HUMA1N TOUCH Carleton Everett Knox Class Book. w - I 1 °) VL - GopightN COPYRIGHT DEPOSrt The Human Touch By Carleton Everett Knox The Knox Art Co. 616 Broadway Kansas City, Mo. Copyright 1922 by The Knox Art Co. Kansas City, Mo. *> ©Ci.Atih NOV -2 m2 *v*0 | To You Who Need Index Poems of Philosophy Page A Friendly Hand 27 A Hand Clasp 26 Always Joy 52 A Morning Thought 33 Best Thoughts 23 Brotherhood 19 Charity 12 Close of Day..... 32 Despise Not Little Things 40 Dreams Do Come True 31 Face the Old World with a Grin 21 Fellowship 37 Git Up and Git 36 Give 48 Grin 25 Hear Ye in Mercy 44-45 Hope 30 If. 41 Just Folks 5 1 Life's Problem _ 42 Love's Harvest 50 Opportunity 10 Our Very Best 34 Practice or Precept 49 Prize is Waiting Just Ahead for You 13 Problems 18 Success 15 The Bit of an Old-time Tune 35 The Greatest Things 28 The Heart of a Friend 38 This Is Life 17 The Man Who Wins. 24 To-day the Best of All 16 The Rainbow's End 39 Index Page Truth.. 22 Weeds.... - - 11 What of the Harvest 46-47 When One Loves 20 Whistle an Old-time Tune 29 Worthwhile 14 Ye Who Pray 43 Poems of Sentiment A Bit of a Smile 76 A Friend 59 A Love Song 58 A Night in June... 65 A Hand Clasp 70 A Real Friend 86 A Withered Flower 95 Because of You 56 Because of Your Love in My Heart 75 Communion 66 Days Are Lonely 69 Friend-o'-Mine . 62 Gratitude 93 Heart o' Mine . 64 His Love Can Be Seen in Everything 87 I Love You 81 I Wonder the Reason Why 97 Lonesome 71 Longing..... 61 Lonesome Folks.. 80 Love's Faith — 72 Man o' Mine 63 Matters Not the Weather 78 Melody. 89 Memories - 60 My Star 84 Index Page Old Friend 68 Pal o' Mine 98 Pleading 67 Red Roses 88 Side by Side 96 Since You Came 74 Somebody 57 Some Day 77 Starlight 85 Sweetheart of Mine 91 The Daisy 90 Three Little Words 73 Trinity..... 79 When You Come 92 Whither Thou Goest 83 Why Should We Be Parted? 82 Yearning for You 94 You 55 Poems of Nature A Prairie Portrait 108 A Prairie Vision 1 1 1 A Toast to the Pioneers 110 Autumn Days 112 In Memory of a Summer Day 104 In the West 109 Mountain Pine. 103 My Heart's Calling for You 113 The Inspiring West 101 The Lure of the Hills 102 The World Is Fair 114 The Mountain Peak 107 The Mountain Stream 105 Wonderful Days 106 Poems of Affirmation -- 115 to 121 inclusive The Human Touch True happiness is found within, Our souls are fed by such. But while we tarry here on earth Well need the human touch. —8- Poems of Philosophy ft Opportunity If your yesterday proved a failure, Just try it again today, Opportunity stands close beside you, just now It never is far away; Then profit by yesterday's error, Place mistakes down under your feet, They will help you to rise Toward the blue vaulted skies, And you 11 WIN in the face of defeat. —10— am Weeds A weed's a flower gone astray; Methinks that in some bygone day It bloomed in garden fair, And I 've a tho't if we'd but give It love and tender care, It's wondrous beauty and perfume, The glory of it 's perfect bloom, Again would fill the air. So 'tis with man we judge as bad; I sometimes think had he but had An outstretched hand to touch, He might have found new grip on life To succor him in time of strife; And man of worth and power he'd be, Had we but helped, just you and me, By proffering human touch. —ii- Charity Charity means not alone The adding gold unto one's purse Who needs of food and shelter warm. Unto my mind, he needs it worse Whose name's assailed by friend or foe; Who takes snap judgment on an act Of which he does not know. —12— frmamit Prize Is Waiting Just Ahead for You When the world is looking blue, And your plans are all askew, And you hardly know which way you best had turn, Brace your shoulders, lift your chin, Smooth that frown and grin, boy, grin. Prize is waiting just ahead for you. Race is won in the last heat, And the favorite oft is beat When he slacks his pace in thinking he has won. Keep on hump in' every day, In the end you'll find 'twill pay. Prize is waiting just ahead for you. Hope's the biggest word I know, Every doubt 'twill quickly throw In wrestling match, where rules are well ob- served. In the fray you'll need your muscle, For 'twill be no easy tussle, But the prize is waiting just ahead for you. —13- ujyww^ Worth While Face the world with a smile — Life's always worth while: To the fearless is given a crown. Keep out the past — Disappointments can't last, Success was ne'er won by a frown. —u— MM Success Success is won if we do our part With a steadfast eye and a fearless heart, With never a thot of failure's share, But with purpose bold to do and dare. With eyes turned ever toward shining sun, We'll finish each task ere another's begun; With never a whimper, with never a fear, But with voice attuned to manly cheer. A smile is an ally of true success, While a frown will a weary soul oppress; A cheery word will your task beguile, Success is achieved thru work and thru smile. —15— owi Today the Best of All Let 's make today the best of all, Let's answer every inward call That leads to better living. Let \s strive anew for what is best, Let's succor give to those opprest, Our gain is in the giving. -16— utfMWr^ This Is Life A little sun, a little rain, A little joy, a little pain, A song of praise, a dirge's strain, And this is life. Sometimes a crown, sometimes a cross, Sometimes pure gold and sometimes dross, Sometimes it's gain and sometimes loss, And this is life. Sometimes we're good and sometimes bad, Sometimes we're happy, sometimes sad, Sometimes good humored, sometimes mad, And this is life. Some poverty and then some wealth, Some days of pain and some of health. Some days of frankness, some of stealth, And this is life. A little wrong, a little right, A little day, a little night, A bit of shade, then all is light, And this is life. —17— Problems The greatest problems we confront Are away off in the distance, But by the time we meet