c , ^^6^ .^^.<. 7* A ? ' <0 ^K> **^. C«\» %,^'' / "^^ LIFE-COLORS m N- LIFE- COLORS BY ■""^^^l ADELINE HINCKLEY NEW YORK THE NEALE PUBLISHING COMPANY 1914 T^3 X7- Copyright, 1914, by THE NEALE PUBLISHING COMPANY 3 t (: SEP 30 1914 :!,A380597 LIFE-COLORS Our lives are like the paintings made By artist hands. We have the choice Of colors fair, and those that fade We know at first by common voice. But oft we trial make, and then The truth is shown to men again. We choose the blue of truth and find Its strengthening power. But when we look For grace in life, we needs must wind The green of hope around. The nook. In springtime's green, gives promise sure Of life immortal, true, and pure. Ofttimes the Master Artist gives The shape and color too. He knows In dullest shades rare beauty lives; That symmetry of line oft goes With shadows cast upon the earth; That saddest lives to grace give birth. To some He gives the red and gold Of life that they may be a rest 5 6 LIFE-COLORS To weary eyes. True love they hold As gift of God, and do their best To share its glow. As God is love, So they resemble Him above. CONTENTS PAGE Life-Colors 5 Life-Colors The War of Forces n Thought Force 13 Companionship I4 God's School 15 The Message 17 A Prayer 19 Immanuel 20 Garments 22 On the Heights 24 The Star 26 Wall Building 28 The Commonplace 3° The World a Bridge 32 Our Helmsman 34 The Daily Rub of Circumstance 35 Success 36 Hewn-Out Cisterns 3^ Two Types 4° The Current 41 The Inner Calm 42 The Increase 43 Be Thyself 45 Quatrain 47 CONTENTS Narrative Poems Avis 51 The Great Stone Face 54 Little All Right Man 56 The Gift of Wings 58 A Leader of Men 60 ''Another" 62 Wayfarers 64 Brave Spirits 6y Sonnets The Reward 73 Rest 74 The Ranks of Men 75 The Leader 76 Birch Rock yy After Storm 78 Voices 79 The Magic Robe 80 Nature The Evergreens 83 The Willow 84 The Elm 86 The Wind's Frolic 87 July's Glory 89 Good Cheer 91 Arbutus 93 Song of the Ferns 95 LIFE-COLORS LIFE-COLORS THE WAR OF FORCES The rocks like strongest bastions stand Their watch still keeping close and true. Their reddish base is fixed in sand, While tops present a grayish hue. The waves in serried ranks and files Roll in unceasingly. They mock At sand, but stay their course at piles Of stones and sheer plain face of rock. And some retreat in order good And spend no shred of strength in vain; While others act as if they would Tear down the rock and build again. The white sea-foam leaps madly up And turns in air its somersaults. And here it fills a rocky cup, And there it forward goes, then halts. 11 12 LIFE-COLORS The constant fretting of the waves Has brought a polish smooth and fine. This daily friction surely saves From ugliness in curve and line. The restless, changing, shifting sea Beats at the feet of moveless rocks; And thus man's life must constant be In midst of driving storm that mocks. POEMS OF LIFE 13 THOUGHT FORCE "As a man thinkcth in his heart so is he." The secret thoughts deep hid within the heart Are measure of the man. His hopes mid fears Are like the brisking winds that blow and start The ship well on its way as helmsman steers. Then adverse winds arise and progress slow Is made. Yet skilful helmsman still may keep His onward way against this powerful foe. A change, and now the yachts the waves o'erleap. Thus hope buoys up the man and makes him dare Success which follows in the wake of work. But fear is like a heavy weight of care Which bears him down with ills that hidden lurk. And thoughts of love will blossom forth as deeds Of charity. A heart all full of love Will give close heed to all his neighbor's needs And share in thought and work of God above. 14 LIFE-COLORS COMPANIONSHIP The dear companionship of friends Gives life its wonted zest. No day can dreary be that sends One friend to bless the man who spends His strength without a rest. But extra joyous is that day, — And gone too soon, alas ! — In which he meets upon the way Himself so strange and bids him stay And will not let him pass. And priceless are the hours each day He spends in intercourse With God. Withdrawn from earthly fray, He views the straight and narrow way And gains in heavenly force. POEMS OF LIFE 15 GOD'S SCHOOL When children go to school to learn Tlie easy lessons there laid down, The mothers stay at home and yearn To see them coming through the town. The child who works with vim soon finds A joy in lessons done, which leads Him on to seek from wiser minds The helpful thoughts which meet his needs. But some soon tire of work and plan To con old lessons o'er; no thought Have they of added joys which man Secures by battles daily fought. Thus in the school of life God sets New tasks when old are done. He spares No man the heavy load, but lets Strength grow, as each his burden bears. A slothful life and present ease Bespeak a future lack of force. Then God does not his children tease, But drives them to the Living Source. 16 LIFE-COLORS His love has strength to use the rod To make man fit to claim his own Great heritage. For life with God Requires the pure in heart alone. POEMS OF LIFE 17 THE MESSAGE Above the shepherds' heads the angel host Proclaimed, " Lo, peace on earth, good will to men." The angels' song became their joy and boast As life resumed the same dull round again. And when came news of children slain, the thought Of sorrowing mothers filled their hearts with grief. The promised good to men was dearly bought At price of cruelty beyond belief. Most slowly passed the years as day by day Their sheep they watched, and fainter grew their hopes Of succor for mankind. The angel lay. Still clear in mind, with lurking fear now copes. The Jordan valley soon was thronged with men, When John the Baptist preached repentance fit To meet their sins. Within the shepherds' ken Came word of prophet old from Holy Writ. " Prepare the way. Make smooth the paths that now Are rough." And people asked, " What must we do ? " The answer came, " Do justice. Teach men how To show for other men their love and rue." 18 LIFE-COLORS The shepherds strove to make their lives