W~^\t.,^^^~^M4-'' ' v^-' "^-^^-^Je I IRRARY OF r:nNr;RF'5<5 y ^■^ •^^, ^-^4- '^'1^ fc£^ i^l^ t^ %p dnprw l?u Shelf _....^.7 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. %. m ~^^ ^^^^-^^^ V^^U ^1a 'l^ ^', ^ fi. 1' ^'. *:^m ^'r^r^-^ ^'-r^r5o-#- ^^f^f^-^ ^'r^f^-^ ^- c-^f!^ ^ ^- r^f^i -414- * '%:'. ?^ ^, >^-^ ?^ -^ Uj[jJ ^/{y- •->-"< '^rv,' ^^ ^'^nrv, ^*-^. 'a^-\^ ^^ ■'/l^-T- kJLP '/IV-^r^ MJLrJ 'T^^ \ii^-< #\I6%* ^ ?r_\iif^ O^O" ^-,\fe !)^: .' -^'j ^, 't^ ?^m ^' %-i fcj:' ^', 3^J^%|V?' ?^f^' -^ ^. ^ ij^ f^f^^";^ /^'£^^J^ ^'fK^'^ ^' yml '^' ^. ^. ^, mt'^ 3:1)^x2' ,r0X^^'0^^^\t'-^^^'C3 'it-:^vc W^HjS^W l-*-^'' ^M^3-i% t-Qr^^~W \L. '^• ^-^, v/ ■ ' ^-^ ^, 3# .it a%f^ R!h T^ ^, 1-^ i^^ i*^^ 't!?-/ ^' v^ t 0^ ALLEN DORMAN. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. A COLLECTION OF SEVEN HUNDRED MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. ILLUSTRATED WITH ENGRAVINGS. / CHICAGO: "^ ^-' AMERICAN PUBLISHERS' ASSOCIATION. 1892. ^'f Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1892, by ALLEN DOKMAN, In the OflBce of the Librarian of Congress, At Washington, D. C. TFIIS BOOK RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED :i TO THE BETTERMENT OF MANKIND. BY The Author. WHAT BOOK OF LIFE, WHAT AUTHOU'S BOOK — THAT LIVES IN HEARTS OF MEN — CAN CLAIM ITS LEAVES NO BLOT HATH SOILED, — ON EVERY PAGE A GEM. INDEX. A Good Book . Authors A Morning: in May Absent but True . A Return of Thanks A Sad Dream A Broken Heart A Dream of Deatli An Ugly Matcli A Darkey Prayer . A Song of Summer A Prayer for Little Girls A Drunkard's Grave Angels Lead A Lover's Lament Accept this Present A Darkey Convention A Prostitute's Lament At Peace with God A Little Bad Luck Associations ACampMeetin' A Lover's Proffer A Lover's Ueply A Boss Mash . An Occasional Puff A Notification . At Noon in May A Masher's Mash Ambition . A Visit to Youth's School-room Attention Democrats All That Life Has Been A Dawn of Hope . A Mashed Dude A Nap at Noon A Big Gun A Good Mar Alone To-Night All Who Try 33 34 35 36 37 38 46 47 48 48 505 50 64 62 63 64 55 66 57 68 59 61 62 78 605 65 66 67 68 69 71 72 73 73 74 74 75 76 76 11 INDEX. A Retlui' Life . At Eiirly Morn A Ni-w Uf.sDlvi^ A l,ii\ ii's < '(iiiiiilaiiit All IliiiH'st Mun Aspii-ai ion Alli'ii l)<>i-iiinn . A D:iy of Dcfds All EpiUi.pli Boys ULMUliful find Tuir lUiilt up at Hoiiiu . Biasited Hopes . Boauby Belrayed IJitltles Needed Broiien llesiits Baiid CoUctiO Buiied Tlioujrlits Bright Days Beautify Vnnr llonR'S Better Days Blooming for tlie Tomb Briglit Eternily Ca 111 pbel lite Courting: Days College Girls . Clierislied Ht)pes . Conteiittiieiit . CLiarles Wesley Charles Dickens Cheerful and 'J'ruo Dewdroi)s Days of V ore Do Not Leave . Do Angels Know . Deserted Love . Do Maidens Tell . Don't Breali the Heart Death's Phantoms Darkey in the Cold Doctrines . Days Gone By . Darling- Death's Narrow Sea Do Men Love War ? Don't be a Fooliti' Dream of Beauty . Dog Trade Dark Souls 7» 7'J 8U 8.i loa SJ bi a;, b7 iS to, 8'J 9U •JO 91 'S^ 94 9j 95 90 97 93 99 99 ItO KMJ 101 I >J liu 11).-) |ir> HIT L«S 1119 110 111 11;: IW lU 115 511 14:j 116 US INDEX. iii Don't he &-m\ Death's TniubUd Sea Days Misspent Daniel VVibstcr DaysTliui Have K.ow Drunkards Down in Hi'll . Kartlily Homes Excuse Me, Lovo Everywliei-e Essence' of Love Eiiyatfed Exposed Envy Eternity Early Inipi-essioiis Eveniiiif Sliades Fannie Foriiiven For Old Atf-e Fair WDineri Flowers For;;etrul Nature Fallen Men Fame . Fallen Brothers Follow Mo Famous Foiever Fatlier Come Home Fair Morninjr . Far-Seeintf Deniocrai Father is Dead Feeble A^e Farewell to Thee, Faiini Fadinjr Grim Critics G ive Me Lovo Gems in Dust . George K. Sneililicr, Ii Gen. U.S. Grant Good Intentions Golden Days . Grief Give Me Peace Going- with Another Glorious God is Love Give Me One Llu<> Georgre WasliinBion 118 119 lao IJSJ 323 504 124 135 126 126 127 128 139 139 130 130 506 133 131 133 133 134 135 136 137 139 140 140 508 509 141 285 141 531 143 142 176 508 143 144 144 145 146 147 148 143 149 507 149 IV INDEX. Great Men Good Deeds Good Impressions Gossip Gab Blabs How Cheerless Happiness Hearts that Mourn Home of the Beautiful Hit or Miss Hope . Human Nature Her Features . Horace Greeley How They Jingle Hope and Faith How it Cost Hot Weather Henry Clay Henry Kirke White Helping- Hearts Hurled in the Past Heaven H. W. Longfellow Home . Hon. A. H. Stephens Homer Hell In Return I Love my Little Lady Interviewed Improve Your Time It Faintly Shone I Loathe Imperiled Youth In the Right I Dreamt A Dream I Was Wrong I'll Call Her Darling In your Way I Loved A Girl I Tried Intentions I'll Bet In the Lights . In Pain We Part . Immortal Men I Remembered I Loved Thee , Inflictions 150 150 151 151 174 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 159 160 160 161 161 162 162 163 163 164 164 165 165 166 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 175 175 177 178 179 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 INDEX. V I Would Live Always . 189 It Blew .... . 190 Ill the Distance 190 Indeed .... . 191 In the World . 19] Justice , , . . . 193 Jiiiled . , , , ]'.« Just a Dreiim . , , , U« Jake and June , , . 193 Just tlie Reason . , , , 194 John S. Lindsey, in Memoriam . , 194 Jane S.Hancock, My Aged Grandpapt ipr.iii Mill wiiam 195 James A. Garfield . . , , 507 John A. Logau , , 198 John Aduins . , , , , 198 John Qulncy Adams . , , 199 James Madison . i . , . 199 John I. Blair . , , 200 James Monroe , , , . 200 John Taylor . , , 201 James K. Polk . 201 James Buchanan , . 203 James G. Blaine . , 203 J. Gould 203 John Morgan . , , . 203 John Milton 203 Joseph H. Patterson, Colored, in Mer noriam . 204 Jesus .... 204 Kept True . 205 Kindness 205 Kissing and Courting . 509 Kindred Scenes 207 Kind Words . 207 Longing to Meet Thee . 208 Love's True Hope . . 208 Lost Men 209 Little by Little . 209 Let me Dream . 210 Lord Byron . 210 Labor .... 211 Lost and Ruined . . 213 Love Consoled . 216 Lillie .... . 206 Little Lovers . 217 Life Is What We Make It . . 218 Love .... 510 Lovely Women . 219 Love Will Come No more 220 Lost Love . 221 Lovely Maiden 322 vi INDEX. Life TI.is Boon Vain Love Is Coiiiiiiy: Lovti's Dre;im Left When Angry Little Laws Lost Cm Found Lost Life . Love Botruj^ed Lucre Live for Me Love To-iilB-lit Little Girls Love's Golden D:ij' Love iind Labor Lures of 9ia Love's Council . , liingers With Its O^vii Longing in the Ileiirt . Life Beyond Lift the Fallen Life's Destiny Liucola , . Lovers . . Life's Sun . , Local Option Love's Home . Love Cornered Little Misses Lost Features Life's Summers Legends of Time Love and Mercy Life's Battles My Best Girl . My Darling: Mule . My Friend Men We Envy . My Maiden My Teaclier's Tomb JTy Lassie O' My Book Many Thanks Maiden My Little Lady My Choice Mamie, My Deceased School Much Remains May I Not . Mag-gie 233 224 224 235 22a 221} 827 833 839 330 611 m m m m m m 837 838 33S 340 241 243 240 243 243 344 344 345 345 346 347 348 248 349 349 250 251 253 253 354 512 255 356 513 257 358 INDEX. vii Minnie .... Mamie in Ht'iiven My Lust Scliuulbell Millie Wbite, Colored, in Memoriam My Foes .... Men and Women Most Awful Sick . . , Mourn Not For Me . , Mt'H of Deeds . . , My Sad Heart . . , My Aged Teacher . Minded Meddlers , , Maiden and the Male . Maiden's Nature . i My Birthplace . , • Morning of Decay . , . Mortality . . . Men's Wives . . • Mashed . . • Miss Anna .... Miss Ella Music .... Mr Jefferson D.n is Martin Van Burcn . , Millard Fillmore Mr. Grover Cleveland Mr. Benjamin Harrison Mingled with Sorrow Meet Me In That Olher World . Mother Is Dead , Mrs. M. A. Gantt. iu Memoriam Mrs. W. F. Carter, in Memoriam Mrs. Fannie Prince, in Mpiiioii;ini Mrs. Fannie Moad, in Mimm ismi . Mrs. E. L. Price, in Menioriani Mrs. F, M. De LaVerjine, in Moinoi iii Miss Maprgie Salmon, in Mfinoriam Miss Annie Park=, in Memoriam Miss Mattie Snelling:, In Memoriam Miss Cnllie Mnrpliy, in Memoriam . Miss Birdie Lucas, in Memoriam Miss Birdie Maxwell, in Memoriam Miss Emma Williams, iu Memoriam Meet Me, Mother . Napoleon Bonaparte N- P. Willis Noah Webster . Not Accepted Not Guilty Nature Taught 260 361 263 265 266 267 368 269 270 271 273 873 274 m 51ti 276 284 887 878 278 278 879 279 280 280 281 281 283 285 286 286 287 288 29] 293 294 295 295 294 296 296 297 297 300 300 301 301 viii INDEX. Nancy Jane - Nature's Store Not the Name No One Cared For Mv. Only a Wish - Old Balky - Once Friendly One Purpose Out Kun the Horso , One For an Audieuci; Only a Dream Once Bright Only a Lesson Old Memories Oliver Cromwell Oliver Goldsmith President Johnson , Patrick Henry Phineas Fletcher Plato President Pierce Parting Pilgrims Pompey Peter Cooper President Arthur President Jacljson Prof. E. W. Stowell - Possessions Pursuits Personalities Pleasures Patience Purity - Poor Power - - - Poor John Fitch - Prince Bismarck Paul Jones Peter the Great Pardon Me Philip Sidney Prosperous Days Prayer Poor Man's Day - Perpetual Motion Passing Away Pretty Girls - Praise of Morn Poor Men Pleasure and Pain 299 302 303 303 304 304 305 306 307 307 308 S08 810 i)10 311 811 3l!i 318 813 313 3U 314 315 315 316 316 317 317 318 318 318 319 319 320 320 320 321 321 321 322 322 323 324 325 326 38? INDEX. is Pleasant Days ------ 328 Prof. J. N. Cook, in Mcmoriam - • - 329 Poor but True .... - - 330 Praise ------- 331 Queen Victoria ------ 332 Queen Elizabeth . . - . . 