them square They offer no resistance. —18— rmwt Brotherhood I count that day well spent, when I Can hope inspire, or courage bring To one, who's fighting 'gainst great odds, Who's found in life naught but the sting. When I can feel an answering throb In hand clasp, or can catch a smile, I know I 've touched his heart of hearts — He's grasped the thot that life's worth while. The inspiration I would give Comes back to me at such a time, Brings strength of purpose to my life, While common things are made sublime. In giving freely we receive The very things we fain would give! While pointing others to the road, We, too, in turn are taught to live! -19— ft When One Loves When one loves no service seems too hard, For in doing unto others we receive of our reward. Love lightens every burden; turns darkness into day; Love leads us upwards, bids us hope; Love guards our lives alway. —20- fSOffc Face the Old World With a Grin When the problems in life seem too many, And you scarcely know where to begin, Just throw back your shoulders, and swallow that sob, And face this old world with a grin! When weary of toil and of trouble, When tired of the pleasures of sin, Turn your face toward the sun, and the battle's half won If you face this old world with a grin! When friends of your childhood forsake you, When harmony 's lost in life 's din, Just buck up my boy, for there 's lots of keen joy, If you face this old world with a grin! —21- tfc Truth Today the world is seeking Truth; Not mere belief will satisfy the hungry soul; And Truth is found in proving Whether thing be right or wrong. Today we're not content in knowing but a part; We seek the whole. tfc Best Thoughts Let's have more faith in all mankind, as thru the world we go: For faith breeds hope, And hope breeds love — 'Twould Heaven make here below. Let's have a smile for tear-dimmed eyes, A hand clasp warm and true: A kind word given now and then Would help life 's journey thrul Let's think pure thoughts; let's use clean words; Face wrong with fearless eyes! Let's stand for right, and all that's good, Our face turned toward the skies! fc The Man Who Wins The man who grins Is the man who wins, % Tis a slogan that's good every day, While the man with a grump Gets the awfulest bump, So grin — you 7/ find it will pay. rmym Grin Did you ever stop and ponder What a cheery grin would do, Not only to the other chap, But likewise unto you? I 'd liken it unto a glass Reflecting back to view, The smile or frown you gave to it — It's strictly up to you. A cheery "Howdy" helps a lot To stranger in far land, It sort o ' cheers him on his way As touch of outstretched hand; For lonesomeness is not alone Found far from haunts of men, But in the city 's hurrying throng I % ve felt its presence then. It doesn't cost a single cent To pucker up and grin, And somehow I can't help but think It more or less a sin To never give a cheery smile, Nor bid a "Howdy-do" To one who's lonesome-like and sad; So grin — 'twill help you, too. -25- to A Hand Clasp Here's my hand across the distance, Wishes best I send; 77io' skies be bright or skies be gray, Just count me as your friend. sy A Friendly Hand Methinks 'twill little matter at the end of life's long day How much of gold we've gathered here below. No matter how we % ve striven and no matter what we've won, Unless we've shown some kindness to the poor and weary one, We' 11 find at close of life it didn't pay. I think I 'd rather find just then the touch of friendly hand, Of one I 'd succor given here below; I'd rather look into his eyes and hear his word of cheer Than hold the wealth of Midas mine, aye, all the wealth down here, I'd give it all for touch of friendly hand. -27- u> The Greatest Things The greatest things in this world of ours Are the things you'd perhaps call small, But a kind word here, And a smile given there Will banish the trouble and sorrow and care Of many a weary soul. fW0t Whistle an Old Time Tune When blue and discouraged, when business is bad When everything goes dead wrong, It's yourself that's to blame— just get in the game, And whistle an old time song! When clouds of despair seem to hover close by, If you would change midnight to noon. Just screw up your face with the best of good grace, And whistle a cheery old tune! There are friends who'll desert you, when old age creeps on, When your feet are beginning to slip, But just you show sand, for the end will be grand, Should you die with a song on your lip! —29- ^ Hope Keep Hope abloom and every wish Your hungering heart desires, Will come and be a part of you When warmed by Hope's bright fires, Eternal Youth, the love of Man, The knowledge of a well spent Life, Will all be yours to have and to hold, And peace be yours instead of strife. —so— tofcj Dreams Do Come True Dreams do come true. Long years ago I dreamed that some day I might stand Before great throngs of people in this land And give to them a message of good cheer, Might bring to them a new-born hope, Might break the fetters strong of Doubt and Fear. Dreams do come true. Tonight I stood Before a thousand listening men, eager to hear The message brot — A message of good cheer, With hearts all eager and in tune with mine, I found within the throng response to soul, A stimulant it brot to me — of love — of love Divine. Dreams do come true. The spark of love I dreamed that might be mine, I found tonight In giving it to others. And the light I longed to kindle in the breasts of men Shows bright and clear as Sun's strong rays This message of good cheer, I now can better give by lips and pen. -31— yfMM% Close of Day Thank God for peace that comes at close of day, When all our petty cares are laid away; When quiet reigns, when earth is hushed in sleep, God sendeth then His messengers, their watchful care to keep. And then when morning dawns and day re- turns again, He gives us strength to do