more true And watched their sheep with extra care and love; For He, the Chosen One, might come, and few Be found whose toil was praise to God above. Then Jesus preached throughout the land and wrought His wondrous deeds. " A shepherd true am I Who gives his life for wandering sheep. Thus sought, They turn and feel at rest; for I am nigh." And as he taught of love which gave its all And spared not life itself, in hearts once hard There grew desire to answer Jesus' call And live henceforth intent and on their guard Against the selfish waste of life. For each Fares on and leaves on earth no trace, except As deeds and love of his still live and reach Fruition. Thus the earth with love is swept. POEMS OF LIFE 19 A PRAYER « Dear God and Father of us all, Give heed, as on Thy name we call. Give quiet, peaceful rest this night, And make us strong for daily fight. Give hearts at rest from vain desires, But all aglow with heavenly fires. Give minds intent to see the right. And make us pure in thy clear sight. Give love that speaks in kindly deeds. That clothes the poor, the hungry feeds. Give forceful aim and strength of will; So all of life with beauty fill. LIFE-COLORS IMMANUEL As fledglings far from nest and mother bird Fly round bereft of hope. So men with troubles cope. But some with fortitude and patience gird Themselves, because they know that God above Still guides their steps, and plans their way with love. Amid the storms and changing, shifting sands Of life they know a place Where all the weary race Of men find rest; a rock in desert lands Whose welcome shade gives strength and quietness To men who run the race, and know life's stress. With eagle wings the young soar forth intent To scan the heavens high Where promised mansions lie. With eager hopes and hearts most confident They plan to bring to earth the Golden Age, Whose deeds shall glow from every printed page. With drooping pinions they return to earth. Where out of heart they dwell. POEMS OF LIFE gl And their sad story tell Of blasted hopes. And life seems little worth The effort spent to make earth fitting place For those who come of Godlike, heavenly race. But now, with hopes restored, they fly again On strong, sure wings of faith Which proves no useless wraith. But spirit strong to bear them upward when The stormy winds of doubt do blow. They know That truth prevails, as future time will show. 22 LIFE-COLORS GARMENTS God clothes the fields with flowers fair, Which month by month their blossoms show. The buttercups and daisies glow 'Neath June's glad sun with beauty rare. And August's heated sun soon calls The golden hosts of tansy out. Soon goldenrod, in reckless rout, Is found close packed beside stone walls. God clothes humanity with love. Which often comes to sweetest bloom In simple lives. It lacks fair room, When mind and riches press above. Unsightly wounds at times appear On nature's face. For men must dig Earth's riches out, and so a big. Deep gash results on mountain near. But verdure covers o'er each blot With pressing haste. For ugliness Is sin 'gainst God and man, and stress Needs be to beautify each plot. POEMS OF LIFE 23 So man receives deep wounds, through loss Of friends and fortune gone, and naught Assuages grief. Thus sadly caught In sorrow's toils he bears his cross. But healing love soon does its work, And gaping wounds close up. New life. New love gives worth to daily strife, And thoughts of loss now hidden lurk. S4 LIFE-COLORS ON THE HEIGHTS The mountains in their grandeur seem Fit meeting place for God and man. On Sinai's slopes mid flashing gleam Of lightning, Moses heard the plan For Israel, God's chosen men Who often sinned, but rose again. The Greeks in search of truth and strength Through righteousness, oft took their way To Delphi; for throughout the length Of Greece this oracle held sway. On slope of mountain side it stood. The advocate of nation's good. Apart on mountain high the three Went with the Christ. His face became Like brightest sun, his garments free From stain and white as snow. Why blame Disciples for their wish to stay Apart from crowds that pressed each day? We climb the mountain heights to gain Clear views of earth beneath, and see POEMS OF LIFE 25 True values. Hills we climbed with pain Become mere gentle slopes. So free We feel, we almost float above The fields, through our consuming love. We have the dreams of youth and gleams Of light to make our vision clear. And we feel sure the Sun's own beams Will light our path. We need not fear To press straight on, though dim the way; For God gives light for every day. 26 LIFE-COLORS THE STAR The sun had set, but still the night Had not wrapped the earth in her sable gown. The hills stood clear in the golden light Which the sun had left behind. On a height, Low pines formed groups, through which peeped down The crescent moon, though in full fight. The lake lay soothed to rest, though trace Of the tumult and toil of the day was seen In the border of foam, which the wind in its race O'er the lake had tossed to the edge. Its face Lay smooth in the light, which needs must mean That the stirred waves had gained new grace. This picture of beauty soothed the heart. Yet satisfied not. For winds might rise. And clouds would lower, and then what art Would suffice? And days of storm seem a part Of the mortal life below, where sighs And tears display the hidden dart. In the East glowed the planet Mars, and brought New cheer to the weary heart. It told POEMS OF LIFE 27 Of the star which the Wise Men saw, then sought The King of Prophecy. And nought But hope could rise in the heart whose gold Consists in the faith the Savior taught. LIFE-COLORS WALL BUILDING The Jews at home were in sore straits; For foes pressed hard on every side. Jerusalem, their crown of pride, Had ruined walls and broken gates. They sent to distant Babylon, To Nehemiah, known to fame As king's attendant. When he came, He seemed like glory of the sun. And while they slept, he viewed the wall. Nor lost his courage at the sight. He fired their hearts with zeal to right