Class. Book.. GopyiiglitNi ) i ^ CDBfflUGHT DEPOSIT. (BnWinsQofSov #n ^tngs of Sop AND ®tf)tx ^oems BY MARY McDERMOTT SANTLEY Every man who has a Christian ideal of life finds, as it grows with his experience, that he is driven in upon his own soul more and more imperatively. Secret resources become more and more necessary to him. Conceptions of truth grow up within him which the soul must develop alone. . . . Such men must meet Christ in the solitary places. They have no adequate resources elsewhere. Austin Phelps. CLEVELAND, OHIO HORACE CARR 1919 ^^^' o; A K^, & ^ \\ Copyrighted, 1920 BY [ary McDermott Santley ^^K i ^ ^^^ ©CI.A5665-10 With loving consideration the author presents this book to one who ever radiates good feeling and scatters bits of quaint humor which fall quietly and refreshingly like petals of old-fashioned flowers— to her sister Kate— Mrs. William Dounton, Jr. of Philadelphia Contentt Prefatory Note On Wings of Joy to Thee The Ship of Blessing Poesy Indices Beauty At Close of Day Gracious and Wondrous Ways Infinitude of Love . Our Home The Father's Bread Mount of Thought . Not by Bread Atone Roses The Message The Sea The Siren Sea . Dreaming and Blossoming Sea The Little Ocean Eagle The Welcome . Overcoming His Great Book of Honor With Him is Home Crown Jewels . The Mystery of the Snow Enthroning the Day Worship El-i-she-ba Love The Secret Place Light PAGE 11 15 17 18 19 20 22 23 23 24 24 25 26 26 27 28 30 32 34 35 36 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 46 6 ON WINGS OF JOY PAGE Lincoln 47 Glad are the Harps 48 I Have Redeemed Thee 49 Gratitude 50 Morning 50 At the Old Homestead 50 I'm Dreaming To-night 51 Mother's Garden 52 Father's Sunset Dream 54 To Marie 55 Jennie 56 For Kate ... - 57 The Haven 58 Lilacs 60 Little Wildflower 61 Springtime 62 White Violets 63 June 64 The Zenith of the Year 65 Vesper 66 Memory 67 Marigolds and Pansies 69 Shining, they Sing 69 The Lady of the Beeches 70 Ho, for the Forest 72 Clara Louise Schneider 73 To Mrs. Van Derweel 73 Autumn 74 Morning-Glories 75 The Bells of Cruces 77 Three Vagabonds— We 79 Frances Willard 83 My Rose 84 Palms 86 Mary Evelyn 87 An Elect Lady . 89 In Memoriam 90 AND OTHER POEMS 7 PAGE Song of the Old Guard 91 In the Presence of Niagara 92 Deliverance and Thanksgiving ..... 94 The Victor's Voice 95 The Bow of Peace 96 Olive's Garden 97 At Olive's Foot 98 Easter Morning 99 Easter Anthem 100 The Lilies 100 Set Free 101 The Little Blue Violet 101 Easter 102 Thoughts of Easter-Dawn 102 Ascension Day ........ 103 His Brightness ........ 104 The Precious Paths 105 To J. Semon . . 106 The Violet 107 February 22, 1904 108 1912 109 To the Master of Wind Hill, 1915 .... 110 February, 1918 Ill 1919 112 The Soaring Years 113 Merry Christmas 114 Morning Prayer— Christmas Day .... 116 Familiar— Dear 117 Christmas 118 1916 124 1917 124 1918 125 Acknowledging Him 126 Nanette 128 Symbols 139 Immediate Perception 141 #n icings of fop How dull it is to pause, to make an end, To rust unburnished, not to shine in use ! As tho' to breathe were life. There lies the port : the vessel pufifs her sail : There gloom the dark broad seas. The lights begin to twinkle from the rocks; The long day wanes: the slow moon climbs: the deep Moans round with many voices. Come, my friends, 'Tis not too late to seek a newer world. Push off, and sitting well in order smite The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths Of all the western stars, until I die. strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield. From Tennyson's Ulysses. ^Brcf atorr 0ott In my early girlhood's home — at Whitby, Canada West, now Ontario — the family was trained to frown upon the frivolous, and to show appreciation by follow- ing that which had sterling worth and was expressed by serious words and actions. The only work of fiction admitted to that early home was Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin," which with its heart-cry for Justice and Freedom had opened the door. In the evening, with the family seated around the ample table, Father read the book aloud; the intent listeners being at times moved to tears. In my sixteenth year I had nine months of admirable drill in Milton's poems — especial attention being given to Paradise Lost, the Mask of Comus, the Sonnets and Odes, then followed a studious reading of Thomson's Seasons, Young's Night Thoughts and Cowper's Task; this done, what wonder the trivial had no allurements. I loved poetry and by and by came face to face with Shakespeare's understanding of world-wide human nature; and increasingly to marvel at his scintillating genius. But Tennyson, the Poet of Vision, holds my affections. I love to be in the regions where he lived "continually and consciously in the presence of immor- tal thoughts and convictions." I love to feel at home in his pastures rich in flowers of thought, and to catch the echoes from his organ-rhythms and follow the longings 12 ON WINGS OF JOY to search with him for vistas into the empyrean fields. His companionship is enriching to the soul. In college, Astronomy fostered my natural taste for the sublime, and kindled a longing for illuminated thought and ability to push out into wider areas of space; while Botany made my heart glad with a love for beautiful Nature; and proved to be the vestibule through which I entered the temples of the forest, wherein I was to feel an all-pervasive Creative Pres- ence. In these beautiful aisles I encountered the armies of lofty Beeches — Glorious Beeches ! each one a picturesque poem. The Bible has been my great reservoir of Wisdom; my most regal comfort the realization of the presence of the Christ — the sweet and mellow radiance of Light that has made of my paths delightsome ways; the Light that has brought visions of the ever-presence of the tender, almighty Father, and hence the riches of a surety of peace. Through the years my convictions and heart-ap- provals have found expression in verse — a simple over- flow from the springs in my heart — which now is em- bodied in the volume "On Wings of Joy," and I come to say : Dear Little Book, go on your way, in the modest paths of life, and I pray that you may be a quiet joy to any plain, honest people who like you because they love sound principles coupled with sweetness of spirit and put into active service in the field of motives. Mary McDermott Santley. #n5^inggoffop <0n Win^^ of S^op to ^Jjee The forests tower high and breathe a spirit-psalm, And glorious clouds adorn the vast blue sea of calm. Most rev'rently I praise all that surroundeth me, And lift my thought, dear Lord, on wings of joy to Thee. No vagrant thought I heed ; all from the heights I view Merging from fields of search the laws of Wisdom, true. How precious all Thy gifts ! The warbling song of bird Amidst the palms or cypress tops in praises heard ; And far on Alpine heights, and where wild surges break, Glad songsters on high wing Thy gracious blessings take. Thou madest heart of man by Thine own power divine. With yearnings true, to chord in unison with Thine. How comforting Thy care, abundant joy for all ! Each humblest child is known, and Love his name doth call! 16 ON WINGS OF JOY The moss and grasses green clothe all the rugged way, White violets fragrant bloom, and stately lilies sway. And flashing waterfalls sing of refreshing grace; Almost each little one may see Thee face to face. E'en in the desert waste, o'erarched with glist'ning white. Thy servant lifteth unto Thee a song of light — Light shadowed by Thine own most precious Presence- cloud ; At evening, in his tent, he praiseth Thee aloud ; Lips taste Thy cups of dew, and slumber's feet draw near; While holy trust and night, ail-silently, appear. O wonderful. Thy plan that all should know the Lord! Each lowly heart be thrilled by Thy indwelling Word ; The kindling eye be beautiful, from inward grace ; The light of Love a glory, shining o'er the face. In helpful ministry the feet run swift and glad. And gracious hands may bring sweet comforts to the sad; And I may bring Thee Roses — fragrant of Victory — Bring my sweet gift, and come on wings of joy to Thee ! AND OTHER POEMS €fie ^\^ip of ^It^^inq O ship, that glidest o'er the sea ! The far blue sea of time, In calm, through storm, thou movest on To ev'ry shore and clime. Dark falleth, but thou heedest not; To thee there is no night. From waters' floor to turret high. Thou sailest, filled with Light. Thy thousand windows smile serene, And balmy twilight air, From out the vast eternal sky Speeds thee with promise fair. Thou glorious ship ! thou bearest Joy, The precious flower of Light ; Broadcast thou spillest radiant blooms; O heart, there is no night ! 18 ON WINGS OF JOY Poesy, thou compelling art! In putting forth the truth a moving power, Fetching the intellect and heart: Grim philosophy is like winsome flower. Attended by sweet-brier and box. Rare music blossoms from thy root; List ! the far hymning of an organ prayer ! And on the moor the shepherd's flute! O Poesy! thou gracious songstress fair, Thy hymns divine are harmony ! Immortal Goddess ! Violet-crowned, And rare unfading laurel on thy brow. More often than elsewhere, is found! Thou underliest vital friendship's vow; Art wine of precious constancy ; Art rev'rent breath of inspiration, now. From corridors of Wisdom sent! AND OTHER POEMS Nov. 5, 1848- Dec. 19, 1883 Our loves are indices. I had a sister ; her soul was beautiful Like the valley lilies She viratered tenderly, and loved and wore. Her thought was sterling worth Expressed in animated loveliness ; Her service regal grace ; Nor took she note of it as sacrifice, E'en in lowliest office. More precious than all lilies the two babes Placed within the arms of her soHcitude. Inextricably her fingers clung to them ; And so her clinging thought was. About her heart-strings love entwined them 'Till night came forward in silent .sandals And the summons-angel touched the harp ; And chords forgot to vibrate, fingers to hold. How she loved them ! Sterling worth and tender grace. The lilies and her little ones. ON WINGS OF JOY 2B>eautp Dear Lord, Thy world is beautiful 'Tis pure and wide and sweet, Its hills are fine, its meads are fair ; Here strength and beauty meet. One morn I watched the dawning come Soft stepping out of night; A quiet ripple on the Sound, Touched here and there with light. The mountain's majesty sublime. Wrapped in a cloud of mist ; The vapor veiled the tow'ring head ; By it the feet were kist. And then the gray awoke with joy. The mists were crimson-red; The Bay a sheet of crimson lay; The mists and it were wed ; The texture, in its warp and woof, Ethereal, remote; A sound of breath, a touch, a stir, Naught would be there to note. A daring lark now burst in song And winged its skyward way ; The crimson 'bashed forgot its hue And morn was azure-gray. AND OTHER POEMS I climbed the mount in very joy, The sound lay far below, A moving web of humming birds In iridescent glow. I stood upon the crest's high floor, Lo, breath of song stood still. A bed of violets was spread Near crags upon that hill. A mass of royal beauty, pearled With shining tears of dew, Smiled up to me their wealth of thoughts Dear violets in blue. In rev'rent thought, I stood, dear Lord, Touched with their preciousness ; Of all that lavish morning's wealth These chiefest were to bless. A high and far-receding sky ; A mighty peak alone ; From awesomeness the place took on The tender warmth of home. Nothing, in all Thy nature-world, Such nearness seems