our daily task, And balm we find to heal our every pain. —32- rxmv A Morning Thought A bright new world is ushered in Each morn at rise of sun; Our yesterdays are past and gone, A new life has begun. So see to it our best we do Just now, nor morrow wait, For should we put it off till then, We'll be one day too late. Don't worry then, of days gone by Nor those that are to be; The only time of which we're sure, Is NOW; So let us see Improvement every day and hour, And at the set of sun We'll words of approbation hear, And they will be, " WELL DONE. —33— fc Our Very Best If we but do our very best, We need not worry. All the rest That we deserve, will us be given, For harmony, indeed, is Heaven! We have no tasks too great to bear, So we need never have a care, For strength we will receive each day To bear our burdens all the way. Don't worry then, nor be downcast; The Present's ours, but not the Past! Today's afresh beginning here, So labor on, and never fear. —3k— fc The Bit of an Old Time Tune Did you ever get up in the early morn After a sleepless night, To find that everything went dead wrong, Not a bloomin' thing went right? I've found the same the many a time But I'll give you a cure for it — Jes' whistle the bit of an old time tune And the first thing you know — you'll forget. Did you ever think business had gone to smash When you'd lost on a venture bad, When you 'd staked your all on the turn of a trick, Lost the last red cent you had? If so, the thing that will help the most At least I 've found it true Is to whistle the bit of an old time tune Buck up and begin anew. —35— uirMW^, Git Up and Git Don't ever say quit, A better word's — Git! A git-up-and-gitter sounds better! Don't ever say fail, Nor your sad lot bewail; Be a git-up-and-gitter — that's better! Don't ever say die! A better word's — Try! Just try and you surely will win; Forget all your sighin', Cut out all your cry in'! Just try and you surely will win! —36— fefcj Fellowship If I can help my fellow man By thot or word or deed, r 11 feel my life has been well spent, I'll worry not of creed. If I can bring a smile of joy To eyes bedimmed with tears, ril worry not of sects or isms, 1 7/ free my thots from fears. If I can lend a helping hand To one less strong than I, Of heaven Vll reap here on this earth, Not in some distant sky. —37- fwwt The Heart of a Friend Some people find pleasure in hoarding up gold, While others find joy in the spending of it; But they' 11 find at the end of life's long, winding trail That the hoarding or spending didn't matter one bit. The big thing in life is in helping mankind, The joy that stays with us, that lasts till the end Will be ours. And a peace outweighing all else Will be found at life's close in the heart of a friend. —38— ^mrm^i The Rainbow's End What will we find at the close of Time, At the distant rainbow's end? The pot of gold we had long dreamed of, Or love in the heart of a friend? Will place and position be given us, Will our ears ring with plaudits wild? Or will heart beat warm with a new found joy At the merry laugh of a child? It is little thot we'll give these things: Gold and position and land, We'd give it all and count it gain For the touch of Mother's hand. —39- f/tM Despise Not Little Things Thou, God, who holdeth fast the universe in space; Thou, God, who painteth bright the tiny wild flower's face: This lesson I would learn of Thee — Despise no thing — it matters not how small it be. E'en tho my mind be Riled with questions great, Mayhap of Freedom's Cause, or Rule of State, Let me not overlook the little things I find, For acts as these bind closer all mankind. —uo— rmmv, If If you had but one day to live, I wonder how you'd live it? Would you still scramble after power, And wealth pursue in your last hour? I wonder how you'd live it? If you had but one loaf to share, I wonder would you share it, With one who hungered all alone, Or would you offer such a stone? I wonder would you share it? If you had but one wish to make, I wonder would you make it A selfish one, meant all for you, Or would you wish for my good, too? I wonder what you'd make it? —ui- tfcm&rfr Lifes Problem Today we are happy, tomorrow we re sad; Today business good, while tomorrow it's bad; Today life is rapture, tomorrow it's pain; Today is all sunshine, tomorrow all rain; Today we may smile, while tomorrow we frown; Today we look upward, tomorrow look down; Today do our best, on tomorrow our worst; Today quaff of joy s cup, tomorrow athirst; Today in a crowd and tomorrow alone; Today we court pleasure, tomorrow atone; Today we give comfort, tomorrow give pain, So happy let's be, whether sunshine or rain. Today we show courage, tomorrow we're weak; Today we shun sin which tomorrow we seek; Today life's a problem which tomorrow makes plain, Then happy let's be, whether sunshine or rain. fc Ye Who Pray What are you asking for In your daily prayers, Strength to perform your tasks Or surcease from your cares? Gold, to gratify your wish, Or succor give to one Who's missed the better things in life, Whose race is well nigh run? Ask ye in selfish mood Just self to gratify, Or ask ye for the good of all Who dwell beneath the sky? —us- fc Hear Ye in Mercy The greatest sins within this land Are selfishness and greed; Weve overlooked these two great crimes; We give them little heed While rushing madly day by day, Pursuing wealth and place; Weve nigh lost sight of Brotherhood In our relentless chase. The less fortunate we crush Beneath our ruthless heel; We've thot so long of just ourselves Weve lost the power to feel A pang of pity for the one Who lost in lifes great game; Who courted just a homely life; Not wealth, nor power, nor fame. -u— m% But now with old age creeping near, With no gold in his purse, He asks for food and shelter warm, We answer with a curse; Tho oft weve read his well writ lines And