The wrong, and answer duty's call. He placed them band by band to build The wall at spot near home. He called The country folk to aid, and walled The city in, as he had willed. Jerusalem became stronghold Against the robber raids. Her foes Were put to shame, and her worst woes Died out, save as in story told. POEMS OF LIFE 29 Society has need of walls To guard her sacred spots. No one Can build them up, but all must run To share the task, when leader calls. The walls of ancient truth may fall, But newer walls must stand four square To all the winds that blow. We dare Not waste our strength, since doubts appal. And though it be a citadel We care not for, 'tis still our task To give our strength to those who ask That we help build the walls which fell. 30 LIFE-COLORS THE COMMONPLACE A LOVER of life felt his faith grow faint: So he sought the hidden cause. He found, full soon, his chief complaint Lay not in ills that people paint In lurid, striking clause. Like endless desert land his Hfe Stretched out without a spot Of color, and even his love for wife And child seemed cause of endless strife; For it held him to his lot. The common things of life now palled Upon his taste. He felt That constant, ceaseless work had walled Him in. Outside, sweet voices called. And caused his heart to melt. These dulcet tones he must not heed, Nor fail to daily tread The well-worn path. But pressing need Of wider look must make him feed His hungry soul and head. POEMS OF LIFE 51 He loved the bounteous earth and all Its store of treasured good. With mind alert he heard the call Of robins neath projecting wall, Where crowded close they stood. But still his pulse changed not, as when This harbinger of spring Appeared one cold March day. For then That voice brought word to waiting men That birds henceforth would sing. And once he drank the wine of joy, Which filled his frame with wild, Exultant bliss. Stern tasks employ His loved one now, and oft annoy, Though still her face is mild. And ca'res he less for robins now That hundreds daily sing? And loves he less, now marriage vow Has made familiar chastened brow. And youth has taken wing? No, common things of every day Are dearest far to all. The good lies strewn about our way, Like flowers that bloom in sun's warm ray, And love of God recall. 32 LIFE-COLORS THE WORLD A BRIDGE This world is not our fixed abode, But just a bridge which spans the way From birth to death; a glorious road Which gives a view on clearest day Of distant land where we shall stay. The fogs of doubt and clouds of sin Shut off the view of light divine; And midst the traffic and the din Of hurrying feet, we often dine Without a sup of heavenly wine. The ancient bridge o'er Arno's stream Still holds its wonted place. Still cling Along its sides the shops, which gleam With glittering gold and sparkling ring Whose praises rival merchants sing. We pass these trinkets by, and reach The central arch, whence we can see Fair views which rouse our souls, and teach True values. Thoughts of self here flee At sight of river flowing free. POEMS OF LIFE So hearts that fix their thoughts on gold And earth's vain store can never know The fairer sights which must unfold Before the seeing eye. They go With eyes intent on ground below. But rich and full is now the life Of those who know that solid rock Awaits the man whose weary strife With shifting sand has seemed to mock His powers, and all his progress block. Determined spirits know that strength Results from faring on. So all With eager hearts go on through length Of days, and heed each daily call, Nor let sore ill, nor wrongs appal. 34 LIFE-COLORS OUR HELMSMAN At sea when surging billows dash Athwart the steamer's sides, and crash Of masts is heard, we place our trust In helmsman sure. And though a gust Of wind may drive us from our course, We feel he has a sure resource. Amid the tumult and the strife, Which vex our souls each day of life. We turn with trust to One who knows Our path, and will not let our foes Prevail. In Him we have a sure, Strong hold, which always will endure. This confidence gives strength to fight Our foes, and work with all our might. With vict'ry sure, we make a dash For freedom, heeding not the gash That fortune gives, since sure at last We reach an end of work so vast. POEMS OF LIFE 35 THE DAILY RUB OF CIRCUMSTANCE To guard the desecrated home of kings, The massive walls of ancient Tiryns rise. Since gateway lacks the dignity of wings, The galleries in walls seem chief the things That draw the tourist searching for a prize. For centuries the sheep have wandered through The narrow passage 'twixt the walls and sought Relief from outer heat. 'Twas here they flew When false alarm gave rise to noisy hue; Here bruised their sides against the stones for naught. As decades grew to centuries, the rock Grew beautiful; for daily pressure gave A lustre nothing else could do. Here flock Now followed flock, and years made rough-hewn block Become as smooth as fairest marble nave. Thus daily, hourly rub of circumstance Shows texture of the man. It graves the face As constant friction did the rock. One glance At face, and men discern the dalliance Or resolute attempt to win the race. 36 LIFE-COLORS SUCCESS As vessels move at rapid pace When with the wind, but creep by slow Degrees against its force, so race Of life is won by those who go As native taste and talent urge. This native force drives on without A stay; though obstacles may surge To block the way, they come to rout. Obedience to heavenly law Brings character to perfect bloom. It makes men feel the hidden flaw Will spoil the work upon the loom. They think true thoughts and never let False scorn have sway. If theirs to lead, The power is hid within to get Authority by worthy deed. If theirs be but the easier part, — To follow others' lead, — no less Their manhood worth. It needs rare art To serve, as all who try confess. POEMS OF LIFE 37 So rich or poor and great or small, — All men may take their share of good. Success is theirs who heed the call To work and do whate'er they should. 