to have. Such modesty, such sweetness, grace. Such wealth of precious love. ON WINGS OF JOY Their hearts, their faces, touch our own In innocent appeal. And that their gift to bless, with ours. Comes from one Source, we feel. How wide Thy mercies are, dear Lord, Thy balanced beauty shows ; No spot of earth, else lone or drear, But there a violet grows. %t Clo^e of 2Dap In patrician woods, where violets sweet And the bluest beeches grow, When summer winds in balmy flight Wake lyrics soft and low, And the waning light in farthest west, Sends back a crimson glow, A pulsing kiss for flower and leaf, Ere it fade to gray, and go : Then sylvan sprites, in purpHng green, Their mystic secrets bring. And the hallowed hour a fragrance seems. While fancy plumes her wing. And the ev'ning dreams, in quiet note, And tender memories cling : Then mellow bells from far-off hills With new-born hope a-swing. AND OTHER POEMS Gracious and wondrous are the ways Of Him who layeth the beams of morning, Who ascendeth the arc of the heavens To the noontide of the sun, Who leadeth to the still shores Where the sunset maketh its home, And uplifteth its banners of purple and gold, Ere the world ent'reth its hour of meditation ; And all through the silent night-time His beautiful chariot goeth. From day unto dayspring again An All-Power guideth, upholdeth. And that All-Power is Love. f^nftnituttc of ilotie Love faileth not, it radiates With Truth in channels wide In ev'ry longing human breast It waiteth to abide. It hath no boundaries of time — Eternity its home ; Its space no tow'ring walls confine- The universe its home ; No sweeter heaven can there be Than restfulness in Love 'Tis grace and glory unto each All other states above. ON WINGS OF JOY The golden beech and cedar tree, The lily and the rose, The all-o'erfolding azure dome — Each gift Thou dost dispose Where it may best reflect Thy thought And make of Thy vast universe A home without a tear ; Truth's changeless law the corner-stone And Love the atmosphere. Here children walking with the Christ Learn, while they serve, to sing, And day by day to nobly strive For stature like their King. Oh, sweet, my Father, is the bread Thy children have from Thee ; 'Tis health, and life, and thought, and love, And Truth, and keeps us free. AND OTHER POEMS 2 ;^ount of €:f)ougljt In the beautiful land of thought I roam, And the far away seems the nearest home, For the rugged path up the mountain side Winds, in its leadings, to visions wide; And veils are lifted and all that is fair And sweet hushes the soul with message rare. And a constant overflowing of thought From eternal fountains, refreshing, brought, Reveals hills and vales, all forests and streams, The rose of dawning and the moonlight's beams. The driven storm and the cleansing shower, The song of birds in the floral bower; All, in radiant life of loveliness Divine law and order and light express. And I look and startle at what I see ! How barren, how blank, all this would be Did not God make man to vision His thought, Reflect the divine in His work inwrought. O marvelous gift from Infinite Mind! Understanding vision in man to find. On this Mount of thought home is wondrous fair, For light and beauty and the Christ are there. 26 ON IVINGS OF JOY The streets were winding and dark and narrow, Where her home-nest was tucked away, Hidden within the dusky shadow, Scarce knowing the sunshine of day ; But when e'er she bought her measure of meal, Blush roses she added in cluster. She passed many years that were winters, But summer alone reigned a Queen In all the domain of her being. Her smile was sweet, and the vivid sheen Of the eyes that had looked upon sorrow, In jubilant air of victory sang; The joy in them flashed and fairly rang; For the Word — His Presence — was with her. Roses, my roses — And 'tis all my heart can sing, For are not you just — Roses! And no dear delightsome thing One-half your sweets discloses. O rare, my Roses ! Your chalices o'erflowing With bouquet of precious wine Pour out a soul-communing In accord with heart of mine ; Stately poising in your bowers, In the cloud of fragrance caught, You reign Empresses of flowers, Fairest blossoming of thought. AND OTHER POEMS 27 A blossom that grew in my garden, dear, I bring to you ere the day closes ; 'Tis satin and pink to the heart of it, dear, This sweetest of all the blush roses, — Precious the message unfolded, my dear. When its mission to you it discloses. The petals were covered last night, my dear, With the dew in a jewelled shower; Now the purity, fragrance are thine, my dear, For a precious but fast-fleeting hour ; Lift your eyes to the Steadfast Hills, my dear, See, the roses ne'er fade in Love's bower. For substance of flower, of joy, my dear, Of man — God's child, — and immortal, Is the thought supreme of Mind, my dear. Out-sent from the morning's portal When the worlds were framed, and the stars, my dear, Sang that wonderful song immortal. God's thought took form in command, my dear. And the mandates of Spirit change never — All the fragrance and color and form, my dear. Sweet, brilliant and true, stand forever ; To search for His law is true wisdom, dear, For immutable truth faileth never. All glorious, and blue and wide, In majesty the sea Sweeps on and on in mystic tide, As to eternity. Its voice the grandest organ-swells That thunder in the ear ; Its wave a mighty Hand propels From far, and far, and near. O sounding .Sea ! what is the song Thou pourest in a roar? From deep to deep it plows along In furrows to the shore ; In all-repeating thrill on thrill Thou breakest on the strand ; Art thou no moment soothed and still At voice of high command ? O surging Sea ! wilt thou not say In accents to my soul 28 AND OTHER POEMS By wave, or tint, or tone, or spray, Retreat, or onward roll. The mighty message that thy deep So seems to hug and hold ? Must thou thy awesome secret keep Forever in the fold Of that dark-flowing glorious blue In ever-onward roll ? O mighty Sea ! there is a Power That holdeth even thee. Closed in the hollow of His hand Or setting gladly free. Thy wild and tossing waves it smoothes ; Then furrows for His feet, Are paths wherein He treads serene ; Then saltness is most sweet ; Anon, He calms the thund'rous roar And lo, thy secret ear. To music of His "still small voice," Unfolds for thee to hear. Then, Sea, this white far-stretching strand Lures me to walk awhile. Transformed in thought, with shining face- Reflection of His smile — My heart now knows — is satisfied — There is a Power above The mighty waves, the thund'rous roar — And that All-Power is Love. 30 ON WINGS OF JOY Our cottage we built on the mountain-side, Where the heather-bells and the gorse spread wide Over long deep furrows down to the sea Where the salt spray leaps and the tide sweeps free. And sometimes the clouds float far and away Ere peace drops down at the close of the day; Again the horizon seems drawing near, And we know 'twill rain, ere the storms appear. From the rise of sun till it went to rest. Ourselves and the bairnies worked with a zest, And the bristling thistle in purple bloom Was plucked by the roots to make garden-room, And the fairies danced in the Maytime morn 'Neath blossoms of cherry and sweet white thorn. With bonnie blue ribbon the children dear Hung the bell, whose notes tinkled soft and clear, 'Round Jersey's white throat, and a queen she fed On the heather-bells, o'er the hillside spread ; And from white sweet clover the honey-bee Culled nectar for store in the hollow tree. But the days would come when a wild unrest Beat in squalls of billows within my breast ; For I was born at sea, and loved its wild And thundering roar, when a little child ; And I'd laugh when drenched with the ocean brine When thick were the clouds and no moon could shine. AND OTHER POEMS A time came when brave hope itself took flight And our good barque broke, on that awesome night, And the Captain sank to the deep-sea bed ; With my mother pressed to his heart they sped Down swift through the byways of coral-land, While the tide left the wreck high on the sand, A sailor-lad with it, who held me fast Locked tight in his arms, with a bit of mast. Unconscious, in coldness, with sea-brine wet, We lay till 'twas found, there was "life there yet." But somehow the sea plays a siren's part ; Though treacherous cruel, it lures my heart. So, when the spell takes me I seek the height Of the tow'ring crags ; where 'tranced by the sight Of the heaving sea, with its roar and rack. The Captain's arms and my mother come back; And the crepe-swathed moon, and the sailor lad. And the knell they tolled, for all that was glad. Still dazed when my Rob ('twas the sailor's name) Takes my hand, and says, "Dear f aither, come hame ! The stars twinkle and shine, and Jersey's bell Sings sweet i' the clover, your welcome to tell, And Janet has found a wee birdie's nest — Come hame to our mither and a' the rest." He tugs at my hand, the sirens let go, And the ocean's roar seems distant and low. 32 ON WINGS OF JOY He tugs ! The canny power in one sma' fist Makes my heart a softness, my eyes a mist ; And darkness creeps down o'er the wild crag's side ; Only phantom sails o'er the ocean glide. We trample the clover and heather-bloom And my sair heart opens to make Him room Who comes like my mither and whispers sweet : "Thy life is for action ; 'tis not to greet." SDreaming anD 2Mo^^oming ^ea O beautiful shimmering sea! O vast plain, far away stretching And losing thyself in the sky ! Lambent opal and mystery! In a summer hour siesta All things in softness unfolded, A world of dream-sunshine for me I O happy and shimmering sea ! Limpid and smiling contentment ! Commingling the pink and the green. The blue, the warm saffron and white; Cresting with silver the wavelets In beautiful frillings in crowns, In ever-resurging delight. AND OTHER POEMS And out of the far horizon Appeareth and waiteth a ship ; It standeth and calleth to me, In sails evanescent and white. It patiently keepeth its watch, Dim, distant, mystery-shrouded, In indigo, merging to light. The picture awaketh a song; Antiphonal melody sweet. Beautiful ! beautiful vision ! The heavens in purity's robes A-dream o'er the fields elysian. And ever the sea is flowing In blue and in pink and in green ; So like unto flowers blowing In the mists of the prairies' sheen, 'Tis Truth in the gleaming garments Of beauty, on land and on sea; Beauty ennobling the world ; Celestial in light, joy-giving, Mysterious, on-rolling sea. With song all so soothingly purled ! Delighting, ennobling; revealing Reign of Beauty and Truth as one ; O dreaming and blossoming sea ! ON WINGS OF JOY €f)e %\tt\t (0cean OEagle O swift wing'd bird, far up in the blue, Whither away ? Steady of poise and riding the storm The livelong day. Come gale and fury and blast anew In gray of dawn or noontide blue; In seething roar or in thunder boom ; The wrathful elements sounding doom, When the mountain-surges break in the cloud And swathe the earth in a water-shroud; Yet, thou dauntless bird on pinions strong Away and away thou sailest along, High-poised and free, above all the storm The livelong day. Brave Ocean Eagle of matchless grace, Frigate-bird, lord of the winged race, Thy great dark pinions wide unfurled, O'er-ride all blasts of a stormy world ; Thou hast no doubt, but that finest pow'r Of him who trusts is thy kingly dow'r, And in tranquil strength, each day newborn, Thou leavest home at the gates of morn And knowest not fear, but