332 Queen of This Heart - - - - - 332 Questions Popped ----- 333 Kefresliing Showers - - - - - 333 Revived Hopes ------ 334 Remember Me .----- 335 Roses 336 Rough Women ....--. 336 Refused 337 Robert G. Ingersoll . . - - 338 Ruined tor Life ------ 339 Rev. H. W. Beecher - - - - 341 Rev. Knowle Shaw 518 Redeem Him .-..-- 342 Rash Thouglits 342 Remembered Sickness - - - - - 517 Robert Burns ..---- 343 Responsibility - - - . . 343 Revenge ------- 343 Rutherfoid B. Hayes 344 Robert Toombs ----- . 344 Rainy Days ------- 345 Rejected 345 Rij-hts - - - - . - - - 345 Robert Blair 346 Reason 341 Reality ------- 353 Richard Proctor - - - ... 346 Romance - - - - - - - 347 Recognition - ...--- 347 Roscoe Conkliu ------ 347 Relief - - - , 348 Rulig-ion - - - - - - - 348 RobtTt Boyle 348 Redenipiion ------ 349 Restless Desires - - . - - 349 RicliMKl Hooker 349 Resolution ------- 350 Research ------ 515 Richani Baxter 350 Repairing ..----- 350 Ricli Men 353 Robert Southwell ----- 351 Robert Fulton 351 Roy J. Burge 352 INDEX. Robert Lee , . , . 3S2 Stonewall Jackson 375 Science .... . 353 Seeds We Scatter 504 Sing To Me, Love . 354 Sweet Heaven . 354 Shades of Sorrow . . 355 Sought and Cherished . 356 Sad and Lonely . , 356 Straying Hearts 358 She Came to Me . a58 Seeking Praise a59 Side-Tracked .359 Sinful Thoughts 360 Self-Thinkers . . .360 Self-MadeMen . 360 Seeking the Sunlight . 361 Summers 361 Some Sad Heart . 361 Silken Snares . 36i Sir Thomas Moore . .363 Satan .... . . 363 System .... . 363 Seasons . . , 363 Sweet Memory .363 School .... 364 Solitary .... . 364 Stations in Life 361 Storms .... . 365 Style . . . 365 Sad Memory .3*55 She is Waiting . 3(» She Charms Me When I'm S.irt . 366 She Was Fair . 367 She Loved Him . 367 Spring is Nigh . 357 She's a Honey . 3.!8 Surprised . . . 368 Satan's Bench . 369 Sought in Vain 372 Sorrows . . .373 Selfishness 373 Sympathy . . . . . 373 Shores of Time . .■573 Spring .... .374 Smooth Sailing ril7 Sins .... . S'iC, Slighted Love . 376 Shame .... . 377 Silent Worth . 377 TNDIOX. zi Sir Isaac Newto-i , Samuel J. Tikleii Sii' Ff!uu-is Di-aUe . Senator Geo. G. West Sii' Rifhiird Steele . Sialioiied Lights Sainuel Joluisoii Spooks Sinver.- Slii\ IT of Men . Stars Speciilulioiis Seeliiriii' ilie Truth . Slie Loved Another Stephen A. Dou^tlas Servant Girls Samuel Adiims Sir Matliew Halo Siiadows Samuel Hutler Stations in Time She was True . Sociiilism . Sincerity Socrates . , Southern Climes Success Seekers Sweet Women Sonjis of Otlier Hirds Spriiif;' is Fleeting- Summer Da5's . Shall Earth Retain Sad from Sorrow Sold Sweet Maiden . The lleautifiil TheTraiTi My IJook Left The Same Fix The Ilisinj;- Sun The Prairie Rose Thumps for Me Thanks Traded it Off Tlie F;illin!4- Leaflet Tlie Clinton Battle Tlie Tebo Waji-on This Vain World 'J'his Sad Heart TbatSrtucj' Look 377 3Ty 378 378 37'J 371) 379 3S0 380 381 382 38a 382 38:3 383 383 384 384 384 381 381 388 386 380 387 387 388 380 38(i 385 389 390 391 392 393 394 394 395 395 396 397 404 398 398 400 401 402 403 409 410 Xii INDEX. The Little Birds . . . . .411 The Southern Cause 412 The North . , ^ , 413 To My Mother . 414 That Far Away Home , . 415 That Girl so Fair 416 The Soul's Identity . 405 The Aimless Biirk 406 The Book of Life . . 407 The Song She Sang 408 The Shop of Toil , , . 408 The Glow of Youth 423 Time's Flaming Sword . 418 This Tenant House 418 This Sorrowful World . 419 Toil On . 419 The Light of Faith . 420 This Turning World 420 The Bloody Shirt . . 421 Thou Must Eeturn 421 Treasured in Time . 422 Tiger .... 425 The Wasp . . 417 Too Smart 423 Trials . 423 To Write a Book 424 This World of Cares . 453 The Soul's Flight 453 The Moving Bark . . 456 The Girl He Loved 453 To the Memory of G. W. Hancock . . 426 The Bible 425 Thomas Moore . . 437 Thomas Jefferson 427 The Band Boys . 428 The Old Year 1889 428 The New Year . 444 Truth .... 439 That Sun . . 430 Those Times Have Passed 451 The Sunny South . . 432 This Gloomy Life 433 The Past . . 434 The Dying Stranger 436 The Firm Rock . 436 The Old School House . 230 The First Sin . . 437 Trials Foieseen 438 True Friendship . . . 440 Times of Life . 440 INDEX. ziii The Evening- Star Debate . . 441 The Pilgrim's Marcli 441 The Myth of Lovers' Leap . 443 The Fountain Heart 443 The Judgment .... . 443 The Clinton Well 443 Thomas Gray .... , 444 The Crucifixion 446 The Harvest . 446 The Right Way m The Lonely Lune .... . m Turn Back .... 447 The Dead ..... . 447 The Ebb of Hope 449 The Fountain .... . 44a Thoughts Preserved 449 The Stationless Journey . , . 449 Time and Tears . , , 460 The Ladder of Fame , 460 The Second Word 463 The Dark that Never Anchors . 464 The Earnest Foe . . . . 464 The Tomb of My Mother . . 465 The Wear of Time 467 The Battle in Heaven . 467 Trouble .... 466 Thoiuas Hood .... . 46S The Spirit's Will 466 The Guards .... . 177 The Call of Angels 204 The Poet Virgil .... . 458 The Race . . . . 458 The Convicted . . . - . 459 This World is Not 436 The Mind . . . , , . 459 The Vast Beyond 459 Tlie Future . 483 The Moving- Cloud 460 There is a Hope ... . 460 Tlie Upper Crust 461 Thoug-htless Desires . 461 They Live as We 461 True Love .... . 462 That Girl so True 463 Tied in Traces . . . - . 465 Treasured Youth . 463 True We Part . . . 464 To Love Thee . . . , 515 Unloaded . . . , . 465 Uncle Jessie's Dream , . 466 INDEX. Unkind .... 466 Undying- Love - . - . 467 Viftno . , , . 467 Vain Ties of Heart 468 Vain Lovers , - , . ■ 469 Vexai.ious - ■• • , 470 Vain Love . - r . 470 Victor Hggo , r , . 470 Waki'iied Mepaorics 471 WilliMm Shakespeare - . m William JJlaeiistonu » 478 Wli.v Envy Me . . . , 4T3 Worldly Waste 470 William put . . . , 470 Winters of Life 47a Where I Was Corn 474 Wonders , . . r . 474 Walter Scott .... 474 Without Graves 475 Weapons of Warfare 475 Winter Days .... 476 When He's Down 47Q WronyLove .... 477 When \^'e Were young 4V7 Wasted Yuulii 478 Warninjis of Doom 482 Wisdom . . . . . 482 WiUiiimPenn .... 483 Watciiing the Sunbean b - 515 William Henry Harrison 483 Wliisky Habits . . - . 484 Work 485 Wasting' Away . . . , 485 William Cowpcr 485 Women Warriors . - - . 479 When Slic Came to Me 480 Wliy Should I Weep 481 Wife Thieves .... m William Lloyd Stewait 520 Wlien My Lovely Maid Was Vouiis' - 487 When the Heart is Sad 488 Work in Season - - - - 489 Wise Fools - . . - 489 Weary of Courtship 489 Who is My Guide - . - - 490 Worldly Praise . - - - 490 When Hearts Are Cliarmcd 491 We Cannot Wed - - - - - 491 Write to Me - 493 When I Get Old . . - - - 492 INDEX. Wonderful Spirits Was Wroiifi- When We Die Won at Last Wealj and Weaiy Weary Hearts When We Labor Welcome, Thrice NWlcomo Weeds . Weeping- EnUilcnis Weary Pilgrinis Waiting- and Trusting Why Don't They Weep Youth's Sports • Youth's Resolves Youth's Kindness Youth - lIToung- and Pretty Zachary Taylor Zeal ' - - - • 493 - 493 - - - 494 494 - - 495 495 • - 490 3 519 ' ' ' 496 499 - ~ . 