of strength from thee. , 39 WINGS A mystic worm, one summer day, A worm that dreamed mid creeping things, Was known to stop upon its way And say, "I wish that I had wings." Then all the worms that nearby lay Laughed long and loud — poor silly things ! — And cried, "Put all such dreams away; You're but a worm — you'll ne'er have wings. And one grave worm more wise than all, (Doctor of Worm Philosophy) Shook his wise head and said, "I call This talk of wings rank heresy." But still the dreamer dreamed his dreams; Whene'er he looked at flying things He crept more fast, and said, "It seems I '11 fly like that when I have wings. ' ' One day he felt so chill and numb, His body pierced with deadly stings; But dreaming still, e'er death was come, Said, "Surely this will bring me wings." Today I saw on wings of fire This occult dreamer of the dust, And as it circled glad in air There came to me this living trust: That every dream and fond desire, These longings strange for better things, Are not in vain : sometime, somewhere, These dreams of ours will end in wings. 40 THE YOGI'S VISION The Yogi dreamed — was it a dream? — About all nature's Causeless Cause, The seeming calling itself Real, The Eeal on sleeping wings Undreamed, unknown. And, as he dreamed, shapes of all imaging there came — Beast, bird and things unclean for him to name — And he, beholding all, uncertain stood Until a voice within his soul pronounced the Magic Name of Good; Then at that name all things unclean spread wings of light, Laved in the cleansing flood. Then said the Tempter's voice, "If Brahm is good, and all is good, leap thou within the night. ' ' On awful height the Yogi stood and looked within the depth. Ten million leagues he looked, then laughed and leaped into the night ; And Brahm was there as Light. The waters came — before his eyes the waters piled, Until the mountain height was reached, And all but he were drowned. The Yogi laughed and leaped into the flood, As leaps a child when mother's arms are found — And Brahm was solid ground. 41 Once more with fervent heat the earth was swept j Nearer, more near, the fiery monster came, The mountains melting and the seas aflame — The Yogi laughed and leaped into its depth, Naming the magic Name, And Brahm was known as Flame. The Yogi woke and played the game called Life, Walking the ways of men — Oft lost amid the shadows, Calling at times the shadows, Real- Yet never lost from out his soul the Vision of the Deep — the Flood — the Flame, But stilled Earth's sorrows when the billows rolled By mention of the Name — the Name, the Ineffable Name! WHICH SHALL IT BE? Stern is the Law I bring to you Yet charged with blessing through and through ! 'Twill lift to heaven or sink to hell ; It will defeat or victory spell; Your path with thorns or roses strew ; Which shall it be? It rests with you! This is the Law ! All thoughts you send To those who call you foe or friend, (Like Noah's dove, o'er waters blue) Will go, swift-winged, and never rest, Until they come with increase blest, And bring their likeness back to you. 42 THE CONQUEST OF PAIN I entered the Valley of Pain. Sorrow and anguish were there, Sad voices lamenting. Here the inhabitants called themselves The earth-accursed of the Lord, And their home the Valley of the Gate to Hell. Looked they with wild eyes for avenues of escape, And longed to dwell in the fair fields Where live the earth-sons strong. Long dwelt I in this Valley And walked with aching heart its thorny paths, Feet bleeding, despair taking deep hold, Till life seemed worse than death, And Hell than Pain preferred. Then prayed I that the demon of Pain Might come to me that I my hate might speak — Then die. That night a vision of great beauty came And a voice than all the music of the earth more sweet Spake, saying: "I have come. Speak!" But loud in agony I cried: ''Depart, Thou vision of beauty and light, From out this Vale accursed ! Beauty and love belong not here — Here dwell the earth-accursed of the Lord." Strangely, sweetly, smiled the vision, And answered calm: "I am the Spirit of Pain. 43 To guard and keep this Valley Has been assigned me by the Lord, And to my keeping oft are sent The Father's best beloved Here to be prepared, though as by fire, To enter their dominion grand. They who in patience pass my fires, And learn my lessons long, Shall rule the kingdoms of the world ; Safely shall they handle scorpions And no evil thing shall harm. ) ■> Beauteous was the vision and my soul cried : ' ' Tarry with me, for now that I have seen thy face, I love!" The vision vanished, speaking thus: "Thou art free. Life's great lesson Is to learn to love. They who love Pain have their dominion gained. Rise and walk!" Then I awoke — but Pain was not. YOUR HAPPINESS FLOWER This is my wish That your happiness flower May bloom the whole year through, And every hour be a Happiness Flower With Christ in the heart of you. 44 THE MAPLE AND THE CHILD "Come, listen to me/' said the maple, "0 child, come and listen to me! And I will tell you a story Of the life that is hid in a tree. "Long years I slept in the bosom Of the Heart that is heart of us all, Till deep from the earth's heaving' bosom I heard such a sorrowing call. "That I said to the Life Spirit, 'Send me Some lesson I'm needed to teach.' And he said, 'Hasten forth on thy mission And grow there in silence and preach.' t( And I sped forth, not knowing whither, Till I came, as a seed, in the snow. 