soarest high Triumphant, free, through the vast blue sky — On and away, the livelong day. AND OTHER POEMS €6e Welcome Now God be praised, good captain, We're nearing heaven's shore ; The heaven of home and country, Where the royal seagulls soar. High o'er the blue sea sailing, O bird, on great white wing, Thou comest me to welcome. Home tidings glad to bring. I stretch my arms up to thee. Brave bird from Golden Gate ; Thy instinct is God-given In path so high and straight. Oh, in my far home harbor Thou gavest me delight ; My one white bird, my lover ; All grace in thy high flight. Nor flag, nor shore, nor sunshine Are so like home, white bird ; Thy great wings now curve to me ; My prayer, my voice, is heard. ON WINGS OF JOY #bercomtng Fair Margaret, O fair Margaret! Of the sand-dunes by the sea, In shadow of the tow'ring cliffs Held in perplexing r every. Lift your eyes to highest summit, Sheerest granite though it be. You have passed your midnight sorrow. And the daybreak comes apace : Know that yesterday's red footprints The kind sands will soon efface, And reflection of all goodness, Lasting sunshine, light your face. Then climb ; shrink not the rocks tho' sheer, Though scarce a niche for climbing feet And scarce a twig for grasp of hand; On highest top there's rest, oh, sweet ! And friends and bloom and cooling shade Your coming gladly wait to greet. The wide-stretched strides heroic take. Faint not ; but palm 'gainst rocky face, Cling ! climb and cling, rare Margaret ! This last needs not a half the grace Your power of sacrifice displayed. Yielding to others prestige place, yiND OTHER POEMS The tender ties, the home, the care, All that to heart is sweetest, best, The dearest idols did not spare, Put by the anguish — sacrificed. Hail ! O hail, rare Margaret ! Your feet attain the Horeb height Unfading mosses kiss them, cool, And plain and tree a wondrous light Reflect ; a light whose rays inform Of joy that knows not sorrow's night. Here fields of labor open wide The workers throng — a gladsome sight — And palms and lilies here abound; Refreshing streams course with delight. Fair Margaret, O fair Margaret ! As on faith's upward soaring wing You understood the All of Power Good to earth's frailest child to bring Sundered were all the ties of flesh And you learned how to God to cling. 38 ON WINGS OF JOY ^x^ o^reat 23oofe of i^onor Home again from the fields, our toiler and friend, A welcome most cordial, we haste to extend. You're weary in heart, in muscle and brain ; Have courage, you'll find over cost there's a gain. From the op'ning of morn unto close of the day Now prose and now poem contended for sway. And blossoms were hidden by rank growing reeds — 'Tis something that flowers were found 'mongst the weeds — 'Tis endeavor and toil and utmost of soul Ere God will make ready the name to enroll In his Great Book of Honor. All hushed is the hour when dewdrops distil, God scatters in silence o'er meadow and hill His pearls of rich moisture, each blade to adorn. The grass in his season, the green springing corn. When in silence you trust He'll come to impart In dew- falling-stillness rich joy to your heart. Tho' you hear not a word you'll know 'tis His voice, His spirit of power your heart to rejoice. For endeavor and toil and utmost of soul God now in His love your name will enroll In His Great Book of Honor. AND OTHER POEMS 39 Wt!) IJim i^ tome The sunset rays throw over all The peace of parting day, The ev'ning shadows softly fall And veil earth's cares away. The wide world hastens to its rest Beneath the eaves of home ; One lifts His eyes toward Olivet And climbs its slopes alone. All day He serves the multitude, The Bread of Life bestows: That others may go free He toils, Their ev'ry need He knows : With waning day His yearning heart Seeks not its own repose; But with His vital urgent load To solitude He goes. And Olive's shade enfolding Him, He spends the night in prayer; In Him the Father, He in God; His very home is there. Our Friend He is ; with Him our home ; He is our guiding star ; He, very Love, makes royal haste The rest-gates to unbar. ON WINGS OF JOY Croton 3Fehjel^ Dost thou understand the treasures Enfolded in the snow ? Its exceeding, precious whiteness Points a vital truth to know. A beautiful intelligence And power and breath of Love Pervade the fields of atmosphere, From vale to heights above ; And lo, whiteness and rare jewels Wove in draperies of lace. In triumphant color, dazzling — Web of purity and grace — Lightly clothing all the garden Where stand creation's trees, The blossoming into whiteness Coming silent as rose leaves. And in thousand forms and fancies The iridescent gems, Enwreathed in crowns of snowflakes. In chains surmount the stems — Nature's coronal of radiance — And purity, alone In such whiteness and crown jewels. May come before God's throne. He speaks to sacred Lebanon And tallest cedars grow; ^ND OTHER POEMS And again commands a garment Of His white and precious snow. Can'st forget the snows of Lebanon ? Faith ne'er is so remiss — For Perfection's type of whiteness Is the type God makes of this. €l)e ;^pjeftcrp of tfje ^noto Hast thou visited the Nations The wond'rous scenes to view ? Crags and lakes and mountain summits, And the works that man can do ? Would'st thou delve e'en to earth's center For wealth of gems and gold ; To the beds of mighty waters For pearls of price untold? Would'st thou search the starry millions Of worlds that roll in space With the mighty glass of science Their mysteries to trace ? Would'st thou scan man's great achievements With the shuttle of finance ; How the currents and the lightning Send swift a magic lance To prick the channels of the Universe That their blood may flow in gold ? Not in all this wealth of marvels With all they may unfold Is found more mystery of wisdom Than is in the snow enrolled. ON WINGS OF JOY In the early morning shadow, Looking outward to the sky, All is blue and floating purple, Noiseless in its passing by. Lo, the darkness is divided ! Just a ray of bright'ning light Glints unformed immensity, And the morn salutes the night. Light and glory dawning, dawning. Purple passing into rose, Phantoms pushing on the mystic, Form stands out and darkness goes. Precious pearl in band translucent Cordons space below the blue, Plolds in poise for breathless moments: BrilHance now of golden hue. Diamond flashes wake and kindle Earth and sea in one vast gem. Fire and rose and blue commingle Light and green, in diadem. Higher mounts the sun all regal And the day is king once more ! Light and power and joy are regnant From the East to Western shore. AND OTHER POEMS Our Father, God, unchanging Love, We lift our thought to Thee ; All grace Thou art — below, above — All power and majesty. Our hearts beat still, for Thou art near And reverently we wait In sacred hush Thy voice to hear. To praise, with heart elate. Triumphant, strong, the song we bring When it reflects but Thee, When closely to His side we cling Who mounted Calvary, And left a path transcendent, bright, To lead us up to God, The way illumed by holy light, The path His feet have trod. Assurance comes: "Lo, Thine we are!" The "still small voice" we hear ; No sickness, sorrow, death can mar When Love and Power are near. As children. Father, glad we come, Our trust in Thee complete ; Our Peace Thou art ; our restful Home ; Our God ; our Paraclete. ON WINGS OF JOY El-i-she-ba, God's worshiper, Whose eyes are starlit wells Filled from the depths with constancy, Blue violets of the dells, With depth of tone and faithfulness Their look a sweetness tells. Thou standest at the gates of night Where pass the toilers by ; Some have wrought well and happy go ; Some halt in step and sigh ; Some trail in dust a broken wing — A multitude goes by. Those needy, willing, contrite, meek, Thou touchest with thy song ; The glory of God's knowledge — light — Thy face reflecteth strong. And healing balm flows unawares The human line along. A tenderness and strength divine Enfolds each weary one. God owns thy service ; and His grace Shines out a very sun, In rays of light and warmth and life, When His will has been done. Thy voice hath notes of sweetest strain, Christ's love the melody. y4ND OTHER POEMS Melting despair to tears that flow At touch of sympathy, The heaHng touch of perfect Love And blind eyes ope and see. El-i-she-ba, God's worshiper, How beautiful thy feet. Faithful o'er thorny, rugged ways, And through the meadows sweet ; Thy face reflecting radiance, Thy song with strength replete. Eotic Love, the impelling excellence of Grace, Of life the enkindling fire, Bestowment of balm of tenderness ; Love, the chiefest of all desire. Filling all immensity of space, A binding conserving law ; Is all continuity of strength ; From Love all good, all might we draw. ON WINGS OF JOY €IJe Secret ^lace The secret place of His Presence Is effulgent with love and light ; Those who dwell in that flame of Life Receive gift of illumined sight; To them is given the blessedness Of the might of Love to know All grace and power of tenderness, Of light the transcendent glow. Dear Father, God, All-Life, All-Love, Thy universe is Light ; Thy glory is beneath, above; With Thee there is no night. All wisdom, beauty blend in one — A concept wholly Thine. Christ Jesus, the immortal Son, Stands forth, the Truth divine. The brightness of His coming heals, So sweet all-power is Light ; To sin and blindness it reveals The tenderness of Might. ^ND OTHER POEMS Lincoln Born are the years : The years are gone ! But a pungent fragrance clings To all the memories, fold in fold, Like that Rosemary brings. Rosemary, precious flower and leaf From climes that are old and sear. Sturdy and rugged, green and stiff. With sky-tint blossoms dear. The fragrance touches the dormant, And ashes to being leap ; The brave of living yester-years Wakes from his guarded sleep ; And he stands in mantle fragrant, Of wisdom and of love — A sturdy, homely, rugged one. But gentle, like the dove. Through all the years no other son So royal crown has worn Brilliant with stars of loving deeds As on his brow is borne. No malice dark, but charity Graven in burnished gold — The watchword he proclaimed for men Through all the years will hold. ON WINGS OF JOY He stood in the breach for Freedom, Stalwart and grave and sad, Tho' the smile was ready, waiting To change the face to glad. Thoughts of his tender justness. Compelling, like a prayer, The deeds of power and kindness Earth's lowly great shall dare. eni9f of €ruce$f And these are the bells of Cruces ! Whose melody of chime Is a pathos sweetly touching, A glory all sublime ; They whisper now regretfully. Yet proud of that old time, When we left the gates of Panama And trod, through wet and sun, Our way through lofty, sacred palms From morn till day was done ; With orchid blossoms in the gloom 'Twas paradise begun. And the soul was thrilled with music When the old bells were rung ; The old, old bells of Cruces Chanting in silver tongue. O, how full the joyous pealing, In welcome most sincere, Though always a pathos linger'd In echo low and clear. For we knew the bells were watchmen O'er all that we held dear. With a song like laughing water, Dancing and clear and bright, When the little rosebud baby Open'd its eyes to light ; ON WINGS OF JOY And, like fields of luscious roses An incense in the night, When the bride in joyous sweetness Stood in her gown of white. And the soul was thrilled with music When the old bells were rung ; The