gazed on paintings rare, We turn deaf ears and hurry on Nor heed this suppliant's prayer. I wonder when the deeds of men Are judged by Him on High, Who sees our every little act From throne there in the sky, I wonder will our sordid gold Outweigh his work of art, Who writ his lines and painted scenes With red blood from his heart. —U5— fc What of the Harvest I wonder who the winner is, When all is done and said, The one whos toiling here today, Or he whos with the dead? Is death reward for good deeds done, Or punishment for sin? Is death the ending of our lives, Or does it just begin? We re told that death down here on earth Is punishment bestowed On those who choose the broad highway , Instead the narrow road. —ua— rMwnz But mayhap we in our poor way, As judge % twixt wrong and right, Have overlooked what death might hold In our poor blinded sight. The seed we plant within the soil Decays ere it can bring Of fruitage bearing life and strength, A lovely wondrous thing. Thus death may be a stepping stone From all our cares and strife, Into a broader, grander world, Into eternal life. —U7— fW0t Give If death should come today and claim This house of clay in which I live, Vd feel my life had been complete Life s greatest lesson now Yve learned It is to give — to give. -1>8— ytfwn&%4 Practice or Precept How many of us practice absolute truth, In our everyday lives today? We say, " Yes, that's right,' ' But when put to the test Do the thing in our own selfish way. We read a keen adage and say "That sounds good, That there's truth in each word 'twould convey,' ' But the practice of it — Aye, there is the rub, So it's done in our own selfish way. I wonder how many on reading this verse, Will decide he'll begin it today, And will practice the truth He knows that is right, Doing so in an unselfish way? —U9- DC^ Loves Harvest This little thot I give to you — // to yourself you would be true, If love you wish, of love bestow, And love you 11 find where er you go. For we shall reap of what we sow — Of joy and gladness, pain or woe — Let's sow of love: our harvest's sure, If thoughts be right, and motives pure! -50- fmwt Just Folks After all is said and done, We all are just plain folks. Tho some boast riches — others power, Each may be lost within the hour: Lifes more or less a hoax. A moment may efface the years Of toil and struggle drear, We chance it all on pitch and toss, Of winning all or suffer loss Without a thot of fear. The re some who gain an honored name By years of watchful care; When by chance word of friend or foe, A seed of doubt will quickly grow, Bring ruin and despair. Then let no one attempt to judge, Lifes more or less a hoax; Each has his faults, his virtues, too, About the same as I and you, Just common, average folks. —51- am Always Joy Look up, not down! Just smile, not frown! Our life is what we make it! Forget the past — clouds cannot last — There s joy, if we but take it! -52— Poems of Sentiment rxmv You If I can find you at the end of the lane, What care I tho the journey be long, Tho the clouds hover near, there is nothing to fear, My heart will be filled with a song. If I can find you at the end of the day, What care I tho the labor be hard, My work will be play; my night turned to day; My progress will nothing retard. If I can find you at the end of my life, What care I when the Reaper appears, For mine you will be thru eternity, Where time is not counted by years. ■55- fc Because of You Because of You — the sun shines bright today And tho You re many, many miles away, Your cheery messages so help, — Indeed they do; And all my little world is glad — Because of You. —56— tfMWt Somebody Somebody once came into my life, When I was discouraged and blue, Whose word of good cheer Dispelled every fear, While the lilt of a song stanched the hot, bitter tear, And that somebody, dear, was you. Somebody once bid me but try once more When the whole world it seemed was untrue. Tho Vd given my best, With vigor and zest, Heartsick, and faith gone, I sought comfort and rest, And that somebody, dear, was you. Somebody once, when business was bad, Smiled when all else seemed askew, And said, 4 'Just forget, Dont worry nor fret, Life's battle you 11 win if it's but fairly met,' And that somebody dear, was you. —57— m%4 A Love Song My heart is singing a bit of a song, Of twilight, of roseleaves, of dew, Of soft winds, of starshine, the plaint of songbird Of a wonderful night — and You. -58— ifMWr& A Friend The most wonderful thing in this world is to have A friend, who you know understands, Who shows it in eyes and who lists it in voice, Who throbs it in grasp of his hand. Who sees all the good, who is blind to the bad, Who shares in your sorrow or joy, It matters not what, he judges you not, Keeps the gold and forgets the alloy. Who shares of his portion and asks not return, Be it wealth, be it love, be it power, Such a friend has a worth beyond wealth of this earth — A solace in lifes darkest hour. Who dont have to tell you in words hes your friend, It shows in each act he bestows, Let come then what will, blow the wind good or ill, He never misjudges — he knows. —59— fW0t Memories I caught the lilt of a song today, That brought memories, Dear Heart, of you, I again felt the touch of your pulsing hand, With its firm clasp, warm and true. All time and distance, were lost, Dear Heart, I was wrapped in memrys thrall. Was it you, Dear Heart, reaching out to me? Was it your voice I heard call? -60- Longing Here in this distant land I need you, dear, I need your words of courage bold, To cheer me as in days of old — Your words that scatter every doubt and fear. Here in this distant land I want you, dear. I hunger for the love of you, A love that's steadfast, warm and true — Your love that dries each bitter, scalding tear. Here in this distant land I call you, dear, Each morning at the rise of