38 LIFE-COLORS HEWN-OUT CISTERNS As hewn-out cisterns hold the rain Which else the thirsty earth would drink, So man receives no thought in vain, If mind is trained to deeply think. The size of cistern large or small Is measure of the rain received. So men must hew thought-channels all Most deep to hold the faith believed. For God pours out his blessings day By day, and man receives the share He can appropriate. The way Is well supplied with daily fare. At close of day the twilight hush Provides the soul a breathing space, An isthmus calm between the rush Of day and eve's more fevered pace. If skies at times be overcast, The showers of blessings fall and fill The heart prepared to hold them fast; For this is matter of the will. POEMS OF LIFE 89 Then man must work and delve and bring His powers in play. Must dig him wells Of love, that birds of spring may sing Nearby, and he may hear joy-bells. 40 LIFE-COLORS TWO TYPES Where river wound its sinuous way Between the higher lands, A bridge from shore to shore there lay, Which spanned the stream and sands. But sides all boarded in forbade The traveller to look Up-stream or down ; ill lot he had, Though safe in sheltered nook. Where broader, freer river flowed, A wind-swept bridge did cross The stream; and here from open road One saw the billows toss. So men shut out the broader view By walls of selfishness. They do not see the heaven's clear blue. But forward push and press. But some keep hearts alive to all The throbbing life around. Though other's woe does them appal, Still joy is surely found. POEMS OF LIFE 41 THE CURRENT As home is lighted by a distant force Brought close to hand by well-strung wires, So weakest man may gain from heavenly source A strength that tells of hidden fires. But unconnected with the source of light, The house remains a darkened place. Though power unlimited is near, this might Avails naught by its own fair grace. So God's great storehouse filled with power and love Is man's to draw on if he will. But wires connecting man with God above Must laws of universe fulfill. Man needs the quiet intercourse with God To gain some measure of his love; And love poured forth is power which makes earth's sod Bloom forth like heavenly fields above. 4*a LIFE-COLORS THE INNER CALM Where the waters are roughened by currents of air Which lash its surface, the trees that are there Reflected move to and fro, and share The water's burden of pain and care. But the trees, unbending, themselves stand still, High-arched against the clear, blue sky. Their strength resists the winds that fill The lake with waves which so restless lie. So the life of man when mirrored in days Reflects the changing lot below; A constant flux between two ways Of full heart joy and of grievous woe. But the heart of man oft knows a peace Which the storms of life can never reach. A trust in God can give release From weakening doubt, and can patience teach. POEMS OF LIFE 43 THE INCREASE A RiLLET Splashing o'er the stones Strives hard that all its life May onward flow, and gurgling tones Betoken joy in strife. As rill joins rill, the streamlet grows To ever greater size. At last, as river broad, it flows Before admiring eyes. So man who strives to live as truth Commands may seem a force To be ignored; for men forsooth Heed not th« single source. As time speeds on and man joins man. The hidden strength appears. Throngs follow him, who in the van Once wrought alone in tears. Thus, swollen to a stream, the crowd Of men uphold their cause. And now, with hearts so very proud. They hear the glad applause. 44 LIFE-COLORS And he who stood alone at first Has seen the end he sought. But n'er, when cause was at its worst, Did he despair of aught. POEMS OF LIFE 45 BE THYSELF Resolve to be thyself. — M. Arnold. Do the lilies with all their stately grace E'er envy the rose, — that favored flower? Does the pansy, with winsome velvet face, Surpass the vines which grow and tower High above? E'en the grass we tread draws charm From plants that oft grow and bloom unseen; And none feels shame or knows alarm, Because its lot is low and mean. But each man is content to copy man, In striving to make the round hole square. And in trying to follow another's plan. He lives a life of burdened care. Where one singer can fill the heart with bliss, A thousand more voices lack the art. Where the true scientist will never miss His goal, the hundred fail at start. 46 LIFE-COLORS Where the one can deHght by native grace, Another will fail by studied art. Where the one has the power to win the race. Another will lose in crowded mart. But the humblest of men takes heart of grace; He needs not be ere brilliant or great. Nor needs he to win the doubtful race, Nor make a name for the rolls of state. But he ever must give in measure true His own individual life for men. And it may be but only the morning dew Which freshens earth and goes again. But the power he has, he must use straightway, Nor ape, nor copy another's deed. And then he will have the world's best pay. The satisfaction of inner need. POEMS OF LIFE 47 QUATRAIN The men of strength force circumstance To yield the good it has in store. But weaker men must wait their chance, And then rush in at open door. NARRATIVE POEMS NARRATIVE POEIMS 61 AVIS Sweet Avis was the daughter fair Of merchant prince. Her youthful days Were spent in study close, and rare The aids she had at hand. The rays Of setting sun beheld no care; For there she trod in pleasant ways. As years went by, she gave more time To pleasure's call, and oft, when day Began, glad mirth was at its prime. And as through morning hours she lay Abed, she dreamed of pleasing rhyme Which sang her charms in lover's way. But still untouched remained her heart, And now she turned to deeds of love. And gave her time, and did her part To help the poor. And far above All gifts, she walked through busy mart Inspired with love by Holy Dove. Thus years she spent in service true For fellowmen, and then she gave 52 LIFE-COLORS Her love to one who did not sue As others had and did not