old, old bells of Cruces Chanting in silver tongue. But the notes were holy music, Just when the shadows fall, With the sun behind the palm-trees Dark creeping over all ; And we left the loved one sleeping Beneath a fresh-made pall. When a bird in tender accents Lent cheer to the refrain. And the sunset stars were shining The sad began to wane ; The blending music touched the heart Like sweet so ft- falling rain Upon a longing, thirsty earth Till all was green again. There was comfort in the music When the old bells were rung ; The old, old bells of Cruces Chanting in silver tongue. y4ND OTHER POEMS When the barque sailed down the river, Seeking Atlantic's side, A blithe and swarthy Spaniard Just as the bell-notes died. Woke from his lute a harmony That floated with the tide ; And the waters of the Chagres Quietly slipped along, While in our hearts was melody Of Campan-i-le's song Of the Cruces Campan-i-le In glad appealing song ; For the soul was thrilled with music When the old bells were rung ; The old, old bells of Cruces Chanting in silver tongue. Three vagabonds, we, going into the West, With brushes and canvas, and colors the best; We'll fetch the knee-breeches for riding the wheel, Our green hunter's coat and new fishing-reel; Our Queen has made ready a flask of good cheer; What, think you, is in it ? wine, cider, or beer ? Let us tuck it in here: Three vagabonds, we — A wise-hearted Queen of the vagabonds, she. 80 ON IVIS'GS OF JOY We've roamed o'er the meadows, we've waded the stream, We've caught on our canvas the sun's golden gleam, We have seen from afar the fawn's twinkling feet Abound o'er the hills to a cool, safe retreat ; And darkness reigns over us, save that the night Has hung her wide chambers with lamps all alight ; We'll camp in their sight : Three vagabonds, we — And pure-hearted Queen of the vagabonds, she. The fields we've bro't with us, their texture and dye. And soon we'll hang o'er them this night-curtained sky ; First haste with swift fingers and open, I pray, The flask, noble Queen, you have carried all day ; We're thirsty from tramping, and needing its cheer, We'll drink your good health, yet, many a year ; Let us put it just here: Three vagabonds, we — A kind-hearted Queen of the vagabonds, she. (Garda speaks and we echo with reverent mien:) "The command of a friend you would gladly obey ! Show, too, you are kind in expressing a nay ! To satisfy thirst you would clear water bring! It flows Hke to crystal from yonder cool spring ! Ev'ry drop is a sphere transparent and white ! 'Tis purity's emblem transmitting the light ! And are you not right?" Three vagabonds, we — How discerning a Queen of the vagabonds, she. y4ND OTHER POEMS The story goes on and each word is a pearl : "You knew over yonder a sweet, winsome girl? She wed with her lover, kind, handsome and gay ; Their home was all sunshine and sweet as the May ; They loved and they lived, and then the two died ; Two children in silence asleep by their side ;" Your meaning you hide: Three vagabonds, we — A canny-like Queen of the vagabonds, she. But Garda, our Queen, whence comes that deep sigh ? 'Neath warm, fragrant grass all must sleep bye and bye. What is't you say ? "Wine and passion, mad steeds That hasten the rider to infamous deeds? A gentleman this, clever, tender and true, Till spirits inflamed and the reason o'erthrew," As spirits will do ; Three vagabonds, we — A plain-spoken Queen of the vagabonds, she. "These actors are gone, their tragedy's played ! Their record for time and eternity's made ; 'Tis like unto legions the angel puts down. Of beggars, of workers, of men of renown. The heartbreak in life ! Wail of innocent's cry ! And the strong cross the way, and coldly pass by ; And the stricken ones die!" Three vagabonds, we — A sword-wielding Queen of the vagabonds, she. 82 ON fVINGS OF JOY Garda ; Your weapon sinks e'en to the hilt ; What seekest thou yet? "Canst thou have what thou wilt?" "The wolf thou wouldst bind, tho' he roam in soft dress ; Each foe, tho' a liquid, in kindness suppress ; Tender-hearted, clear-brained, each man in the state. God-fearing and true, and the nation is great ! How long shall we wait?" Three vagabonds, we — Importunate Queen of the vagabonds, she. (Again Garda speaks, and trembling I hear:) "The wine-flask you've sealed and you proffer to me ! 1 may take it, may break it, or so let it be !" God, how the hand trembles ! and how the head reels ! How cowardly faint the heart in me feels ! Not a muscle can move, nor command can the will ! God help me ! — Queen Garda shall keep the flask still ! I feel my heart thrill ! Three vagabonds, we — And thrice-blessed Queen of the vagabonds, she. We're home from the meadows, this canvas unrolled ; The picture is morning, in opal and gold ; The trees are astir and the hills are aglow ; The song-birds are making sweet music, I know. 'Tis God-like in action, 'tis tender and true And Garda looks from it, — if only you knew — 'Tis clear to my view : Three vagabonds, we — Forever the Queen of the vagabonds, she! AND OTHER POEMS f rance^ Willattx 'Tis afternoon once more And the bright lake shimmers and dreams ; The white sand along its edge Alive with child mound-builders, seems A plain of long ago. The tall motionless, vine-wreathed trees — Their domes touching the clouds — Sentinel stand o'er all one sees. From white embowered tent Sweet notes of faith-winged hymn and prayer Rise and fall in cadence, Awakening the list'ning air. 'Tis woman's hour of praise. Of heartfelt supplication grave; And she of gracious mien Is there, gentle and firm and brave. The refined brow is hfted, Her spirit breathes in quiet tone Complete consecration — Father and loving child alone, All other presence hushed — Resolutely she takes the hand Of all-sustaining Power: A woman beautiful she stands ! ON WIN as OF JOY For native land she wrought All in defensive armour clad — "The panoply of Love" — And mountain, plain, and valley glad Gave back a smile of love. Her footprints into blossoms rare — Emblems of purity — Sprang up — sweet lilies pure and fair. 0ip JHo^e In far sunny Ind, where I strolled one day, I gathered a carbuncle rich and red ; I looked at the sun through the precious gem, And a bright burning coal I saw instead ; Then I chose the ruby from other shore ; Red-sapphire gem oriental. Of all precious things should I ask aught more? In garden with slope to the sunny south I gathered a violet-dark-red rose One morning in June, while glistened the dew Like profusion of gems on these, on those — The soft velvet petals, and leaves dark green — A rare dark rose from Eden blown Over paradise walls by breath unseen, I said to my rose, "Your blood hints of Life; You move ! Ah yes, and your breath tells me so : Your cheek to my own presses soft and warm Just where the sun kissed it awhile ago ; ASD OTHER POEMS The touch of his lips enhanced other grace And fragrance you lavishly yield, And a brighter tint on your robe I trace. "Luxurious rose, meant for full deep life, Your velvet and satin and bloom and glow, Your breath of perfume all given, by whom? The heart answers softly, 'I know,' I know'." My rose ! She is flower and woman too, A blessing for all intended ; And the high, and the low, from care to woe. My Radiant Rose ! She has jewelled mind. Love reigns in her eye and glows on the cheek. And her spirit is rare and her grace of mien; God gave her to me of Heaven to speak; His Word and His stars the lamps for her feet, Her heart to be Holy Temple, For the loving Lord it is cleansed, made meet. The rose and the woman ! Ah, who need sing Of gems that are precious, "which is the fair" ? "Or the rose, just kissed by the morning sun," "Or woman whose heart is a temple rare" "Or the glowing coal, the carbuncle bright" "Most brilliant gem, oriental" ! For, 'tis she who reflects Love's holy light ! ON WINGS OF JOY The Lord built a city, and gems are its walls. The Jasper and Beryl and Chrysolite And the gates are of costly, rarest pearl, In the midst of all the Lamb is the Light ; And roses, and lilies alternate grow For the crown of His creation; For the one whom the Master loves to know. TO NETTA There are palms, so numerous palms In the stately paradise home ; In single and in armies The delightsome expanse they roam ; Victorious palms and lordly, Tossing plumes in the upper blue, A glist'ning regal coronet. Proudly worn as rulers do. So num'rous palms the great King needs To bestow on those who love. Whose lives are on active service. And on those who stand and love, Patiently guarding the gates of truth With unflinching but tender hand; With face like a shining glory In disterins: robes who stand. AND OTHER POEMS 67 May 24, 1895-1913 I A cool, delicious morning in the Maytime of the year; The apple-blossoms pink and snow, and bird-songs sweet with cheer ; The dooryard and the tangled glen in vivid garments new; O'er all there trailed a silv'ry veil of pearly beads of dew. A fitting time, the angels thought, for baby eyes to ope, For earth was sweet and beautiful and clothed with newborn hope. They laid the tiny girlie in a soft and fragrant bed; Back to sky-land on a sunbeam in joy they swiftly sped. O sweetly precious girlie ! Coming in the blushing May, Thy work to bring the sunshine, scatter blossoms all the way From morning till the noontime, till the day of life is done, Weaving crowns of joy for others, until thy crown is won. 88 ON WINGS OF JOY II 1914 Oh ! the years have come and gone, with their flowers of pink and snow, Hint of apple-blossom fragrance trails all the paths you go; In your rippling merry laughter the bird-notes ring out clear, The hymns of orchard songsters sounding in your gurgling cheer. O Mary, precious girlie! You are where the stream- lets meet To rush with mighty impulse in a river at your feet ; You stand, and dreaming, longing, look to trace its winding way Through the meadows of the morning, the burning fields of day, And Hfe's flowers all are opening their petals witching sweet, For you're at the mystic portal where girl and woman meet. And luscious fruit must follow the lovely apple-flower, And girlhood's simple graces mature to woman's power For Queenly ministration, with Love divine in tune ; Like to fragrant precious lilies, blossoming in June. AND OTHER POEMS 89 ^n €Icct 31 atip SUSANNA WESLEY BORN, LONDON, 1669; DIED, BRISTOL, I742 Two centuries with measured stately tread Have joined the marching ranks of all the ages, Down the aisles of the storied past receding, Since first the flowers of thought enwreathed her brow, Forerunning golden fruitage and revealing A regal intellect enthroned ; till now Scarce thought in woman, lovely,clinging, Could be found — two hundred years and more Since first in London she those flowers wore. Clothed in the garments beautiful of truth And maiden graces, heaven-born and sweet. Strong, yet kindly, stood she for what was best In girlhood, as when wintry storms of life Beat round her; stood in calm, supremest rest, Patiently and with courage subduing strife ; Leading in higher thought with ordered zest. When sons to her in faith came with their need Deftly she ravelled tangled skeins of creed. O Priestess of Epworth ; still dost thou shine, A guiding star whose steady ray earth's daughters Well may follow ; securely poised in height The shifting years shall see it reigning far. 90 ON WINGS OF JOY Two sons with thee in greatness and in might Of influence enthroned in honor are, Beck'ning the sons of men to Love and Light One taught redemptive grace in metered Hne Sweet lyrics sounding o'er the plains of earth In cumulative force, majestic, fine. And one, almost they counterpart was he, With logic keen uncovered sophistry. Taught men to hear the Spirit's pard'ning voice, Know His indwelling presence and rejoice. 