497 497 • . • 498 600 - - - 501 499 - . ■ 502 m - - ■ 503 603 ILLUSTRATIONS. PORTRATE OF AUTHOR Home Near Birth Place Beautify Your Homes Days of Yore Do Men Love War? George Washington Country Scliool House The Lincoln Monument My Maiden Benjamin Harrison Grover Cleveland • Mother - • Mortality - Prince Bismarck - Refreshing Showers School Spring Samuel J. Tilden - Summer Days Falling Leaflet The Southern Cause Tlie Sunny South Winter Days Youth's Sports - James A. Garfield - Birth Place Frontispiece 93 103 H5 149 S50 281 281 283 884 319 338 364 374 378 390 400 412 432 476 '500 507 516 BIOGRAPHICAL. Allen Dorman was born Sept. 9, 1857, on a farm near Huntingdale and Garland, Fields' Creek Town- ship, Henry County, Missouri. His nativity was that of the rolling prairies of the then wild west. His parents were not wealthy, and so little Allen began life by being rocked in a half of a bee-hive. Allen's family was of the common country folks. His childhood gave no promise that the name would ever be associated with the honored list known to fame. While a boy he was not remarkable • no matrons prophesied, nor seers saw visions in which he figured. He was only a common robust boy, and his advent was hailed with delight, because in this broad unsettled country there was room for thousands such. At the age of five years Allen attended school. After the novelty of the first few days wore ofl", he, doubtless, like other boys, wondered why he could not be like Patrick Henry and other boys who had become great men j have the world for his school- master and nature for his text book, instead of "Dave Hampton and the Elementary Spelling Book." At this period in Allen's life, war threatened the fraternal bonds of this Union, and secession attempted to rend the stars and stripes. Allen's father, Mathew Dorman, enlisted in the Confeder- li BIOGRAPHICAL. ate army, and tlie mother, Rebecca Dorman, and her boy sought refuge under tlie roof-tree of the lad's grandparents, near Clinton; and Allen was sent to school in Clinton. After the meeting of Gen. Grant and Gen. Lee at Appomattox, Mathew Dorman returned to the bosom of his family and to his ante-bellum log cabin. Allen worked with his father on the farm and a part of the time attended such schools as the country then afforded. In 1870 he became interested in his own education and at- tended a few parts of terms at Clinton. At the age of fourteen ho joined the Christian Church, and on September 4, 1872, he wrote his first article for the press, and in his own words, "This was a Fizzle." Not to be discouraged by the fate of his first manuscript, and fearless of the terrors of the waste basket, he tried again and again, with better success. His short poems, written under a nom de plume, were copied by the papers that had refused them at first. Thus encouraged by prestige and audience, he began in earnest and has written over one thousand articles, both poetry and prose, for the press. In 1882 he had saved a small collection of short poems, which he offered for publication. D. Apple- ton & Co., Harper Bros., and others refused to make suitable terms. More than seventy-five publishing firms had figured on issuing the book up to 1886. The collection now consisted of about three hundred and fifty poems, and during this time the manuscript had been in the hands of five publishers, and had BIOGRAPHICAL. Ill experienced over three hundred defeats. During all this time this aspiring young genius continued to farm. Finally, in 1889, " Local and National Poets of America" gave our young hero honorable mention, and terms upon which his book will be issued were soon made with the American Publish- ers' Association of Chicago. The first edition contains over seven hundred selections in verse. Thus at the age of thirty-four years the first edition of Allen Dorman's Poems lias appeared upon the market, giving Missouri her first full morocco, and building a claim in the hearts of men that can only be built by the scholars of literature and research. His dear, devoted Christian mother, who had been his constant stay and help, died April 18, 1889, in her 55th year. His aged fnther died February 19, 1892, in his 70th year. Allen has never married, but says he has loved. He has not entirely eschewed the gentler sex, but is cautious. With a determin- ation as dauntless as that of a Napoleon, we see him rise from obscurity, overcome obstacle after obstacle, bearing the jeers of doubters, yet never doubting, never faltering in the faith of his own ability to some day catch the ear of an attentive and appreciative public. He is to-day a living ex- emplification of determination that should be emu- lated more extensively by young America. Such grit, such determination, such labor, will always win. w. M. G. A GOOD BOOK. A good book is a treasuic, A sacred e:e!n of worth, That came trom a good author, While he was on the earth It is a benefaction ■ For other liearts to reapj And if its known as worthy, Its raei"its will not slee]"". A o-ood b(^(>k is a l)lessing- That meets a public; need, And ])roMipts within the reader The act of souk; good deed. And God will give those credit Who wisely use the pen, And have their books remenibcred Within the hearts of men. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. AUTHORS. Authors are the meu who hibor For the training of the soul, And they should be very careful What they teach to young and old. They are leaders, they are teachers, They are hearts of shining light, And should teach, by their example, What is good and what is right. He who writes a book should tremble, And should weigh his words with thought; For as angry words, when written. Are to others likewise taught. Yes to live is something serious, And to teach is something true j That we teach to souls immortal What we say and what we do. Authors may be good and useful — Sowing seeds along the way- Living for a noble purpose. Driving darkness out of day. Yet how often do some authors Spend their time in doing bad, Sowing seeds of sin and satan For the weary and the sad. Yes, we all are living authors, Writing books and sowing seed, And we often have in treasure What some other heart may need. Let us then be ever watchful What we do, and what we say, As each heart is for a purpose. And must live beyond earth's day. 34 ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. A MORNING IN MAY. Of all the lovely mornings So pleasant and so fair, That luininates a life time Above all thoughts of carej I think the clear and brightest That ever dawned for day, Was one blight lovely moi-ning That came in month of May. It was a moi-n of mornings, A phantom of delight- The sun rose in the glory Of all his splendor bright. The heavens smiled to greet him, And blended into day, The forests and the mountains All gladdened in their way. How sweet it is to cherish The happy thoughts of youth, When memoi-y turns backward Its veil of real truth ; And there reveal the glad'nings Of morning and of song, Of noonday and the evening, And darkness coming on. But yet to me that morning Was pleasant and sublime, Tho' nothing in its nature Was lasting or divine. Yet let us live and labor And treasure while we may, The happy thoughts of morning Of that eternal day AL£-EN DORMANS POEMS. 35 ABSENT BUT TKUE. Excuse me, love, jes pardon me, I trust you will not bhune This heart that dwells in absence now, But loves thee all the same. I know that thou art far away; I feel that thou art blest, Yet O, I love the gentle heart That dwells within thy breast. Excuse me, love, I trust you will; Yes, love, remember me ; And 1 will do the same by you Wherever I may be. I'll think of future years to come, Life's rosy dreams I'll know, I'll think of thee in memories As seasons come and go. Though I may wander far away And other faces see. Yet I will cherish love yon know And ever think of thee. Yes I will cherish future hopes. Through pleasure and through pain. And think of praise, of other days When we shall meet again. I know that hopes must pass away, And dreams must sadly end; So I will meet while life is sweet. And choose thee as a friend. Yes I will love and cherish thee, Thro' happy years to come; And when at last our days are past, We'll love till life is done. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. A RETURN OF THANKS. It is sweet and it is sacred, It is more than one should ask, To receive of friends around them, Favors from their daily task. Hearts so true and neighbors friendly, Hearts of kindness and of praise. Ever cheers us in our duty Tiiro' the toils of sunny days. Yes, this heart is ever grateful, It is pleased and it is glad, Tliat it mcit such fi'iendly favors, Tho' at first it made it sad. May the Lord be with the friendly. May he keep lliem cUiy and night. They who dare to do their duty, Simply for the love of right. Such may soothe my many troubles, Such may right my humble wrongs, As they happen on life's journey, Checkered in life's changing songs. Life is cheered with many blessings. Blessings sweet that crown the day. When we meet such deeds of kindness As we journey on the way. Wo may live for hopes and pleasures. We may do what good we can, Yet in life we are but mortals. Marching for another land. Soon this life will close its labors, And our features ])ass away: So let's labor in the liarvest. While the sunlight gives us day. f ;t ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS, 37 ■ A SAD DREAM. It was long, long years ago '•■: ;'•* = When earthly cares were few, • '^ 'j f I dreamt a dream — a serious dream — ' ■'■■^ 'r''-K Which since has happened true: I dreamt of meeting one so fair, And bidding her good good-by — No more to meet while life was sweet Or cherish sigh for sigh. Yes, we were school-mates in the past, In snimy days of yore. But she has since forsakened me. And youth will come no more. 'Twas in those days, those sunny days, When we could often meet, I dreamt a dream that we must part, But thought it naught to keep^ I know not why I passed it by - With such a thoughtless glance, Unless that I don'i much believe In what wo dream, or chance. I thought it wortuless to preserve, Tliough since we've often met, I thouglit it but an idle dream. And one to soon forget. Though life has many sorrows now, May all prove for the best, That we may look to Grod'for help •-?'• -'fj-t That he may give us rest. Yes, he will help our troubled hearts To seek that peaceful shore. Where weary scmiIs may find relief r ■ ?*i '-'tlji And live forever more. '-" "^^^ '-'r ;...■ vv.:^ -jd} s^ r i}tfr j--Jf 38 ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. A BROKEN HEAET. I've often watched the trying scenes Of sickness, grief and strife, And known the grief and miseries Tliat happens in one's life; I've been where nature's angry storms Were raging in the sky, And heard its deafening thunderbolt That seemed to be so nigh. IVe felt a burden in my breast, A sigh for sorrow's sake. And O. when bitter grief would come I've felt my heart would break. I've stood where dying friends lay sick And felt they soon must part — But O, of all that tries me most Is that a broken heart. Oh, Fannie, Fannie, it was you, 'Twas you and you alone, 'Twas only you this heart has loved, For you this heart must jnourn. And you are gone, yes, you are gone, How can my heart be true? My heart is weak and dying now, It thinks of only you. Farewell, farewell, alas, farewell ! Adieu, farewell, good-by ! My heart is bleeding every breath. Its broke, and soon must die. The future has no charms for me. Since all my hopes are gone, And life's without its future bright As day without its dawn. ALLEN DORMANS FOEMS. 39 My heart is aching all the time, I'm sick and am not well, The cause, and O the real cause, It makes me sad to tell. I often think why this should be That life may live and lose And bring about such misery By what it fails to choose. To live is but a misery, And is a sin and shame, Tho' I must say if thus I may. My heart repents the same; For life is such that friends must part, With other fricTids must live, And though with claims they pardon us God only may forgive. Misfortune and misfortune's fate Is what Tm prone to know, And life with me is out at sea, I know not where to go j There's no one now that lingers nigh, Or tells me what ro do. And none that seek to comfort me That I could wish was true. And life is losing all the time The friends I hold so dear, And foes who sought to injure me No longer live in fear. My heart is sad, my hopes have fled, My heart has naught to give. My heart is dying all the time — It has not long to live. The birds that sing their gentle songs, And all that I may see, 40 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. That have their sacred mission liere, Have lost their praise with me. No precious heart, no mental praise, Can give my heart relief; Its lost— the hope that nourished it — Its djing now in grief. I often try to look above Tlie grief that bears me down, But O, my heart, my aching heart, Is bi'oken by its wound. With those who have a broken heart, Whose hearts are prone to fall. My heart can feel and sympathize, My heart is with you all. Where must I go, where must I go, What must I do or say? As life is losing all the time, I witness every day. There is no heart that waits for me, No hope to cheer me on. The heart that once was dear to mc Is now forever gone. There is no sun that shines by day, No stars that shine at night, My soul is dark and turned away — It does not cherish light. The light of hope that lured my heart Has lost its golden spark. And grief has come and filled its place, And all within is dark. I often weep in solitude When no one else is nigh. And feel my heart is bleeding fast — I know it soon must die. ALIIEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 4l I sit upon the fence at night When all are fast asleep, And think of what has ruined me; I sit and mourn and weep. I often walk from place to place In search of peace and rest, And watch tiie moon above me bright— Think all save me are blest. And frequent, at the hush of night, To ease my weary mind, I lay my head upon my hands And let my heart repine. Then O, the grief, the flood of grief, ; That tills my heart with pain. Swell thoughts of grief and misery I rue them all in vain. I search for rest, I seek for h6pe Tiiro' all my grief and gloom, And all the pleasures that I find Are pleasures of the tomb. Down in my breast there is no rest, For all has turned to night; The cloud of grief around my heart Broods off the sun so bi'ight ; And I am prone to live and mourn, My days unnumbered come; Each day that wafts me nigh the tomb Is cold and has no sun. There is no sun that shines above, No sun that I can see. No sun that makes my hefirt rejoice. No sun that shines for me. There are no friends I care to seek. Their hearts are cold and vain. 4^ ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. They pass me in my misery, They sear my heart with pain. My heart is turned and I am sad, No price my heart can please, My heart is filled with agonies. With sorrow and disease. There was but one, and only one, My lieart has truly loved, The golden chords that bound our hearts Were bound by God above. 'Twas in our childhood's happy days, Our hearts could linger nigh. Yes, in the days that now have past And in the years gone by. But God knows best, He is my stay — He knows my heart repines— He's brought about my misery To meet some good design. Perhaps that I should live to mourn Through sorrows every day, That others, seeing how I mourn. May find some better way. But why should I thus live and mourn For good that is to be. And know not why that 1 should mourn For what is naught witii me. I know not why my heart repines Or why it's bleeding sore, Unless it be that I have lost My dearest friend of yore. I claimed her as my only friend Whenever I was sad, ' For she was fair and beautiful. Her beauties made me glad. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 43 Oft in my sports at sunset eve I've watched the sky above, And laid myself beneath some tree And thought it sweet to love. Yes, thought of many blessings round. The blessings of the day. And thought of future happiness That soon would come to stay. Ere least I thought it possible That I must live and mourn. Or that our hearts were prone to part — Be from each other torn. For had 1 thought it possible That love should loose its trust, I should not have claimed fair beauties So cruel and unjust. But God has taught my lieart to hope And worship beauties fair, And I have claimed fair maiden's heart And placed my treasures there. I thought she would be true to me And claimed her as my own. Since I have lost what I have claimed, I now submit to mourn. And life is all a burden now. Death is my only friend, No hopes of bright prosperity Can aid my heart to mend. Yes, I am lost, forever lost. And at a loss to say That I shall ever hope again To live a nobler way. But I will live, if I can live, Above all wrongs with me. a ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. And feel tliat all is for the best, Tlio' isiicli I may not see. For eartlih^ hearts may dare to rue The hearts we cannot win, And be unconscious of the wrong They do' for us within. But I must live to moui-n away A life that has no sun ; The future has no hopes for me, The past shows what lias come. Oh, cou'd I mend my sad mistakes And set me right again, I would not have so many foes To turn my dearest friends. But life has sadly changed with mej The birds are not the same, The tiowers that I often see I know them not by name. The clouds that move, the grass that grows, The step-stone at the dooi-, The trees so liigh, the brooklet nigh. Seem now the same no more. No earthly hopes to lure my steps. No hearts to make me glad. The spring-time with its ]tleasures now lias come, but 1 am sad. I look not for a future bright Of hapj^iness to come, I know that death must be my part, And soon with every one. My heart has lost — forever lost — The idol it has loved, It seeks for none, no earthly one. But looks to God above. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 45 I know I've claimed fair maicleirs heart Tlie love she cannot give, I know that sncli has ruined me — I do not wish to live. For I am sick, I am not well, ■ I know, O, what lias come, I know what troubles I must bear, I know they've just begun. I know that I must live and monrn, My heart it cannot mend, I know that deatli must sasG. ALLEN DOllMAN'S POEMS. 53 ACCEPT THIS PRESENT. Accept this handsome present, Accept it as your own, And keep it as a token Ot' youthful pleasures known. Yes, keep it as a jewel, And as a pleasant task, Tliat it may cheer with gladness Sweet pleasures of the past. Yes, keep it as a favor, That friendships may renew, And good-will may bo lasting. And cherished long and true. For cherished hopes may fail us And vanish swift away. And others fill their places, And others likewise stay. Accept it as a token Of happy thoughts gone by, And when the heart is weary May feel their presence nigh. Keep it, is my j^etition, As time alone may'tell. The blessings life may gather With friends we love so well. Accept and claim it ever, Its value yet untold, That we may cherish sweeter The better times of old. Soon death may serve its summons, To take our souls away, When we may know the tokens Of that eternal day. 54 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. A DARKEY CONVENTION. llie colored folks in darkey town, All met the other night, And for the purpose to discuss If Mr. Cheek was right. As they had heard some awful news About a marriage boom. That Mr. Cheek, Sir, was engaged And would get married soon. Judge Fillpot was the president, And Sandy was the clerk, And Uncle Jack was present there. And all began to work. As Fillpot rose to take the chair He made a little speech, And said, "the object of their call Was all for Mr. Cheek." They moved whereas that Mr. Cheek Was but a mortal man. But they would vote for Mr. Cheek And keep him in the van. Old Uncle Jorden made a speech And made the darkies see That Mr. Cheek was on the side That set the darkies free. They moved whereas that Mr. Cheek Was not a democrat. But he was plenty old enough, To be called Mr. Pap. One woman darkey rose and said,. "His babies should not cry," But all the others interfered. Said, "pass around the pie." ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 65 A PKOSTITUTE'S LAMENT. A prostitute was lamenting Of evils she had done, And thought of her ruined condition, And days when she was young. She thought of time she had wasted For heinous passions of sin, [ures And tempted her heart with their pleas- Till all was wicked within. Yet God in his goodness and greatness Hath taught us to labor for right, And given us evil temptations, That we may have battles to fight. And mortals unmindful of mercy Hath failed in their struggles to win, And given their souls to the Devil And chosen his evils of sin. She thought of her first betrayer. The demon who led her astray, And promised her kindness and fortune. But taken her fortune away. She thought of her lost-gone virtue, Her home when it was right. Her youth in its golden perfection. That once was sunny and bright. And now in her ruined condition. She wishes her heart could be new— ■ Would turn from her sinful disgraces. If only her heart could be true. But none will come to her rescue. There's none that cherish her name; Her conscience is tied to her evils, Her record is blackened with shame. 56 ALLEN DOUMAN'S POEMS. Her life has been one of sad troubles, Her homo is whei-e demons dwell, She's witnessed the damnable curses, That come to poor woman in hell. She's torn from her dearest companions, Her labors and efforts are vain, She sees no pleasure of sunshine, She's driven to censure and blame. There's no one to love and protect her, She feeh that others are blest; Dis2;raced, despised and forsakened, In death she finds mercy and rest. Go bury her 'neath the fair roses, The heart that no t)ne would claim ; Oil, deep, deep, beneath roses, As innocence was beneath slianie. AT PEACE WITH GOD. At peace with God, the God of peace, The God of earth and love; The God of praise and happiness, The God that rules above. At peace with him who gave us birth, And knows our nature best. At peace with him in all "we do, Sweet peace within our breast. At peace with God. and all is right, And all around is praise. He spreads His glories everywhere To glorify our days. At peace with God and life is blest With pleasure and with song, Then duty is a pleasant task, And lures us sweetly on. ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. 67 A LITTLE BAD LUCK. On one bright morning in suainier, I waited for maiden fair, The maiden I loved and respected, Much with affection and care. When, O, to thoughts of surprising, She passed me hurriedly by, And heeded me not at leisure. While waiting earnestly nigh. Oh, maiden, a freak of thy nature, Why should you be cool with me; Tho' pilgrims may long for heaven, I'd fainly tarry with thee. Why should you be game, fair maiden, And turn so cruel away, With praise and thy charms of beauties You know rd lovingly stay. Yes, stay till the morning is ended. The morning of dreaming and song; That pleasure in all of its glory May cheer us unmindfully on. Oh, beautiful, beautiful maiden, Pray don't be angry to-day, As life 'mid wonderful dreamings May choose another as gay. A little bad luck in loving Is what we often may see, And spats of fearful romantic May come 'fore lovers agree. So let's be friendly, fair maiden, And let us make up once more, As life with its hopes of choosing May lose what it would adore. 58 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. ASSOCIATIONS. Back to the days our childhood loved ; Back to tiie days of jore, There clusters a scene of childhood's works, That comes to us no more, •^liought may fancy them plain in vLew, Seemingly far away, Dreaming and thinking of what.they Wfire, Moving they could not stay. Back to the days we loved so well, Days of hopes and fears, Back to the days when life was free, Mingled with grief and tears. Oh to the hearts that must be sad, Let them be sad with me. Let us go back life's desolate track And see what brothers may see. Back to the years when life was sweet, Let us go back once more, Back to tiie scene our childhood knew, All for the days of yore. Back to the spot our childhood loved. And see if yet we know The home and place, each smile and face, Let us rejoice and go. Let us go back to home and friends And visit them while we may, And see what change has taken place, Yes, where we used to play. Back to our home, our old dear home, Let us return once more. This tribute we give for thethings we loved, Back in the days of yore. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 69 A CAMP MEETIN'. When preachers of a pious mind Unite and sing together, Yes, when they hold their meetings out Exposed to wind and weather; And when they pray and preach aloud, And have their mourners shout, We love to be there looking on, And see them act so stout. 