rave, But made her life so fair in hue She felt his loss she must not brave. In summer's early days they took Their way to lake and mountainside. Mount Willard wore her fairest look, As after charming mountain ride They came upon her heights. No brook Was seen, but mountains in their pride. Far down below, the railroad wound Through Crawford Notch its sinuous way. And here, on mountainsides were found The forest trees. The sun there lay Upon their tops, while low trees round Stretched forth to reach the sun's warm ray The rustle of the leaves was sound Alone, until there came the scream Of eagle. There he flew around, Then poised in air and cut off beam Of Sun. At last his prey he found Perched low in distant, rocky seam. And here the slender harebells grew. And rang their merry, tender chimes. NARRATIVE POEMS 53 As winds came up and gently blew, These bells gave forth their lovely rhymes. They felt their days were all too few; So they must swing and ring betimes. These marriage bells pealed forth good cheer To listening ears. Such joy and bliss They understood, attuned to hear Earth's melodies. Nor did they miss The undertone of doubt and fear; For love brings tears, as well as kiss. 54 LIFE-COLORS THE GREAT STONE FACE From the side of Mount Cannon the Great Stone Face Looks down on the lake that lies below. Each summer it waits for a glimpse of the race Whose simple faith taught deadliest foe Could work no harm in its presence divine. Its godlike calm shines forth in each line. And now, it views still other scenes, And a different race of men. On the lake In the summer days it finds what life means Of joy and sport, as the echoes wake, With glad calls of men, whose blood flows fast, Aroused by the might of the wilderness vast. One day when the lake lay peaceful and still Save for wind-stirred ripples, two girls took a boat And rowed to the place where a mountain rill Came gurgling into the lake. Afloat On the glistening waters, they breathed the air Which the trees had filled with odors rare. Shut in by the hills, they failed to see The gathering clouds. The tempest broke NARRATIVE POEMS 65 In sudden fury and felled a tree And lashed the lake with its blasts. It woke The armies of heaven, who rode in the gale And shot forth their fires and sent their hail. A struggle to reach the land, and then In the boathouse safe at last, they saw The angry storm rave on. But when They saw the Great Stone Face through a flaw In the clouds, they knew the storm had passed. Beneath that gaze no ill could last. Wind flurries and tempests of trouble come And drive us whither they will. But back Of the scene is the God of Life, no dumb Stone Face. And they, no courage lack In the midst of life's ills, who see His face, And trust His plans for all the race. 56 LIFE-COLORS LITTLE ALL RIGHT MAN A STURDY little man of two Goes trampling gaily round. Since years are yet so very few, By rule he is not bound. He spends his hours from morn till night In play, and this he thinks All Right. He hugs the cat so very tight She tries to run away; But he holds on with all his might, No matter what you say. A scratch results, and at this sight He weeps, which cannot be All Right. He takes his sister's doll, and she Starts up, with sudden fear; And yet what harm could there well be, With her so very near? But though his joy is at its height. He hands doll back with sad, " All Right." He digs and delves with tiny stone, And makes a garden plot,. NARRATIVE POEMS 57 Then, tired of staying there alone. He comes, an eager tot, And gives you flowers most gay and bright, And to your thanks he says, " All Right." When evening comes, he thinks it fun To go to bed with birds. He does not watch the setting sun, Nor utter many words. But eyes close up before the light Of sun quite fades, which is All Right. 58 LIFE-COLORS THE GIFT OF WINGS (a legend retold) The Lord beheld the earth, and saw That it was good and fair. Since beauty was high heaven's law, He formed the bird with slender claw. And gave him plumage rare. His notes were made to rival song Of stars and running brooks. Such music hushes sense of wrong. And makes the white-robed angels long To dwell in earth's fair nooks. The birds hopped round in great content, And sang for joy in life. The Lord then brought them wings, and sent Them forth most sad and confident That troubles now were rife. This burden seemed too great to bear. But they must do as told. They hugged wings close, with greatest care, And soon they grew to be a pair Of pinions strong to hold NARRATIVE POEMS 59 Them up, and bear them on to heights Before unknown. Each day They flew about, till sunset lights Began to fade. On fairest nights They flew in moon's bright ray. If we, like birds, press close our load, We too shall surely see Our powers increase. Our daily road Will lead from homely, poor abode To heights whence troubles flee. 60 LIFE-COLORS A LEADER OF MEN A LEADER of men had wrought his work and gained Safe resting-place. His praise now ran from lip To lip; the song of glory never waned; For he had held the nation in his grip, And turned to paths of righteousness its youth. And made its hoary men for sin feel ruth. And though in the strength of manhood's prime, he felt His warrior days were o'er. Henceforth for him The quiet road which wound through sunny belt Of land; for naught that could his gladness dim Was now to be his share. From turmoil, strife And war he passed, and gained the peaceful life. Then came the word that humble men still sought. Nor found relief from pressing needs. As car Of state rolled on, and crushed them down, they fought For right to stand erect. Like eastern star, To him they turned, with hope of succor strong, And told their tale that he might right the wrong. He heard their plea to win the people's ear. Like rustling, myriad leaves of forest trees. NARRATIVE POEMS 61 There came the voices clear : " Know thou no fear. Go tell this people; make them hear. Who sees, Needs act forthwith. Make haste, nor know delay; For thou wert born to show the better way." Like prophet