3Fn jHemotiam JOSEPHINE DYAR HOUGHTON Thy heart, dear friend, was a garden rare Yielding blossoms of beauty and grace ; Thy joy was to scatter the lilies fair That the perfume might sweeten the place And flow'rs of hope might blow. Horse turned almost fourscore and ten Her hortensial glass of golden sand 'Neath the world's blue sky for thee ; and then Thy feet sped on to the better land, Love's loveliness to know. Thy skillful hand sketched the sweet goodbye ; And what but lilies fair could it be ? The blossoms pure 'gainst a bit of sky — Thy Mizpah, a thought of Christ, for me — "The lilies, how they grow." AND OTHER POEMS 91 ^ong of tlje #lti oBuarH BALDWIN UNIVERSITY CLASS OF 1859 TO BALDWIN-WALLACE CLASS OF IQIQ 'Tis Junetime; we're here with the Seniors and Band, We white-headed children from yesterday-land ; Our old Latin grammar and old "Rule of Three" Are with us in mem'ry, as snug as can be ; Brow lifted, we face serried foes, e'en the worst; (Don't know second fiddle; we're good in the first!) From old days we're come, keeping step with the new, For progress in knowing we ever pursue. According with Wisdom, our structure shall stay, The strong buttressed pillars shall never decay, For Wheeler and Tingley and Proctor sowed seeds Of oaks everlasting — enough for our needs. You, sons and blithe daughters, are coming along, With frills to your knowledge, with high-sounding song; You're welcome to thunder your pasans of yells ; Our hearts beat most truly to old chapel-bells. Our banners are flying; we're marching with vim; Our bugles are blowing the old college hymn, "For Rightness and Industry, Women and Men," Writ large in the mind with indelible pen. Our slogan we're sounding up all the bright way, It is "Justice set Free, Forever and Aye." Let skies be o'ershadowed, or golden with sun. That slogan shall sound till Right's battles are won ! ON IVINCS OF JOY 3Fn tfje ^^re^ence of l^iagara By the height and the calmness led To seek a transcending view The watchtower lifted its head To the fields of calmest blue. And was kindled the flashing light Of a wonderful brilliant eye In the lantern poised on the height Of the tower that touched the sky. And it glimmered and shone far out O'er the seething furious wave That reared 'midst the rocks and lashed about In the echoes of wreck it gave. Still, afar shone its guiding ray Away out o'er the mighty deep Where in repose the billows lay As in calm and dreamless sleep. At morning dawn to the tower's height Earnestly mounted the watchman true ; Swiftly his keen and far-sent sight Swept the remote expanse of blue. And he thought of the mighty hand In whose hollow the sea lay still, The awful power of that command That built a water-wall at will. That always with roar and with sweep — In step with the marching of time The unmeasured volume, vast and deep, AND OTHER POEMS Moving in majesty sublime, Would descend the escarp with grace In a flow of dissolving gems, 'Though swift the leap o'er the rocky face, E'en from brow to instep hems — The rainbows, the dash and the roar, A commingling of regnant power With beauty of color, and the soar Of the chant in its flight to the tower Was the winging of grace alone; Bearing from God's alembic, fine. Full measure of rhythmic might and tone Written on highest keynote line. In the watchman's thought the decree That the waters pass not the command ; That forever the mighty sea In obedient bounds should stand, Caused a silent and rev'rent poise. In presence of the Majesty Which stilleth the sweep and the noise Of the tumult of people and sea. Truth speaks f romx a watchtower high Calming tempest-tossed waves of fear ; Love shines, a warm and flashing eye From the summit of highest sphere, A Hght o'er surging billows wild Of human thought or angry sea, That no wreck of any trusting child In all His kingdom of light should be. 94 ON WINGS OF JOY 2Dcliberance anti Ci^anhiSf gibing I Christ was there, dear heart, on that rugged shore Where, angry, the wild sea rolled in its might, And o'er the deep blue sky, full-sailed and white, Clouds, like hurried ships, scudded on before. Till the wind dropped wing, and the mighty roar Grew faint and fainter, and the sunset light Was herald of fast on-coming of night, And storm fled our hearts and the rugged shore ; While tattered and torn the cloud-ships passed by. Then vanished — were lost in the deep blue sky — For Christ spake ; and was stilled the voice of fear ; Gone forever, despair ! and hope pressed near ! God's wing was our refuge, as on we sped To this fragrant marsh, by the salt sea fed. II Now the gray morning comes with rifts of light, Threads of rose and blue all under the gray, Spreading soft through the woof of break-of-day. There's hush in our hearts in this morning light. Christ's love is enfolding. His coming, bright, Transfigures the dark; 'tis glorified day! 'Cross the marshes' beauty we wind our way ; With royal iris at left and at right. And 'tis June, dear heart, and the pale, wild rose With its subtle breath sweetens all the air; AND OTHER POEMS And all things are nestling, new life to bring. Onward, the river of joy overflows, Refreshing with hope, freeing thought from care. And grateful our paean of praise we sing. O burdened one, Put by your tears and sorrow ! Life dieth not ; put by your fears ! The Victor's voice rings down the years "Eternal Life. Eternal !" In the might of understanding rise And know 'tis yours, the precious prize, Eternal Life ! Eternal ! The Christ brings joy — Awake and freedom's pinions try! With Love and Power always nigh The triumph song fills all the sky, And lilies spring to kiss the feet And Christ is conqueror ! Twine roses sweet and sing of faith, And joy in its fruition ; The living Truth, the living Love Reigns here and now, below, above, Eternal Good ! Eternal ! 96 ON V/INGS OF JOY €lje 5B»otD of ^eace I Ah, it was glorious, my heart, that day, When all the winds were let loose on the hill, And clouds the great sky-dome hastened to fill, To stand up wrathful, as in vengeful fray; Then, quick, serenely lighted with a ray Of sheen about their edges, in a frill, Bright, from the central sun on God's own hill ; For majestic Power ruled in love that day. Oh, in smoky-silver curtains, how the rain Swayed with the wind and flung its sheets of wet ! Its fury spent, the furrowed cheek of the hill It kissed ; and we knew, heart and I, again, When the wondrous bow in the clouds was set, That peace enfolded us, and all things, still. II Peace wraps the hill in mantle of soft light. 'Tis kin to fragrance ; 'tis like unto rest Granted after turmoil in the long quest Of an anguished soul for heavenly light, When darkness flees and comes a radiance bright. Of all God's signs most beautiful and best, From distant east the bow spans to the west. And all the world's encompassed by His might. Benignly mirrored in the ordered rays From violet through the prism to the red. 'Tis precious promise from unchanging Mind, Witness of Love's unf orgetting tender ways. "My Peace I give you," the great Master said. The serene light of peace — to all mankind. AND OTHER POEMS III "Oh, wondrous day, when tempests all had fled And over earth at first pale sunlight lay, Quiet forerunner of a brighter ray. And royal purple curtains wide were spread, Then veiled by mists of soft and shad'wy red. High circling over all, a shining way, A bow of solvent gems of every ray Of Hght and color from Love's hand had sped! And this not all, for on that day my shroud. Leather-darkness, fell heavy at my feet. At first, all seemed, to me, but softly bright; Then quick there was nor heaviness nor cloud, For Christ had spoken in His accents sweet And flashed the brightness of His coming — Light ! At foot of Olive's hill the Garden stays ; And in it stand the giant bronzed trees. Scarred and furrowed ; yet in the sunset breeze Their crowns of tender leaves glint in the rays That soon shall lose themselves in ev'ning's haze ; E'en now in homing flight the swallow sees Her own dark v/ing a shadow lay on these. Mayhap the bird has flown o'er distant ways. And 'neath the roof of leaves her quiet breast May glint in soft vv^hite comfort in the night. Above the mountain's brow appears a star ; To heart and mind comes consciousness of rest; And shadowed earth and purple tinted light Chord with the sacred notes in mem'ry's bar. 98 ON WINGS OF JOY ^t miW^ foot Here oftimes Jesus came with heavy heart, No friend a-near, To touch with quick'ning words the springs of life, To waken cheer. O cruel ! blind ! that mighty heart of love. Ineffable To grieve, and force its blood, compassionate. In agony To bead the brow ; in the dark, alone, in Gethsemane ; To weight Him down with the sins of the world, Him who loved thee ! Who underwent the thorns, the cross, the death — Bore all the griefs — Yet, He, thy Life, thy Lord, arose supreme ! O Life, O Love, ineffable ! No voice so sweet, so tender as Thine own — So compassionate It whispers now : "Come all ye weary ones, Ye heavy laden." Fair, like a maiden, Easter morn approaches Adorned in robe all 'broidered with pale flowers ; With soft rose-tint of hyacinth it blusheth, Or shimmereth in gold which early showers And the sunlight have brought the gay daffodil ; And shy pansies gather at the foot in frill : Like maiden cometh with joyous step and free, With accelerating pace she draweth near, And all about her an aureole we see — Rays from the star of Hope shining white and clear — Majestic singers come, joyous in her train, And answering back in echoes from the hills, "The Lord is Risen !" And the sacred anthem thrills ! With "Hosannah in the Llighest !" for refrain. ON WINGS OF JOY ■», The night was still in hush of silence holy, And hast'ning angels o'er the Syrian plain, In poise within the prescient quietude, Diffused their rosy blossoms like the rain That falleth softly on the waiting earth; And fragrant dawn came in on quiet wing. Awoke the sleeping earth with whispered thrills ; And kindled beauty, one with radiant Truth, A pictured anthem lay on all the hills ; All Nature sang: "The Christ is risen, King!" Light burst the bars ! Let men and angels sing ! Lift up, lift up your heads, ye lilies white and pure; Fit symbols of the Christ ye stately stand, and sure. His an exalted beauty and grace beyond compare ; And ye are beauty's blossom, O ye lilies fair ; His life an everflowing stream of sweetness rare; Your chalices of snow a precious fragrance bear. O lilies, in your whiteness glistening and pure, In bud, and growth, and flower, ye trust and ye adore. MND OTHER POEMS Mt free Over zones of the earth wide floors of snow And floors of knit fibers of gray-green sod. When lo, there arrives a wonder ! . . . . A breaking of windows, in Springtime mirth, In the floors of the sod and the snow, And daffodils prisoned no longer hide ; Cavalcades in their frills of gold out-ride, And the heart sings out: '"Tis the Eastertide!' €l)e %ittU 2Biue Moltt O little blue Violet, Growing at the feet of a giant beech, in a quiet place, Here thou waitest the sun's kiss When night yieldeth to the morn ! Thou freshness, breath of Spring and grace ! In thy being is a meaning finer yet ; Thou little Violet, laughing in the rain, So