sun, And on and on till day is done My lips keep calling, wishing you were here. Here in this distant land I wait you, dear, I listen for your footsteps fall Along the summer garden s wall I listen for the step that draws you near. —61— rrmim^ Friend-O-Mine Friend-O-Mine, long miles between us lie, As day by day I dream of days gone by, And as I live in thot the hours spent with you, I wonder — do you sometimes miss me, too? —62— fW0t Man % Mine There s not a word in the Universe That means so much to me, As the one word MAN, that's the biggest, Is now and always will be. A manly man, and an honest man, A man with a cheery smile; And such a man are you, my dear, A man that's worth the while. For Man O'Mine you cheer me so, When everything goes dead wrong, With your hand clasp true, smile in eyes 6 blue, With your whistle or cheery song; You laugh at my fear. Say "Cheer up, my dear, Let us hold to the thot ' ' / Can, Oh! what would I do, my dear, without you? Man O'Mine, my Wonderful Man. —63- Oxf^ Heart % Mine Your presence, dear, came to me last night, As I lay half asleep, Over a thousand miles of space, Sweet vigil with me to keep. I wonder did you but feel response In answer to your heart's call? Oh, heart o' Mine! I do love you, Your body, your soul, your all. —6U— fW0t A Night In June When I look in the heart of a rose, my dear, It's your sweet face I see, With your lovelit eyes filled with glad surprise, Looking deep in the Soul of me. And I long for the touch of your hand, my dear, For a walk 'neath the silvery moon, And I whisper your name again, and again, As I dream of a night in June. —65— wny Communion Every beat of your heart finds answer in mine, As echo resounds from yon hill. Vast distance means nothing, Your soul reaches mine Just now, and pray God ever will. —66— 1 Pleading These hungry, hungry hands o % mine They re reaching out for you; For touch of you, for feel of you, Thrills my whole being thru and thru; There's magic in your touch. These hungry, hungry lips o % mine Are calling out for you, For word of yours, for praise of yours A new lease on my life assures; There s life in every word. This hungry, hungry heart o' mine Is pleading, dear, for you; For heart of you, for soul of you, For every word and thot of you; For you, sweetheart, just you. —67— It Old Friend It's a long, long day since I saw your face Saw you walking straight toward me With your old accustomed grace. But I *ve thought of you and longed for you And wished it might come true, Again to walk life's narrow path With you, old friend, with you. -68— am Days Are Lonely Days are lonely, nights are drear When you re absent Heart o'mine, Sit and listen for your voice Heart o'Mine, Heart o'mine. Wander aimless 'bout the place Honin for you Heart o'Mine, Everything seems new and strange, Heart o'mine, Heart o mine. You 11 be coming back some day Back to me dear Heart omine, And my face will shine with joy, Heart o'mine, Heart o'mine. Nevermore you 11 leave me dear Leave these arms dear Heart o'mine, List! My lips are calling now Heart o % mine, Heart o'mine. —69— ^y A Hand Clasp Heres my hand across the distance, Wishes best I send; Tho skies be bright or skies be gray, Just count me as your friend. —70— ft Lonesome Did you ever have a lonely feelin stealin' 'round your heart, An spite of all sometimes, I jingl the tears would up and start? You scarcely understand the cause that started them to flow — You re lonesome! I've been there myself— I'm tellin what I know, It little odds where one may be; sometimes when I'm at home, I 've felt the demon of unrest, and then my heart would hone For somethin I could scarcely name and out o' doors I'd go A-searchin here and sear chin there- 'twas lonesomeness, I know. Sometimes I wonder what we'll find when we've left this earth. Will we commence another life, a sort o' second birth? If so, I hope there's one thing that will be forgotten there; If lonesomeness is lost, I jingl I will not have a care. —71— UfWWt Loves Faith My faith in you, dear heart, is fixed, As yon bright moon That sweeps tonight across the starlit skies. Tho all the world should come and say That you were false to me, Fd look into your eyes And know, that time nor distance neer could change Your steadfast love, that's mine, all mine tonight, And mine will be Thruout the Aeons of Eternity. —72- fMmt Three Little Words All the day long, dear, All the night thru, There's a song in my heart, And the song is of you. List to its melody, Words are so few — Just three little words, dear, They are — / love You. When you re away, dear, Days are so long, Awaiting your coming, I list for your song. Come, dear, and meet me, I will be true, These words will greet you, Just these — / love You. —73— m&^t Since You Came There's a new strain of sweetness in the song bird's trill, There's an added glory in the skies; For the sweetness is stolen from your love song, dear, And the glory from your love lit eyes. There's a new joy in service since I found you, dear, There's a wish I might ease another's load; For your words of cheer scatter every doubt and fear, As we journey down the long, long road. -7U— * Because of Your Love in My Heart The sun in the Heavens shines brighter today, Because of your love in my heart; The clouds' burnished gold and the skies' azure blue, And it all came about for my great love for you, Because of your love in my heart. The birds in the forest more sweetly now sing, Because of your love in my heart; With melody rare each note breathes a prayer, It banishes trouble and sorrow and care, Because of your love in my heart. The flowers in the garden sweeter perfume exude, Because of your love in my heart; With colors more bright than the glad stars by night, To my tear bedimmed eyes, oh a glorious sight, Because of your love in my heart. ■75- f&@0%4 A Bit of A Smile Just a bit of a smile