touched with living coal, his lips Were opened. " Give men their rights ! " The message came From heart aflame, and words, like stinging whips, Roused ire. Nor gave he thought to lasting fame. But all his mind was bent on serving men, Though he " be broken " by the strength of ten. 62 LIFE-COLORS " ANOTHER " The ocean wears its fairest blue, And smiles beneath the sun. Some grey, bare rocks are washed anew By waves that inward run. The beach clean washed of former prints Invites the children's feet. They cross sharp pointed, slippery flints And run in measure fleet. A tiny tot of summers two Begins to gather stones. She throws them far as she can do, And then, in urgent tones She calls her aunt with " You, now you ! ** The aunt throws one which hits A little wave that comes in view. " Oh my ! " child calls and flits Away to find some more to throw. "Another," Mary calls, And still, " Another ! " In they go, Like tiny, curving balls. NARRATIVE POEMS 63 She keeps it up, with constant call For yet another one. Nor does the pleasure seem to pall Nor grow less thrilling fun. So we keep up our daily call For pleasures new and old. In quiet home and festive hall Our joys are manifold. 64 LIFE-COLORS WAYFARERS Three travellers along life's way By chance did meet in lonely spot. One was a youth with passions hot, Who sought for pleasure day by day. He journeyed gayly on and bore No load of care to check his joy. He seemed a gay, light-hearted boy Who thought of sport and nothing more. The second, of maturer years. Did journey with a load of care. His face was set, as those who dare A task, and must not yield to fears. The third did totter 'neath his load. Although his years were scarcely more Than those of him who bravely bore His burden o'er the dusty road. The youth, with cheery word, did greet These travellers. They gave him word For word and turned and gladly heard Him boast of speed man could not beat. NARRATIVE POEMS 65 He went his way in measure fleet, And they felt stronger. For his youth Had warmed their blood, and they forsooth Renewed their strength and went with feet More firm. The stronger helped the weak A bit upon the way; then went With swifter pace; lest time thus spent Should cause his waiting friends to seek Him out. The one thus left felt hope Within his heart; for brother man Had shown him love. He almost ran Because his blood flowed fast; for rope Of aid in time of need stretched out Had saved his life. Meanwhile the friend Who helped, his onward way did wend Till courage bowed to weakening doubt. He sought companionship with One Who knew the toiler's load, and sure Of sympathy and love most pure He rested 'neath the noonday sun. Then courage grew within his heart And joy in work thus planned and shared. He knew for others now he dared To spend his strength, nor live apart. 66 LIFE-COLORS From weary struggle. Burdens borne Had brought him skill, which taught him how To help the other man, and vow He made to help the overworn. So he must strive to take the place That One had taught him how to fill. Still confident that, by God's will In work man found his highest grace. NARRATIVE POEMS 67 BRAVE SPIRITS The Angel Gabriel gave command , To the hosts of the ministering spirits above That they go without stay over sea and land, And search out those v^^ho showed man love; That they find the men who lived most near To the heart of the Savior, and come back and tell Of the deeds these had wrought and every tear They shed that they might live right well. One angel went far, and saw brave deeds That in pain men had wrought, for their sad fellow man. Where the saints of old had told their beads, These modern men stood up and ran A race with evil. They worked, and wrought A measure of good where ill had been. The man of science toiled, and sought The means that o'er disease would win. And when his end was gained, he knew The joy of the victor when race was run. 68 LIFE-COLORS And explorers went, in numbers not few, To add to knowledge whatever they won. And men wrought righteousness, and gave Aid and release to the bound of earth. And their deeds of kindness, like wave on wave. Formed a mighty ocean where was no dearth. Then one dull day the angel came To a gloomy house, in a quiet street. And there, through the livelong day, the same Harsh tones his weary ears did greet. A woman with sweetly saddened face Passed to and fro, and in that air Of discord felt not the saving grace Of the angel's presence and tender care. Not a moment of rest had she, nor a thought Of love from the aunt she tended with care. All day for outer grace she sought And inner strength her troubles to bear. But the air surcharged with useless plaints Bore down on her weary spirit sad. And she thought of the martyred heroes and saints, And felt their lot was not so bad. NARRATIVE POEMS 69 And the angel saw she must have release From the wearisome course of her daily life. That night, as she slept, he made her cease To mourn, and gave freedom from homely strife. She wandered in fields where the daisies grew. And gathered the buttercups in her hands; And the winds drew near, and gently blew The feathery grasses on meadow lands; And the sun beat down, and warmed her soul, And left no room for the darkness of hate. Then she knew that she had a goodly dole In the beauties of life which none could abate. And the angel felt that this woman bore Her heavy lot with a spirit brave. Though daily strife her courage wore She kept her heart a holy nave. SONNETS SONNETS 73 THE REWARD Great souls are lost in admiration strong Of God's creative work as seen in man. For though some men are found beneath the ban Of God's displeasure, yet far more do long To prove their sonship by their scorn of wrong And honest help to those who in the van Lead cause of righteousness. Since time began. Men's striking deeds have been retold in song. But brave, unselfish acts escape their meed Of praise ofttimes. The quiet giving up Of plans to do the service close at hand Receives no outward praise. Yet instant heed To duty's voice gives