engaging one never can forget ; Thou art sunrise-song of sweetness, Thou art innocence — Love-born. ON IVINGS OF JOY €asftet We greet the Springtime morning fair, And list the cadence of her song, Enfolding what the heart holds dear, What to new life and hope belong ; Blue violets, dancing daffodils. About the happy footsteps throng. The Easter lily's chalice spills Her precious sweets; and robins sing And free their throats in double trills ; Joy wakes anew when wakes the Spring. Flown is the purple stillness of the night And speeds the dawn in robes of rose and light ; Sweet is the air. Love wakes the dormant flower, Fragrance and singing birds enrich the hour; Lilies of grace enlaureate the brow While loyal pledge we give, inspired vow, To Thee, the Christ enthroned, of friends the best, Hope blossoms and fruition warms the breast. Author of gladness, with Thy censer sweet Spilling life's essence in flowers at the feet Till the heart thrills at touch of Power divine And thrills again to know that touch is Thine. We joy that Thou, the Truth, hast always been The Living-Christ : The Kingdom Thine, within. AND OTHER POEMS ^jBfcen^ion 2Dap *Twas a finished work, triumphant, That made the ascension day, When Jesus reached the last outpost Of that wondrous guiding way. "Father forgive them" had been spoken ; The crown of thorns been set ; His "lama sahacthani" wailed ; The prophecies been met, — For destroyed had been the "Temple" ; In three days again been raised. He had walked the path to Emmaus ; His disciples been amazed When they knew the Master risen, In the morning by the sea ; Where He blessed the bread and brake it On the shore of Galilee. He had taught them all the blessedness Of obeying His command ; On the right side they had cast their nets And abundance brought to land. And their understanding blossomed When He brake to them for food The inmost meaning of the Scriptures, The Spiritual good. He bade them go, to ev'ry Nation, Preach the gospel that makes free ; Promised greater things than He had done In works that yet should be ; ON WINGS OF JOY And to the band of followers Still near their Master's side The Holy Comforter He promised To send them — to abide — With uplifted hands He blessed them ; The clouds began to move And His earthly garment vanished ; He was folded round with Love. O'er the cross, the grave, all matter. He ascendency had won. Not a wrong was left to conquer ; His all-saving work was done ; And awesome glory shone o'er Olivet While the Father called the Son. 'Tis the coming of His brightness Transfigures earth and me ; And the hush His glory bringeth Is sweetest symphony. For 'tis only scintillations Of love that kindle light, And 'tis always Love's outgoing Its fount keeps sweet and white. And 'tis singing at our service, In lowly paths divine. Life becomes a benediction Dear Christ, like unto Thine. AND OTHER POEMS Thou loving Christ, Thou Son of God, Thou Savior of mankind, Thy precious paths of other days Men hasten far to find; To roam the shores of Galilee; 'Midst olive-trees to wind. How blue the sky ! how fair the flowers ! How sweet the atmosphere Where Thou did'st bid men come to Thee As little children dear; In trust and innocence to come, Thy footsteps follow, near. Dear Christ, Thou art now "lifted up ;" The heavens are full of Thee ! With burning hearts we know the Light That shone in Galilee ; The healing truth of "God with us" In gracious ministry. Thou loving Christ, to Thee we come, Thou Savior of mankind; Thy warmth enfolds ; Thy tender hands Unclasp the chains that bind; Thy precious paths are laid within ; They are not far to find. 6 ON WINGS OF JOY Co ^. Vernon February 22, 1900 Again the festal time is come, The gladdest of the year ! When skies are bright and hills are white And firesides warm with cheer. Thy natal day returns again, And music fills the air; For birds are gay as if 'twere May, A-wooing ev'rywhere. Within the modest wildwood buds, In shades of varied hue, Folded complete are flowers meet To crown the Spring anew ; And subtile come the harbingers Of nectar-laden June, And touch the air with fragrance rare, Like an old and favored tune. O, happy time to come to earth, When Hope mounts high and free ! With heart that's pure, strong to endure And face the yet-to-be. O, tall the stately palm lifts up Its branches to the sun. And spends its days in growing bays For him vv^ho nobly won ! AND OTHER POEMS (For your Birthday, 1902) The precious fragrant violet Tells of the Spring and thee ; Singing its song in forest shade — Exquisite, royal, free. In the quiet nooks of Nature, Where shade and scrag abound, And the thought of man is wanting. The violet is found. No flower in all God's kingdom Richer in dainty grace ; Touching the heart with tenderness From out its modest place. And ever this fragrant blossom The sad heart makes to sing ; Ever the message it sends forth A sacred joy doth bring. 18 ON mNGS OF JOY feliruarp 22, 1904 The birds are singing in the far Southland Where the orange-blossoms blow ; Tilting in the boughs of the myrtle tree, Where the great magnolias grow : And you are singing in the far Northland 'Midst billowy fields of snow; And making the giant forest tree In golden robes to glow. Your magic brush makes Summerland, And the fairies come and go, And balmy zephyrs lift the leaves Where the fragrant beeches grow ; Your thought goes witching thro' the trees And smiles in a sunset glow. Ah — happy you! AND OTHER POEMS 1912 A little song for the Master, About things that are sweet to know, And spring from the true heart's center ; Like the flower-buds 'neath the snow, Packed full of color and fragrance, Only waiting the time to blow ; So, often the sweets of friendship Are hid away from outward show. Just a loving touch for sorrow, A smile for the face that is sad, A brave word kindling to action And making the soul of one glad. ON WINGS OF JOY €o t&e i^a^ter of ^inti l^ill, 19X5 Dear Master, with the searching heart, The sensitive appeal, The Mind that paints the bhish of morn Speaks in thee to reveal All that is strong and lifted-up, All grace that thou would'st feel. Thy deepest thought ? thy finest touch ? He whispers them to thee. The flame of beauty in thy soul That burneth to be free ? He kindles it with His own breath And fans it lovingly. The alchemist of Hfe He is And all the flow'rs of Spring In overflowing chalices To you their riches bring ; And birds have caught His sweetest notes And come to you and sing. AND OTHER POEMS 111 fclimarp, 1918 And thou comest to me! kind, gentle and swift In the far lone sky is a gleam, in a rift, A light that is hope and it singeth to me Of God who is Love and is Home, unto thee. And now far removed from your sensitive heart Are surges of grief and of pain the keen smart; Now no clouds intervene, your vision is clear, Love alone makes the wonderful atmosphere Where Truth and where Beauty enthroned are on high, Twin radiant suns, making luminous sky. Unswerving and ardent, you drew from above Perfect chords for your lyre, of Justice and Love ; Your forests are chanting in worshipful tone ; Your fields smile in dream-life where care is un- known ; Your sweetness of spirit and pureness of thought Are color and tone, in your lyric inwrought. Come oft to me, comrade, kind, gentle, and swift ; Mine eyes will reflect that far gleam in the rift, A joy that thou dwellest where beauty is rife And right is enthroned, in the kingdom of Life. 2 ON WINGS OF JOY X9t9 A sacred Voice in inmost self Spake wondrous words to thee ; Familiar, loving words of grace, Of immortality. That voice you heard amidst the trees And oft within your heart Felt ev'ning's calm and morning's breeze That Spirit's grace impart. Unfolding vistas grew more bright, Work's future safe to thee; Work fitting for thy conscious power Of growth eternally. Now satisfied, thy spirit thrills With blissful energy. ylND OTHER POEMS 11; €{)e J>oanng f ear^ef How shall I sing of the fleeting years? For me, from the fields of long ago, Up out of the mists of cruel fears They soared to far heights of Alpine snow; Out of range the view, the ether cold. The light and the blue, far, far away ! The lonesome longing may not be told; The search for a dearer, warmer day. Those heights became near and dear, with th' years! Faded and dim the sorrows of earth ! — Lost in the flooded valley of tears — And soul sang its hymn of glad new birth ; While on, and still on, the years soared high. In those wider, purer fields, the sun Had to itself all the space of sky. And effulgent warmth in the soul begun. No valleys, no warmth, no light of earth Could lure again to that lower plane; No bars, no limit, thought farther flung. The summit of highest peak to gain. The empyrean now, in sofest blue. Is closely folded about the heart; And this great wide beautiful place is home, Where the dearest friendships never part. 4 ON WINGS OF JOY (A day with my brother James.) In the far-off long-ago There was a beautiful Christmas day, And the eyes are moist, and they softly say, "That wonderful long ago !" And the billows of white rolled far and wide, To horizon's rim that Christmastide, A marvel pure and fair. There was shout at dawn-break, "All is well !" And a cloud of great, warm snowflakes fell All day, through the silent air. And our hearts were filled with joy, There was fur-lined sleigh, as trim as could be, Quite ample enough for him and for me, And our hearts and all our joy. And it smoothly slipped along To the tune of the mellow sleighing bells, An echo of all the harmonic swells In the billowy way along. "A Merry Christmas !" "Merry !" Said the music, the snow and our hearts in tune. With as loving a lilt as birds in June; "A dear old Christmas !" "Merry !" Night came in that long-ago. And brightly the Holly enwreathed the wall. Witching and merry the Mistletoe's call. That evening long ago. AND OTHER POEMS The Mistletoe bough hung high! Its enchanting spell bro't roses sweet To the cheeks of the maid with graces meet For the stately minuet; And glee notes rang thro' the festive hall — The notes of the merry Mistletoe's call — For the Mistletoe hung high, And the Holly enwreathed the wall. Merry Christmas on the wing ! For like birds came the flight of the years, Swiftly, surely, with joys and with tears ; Christmas joys on peaceful wing! Our trim Httle sleigh we had ; We slipped from the hollows to hilltops fair, Each hand in each, and were ever aware Of wealth in the other we had. For we knew the Christmas King! He was Love, the Ruler, in heart of each, And trust and peace He reigned to teach ; The tender Christmas King ! Today, as in long ago. Sweet bells, of the fifty jewelled years, Ring clear, and the eyes are soft with tears. For now, and for long ago. That wonderful peace Christ brings to men Is a benediction, now as then; And the Mistletoe bough hangs high ! Still high the Christmas Holly ! 