you gave me, my friend, When my heart was heavy and sad, Just a bit of a smile and a hand clasp so true, Changed the dull leaden skies to a wonderful blue, Filled my heart with a song — that was glad. —76- $w@t Some Day Some of these days, dear, all things will be right, As day follows ever the long dreary night, So heaven we 11 find here with us some day; November s chill winds will be tempered by May. Some of these days, dear, all joy will be ours, Earth will be perfumed with sweet fragrant flowers, Beauty well find then in things commonplace, Made so by the glorious smile from your face. Some of these days, dear, our dreams will come true, Heaven 'twill mean, dear, to me and to you, No more of parting and no more of pain; Joy will be ours, dear, for Love then will reign. —77- fc Matters Not The Weather What care we tho north winds blow, What care we tho clouds hang low, If we be together Sunshine s found where you are, dear, Happiness is always near Matters not the weather. —78— DWm Trinity The sun would shine thru clouds of gray, If you were here, if you were her el The night would all be turned to day, If you were here, if you were here. No bitterness would mar our peace, Our hearts would join in one glad feast, Our hands would clasp in close embrace, And leave of sorrow not a trace; Our lips would meet in spite of fate, While soul would speak unto its mate. Love, You, and I — sacred treat, % T would form a trinity complete, ' Twould scatter every doubt and fear, If you were here, if you were here. —79- yfmw% Lonesome Folks How many, many lonesome folks, I come across each day, I gather this from look in eyes, Or something that they say. Each searching for a loyal friend, Someone who'll understand Who'll give an answering response To touch of hungry hand. -80- OCT / Love You Just to hear you say, '7 love you," Just to see you smile, Just to feel your presence near me, Makes life worth the while. Just to feel your wondrous hand clasp, Just to touch your lips, Sets my red blood pulsing madly Heart to finger tips. -81— fc Why Should We Be Parted Friend o'mine the days are passing swiftly by, Why should we be parted, you and I? Life is short for love my dear, Let us grasp what's left of it, Let us live the rest of it, Live it now and here. fwO0t Whither Thou Goest Whither thou goest I will go, All of lifes journey thru; Shoulder to shoulder and palm prest to palm, Whether the pathway be stormy or calm, I shall be happy, with you. When thou rejoicest, I will rejoice, All of lifes journey thru, Sorrow I'll share when it touches thy heart, Joy be my portion when joyful thou art, I shall be happy, with you. ■83- fc My Star I saw my star in the sky tonight, In its field of azure blue, It twinkled and smiled adown on me My star, that means always — you; 'Twas the star that beamed on us, dear heart, When you pledged mine own youd be, Each night since then when the world's asleep It has guided and guarded me. -8Jr r am Starlight Twilight is stealing o'er all the blue sky, Venus is lighting her stars, Glorious Luna is trimming her sails, Agleam now is Saturn and Mars. Stardust is falling, its glamor I feel Tingling my heart and my brain; Time is forgotten, the years brushed aside, Youths in my blood once again. There s something in starlight that enters my blood, That quickens my pulse as would wine; There s a witchery found neath the bright milky way, There s a something akin the Divine. ' Tis a mingling of tears and of laughter and song, Of pathos, of passion, of love, That quickens my heartbeat, that brings back my youth When the stars shed their light from above. ■85- fc A Real Friend lis a friend o mine Fm thinking of, A real friend, tried and true, A friend Fm wishing for right now, The friend? Why that is you. -86- His Love Can Be Seen In Everything The Gates of the Holy City I saw in the skies tonight, When the sun dipped low in the westland, With its purple and golden light. Gods voice I heard from the tree tops, Reflected in songbirds trill, By soughing of breeze in the forest, Rippling water by wayside mill. His strength is portrayed by the ocean, His grandeur in mountains tall, While his tenderness shows in his watchful care As he notes e en the sparrows fall. For God is found all about us Instead of far distant skies, And His love can be seen in everything, If we only will open our eyes. -87— fej Red Roses These roses, red with fragrance rare, Last night were bathed in dew; They gathered sweetness and perfume For you, sweetheart — for you! They yielded up their very lives, And murmured not, I ween, To deck the brow of one I love — Of you, my sweetheart — queen. mt Melody Listen to my heart a singiri Sing in cause of you, Yesterday the skies were gray, Now they re azure blue. Come, I'll tell you now the reason, Tell you why it's true; 'Cause I'm comin dearie, Comin back to you. I have been so lonely, dearie, Since we've been apart, Had a sorto choky feelin Stealin round my heart. Now its gone and left me, Not a trace of blue, And it's 'cause I'm comin dearie, Comin back to you. Sometime in the future, dearie, We shall part no more, But our lives will be united, As in days of yore. Every day I'm honin for you, Scarce know what to do, Now I'm comin dearie, Comin back to you. —89- fc The Daisy This daisy s face I kissed, sweetheart, And thot of your face true; Fm hungering now for your sweet lips, For eyes of wondrous blue. Its heart of gold can neer compare With your heart, sweetheart, mine; Its face turned ever toward the sun, Yve likened unto thine. -90- rmym Sweetheart of Mine Sweetheart of mine, my heart still is calling; Can you not hear it sometimes in the night After the day with its labor has ended, When the stars shine in the heavens so bright? Sweetheart, I need you,]I need your dear presence, I grow disheartened with toil and with care; Come when I'm sleeping, or come when Ym waking; Kiss me on eyelids, on lips, and on hair! My arms are aching just now to enfold you; My lips are hungry for your kisses sweet; My eyes are eager just now to behold you; Come, and your coming will make life complete. -91- am When You Come Gray skies, tear wet eyes, Gee! but Vm lonesome tonight; Hear my heart sighin , see my eyes cry in Come, dear, and ail will be right. Sunlight, eyes bright, Gee! but Vm happy to-day; Hear my lips hummin, my sweethearts comin, Clouds are all driven away. rmwt Gratitude To you, who to my hungry heart A feast of love have brot, I bow today in gratitude — With patience you have taught.