'Twas so cold, but the life was within me And I knew in good time I would grow. "And the spring winds blew softly upon me Till I lifted my head to the skies; And the stars kept watch ever o 'er me And they seemed as the Spirits' bright eyes. "Then the cold winter storms blew upon me, And I cared not but laughed 'neath the sod; For I felt all life's currents within me, As I garnered the vintage of God. 45 "So long I have witnessed Earth's sorrows, And deep in the silence I preach — But the ears of Earth's children are holden, And they heed not the lesson I teach. "But, listen, child! to my message, And learn life's lesson from me. When tossed on life's billows, oh, hasten To the Voice that you hear in the tree. "For I gather from out of life's tempests The sweetness I give unto thee. O, listen, my child, in the silence — For God has a Voice in each tree." # * # Ah, that was a dream of life 's morning When I listened to God in the tree, And now? Why, still I believe it, But deeper the message to me. Have you lost from your soul, my brother, The quietness learned in the wood? Or lived with a tree as a brother Till your soul and its soul understood? Then hasten from out of earth's noises, Forget what you learned in the street, Grasp solitude deep to your bosom Till your soul with the tree-soul can meet. The wisdom of scholars will perish, Earth's languages all pass away, But the wisdom that speaks in the forest Forever is fresh as the day. 46 How often in life's weary battle When the tide seemed running all wrong, I have gone to the forest refreshing And felt life's currents grow strong; As, deep, all the roots of my being Sank sweet in the bosom of Love, And my soul heard the hush of the silence The voice of the forest above. GOD REIGNS I asked the Voice what shall I write Mid Sorrow's reign, when all are sad, And deep the Inner Voice replied: "Be Glad." What shall I sing this Christmas-tide, In face of hate and war's increase. Again the Inner Voice replied : "Sing Peace." What shall I say to those who seek Spite blinding doubt to know God's will, The sweet Voice answered, say to such : "Be Still." What word of Hope for those who weep O'er empty chairs, Love's broken chains, Deep came the answer from the Deep, "God reigns." December, 1917 47 WISHIN' Every day I'm wishin' Lots o' things for you, Soft sweet winds caressing Diamonds in the dew. Flowers around you springing Friends to make you glad, Hear Love's angels singin' When your heart is sad. 'Taint no use o' talkin' Wishes do come true, Once I wished a blessin' And God sent me you. SUNSET Sunset and golden glow, The peace of a soul at rest; Life's clouds afire with the artist's touch And the glory of love expressed. Sunset on earth, and peace — Day's hour most blest; Peace on the silent sea, Sunset- — and rest. Sunset on earth, my dear, In love God-given; Sunset on earth, and peace — Sunrise in Heaven. 48 TO MOTHER IN HEAVEN I know, dear heart, you still can lead To heights I have not strength to climb. I feel the thrill, I catch the gleam, And know your love unchanged by time. You are not dead — love cannot die ; Our earthborn eyes alone are blind. I reach through death, by faith made wise, And find you present to the mind. Perhaps 'tis yours, from heights above, To lift my earth-song to the skies ; I know of faith and love, dear heart, Because your great love underlies. And as the eagle in its flight Is held by the embracing air, So when I reach the heights I dream, I'll find your love has brought me there. INSCRIBED IN WALT WHITMAN'S " LEAVES OF GRASS" Within this book a treasure lies, And they who seek with earnest eyes and open mind Will see beneath the ebb and flow of seeming chaos — order grow; Forms here take shape, and unclean things Are lifted, as the singer sings, To higher realms and purer air, Till God seems breathing everywhere. 49 THE ETERNAL SANTA I still believe in Santa Claus ! Though years and years have flown, Whene'er the Christmas-tide comes round I find I have not grown. I still believe in Santa Claus, More now than when a child; Whene'er I see the Christmas toys My heart with joy beats wild. You tell me now that I am grown 'Tis time for wiser things; I grant it all, and yet child-like I wait for what Love brings. And though I play the grown-up game And own my hair is gray, I believe there is a Soul of Good That passes not away. Do you believe in Santa Claus? Of course, of course, you do! Faith, Hope and Love! These still abide In that big heart of you. KHfs 50 LOVE'S CONQUEST I do not fear what man can do; In faith I stand serene Above the clouds of sin and death As one whose soul has seen The living hosts of God encamped Love's own and harm between. In faith I stand where fear is not, Upon the side of Love, And when the hosts of hate prevail I hear a Voice above The jarring notes of sin and death That whispers, "God is Love." Was it a dream — the hosts of sin And jarring notes I heard? I list again and list in vain, My heart with joy is stirred! 'Twas but a dream; there is no fear! Love is the only word! SUNSHINE Outside the rain is falling down Inside the sun is shining, The light of heaven fills our home, Our baby boy is smiling. The light from out his baby eyes Dispels all cares, beguiling, I seem to hear the angels sing, Our baby boy is smiling. 