'Twas on a bright and sunny day, We left the banner town, To go to preaching with some friends. Way up to Shawnee mound. It was a long and weary ride, And mellons then were ripe And we had fun that cheered us on, Tho' one had lost his pipe. At length we reached the meeting grounds Beneath a shady wood, 'And all the people that we met Were friendly, kind and good. And some were shouting, singing loud. Who had religion warm. As if determined to win the day And carry it by storm. The meetings then were 'bout to close, They had continued long, Both day and night for several weeks Had battled with the wrong. One woman there, while shouting big. Had lost her Sunday hat, And in her search she got a hug — Fell in a preacher's lap. 60 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. One preacher preached excitedly, And free from any guile, And exultated laboriously, A putting on the style. He helped the people sing and shout, From mourners all around, 'Twas glory hallelujah, Keligion had been found. At length we started home again, When preaching all was o'er, As if determined by what was said, To visit there some more. We passed a field and thro' some brush, And by an orchard too. And from the corner of a fence Some chicken feathers flew. It was a widow woman's field, The preachers there had stayed, That chicken was the last of all Because it shaq^ly strayed. It ran as if to save its life. Ran east and north and south. Flew o'er the fence as if determined To miss the preacher's mouth. It flopped its wings and flew and ran, As if to save its throat. And thus the words it seemed to say, "For God's sake kill a shoat." Tho' I should live a hundred years On life's bulldozing track, I'll ne'er forget my funny trip To Shawnee Mound and back. ALLEN DOllMAN'S POEMS. A LOYEK'S PKOFFER. A maiden, lovely nuiideii, Came tripping by the way, And fondly gave her proffer, While spring of life was gay. She brightened in the sunshine, And reddened like the rose, Which bade nie love my niaiden. And thus forget my woes. I could not then refuse hei", Yet will not call her nauje. But then to understand it, 'Twas leap year all the same. Oh, she was tlien so lovely. So beautiful and fair, That I was proud of meeting My little lady there. Her face was young and lovel}'. Her ways were kind and true, Her heart was light and winning. Her thoughts were fresh and new. Her charms were fair and pn^tty. The sun was shining bright, And spring of youth was blooming In all its golden light. , 'Twas thus she bid me welcome. While lovely youth was gay, For nature taught her lessons That youth must pass away. She tendered her affections Arrayed in love and truth, In all their golden glory. The ])leasure of her youth. 62 AL-TEN DORMAN'S POEMS. It was indeed doliglitful, And pleasing to the soul, A blessing of a life time Unuttered and untold. 'Tis height of love's ambition, In public or alone, To meet and greet its idol And claim it as its own. She helped me pledge our promise, And bid me love her true, Until we grew up older And then our claims renew. Yes, meet and live forever. Whene'er that time shall come, Till death alone shall sever. And life on earth is done. A LOVERS REPLY. • Oh, maiden, lovely maiden, I bow at your request. For gladly will I meet you, And love you for the best. For lonely have I wandered, Thro' dreary days of gloom. And felt the chilly sorrows, That linger nigh the tomb. Yes, spring has turned to winter, And peace has found its grave, Ambition's hope has blasted. That lured the heart so brave j And life so dark and dreary, And bitter to relate Of wasted days and moments. When troubles were so great. ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. I've wandered lone and weary, No one to linger nigh To keep the heart from aching, Or cheer it with a sigh. Oh, yes, I'll gladly meet thee. And thus secure a friend, To love and claim this bosom, Ou which it may depend. Yes, then shall life be sweeter, When other days shall come, Far in the distant future We'll know the good we've done. And then shall hopes be brighter. And lure us high above Life's dark and dreary shadows. To sliare each other's love. Oh, then I'll love my maiden. And sigh in her embrace, That these true warm affections May find a resting place. Then hope and love and honor, Shall cheer our wandering feet, And brighten up our pathway, And make our journey sweet. And birds shall gladly cheer us. And sing their happy lay. And flowers then shall blossom. We'll gather by the way; We'll share these sacred blessings. Till laid beneath the sod, And then in death we'll slumber. Prepared to meet our God. 64 ALLEN DOKMAN S POEMS. ANGELS LEAD. Weary, weak and worn with troubles, Poor and humble here below, Seeking for a destination. Far bevond this vale of woe. Far from friends and dear cctnipanions, In a land where ])i]grims roam, While he sleeps to ease his journey, — Angels lead the wanderer home. He has lived a life of labor. Labored hard for you and me, He lias tried to serve his Master, For a Christian man was lie. He has spent his life for others. He has lived as life was prone, He has tried to do his duty, — Angels lead the wanderer home. He has lived a life of partings. Life of sorrow, grief and pain. He has served his God for blessings, And lias served him not in vain. Life at best has griefs and partings. Hearts were made to weep and mourn, Much of this has been his portion. — Angels lead the wanderer home. Weary, worn with cares and troubles, And with strangers far away — Stranger, yet lie was our brother. He was called and could not stay. God will know what pains he suffered How he labored and alone. But his labors now are over, — Angels lead the wanderer home. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. G5 A :kotification. Once a maiden met her lover, With a hope to pleasures share, On her features young and pretty, All her eliarms were blooming fair; And her manners sweet and winning, With her kind and gentle ways, And her actions bent on wooing, Were beyond all artful praise. But the maiden turned complaining Of the wrongs she had received. And notified henceforth forever. She must from them be relieved. Yes, and notified her lover. Til at her heart was over run With a Hood of troubled notions. As she told what must be done. Sad when lovers get excited, And two loving hearts complain, May trouble thus a life of pleasure, Fi'cquent both may be to blame. As the lover heard his notice Frcun his maiden, pretty girl, Thus the soul may hear its warrant, In the far-ofi' spirit world. Oh, when death shall serve its summons, And we're laid beneath the sod, May we meet a friendly Savior, May we meet a friendly God ; Be our actions good or evil While we journey here below, We sliall.know in time of harvest. That we rea]) the seed we sow. 66 ALLEN DOKMAN'S POEMS. AT JsOON IN MAY. New hopes had come and all was bright, With cheering proof with me, That nature teaches everywhere, That most good things are free. The day so bright, the sky so clear, The birds all singing gay, And all the cheering signs around Were proof that it was May. The sun that rose in splendor bright. The grasses fresh from dew. All taught the heart with free delight, That every thing was new. The hills so grand and trees so green, With spreading branches high. And harvest fields all growing nice, Was pleasing to the eye. New hopes had come and all was bright, With hope of future praise. And life was luring hastily on To meet its sunny days ; The flowers blooming all around. The brooklet running clear. And music of the many songs Filled troubled hearts with cheer. So, little girl, this lot is thine, The praises of thy youth May ever dwell within thy breast, Sweet liberties and truth. Then let us be in earnest now, And labor every day, And treasure good while all is bright, And work while it is May. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 67 A MASHER'S MASH. A masher loved a maiden, And loved her pretty well, And just how much he loved her, He wished to somehow tell; He met his lovely maiden, While walking in the street, The sun was shining brightly Upon her graces sweet. He thus approached his maiden, To hear what she might say, And made himself acquainted, And in the proper way. He made his mash successful. As lovers often do, His stove-pipe hat was lifted. To bow to one so true. They walked along together, And thought that all was right, But soon they met her father, Who gave them such a fright j He was a sinful feller. To meet and spoil their fun ; Her father got so angry. The masher turned and run. Her father drew up stoutly And threw his walking cane, He missed the running masher, But scared him all the same. The masher now in silence, Coos like a lonelj' dove, And wonders if her father. Has ever thought ot love. 68 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. AMBITION. 