^ The greatest truths, and courage givn To one, whod wearied grown, Whod missed the better things in life, Whod travelled all alone. A beauty new I gather now From things quite commonplace; New chords of harmony I catch, New lines of beauty trace! Tve learned we find in life each day The thing we most desire, And by a kindly word and deed Discouraged souls inspire. Tve found in you, dear heart of mine, A love that satisfies; A rainbow bright, youve painted, dear, In sombre darkened skies. And so I bow in gratitude, I bless the hour and day, That brot you to my lonely life, And scattered fears away. —93— O0%4 Yearning for You The silvery moon is shining In the heavens up above, While my heart for you is pining, Longing, sweetheart, for your love! In my fancy I can see you With your love-lit eyes so true, Brighter than the stars above me, Set in ground of azure blue! Oh! the days weve spent together! I recall them every one; Not a cloud with you beside me; Your smile coaxes out the sun, But the days pass by so slowly, When we re parted, sweetheart mine, And my heart cries out to see you, When I see the old moon shine! —9U- D0%4 A Withered Flower On a pavement hot on a city's street, I found a flower today, Dropped there methinks by some carelessjhand, Or thoughtlessly cast away. It looked so pleadingly up to me, As I hurried down the street, It seemed somehow like an old time friend, One we re always glad to meet. And when I stooped and picked it up, It seemed to me it smiled And twined itself 'bout my finger tips, As would hand of a lonely child. I placed it gently in book of mine, Among names of my friends so true, And it cheered my lonely heart all day, So Vm sending the thot to you. —95- mo&t Side By Side I wonder what we shall find, Old Pal, When we leave these trails down here? Somehow I think we 11 ride side by side, Our hearts bubbling o'er with cheer. Methinks I can hear your merry laugh, As we race up the milky way, A wondering where we shall strike our camp At the close of a joyous day. The trials and problems we found here on earth, Will be plain as a beaten trail, And we 11 laugh and forget without single regret, In the Land of the Holy Grail. —96— owm I Wonder the Reason Why One day in center of grassland patch, I saw a lonely tree; While not another did meet my gaze As far as my eye could see. Its leaves had fallen, yet proud it stood, Each branch pointed toward the sky, And somehow it seemed a part of me, I wonder the reason why? I heard the plaint of a songbird's trill, A bird who had lost its mate, While sorrow it seemed to echo low Without one hint of complaint. Then with flutter of wing it mounted swift Toward the vast domain of the sky, And the bird and the song seemed a part of me, I wonder the reason why? I saw a man in a citys street, 'Mid countless throngs of folk, Yet he seemed alone as on prairies broad, For none to him smiled nor spoke. Then his thots turned back to the grassland patch, And to bird in the clear blue sky, And his heartstrings thrilled and his sad eyes mied, I wonder the reason why? —97— fc Pal o Mine Pal o* mine, Pal o' mine, Comrade, chum and friend, Shoulders touch, this means much, Work and play we 11 blend. Pal o* mine, Pal o' mine, Hand clasp ever true, Words of cheer ever dear I would speak to you. Pal o' mine, Pal o' mine, Onward then we'll go, Summer hours strewn with flowers, Happiness well sow. Pal o' mine, Pal o' mine, We'll ne'er know defeat, Courage show, upward go, Life will be complete. -98- Poems of Nature fc The Inspiring West There's something about this Westland, Found in mountains and prairies broad, That lifts ones soul from the sordid earth Right up to the Gates of God. It never is found in the cities, Filled with pretense, with sham and unrest, But it's found underneath the blue arch of the sky In this wonderful, heart throbbing West. -101— am The Lure of the Hills There is an intangible something, That in springtime my heart strangely thrills, A something that calls me, that woos me, I call it the Lure of the Hills. For when duty demands every moment, Or when sorrow my cup more than fills, My thoughts steal away to a long summer day, When I courted the Lure of the Hills. —102- toJI Mountain Pine Pray tell me mountain pine Who gave thee birthplace there, Far up on rugged mountain side With head poised high in air? Tell me of winters braved, Of mountain torrents wild, Of lightnings flash, of thunders roll, Of summer breezes mild? Who nurtured when fierce ray Of sun beat down on thee? Who watered thee when lips were parched? Pray tell me mountain tree! Due homage I would pay To thee who's stood the test, For next to God and next to man Brave tree, I love thee best. -103- fMmt In Memory of a Summer Day In memory of a summer day when our trails ran side by side, Mayhap no more Old Pal o' Mine till we cross the Great Divide, And if this be our lot, Old Pal, May our meeting be as sweet As 'twas today on mountain crest, And life will be complete. -10 u— rmwv The Mountain Stream Where art thou going Mountain Stream Rushing so madly along, With your swish and your roar, With your mighty downpour, With your never ending song? Tell me thy source, dear Mountain Stream, Tell me who gave thee birth? Was it cloud or