'Blessed are those servants, zvhom the Lord when he Cometh shall find watching." J^torning ^raper-Cftri^tma^ Dap Father, I would be among the blessed Who stand list'ning for the lightest footfall, For the gentle knocking of the Master, Girded and waiting through the night watches. My lamp alight for the feet of any Wayfarer belated in the marshes. Serving, I would open the heart's portals For the entrance of Him who giveth light ; Who cometh bearing the cup of healing And maketh me to sit at meat with Him. AND OTHER POEMS Jamilxar— 2Dear God sent us not a strange New Year ; It came familiar, ermine-clad, Or bearing palms and roses glad. For world-wide folks, a world-wide cheer- Pan's pipes a-flute, and bells rang clear; With jollity and welcome mad. It came a sturdy hope-filled lad, Reliant, strong, and full of cheer, And climbed to zenith. Now it wanes. And Christmas festival is here ; Each heart at home with well known things ; For Love, the King familiar, reigns. He crowns with joy the speeding year; To each His wealth of peace He brings. ON WINGS OF JOY Softly the spheres of the universe turn Bringing to dimax the glorious year, And good-will abounds and the Christ is here ; Each heart a censer sweet incense to burn — Incense of love for which all alike, yearn. For high, and for low, a chalice of cheer Pours out the rich gift that crowneth the year- Censer and chalice each pour in its turn. Oh, beautiful Night ; on Judah's far plain, Resplendent in robes of purple and light. And vibrant with joy when the Heralds sung, To all open hearts, Christ cometh again, And always 'tis sunburst of Christmas light When love is serving and the peace-hymn sung. j4ND other poems O Christmas, blessed Christmas! thy joys have come to stay; The hand of Christ hath swept the harp of mortal mind to-day. The vibrant melody it makes accords with David's song When on his harp he played for Saul, who rose re- freshed and strong, And loved the lad and song divine of healing ministry. A harp redeemed, alone, can hymn that sweetest melody, The New Song, onward flowing as a thousand rivers run; The Christmas song of ages, in the heart by Christ begun. With their lighted candles watchmen happy stand ; "The Bright and Morning Star" shines over all the land, And bondage disappears, blindness and the night — Lo, the dwelling of God's children is "The Light !" Rejoice and shine, ye children, all enf olden In the glory of the Father, warm and golden. Gladness is sown for all, and light supernal ; Christ reigns — Immanuel ! our Life Eternal ! ON WINGS OF JOY Always, ere the old year passes, Earth puts on her robe of snow ; And we list for angel voices Out of clouds that swiftly go — Silver clouds athwart the heavens Out of which the wind doth blow. All the air is full of music, Voices singing, "Christ is here !" Organ-voices, flutings tender, Cymbals and the harp, so dear, Make of Christ-day one glad anthem Ere the going of the year. Sweetness, light, and love-rich blessing, Christ, the Truth, in heart and head, All-pervading, quick'ning, reigning. See ! by Him the hosts are sped ; Little children, forward hast'ning, By the King eternal led. AND OTHER POEMS Sometimes an arrest holds in leash the thought And Truth's golden ray in a gleam is caught, And we touch the skirts with an awesome grace While the hushed heart throbs in a cadence low ; Then large grows our concept ; The dawn's aglow ! We vision a glory longed for, and sought — The coming of Christ with the sunrise fraught. So, out of the far fields, vast and bright, A-gleam with the star-glow of Christmas light, Thrills the Word compassionate, sweet and low, For prophet and shepherd and Christ are met ; A waiting world's lashes with joy are wet. For grace is poured out — frankincense and myrrh In love the Most High overshadows her. Oh ! Rich and full, the golden Christmas bells — And thought flies far to where the olive grows, To poppy fields and wheat, to scraggy fells, To Galilee, to Hermon in his snows. There's glory in the sky, the paean swells, Christ comes in lowly robe ; Love lifts Him high. "The precious One ! Redeemer !" sing the bells — And to the waiting heart He cometh nigh. ON IVINGS OF JOY In the land of oleanders, Sweet acacia, waving reed, On the slopes of snow-crowned Shasta, In all lands, whate'er the creed, Dawns the Christmas day triumphant; Flow'ring of the Truth's own seed. When is come the moment precious That to some heart Christ is born, Come in royal beauty's freshness As the lily to adorn With His affluence most gracious, Then 'tis Holy Christmas morn. Lo ! in wide fields of heavenly blue the Christ-star rides on high ; Light cannot fail, since Truth illumes the all-un- bounded sky, Its radiance a guide most sure through ev'ry tangled way. While Love, with Light, brings forth the rose to glad each new-born day. O holy Light ! O precious Truth ! Unfold and bear us high Above all fear, in joy and strength, o'erarched by lofty sky. AND OTHER POEMS Sweet bells of all the jeweled years Ring clear with joy and soft with tears E'en now, as long ago ; That vital peace Christ brought to men Is benediction now as then — Chimes wing it 'cross the snow — The Shepherd guards His flock at night, Make glad the home with Christmas light — With rose and mistletoe ! O still and waiting Christmas eve, the heralds fill the sky; With silver notes their trumpets sing, Glory to God on High! O heart of man, awake and know the Christ, our King is here ; He reigns in stillness all supreme, and sorrows disap- pear. The moors that stretched far on and on, in robes of somber gray, Are sweet with heather-bells in pink, 'neath Love's transforming ray; And grateful hearts and heralds sing of His redeeming light: He lifts the veil, dispels the mist, and lo, there is no night ! ON WINGS OF JOY i9xa The Christmas dawns in splendor East and West, Though many in dark purple robes be drest, For in the pain of heartbreak Christ is near To whisper courage in the list'ning ear ; And over all that is, or e'er shall be, Watcheth omniscient Love eternally ; So, twine we wreaths of precious immortelles. And hear the song of peace in Christmas bells. 1917 Watch not, nor wait for dawn ; 'tis always near. And dawn of peace unfolds her colors clear. Supreme in justice: in majestic praise, The world, set free, its song of joy shall raise. AND OTHER POEMS 19X8 Dear Friends, my ship is still sailing, Still out o'er the ocean wide; Her cargo does not seem heavy, Her colors fly as we glide. All the rocks and the furious gales Long ago were met and passed, Plots of wreckage sunk 'neath the waves, My colors flew from the mast. No craft o'er the ocean sailing Could venture to train a gun On a captain fol'wing orders Of Him who has always won. And glories flash in the dawnings, 'Tis wonderful voyage now. For the buoyant waves are laughing, Cooling breezes soothe the brow. I am in the Flying Squadron, Fast speeding this Christmas Day, With a wreath of lasting Friendship I wish at your feet to lay. 126 ON WINGS OF JOY Author of life, or near, or far, Whose radiance beameth in the star, And o'er the ocean and the stream ; Whose spirit shineth in the gleam: We feel Thee in our heart elate. In pensive mood in ev'ry state, Our springing thought to regulate. The glorious ingathered fruits Of Autumn, from the springtime roots, In wealth of gold and crimson glow, In all -pervasive, radiant flow. And loveliness of beauty's beam On forest floor and valley stream, Of Thy effulgence is the gleam. From Winter's sleep, from blushing rose. From ev'ry bloom and fruit that grows, The Autumn plucks a fragrance sweet. Its censer's richness to complete ; Home gardens and the prairie blest By incense from this yearly quest; And dreams swarm in poetic mist. We cannot curb our joy in Thee, For in so glad eternity Of beauty, flashing ever new. In nightly star and fresh'ning dew. In vernal bloom and summer sun. AND OTHER POEMS And hallowed hour when day is done, Most precious art Thou, and most near. And in our dreams, by day or night, Thou sendest messengers of light To chide us when rebuke is best, To wake the heart to burning zest In search of Wisdom's precious gold, Whose very nearness doth unfold When trustful fellowship we hold. All sweetness of each restful heart Is of Thy love a very part. All help bestowed on direst need Is flower from Compassion's seed Dropt in our heart from Thine own Hand And ev'ry grace, at Thy command. Awaits Thine own, in ev'ry land. -^^r' \ l^anette Straying far in the beautiful Southland, Where the magnolia and the myrtle grow. And the Cherokee roses climb and cling To the fatherly trunks in affection, Nanette lifted her eyes in seaward gaze; In the hour when the wide constant twilight Speaks of infinite things to the dreamer. I was leisurely walking on the shore, And paused to greet this lone dark-eyed stranger. She had come from a magic land of hills About whose feet each day spread shadows And covered the crowns with mystic veiling. She had loved the hills and moist tangled dells Whose cool fern and flowers made haunts for fairies, And where she often sought to be with them. Her feet and song attuned to a glad rhythm Under the rose of dawn flushing the glen, While the song of the morning thrush echoed An ecstasy, and soft- footed rabbits Browsed the dew-wet herbage, leaping to fit Places to wait awhile and return thanks. AND OTHER POEMS 129 This bit of Nature where her heart told her Something joyous lived, like fairies waiting To dance with her, or to perch near and sing. Was "Glory" to her lonely orphaned heart. Wary-eyes, gray-faced and old, said not true. Her birthing was not in the brown-bark house 'Midst the sycamore trees in the foot-hills; Not from her did she spring into being. So she sang, on and on, almost in dream; And I, list'ning, felt a strange warmth flowing From her heart to mine, in touching appeal. And she told with an infinite pathos How Winchester, lover of truthtelling Pointed to the night sky, where the stars shone, And his words sang like the river hast'ning To thirsty lands with refreshing water. The Great Spirit dwelt there in the brightness; The stars were His thoughts, and the white moonlight His smile ; and the thorn-tangles and high rocks Were lost under the gleam of the shining. Winchester was wonderful when his eyes Looked into hers and his soul said, "Nanette, I love you." Wary-eyes, so gray and old, Could not fold his Nanette to her bosom And say : "My child, with eyes of the wild doe, Forever you'll fetch me the oak branches To make coals ; and dewberries for supper. When a wee smiling nursling she stole you." 130 ON IVINGS OF JOY Next, taking her hand, they ran to the Glen ; And the redbird sang like a golden flute While they found the basin the little stream Leaped sparkling from between the rocks to fill. Tall ferns unlocked their arms for them to pass ; The sun found op'nings behind them, and they Saw their shadows, hand in hand, on the face Of the blue water — still, glassy mirror — And the songbird on a tall f eath'ry plume Swaying, singing a bar of melody, Caught in its flight from the azure above, Also was pictured on the blue water. Then it was that Winchester folded Her to himself, and they felt they were one. With swift feet they sought the hill that rose high "Above the treetops, and touching the sky ; There the pastor lived, close up to heaven." They gave the promise, in the solemn words *T will," each to each, and felt the sacred Touch of the good man's hands when he blessed them. They went forth and the world was beautiful ! And sweet the evening carol of the lark ! And each heart sang its joy to the other, As the flowers and fern sang when the sun set. "Nanette." said the husband, "all this glory Is ours" — for Winchester's ear heard the voice Of the Great Spirit, in the twilight hour, Often. And they hast'ned on o'er the hills, ^ND OTHER POEMS Far and away, and slept in "a shelter" In the Valley. "These were God's days and ours." Then followed the prairie-years, with far views, And the tall rustling corn in sun-kist plumes ; A most sweet place of refuge, for the world Was not there; only swaying harps of leaves — The corn leaves, soft green with crimson tintings- Making murmur-melody all sweetly, Akin to spirit voices caroling. Divine was that dwelling — home for the soul! But joy and peace put on marching armor; Fires swept over the prairie and they fled — The flames swiftly pursuing their footsteps — Winchester bearing high on his shoulder Their little son, born 'midst the corn gardens; For always the great expanse of billows Was like stretches of garden and home. But the fire-wind roared, and the ripe corn burned; The flame swept the face of the little one And scorched it ; and, "Ah ! God, drank up his breath. Their steps took on the spirit of motion And their flight became swift, like the eagle's. At last they were beyond the blessed bar of oak trees, Where they sat down and lifted up their woe In a great silence of desolation. They made him a soft bed of cool oak leaves; "Covered him deep from the sorrows of earth." 