51 THE VISION OF TAHOMA* 'Twas a glorious golden dawning Of a bright December morning, When the good ship, the Tacoma, Bore me o'er the water's bosom, 'Twixt the cities, magic risen Through the Saxon's love of gaining. Building cities, building prisons, Writing books of foolish learning, Yet the soul within him yearning For the deeper realms of knowing; Seeking for the word unspoken, Smiling though his heart be broken At the mockery of knowing Only that which leads him captive — Dreaming still of peace unbroken. # # # Spite of all our boasted progress, Spite of all our great inventions, Spite of all who preach unto us That the age in which we live is Best of all that ever has been Who will say that man is happy? Did not Goethe turn to magic For a draught to quench heart's longing, And Walt Whitman look with envy On the quiet cattle grazing, Laved in nature's great contentment, Undisturbed by dreams of progress, Round a circle never ending? *Tahoma was the Indian name for the mountain now known as Tacoma-Rainier, and was worshiped by the Indians as God. 52 "Whither leads this dream of progress ?" Said I to my soul in silence. "Are we wiser than the redmen Who went drifting o'er these waters Ere the white man's horn resounded In the stillness of their forest? Have we greater strength of body, Are our children better fitted For life's battles that await them J" • • • Thus I pondered in the silence, And my eyes were deeply gazing On the men who journeyed with me. Need I draw the veil and show you What your eyes reveal unto you Where the sons of men do gather? Statesmen, artists, men of letters, Kings of finance, social leaders! God, is this Thine image sleeping, City-builder, though we call him? God, are we Thy finished product? Are we then Thy Word's fulfillment? And a shudder, most of pity — Caused my eyes to seek the waters And I prayed for deeper knowing. • • • "Spirit of the world primeval, In whose depths are all recorded Wisdom from the ages hoarded — Be to me both guide and helper, Truth and inspiration give me. Lift for me the magic curtain; 53 Once again the eyes of redmen, Keen of sight and wonderladen, Heart of hunter o 'er the mountain, Soul of nature's children, give me ! Spirit of the vanished races, People once again the places; Let their thought again be spoken Till my eyes behold unbroken By the mists of human knowing All the subtle charm they gave Thee. Let the pine-tree speak within me, Let the mountain-god uphold me, May the thunder-bird her pinion Lend me till my soul has risen Free from whiteman's binding prison To the God in nature speaking." * • • While I prayed thus, musing, dreaming Of the redman's deeper meaning, Was it dream or was it answer? Suddenly a phantom figure, Strange of guise, stood there before me. Not a word of counsel gave he, But a look of taunting pity At the dwarfed child of the city Praying for the redman 's vision ! Then his eyes turned to Tahoma. • # * Was it with his eyes I saw it, Sunrise on the silent mountain, Golden-robed in silent wonder, Barren now and cold no longer 54 Seeming as life's flowing fountain, In the warm arms of her lover. Guardian watcher of the west — Mountain of the flowing breast, Feeding rivers for thy valleys That shall feed thy pale-faced children Who no longer call thee "Mother," Having lost that sense of wonder, Boasting in their erudition They are free from superstition. Wiser far their red-faced brothers Who of old thy forests trod, Gazed enraptured, lost in wonder, Bowed in reverence, called thee God. There are those who tell unto us That the highest thought of God is Never found through love nor duty, But is given only to us When the soul is lost in beauty. * * # Wondrous mountain, clothed in sunrise, Did my spirit blend with thine? Deeper than to heart of redmen Did I hear thy voice sublime? Spirit of the mighty mountain, Was it then thy voice to me, Voice of God's eternity? Be it fact or be it fancy, Since that morning, beauty stirred, Never gaze I on Tahoma But there comes some living word. T? ^ # 55 On our journey through the unknown, There are moments heaven given, When, the soul with nature blending, We are lifted from sense prison, And the ages seem as shadows. All that has been stands before us, All that will be present to us, Every bush with God is burning, Every wind a message bringing, Every mountain chanting, singing Of the purpose of the ages, Writ on nature's throbbing pages; And the souls that have beheld it Know of things that are divine — Prophets, seers, poets, sages, Speaking words that outlast time. Seeking soul, be still and listen ! Cease your struggles fierce and wild ; He who reaches heights celestial Cometh as a little child. By this token ye shall know them, Every honor they disown, Careless they of fame or fortune, Since the Truth of Life is known. Childlike faith and simple trusting Bring us to that secret place Where our spirits rapt, beholding, See the Father face to face. 56 78 529 \* V V • * * °* ^ V " ° # * A^ o Ay . • £ Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. Neutralizing Agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: — g- q , ^iflfl -» FEB W* FEB -BW IB8KKEEPER ISERVATION TECHNOLOGIES, -UP. 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