heart at ease to sup Life's joys and see the light o'er all the land. 74 LIFE-COLORS REST The cattle lying prone on earth 'neath shade Of trees and calmly sleeping life away Give picture of repose. And man must lay His burdens down as lights do slowly fade And take his rest. When work demands up-grade He push, he needs the light of heaven's ray And vision dreamed in quiet hour. They say The mountain top of rest life's saints has made. And some there are who in life's strife and stir Are whirled along. They have no time for rest, Or quiet stroll in sunny glades. The sod Beneath their feet they do not feel, since whir Of warring thoughts bestirs their minds. But zest Of life to others brings sure rest in God. SONNETS 75 THE RANKS OF MEN The ranks of men like blades of grass close stand; At distance each looks like the other man. But as some blades of grass show plain where ran The cart above, so men display the brand Of sin. Like dewdrop bright on grassy land The kindly deed shines forth. Since world began, The shining deeds of men well in the van Have glowed like quartz along a rocky strand. And he does truest service for his kind Who in the ranks works with a will, but keeps His heart untouched with greed of gold and filled With love for God and man. The truest mind Employs its thought for human needs and weeps With those who weep, yet sees the fields are tilled. 76 LIFE-COLORS THE LEADER A. F. P. Her early youth was full of pressing care, Which trained her mind to know the needs of all. The friend of womankind, she heard their call For leadership and taught them how to dare The hardest task and yet to gently bear Their sisters on their hearts. No stony wall Shut in her heart; so she would oft extol Her friends with warmest words and praises rare. Like fresh'ning breeze on summer's day she came Two weary, jaded friends, and they drank in New cheer and courage. Strength she gave, through faith In each one's power to live for truth. No fame She sought, but strove to make her sisters vnn True good, and not go hunting pleasure's wraith. SONNETS 77 BIRCH ROCK In level field a massive bowlder lay, Near split in twain by roots of birch. A seed In crevice of the rock had given heed To nature's laws, and made no pause nor stay, Until its roots had pushed their sinuous way To outer light, and reached the soil where need Of food was satisfied. A valorous deed These roots performed by simple growth each day. Some men exert a quiet, steady force For righteousness. Their power increases, till They seem to gain momentum through the strife, And crush the evil down. Their onward course Becomes resistless; for they daily will The right, which has immortal strength and life. 78 LIFE-COLORS AFTER STORM When dark and low'ring clouds shut out the light Of sun, the storm in fury breaks. At last, Through rents in the black clouds so huge and vast, The sun begins to shine. As sky grows bright, The vari-colored rainbow claims its right To beautify the heavens. Like trumpet blast, Its colors cheer the heart, and make it cast Its burdens down, and rouse the blood to fight. In life fierce storms of sorrow come and break Above man's head. The darkness deepens; still At last some rays of hope appear. Man's span Of life, illumined with the joys which make Its color, has grown rich in shades which fill The background, and show forth life's wondrous plan. SONNETS 79 VOICES The warblers sing unnoticed by the throng Of men who pass beneath the trees where they Hold revelry. But faintest notes will stay The man with ears alert to hear their song. The music of the woods does not belong To men whose ears are dulled; they hear not lay Of springtime minstrel passing by their way. But notes catch ears of those whose love is strong. Thus conscience sends its messages in vain To men intent on gath'ring in more store. But those who train themselves to hear its voice May catch its mandates. They nor fret, nor strain, But keep the heart with opening swinging door: And oft for sin they mourn, for love rejoice. 80 LIFE-COLORS THE MAGIC ROBE The snow with purest mantle covers o'er All spots alike, the ugly and the fair. Beneath its glittering robe the fields all wear A smiling face, and men can see no more The rock-ribbed hills and fields, which often wore A stern and dismal look they do not dare Display, when fairest mantle, spread with care, Conceals the lack of beauty at their core. So love weaves magic robes, which make all men Appear beloved and fair. It shuts its eyes To the unbeautiful, and quickly throws Its mystic robe around the loved one. Then, Thus armored he can well all ill despise For love can shield him from the worst of woes. NATURE NATURE 83 THE EVERGREENS At God's command the earth brought forth the trees. Each bearing seed to reproduce its kind. In divers climes they grew, and sought to find The cHmate suited to their love of ease. The evergreens He sent to northern lands, Where frost and cold drive out all timid souls. And here, as season after season rolls, They patiently obey the Lord's commands. When sparkling lights on drifted snow make blind The dazzled eyes, the evergreens present Their darksome shades, and are most confident That they can bring relief to weary mind. Through summer's heat and winter's dreary waste They toil unweariedly; the inner grace Breathes forth in fragrance rare. They feel God's face Is bent above; so they need make no haste. 