132 ON WINGS OF JOY "The face of my husband was shadow; He had no voice, 'twas locked in a silence ; He had no motion, was still and heavy; Gave no heed to my voice — and he loved song ; I took his hand — no return of pressure, Then I cried to heaven ; 'O God, art thou fled ?' My voice was full of the roar of the fire; It blazed to the top of the Universe. "Then came an interval of Eternity. Spirit was no longer housed in body, But was carried in arms of sweet soothing. And I heard the Shepherd's flute a-fluting;, 'Rest thee, I'll never leave nor forsake thee;' And I begged, with oh! such glad assurance, 'Speak to Winchester, that he move forward;' And the voice of the Shepherd touched me like Music, but without words. Then I looked up And the eyes of my husband were open; And he stretched his arms to me, and we wept." While list'ning, her experience became mine. Her tragedy, crowded with blazing glory, Forced a rift in the mist-clouds surrounding Eternal verities ; verities at our right hand — The nearness of the All-Power and All-Love. I took Nanette's hand, looked into her eyes, Beautiful and dew-wet with memories; My heart and hers knit together as one. Presently she said : "We must not linger." AND OTHER POEMS 1. They turned their steps away from the oak-lined Bed of their son; from the oncoming waves Of incense — breath from the devastated Cornfields. A wandering farm lad found them And led the way to a homestead and food. Soon they found their way to a great city. "Ah! but that w^as desolate — Great City! No two hearts seemed to beat in unison." They found labor. Spent the evenings in school Where a '"'sweet-faced Deaconess" gave them lessons Out of the "precious Bible" she gave them. And, yet, their sky was filled with darksome clouds ; They remembered not the bright sunny days Of the prairie ; wrecked hopes were too vivid. In time her heart stirred with a fearsome joy; Then once again her arms were contented. Soon the little daughter learned to open Her eyes wide, and look smiling into theirs. They called her Blossom, and they adored her. She learned to prattle, and to speak to them, And to chase the pale August butterflies. "One day the demon-fire roared through our street. A great wall fell ; a bit of timber flew ! And our Blossom, our Beautiful, fell crushed. Winchester helped me and I gathered her Into the skirt of my gown and stood still ; 134 ON WINGS OF JOY And an angel came, 'twas the Deaconess. While her heart of Pity looked from her eyes She had no voice for words, but pressed our hands, Cared for us ; covered the grave with lilies ; But the Christ seemed far oft', the heavens smoke, 'Though that angel, in her little bonnet With its white ties, said : "Lo ! I am with you." ' Marvel not, but that noisy city was Desolate as the grave to these two souls. Neither of them had a voice while they ran, Yes, ran from that great desolate city. Pathos thrilled in Nanette's voice, when she said ; "Alas ! We were blind and deaf and knew not That the Shepherd had not forsaken us — That while we stumbled on, His eye kept watch." They roamed on, ever on, from State to State ; Earning a little, now here and now there — Winchester's soul was proud and would only Use what the sweat of his brow brought to him — But there was no longer joy in the world, The earth and the heavens brought forth smoke and fire. But the weary feet loved to tread forest Paths, and feel the caress of soft, cool mosses. And when Winchester's steps commenced to lag She urged forward. Once amongst the wild hills Of Tennessee they spent days in a hut That hewers of walnut had left standing. AND OTHER POEMS "One night I sat me down and wept for joy; It was so like home to have trees and flowers And birds all about us, in the silence ; And a beautiful fawn and its mother Were so unafraid and came near to me That my heart gave one glad leap that I was Still worthy to be one with God's wild things." But contentment was far from her husband, So, after helping some workers hew out Great walnut knots to be shipped across seas And appear in beautiful "veneering," They took up, for her, their sorrowful march And came into this sunkist flower-state. And on to these shores where the palms grow tall. The murmuring sea waves soothed Winchester, And they began learning how to care for Oranges — for a noble family — "Till fire overtook us again, this time Fire trailing through the veins of my husband ; The flames filling his mind with a roaring. From the cornfields, shot up great spires of fire, Again seized the child folded in his arms. His imaginings raged with the fever. Oh ! I know how Winchester never ceased To mourn the first-born child given to us In the beautiful prairie corn-gardens. And I wept him ; but smiled when I thought of our Blossom, the lilies and the Deaconess. 136 ON WINGS OF JOY "At last the fury was spent, and he had The Httle son on his knee, and a flame Of glory lit his face and he shouted 'The burnished leaves glisten ; the corn is ripe.' Then, followed a silence that was comfort To my soul ; I said : 'O, at last he rests !' " Now, I drew to the side of this woman, Saying : "Flee the sad scenes, wing the free air." She turned to me a strong, revealing face From which, at that moment, a spiritual Smile — light from a joyous intelligence — Shone ; telling me she had found her own home. It was no longer in the wooded glen Of material beauty and repose, But was in the undying fertile fields Of God's own Kingdom — "The Kingdom within" — Of which the Christ is the unremitting Serene Light — sweetly comfort-sustaining. Humbly, I asked, "Nanette, show me the way; By what ladder you climbed to the high heights ?" "Ah!" she said, "I went into the desert Alone, to pray. The sky was full of clouds; No moon, but I wandered in the night-time Down to these palms, and the sea was booming. The great waves climbed; the spray spilled on the strand, ^ND OTHER POEMS And I stood near, to feel its salt lashings, Till I cried, *Oh ! God, Thou are not in this ; I can never find Thee in confusion ; My heart is weary and worn, I'm undone ! I must trust Thee! Where is the way of Peace!' And the Christ spoke to me, sweetly, plainly ; T am with you alway ;' 'Come near and rest.' Then I knew that though I had deserted He followed. I came to know the Shepherd not only Follows, He bends o'er us, is within us — 'Nearer than hands or feet' — is very Life." She sat down beneath these high spreading tops, Realized Divine Love encompassed her ; That all the strength and wisdom she needed Awaited her. She put her hand in His. "Months have passed, I learn slowly, but I know That I can never be separated From Christ — from serene joy — God is Life." The next evening, at the sun's going down, I sought her again on the quiet shore. Her face was strong; illumined with resolve Whose roots sprang from a glad consecration To the teaching, and enfolding in arms Of comfort, those who are alone, tenting On a field of despair, o'erarched with night. 138 ON WINGS OF JOY At our side the deep ocean, concealing Its own vast secrets of self-containment, Stretched wide and far ; linking to unknown shores : Its waves a harp whose liquid notes sang sweet. We strolled beneath the palms. The ocean harp Sung o'er and o'er its beautiful "God-speed." We strayed farther inland ; faces of flowers A-blush with the sunset-kiss sweetly smiled. The air was a purple mist of sweet scent. Where the hundreds of heliotrope blossoms In stately mystery roamed at our feet. The sunset sails of purple beckoned her To fields over which floats the heavy mists That will dissolve, revealing flowers and fruits Everlasting. While her hand shall scatter The seed, the dews from her garnered sweetness Shall water and give color to the growth. Nanette came into my life a surprise, And remains a beautiful influence. AND OTHER POEA4S The Cross, the Lilies, the Roses ! Ah, these the whole scheme discloses In gleaming letters, engraven In the secret place in my heart. To bend 'neath the weight of sorrow, All through to-day and to-morrow ; To feel all forsaken and lone Standing still and facing the Cross. Then summon the armor God-given, In which noble souls have striven, And breastplate of righteousness wear And the gleaming sword of the Spirit. On the highest height stands the Cross, On its wide-stretching arms embossed "Full glory is Hfe sacrificial," Highest mission healing of sorrow. The message how sweet and tender ! "Of the weak be strong defender." So Christ's Cross stands up 'gainst the sky Its radiant mission proclaiming. Where rays from that life-giving Light Illume hearts in the midst of night, Spring purity's flowers of lilies In red soil of sacrifice rooted. ON WINGS OF JOY And roses whose chalices hold Aroma more precious than gold; The blush on their petals of velvet A reflection of radiant Hfe. These flowers, the Hlies and roses, The book of the ages discloses. Spring in profusion and sweetness Where the dews of sacrifice fall. Bitter tears, from pain and from loss ; Sweet triumph through bearing the Cross ; Then cometh grace, like the lilies, And strength, like the joy in the roses. AND OTHER POEMS gfmmetiiate ^ercejjtion Fast fleets the hour, the time draws near When ev'ning shadows fall ; When garments of the night shall trail In silence over all, And waiting Nature lift her song In Gothic temples fair, Whose leafy arches tow'ring high Touch broader fields of air. All flowers from hilltop and from vale Are in the melting gray Of curtains folding softly o'er The gates of closing day. Dark comes apace, expectancy Enlisteth all below, Exhaustless ether spills its sweets In affluence of flow ; In crimson sun full-orbed with awe. In always pulsing sea, In mystic calm of fields of space, Man feels Eternity. The gracious, mighty sea expands A wide, upholding breast, And gathers all its leaping waves In one vast plain of rest ; The sparkling lights of sunshine hours Are now a flowing gem, ON IVINGS OF JOY An emerald-sapphire broadly flung From priceless diadem. A full and quiet beauty thrills The soul, with proof sublime Of One whose heart, and mind, and might, Knows neither bound nor time, But holds the stars in loving Hand And f oldeth man in Light — The Holy City's glowing day That never knoweth night. In rhythmic pulsing in the West, The sun, in majesty Of burning crimson, flaming gold, Proclaims, "Eternity!" Then drops behind that jewelled wave Of emerald-sapphire sea. And in the heart that Word divine Seals, Immortality. Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 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