spring Started thy mad fling? Art thou child of the sky or earth? Vm hurrying onward to parched plain While my song is a song of love; My source is a never ending one, 'Tis from God who ruleth the earth and sun, The Omnipotent God above. —105- MHM Wonderful Days These are wonderful days, In a wonderful clime, 1 Neath a wonderful sky of blue, But more wonderful still, Would be lakeside and hill, Were you here to enjoy it, too. —106— Di^ The Mountain Peak Huge Mountain Peak towers high above my head, Grim monument to pioneer long dead, While gold and blue crown peak with colors rare, And pungent scent of pine tree fills the air. No sound is heard save rustling of the leaves Of quaking aspen. Let him who still believes There is no God, come stand beside me now, Methinks his head in reverence would bow And praise to God omnipotent, He'd voice with trembling lip, While gold and violet would crown Yon mountain's highest tip. —107- 0W®4 A Prairie Portrait Early morn on the prairies! what artist could paint it? The gold and the purple, the crimson, the blue, The mists slowly rising, the darkness receding, Chased back by bright colors of every known hue! The dew in the meadows is glistening like diamonds, The air is as sweet as a rose newly born, While the wheat is fast turning to yellow, so golden, Interspersed with broad fields of emerald corn! The sunflower bright to the east now is facing, As tho it would worship its namesake, I ween, While the brook, singing low on its way to the ocean, Takes on a bright color of silvery sheen! —108— rm@%4 In the West I % ve been thinking today of the gladness Found with you — Friend so true In the West. Of the joy that was there, Of freedom from care In the life-giving, love living West. I *ve been wishing today for the sunshine Radiant fair — every where In the West. Of the breeze sweet and cool, Of the stream and the pool, In the heart thrilling, soul filling West. Vve been longing today for the mountains Towering high — toward the sky In the West. Strength they give to the weak, Words of courage they speak, In the God giving, real living West. —109— fW0%4 A Toast to the Pioneers Hats off to the Early Pioneers, Who conquered our prairies broad! It took a lot of stick-to-it-ive-ness And a heap o' faith in God When drouth and hoppers and wind and sand Came to try out their mettle and worth, These Pioneers stuck in spite of it all — Hats off, to these Kings of Earth! -no— rmw%^. A Prairie Vision Miles on miles of level prairies, Stretch before my vision broad, Breathes of freedom, boundless freedom, Shows the handiwork of God! Not a tree, and not a mountain, Nothing to obstruct one's view; Earth's all carpeted with emerald, Vaulted o'er with*sky of blue! Flowers grow in thick profusion, Gold and purple, pink and white, And the perfume from their blossoms, Fill my soul with keen delight! .111. QWl*x Autumn Days Oh, the glories of the forest on these bright autumnal days, When colors of the leaves surpass the rainbow's beauteous rays; When tang of burning stalk and leaf is borne upon the air, No scene mid cycle of the year can to these days compare. —112— m%^^-zf^> My Heart s Calling for You Out in the land where the sunflower grows, Where the sun always shines, Where the wind always blows, Where the air's always sweet; Where the sky's always blue, Oh! fair, sunny Kansas, My heart's calling for you! Here in the city 'midst dust, and 'midst smoke, Where the day after pay We're always dead broke, Where all's chasing the dollar, Where real friends are few, I'm homesick for Kansas, My heart's calling for you! —113- fffiwt The World Is Fair A summer shower we had today. The flowers are smiling everywhere! The birds still sing, while on the wing, "The world is fair! The world is fair f The sky is flecked with clouds of gold, (Such beauty is, indeed, most rare!) While breezes blow, and whisper low, "The world is fair! The world is fair f All Nature seems to be at peace; The bees are humming here and there; At work all day they seem to say "The world is fair! The world is fairf When trouble seems to fill all space, When life is Riled with woe and care, May we, too, sing like birds on wing, k 'The world is fair! The world is fairf —in— Affirmations am Let not the mistakes of yesterday, Nor the fear of tomorrow, Spoil thy today. —116- mt The day is finished, All tasks undone remain undone, For each succeeding day brings problems new That brain and brawn doth task Till setting of the sun. The one thing — the great thing — The thing that makes man free — Is love of God, and love of Man, And love of Liberty. -117- Df%d Cultivate smiling; returns are sure and their worth greater than much gold. A grins worth while, But a smile is better, While a cheery laugh Is a business getter. -118- mum Try forgetting the word forgot — put remember in its place. Try letting your heart, instead of your head, handle your charities — you 11 sleepfsounder. Try leaving unsaid arijunkind thot and you 11 not need to consult the beauty doctor. Try gaining love by giving love and you 11 find an hundredfold increase. —119— am Know this — That into thy heart God has placed power To meet lifes problems, hour by hour. Pray not for wealth, nor Power, nor Ease, But rather ask that strength and wisdom be given you Whereby you may acquire these. The truly beautiful is seen only through The eyes of love, for love glorifies all. —120- am** I would judge mans love for God by the treat- ment he affords his fellow man. He who would succeed must give the best that in him lies, if recompense of vital worth be his as just reward. A mans bigness may well be measured by the little things he is willing to do. When about to let go — hold on! Why waste thy life in search of sordid gold When all along thy path lie riches of far greater value, A legal tender here on earth, An open sesame thru all worlds to come? — 121 —