84 LIFE-COLORS THE WILLOW Of old the willow stood erect and straight. And lived content with self. She thought not of her need of loving mate, But joyed in friendly elf. The brook that glided by her feet then sought To reach her mind and heart. It murmured loving its tale, which wrought Its work with charming art. " I lave your feet for the love I bear to you," Quoth the brook in tender tone. She caught the whispered words, and felt sore rue For him that made this moan. She bent her head; her mirrored face looked back From out the smiling brook. " Sec ; you are mirrored here ; and there's no lack," Quoth he, with loving look. More frequent and still more frequent grew her need Of bending o'er the brook. At last naught else her hungry heart could feed Except the glance she took. NATURE 85 So by and by she lost her power to stand Erect and primly straight. Her loss was gain, she knew; and stretched her hand Unto her waiting mate. 86 LIFE-COLORS THE ELM In a land where the rigor of winter holds sway Through long stretches of days, there the grace And the beauty of tropical life with its gay, Brilliant bloom stir the soul of the race. But the eye of the seeing finds beauty and charm In the arch of the tall, native elm. Like a monarch it stands, never showing alarm Lest the storm should its glory o'erwhelm. When, riven of leaves, it still towers aloft. Its beauty is clearly revealed. 'Tis the type of the new world's manhood oft Sore-tossed, but whose worth is well sealed. NATURE 87 THE WIND'S FROLIC July had done her best to prove most clear That this day of strong east winds which brought the air From sea, ten miles away should not appear In summer's calendar. Bold wind to dare Escape from April's lair ! July was at a loss how she should greet This reckless guest, but bade her blossoms bend Before the blast, and thus attempt to cheat Their merry friend of half the fun; so fend Off harm, yet guest attend. ' The flowers heeded well her words, and took Good care of their dainty, summer clothes. But some, — Like the flaring poppies, — lost their clothes and must look In vain for others to take their place. How their dumb Despair left them all numb! The sturdy bachelor's buttons waved in air And one bent low beneath the fairy weight Of goldfinch feeding on its seeds. No care Showed he for his wife on rose bush nigh whose fate Was that of slighted mate. 88 LIFE-COLORS The mad cap wind harassed him as he bent To bite his seed — he bit his tongue instead, — ' And, swaying helpless on his stalk, he sent Loud protests to his mate ; " Tis hard," he said, " To go unfed to bed." NATURE 89 JULY'S GLORY Ruth wandered forth with mind intent On finding beauties not yet seen. The salt sea-air new vigor lent; The sun shone clear on growing bean Which forward bent. There, skimming o'er the marsh's face, The swallows swept along; then soared Aloft with flutt'ring wing in race With air, which could full well afford Their headlong pace. And when came need to take a rest, They glided on, with quiet wing, And twittered merrily. A test Of strength like this brought wish to sing. No need of rest. The meadow-larks walked gravely round And found scant joy in daily search For food. Their whistled song from mound Of grass or lowest branch of birch Made mournful sound. 90 LIFE-COLORS And here the bobolinks had built Their nests amid the rip'ning grass And rode on meadowsweet a-tilt; While some in level flight did pass, With wings begilt. The undulating grass waved to And fro, stirred by its load of fear. Full soon came sound of scythe, and new. Strange sights appeared in view, for here Fell meadow-rue. Across the way, all growing wild. The roses massed themselves; nearby The orange scarlet lilies piled Their blossoms, which could thus defy The roses mild. Like crescent moon, the white sea-beach Spread out between two piles of rock, And looked across at isles where each Showed clear. The waves made merry mock Of shore's vain reach. NATURE 91 GOOD CHEER December's early snow around was flung, Still rhododendron leaves showed green. The grape-vines had a reddish sheen; Hydrangea blossoms to the bush still clung And rustled forth their tales, When swept by winter gales. To lilac tree the chickadee now flew And hopped about and hummed an air, Content, because the day was fair. But as the wind about him strongly blew. His plumage roughened so. He looked in deepest woe. Soon came the words, " Sweet-sweet," and then pause. And twice there came these words most clear. For what knew he of doubt or fear? And when I looked about to find the cause, No mate appeared in sight, Nor came near him to light. 92 LIFE-COLORS " The uses of adversity are sweet," And winter gales give chance to show His strength to bear and skill to know The haunts where wants are satisfied. His meat He finds in plenty round Where eggs of moths abound. And has he used the words so oft at home To her his mate when life was glad, That now, when weary oft and sad, He cheers himself beneath the sky's cold dome With thought of love, sweet love, All other things above? Or has he inner grace to know the joy In life itself? And does he feel His pulses leap and make appeal For contest keen with winds that do annoy, That thus the joy of strife May give a zest to life? NATURE 93 ARBUTUS Arbutus sweet, You come the first spring days to greet. With joy we hail the welcome sight Of your shy face, which looks so bright And fair against the darksome leaves. Your sweetness n'er the heart deceives. Arbutus fair. We prixe the dainty robe you wear. Like flush upon the fairest cheek. Your color charms, and so we seek The flower with deepest hue. Fair dame, Your beauty brings you world-wide fame. Arbutus bold. We long to know what hidden hold You have on strength and love, that you Can blossom forth in fairest hue While violets are still abed, And roses seem as if all dead. Arbutus rare. We go to hunt your bloom so fair. 94 LIFE-COLORS We take our way o'er sandy plains, Through groves of pines, where shady lanes Invite our feet. We seek and find; And then together blossoms bind. NATURE 95 SONG OF THE FERNS By flowing stream we dwell content, And know a peaceful joy. We lift our fronds, since confident That none will here annoy. In clumps and groups we form a mass Of living, waving sheen; And wintergreen and blades of grass Make forest floor all green. We love the gentle winds that blow Across the peaceful stream; We watch its steady, onward flow Beneath the sun's bright beam. The pewee's constant note we hear Through hottest summer days; He drives from burdened minds all fear With peaceful, tender lays. We live and breathe the fragrant air, Nor work, nor toil, nor spin. 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