'Tis hope that lures the heart within, 'Tis time that makes us old, 'Tis courage gives us needed strength, Ambition makes us bold. An;bitiou3 hearts are true to self, To fortune and to fame, They struggle for their eminence. And sometimes win the same. "Witli tliose who serve ambiti(m's cause May know ambition's dream, And know that life's realities Are seldom what they seem. Yes, they are those who know it best. And may its mysteries tell. Whose worthy age have reached its stage, And those who rose and fell. Yet life thro' all its vain pursuits. May prove but vain at best; We may achieve what life may give. Yet find no lasting rest. In all that's worthy, good and great. In worldly hope aiul fame, "Wo may not find what we pursue More solid than its name. Success may crown our earnest toil, And make life sweet to live, Y'et life at best can ne'er attain. What life can nevei' give; There is a longing in the heart Ambition cannot fill, And tho' we gain anibition's name Its vain ambition still. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 69 A VISIT TO YOUTH'S SCHOOL KOOM. I visited my old school-room, There to recall once more Tlie scenes of the long gone by I'd cherished much of yore. And as I entered through the door, And thus beheld the room, I noticed there that things had changed, Through time's corroding gloom. I thought of days I'd wandered there, In happy days of yore, x\nd of the friends I there had met, As memory called them o'er; And as I tread across the floor, Where I could take a seat, I thought how often down those isles Had tread my wandering feet. But time has bore those rights away, My youth had known so well. Yet every tiujc I thought of them. My heart began to swell. Some friends were there 1 recognized, Some persons I had known. And kindly had remembered me Since older I had grown. While I was there they sang a song, The song was new to me, And as their teacher bade them sing. They all responded free; The song was new, and scholars too Were of another name. The teacher who instructed them Was also not the same. -70 ALLEN DOKMAN'S POEMS. Another teaclier taught the school, Was busy at his task, And tried to do his dnty right, And wise instruct his class. He was a friend of intellect, Of learning and of thought. And wise iiLstructions truly gave, In lessons that he taught. The scholars all recited well. They had improved their time. And all seemed eager to excel In knowledge for the mind. Once more in life I drank the cup, Of memories gone by, And felt tiiat time alone dispelled The scenes that once were nigh. I felt that time would not restore The pleasures I had known, And cherished thoughts of bright school days, I once could call niy om^i. Yes, life is changing all the time. And hearts are not the same, With mortal hearts there is no rank That knows no law of change. I hope that I may profit by My visit at the room, And thus review in what I may Fast scenes from memory's gloom. For as we wander on through life, 'Tis sweet to study o'er The scenes of youth, and bright schooi days, And haj^py thoughts of yore. ALLEN DORMAN'S PO^iMS. 71 ATTENTION DEMOCRATS. Now we would call attention Of all true democrats, That lepublicans are working And winning all the hats; Come get about your business, And keep the rads at bay, And show them that their party lias truly had its day. They tell us of our badness, And wave the bloody shirt, But show them at elections Their blabbings do not hurt. Don't scratch your ticket ever, But vote the ticket straight. And show the rads they never Can enter through their gate. The rads may get excited. And ofier you to tight. But don't you get excited. But do your voting right; Yes, hoist your red bandanna, And there beneath it vote, And tell the rads their colors Were never made to float. Don't let the rads deceive you, But tell them in your tears, That our batch of candidates, Are better cats than theirs. Yes, work and do your duty. In all you do and say, And show them that their doctrines, May look another way. 72 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. The party, yes, the party, The grand old democrat, Is just the visavie, Of radical despotic, So turn out and be ready, To work and vote and stay, And share with us the glory, Of that election day. ALL THAT LIFE HAS BEEN. Oh, wliat is life 'mid toil and strife. Or what has life to give, Tliat man must toil within his coil. For mere the right to live; Is life so sweet and far complete, In all we do and say, That we could seek to idly sleep The better part away. Since early youth I've felt this truth. This life is notour own. And changing sighs and weeping eyes, Are not with one alone. The best of life is most of life, Its most that life has been. And much we see, may often be The coverings of sin. The dreams we dream may often seem, Like pleasures of our youth. And thoughts of praise, in many ways, May testify this truth ; Yet God is right in all his might. He rules the proper way, What life has been, be good or sin, Is life with us to stay. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 73 A DAWN OF HOPE. Tills heart was sad, O, very sad, And grief had sorely pressed This weary bosom 'iieath its weight, Until it found no rest ; And darkness had dispelled the light, The light of glowii.ig noon, And death was staring in the heart, Where all around was gloom. My friends had turned and I was sad, And death seemed drawing nigh. The deatliofhope,of peace and praise, That dies when liearts must die* When all at once a sudden beam. Of golden hope so fair. Came with her light to heal the heart. And save from dying there. A MASHED DUDE. A mashed dude, a mashed dude, The essence of a dandy, May llirt around about the town, And feed tlie girls with candy. He's hungry, liungry, for a squeeze j He flirts and fizzles often, And has a nature of his own, A soakin' and a softin'. A mashed dude, a mashed dude, A sam])le of a somethin', "Who acts like he was in the fire, Wiien- smitten on a dumplin'. Bi'uins and latin clothed in satin. With few redeeming features, A fop and tool for ridicule, Yet one of earth's own creatures. T4 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. A NAP AT NOON. When the sun in suiiiuier time Doth let his sliiniiig down, He's sure to mind us tluit we are Between him and the ground. And tlien its nice to seek the shade, Or in some pleasant room, And if our business will permit. To take a nap at noon. Yes, it is nice to have nice things, And pleasant for the soul. To live a life of hapjnness, With friends that never scold. So let the world roll on and on. It sometimes is a boon, In summer days when worn with toil, To take a na]) at noon. A BIG GUN. A great man he imitates, A big gun, a big gun, And has look that penetrates A great one, a great one. He's great from great assumptions. He hates a negro dude, fie shoots his shells of greatness, Right in his neiirhborliood. He craves the credit of himself. Great credit he dosei-ves. And all his thoughts are great ones. He's loaded with reserve. He prospers best in flush times, And makes a better show, His ancestors were great ones, And he is great, you know. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. ri A GOOD MAN. A good man and an honest man, Who labors for tlie right, Is pride of God's own handiwork, His glory and delight. Yes, he whose heart is ever true. And labors for the best, And bears the truth upon Ids lips, As every word a test. A good man, yes, a worthy man. The noblest woik of God, Was made of earth's best properties, To rule and bear the rod j The man whose heart is ever right, And useful in his way. And lives to serve humanity, And help it while he may. A good man, yes, a useful man, A man of worthy deeds, A man who knows life's trying woes, And satisfies its needs. The heart that cares for sorrow's pain. And knows its bitter cup, And helps his neighbors in their needs. And lifts the fallen up. A good man, yes, a trusty man. With money that he counts. And fills your measure rightly full, And credits every ounce. A good man, yes, an honest man, A worthy man indeed, A happy man. a useful man, A trusty man in netd. ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. ALONE TO-NIGIIT. All alone, alone toi>;ether, All alone this solemn night, Hoping, trusting for each otiier, Pi'onipted by the tlioughts of right. Time is li)st wlicn time is wasted, Hopes are gone when hopes have fled, Life is sweet when life has tasted Of the things it seeks to wed. Time and chance are but a river. Moving us its silent way, Through the dreads that make us shiver. What is movini>- ciinnot stay ; Solemn, solemn, silent throbbing Down and deep within the heai't Yes, it is the question p<>l>ping, All it needs is but a start. ALL WHO TUY. All who try, and all who favor Blessings for the weak and sad, May be honored and respected, liy the fainting hearts niatlo glad. They who try to do their duty. As a ]ileasure day by day. May receive their share of kindness, In some unexpected way. Friends will claim you and be grateful, For the favors you may give. And may feel 'tis then you need them. And for more than self you live. If you pass their little blunders. And be mindful of their good, They will know you for your merit, And be grateful, as they should. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 77 A BETTER LIFE. All that life has ever been, Through dreary days gone by, Should prompt the heart to better live, And help it then to try. The precious time that has been spent In heedlessness and grief. Has served procrastination best. For it has been the thief. Why should our precious time be spent In serving sin and woe, And feel that such could be our heip, When such will be our foe. The heart that dares to follow sin And from it seek reward. May oft deceive his neighborman, But ne'er deceive his Lord. Then make to-day a new resolve, And help the heart begin, And pledge the heart, to rightly start A nobler life within. Yes, try to live a better life. And be a better man, And try to make our habits right In every way we can. We reap, we know the seed we sow. In all we do and say. And time's the field that brings theyield. The harvest and the pay. So let us make a new resolve. And hold it as our theme. That we may see that it shall be More than an idle dream. 78 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. AT EARLY MORN. How bright the morn is dawning, And opening into .daj, And melting thoughts of sadness, And driving them away. It is indeed delightful, To see the rising sun Shed forth his rays of gladness Around for every one. We feel it is a blessing The sun alone can give, That we so much enjoy, So frequent while we live. And as our sun that rises And opens into morn. The sun of life eternal Will likewise truly dawn. A BOSS MASH. You see I've made a boss mash, I've charmed a heavy maid, I've got her now to love me so. This heart is not afraid. Oh, she is solid all the while, No danger getting left, She's girl enough for ten men. Yet got her all myself. Oh, it was nice how she was charmed, It was a heavy mash, We got in her society. And into her love-hash ; We popped the question right to her. And free from any sham, But then she popped that she must go, And pop and see her mam. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS, T9 A NEW RESOLVE. I'll make to-day a new resolve And keep it if I can, And try to live a nobler life, And be a better man. Yes, I will live a truer life, More prompt in what I do, That God the king of providence May guide and help me tlirough. I will arise at early morn, And labor thro' the day, And choose the good and shun the wrong That happens on my way. Yes, I will work for what is right, And live for what is dear. That events of futurity May brighter then appear. Yes, I will be a better man. And work for what is good, And strengthen this my new resolve, And labor as I should. Tho' clouds may gather o'er my way. And hide the shining sun, Yet I will let the evening show Some good that I have done. I'll try to seek prosperity. And with a purpose true, I'll treasure for posterity Some good that I may do. I know the heart is sometimes weak. And often fears to stand. Yet I will keep my new resolve And be a better man. 80 ALLEN DOKMAN'S POEMS. A LOA'ER-S COMPLAINT. On a Lriglit and sunnj evening, "When few clouds were in the skj, A h)vei' sat nigh his window, Watching wiio were passing by. Birds were singing in tlje court-yard, As he faced a southern breeze. All the air was filled witli gladness, Zephyrs whistled thro' the trees. Fixed his chair just right to suit him. As it stood upon its pegs, Tho' it creaked a little somewhat As he crossed his mighty legs. Who could fancy his condition, Or his style of taking rest, Or how he sat while thoughtless smoking In his way at '"Tliume's best." Oh, then dreams of blissful pleasures Flashed upon his gallant njind, Thinking of life's golden harvest And the sheaves that he could bind. Thought it nice to be with maidens And their sweetest pleasures share, And to rank his name with heroes, And the cost to put it there. IJe thought he had best accomplish Something good and not corrupt, F(ir fear he might get afflicted And the doctors give him up. In the midst of all his dreaming, Noticed in the street below Another man with his maiden — Changed his pleasures into woe. ALLEN DOKMAN'S POEMS. K He looked again, as if astounded, Bnd to satisfy his mind, It was true as sifted gospel That his claims were left behind. 'Twas too much, he could not stand it. As he thought his troubles o'er — Should they think to pop the question, He would see his girl no more. Said his heart was torn to pieces. And his back was sore with pains, But he'd kill that awful rascal — Shoot him center thro' the brains. Where's that ruler, with a darn it. As he stood up in his chair And said, '••all married men and women Would believe it was not fair." Others round him got excited. But they did not dare to run, But thought when he got out the market, Then the happy days would come. Yes, he gathered up his pistol As he started for the door, And said, ''that he'd kill his rival — Should have killed him long ago." As ho stumbled down the stairway. Thinking only what to do, Muttered out, •' ho could get married, Face a loaded cannon too." Yes, he reached the sujipcr table. Looking hungry, pale and gaunt. Said, "he had not been to Fulton, Neither had he boomed f.)r Grai;t." W ALLEN DOUMANS POEMS, Suuii his friends prepared his chamber, And they put him oft' to bed, And the hired girl cavorted ' As she kissed him on the head. Poor feller soon was wrapped in slumbers, Whipporwills began to sing, And the maidens talked about him As a great "bonanza king." In his dreams the angels whispered, Something that he thought was true, "When lovers set their heads to marry. They have nothing else to do." All this cause of grief and sorrow. Causing trouble, pain and loss. Is a secret, shall we tell it? Yes, cupid charmed a wheel-hoss. AN HONEST MAN. An honest man, an honest man, Once in the world did live, His nature was to do the right And all his words fulfil. Now he w-as honest thro^ and thro'. He would not cheat or steal, And always honest in his trades With those he had to deal. But now this man went out one day, And fell into the creek. And sadly drowned his good self, And never more did speak. He left no wife of his good traits, No kindred of his kind. And left no children in the world To honor his good name. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 83 ALLEN DOKMAN. Allen Dorman, who writes this book, Has had to try indeed, And had to march tiiro' storm and strife, And mourn in times of need. Yes, he has snfiered pain and loss, And hardships from the start. And known the trying woes of life That almost crush the heart. His kindred hath deserted him. In peril all alone. And friends hath left in times of need, Discouraged and disowned. His efforts hatli been criticised, He's had to toil and try, Thro' many a midnight battle strife, When no one else was nigh. His enemies hath envied him. With censure and with blame, And dragged him in the court-room mad To let him speak and gain. His birthplace was a cabin small. Built rudely on the ground ; His cradle was a bee-hive half. Hewn from a bee-tree round. Yet all thro' life's turmoil and strife, Hath shone a constant sun, With God and mother as his friends He sought to overcome. His heart it has been truer made, His songs are sweeter too. From what were blessings in disguise That God has helped him through. 83 ALLEN DOEMAN'S POEMS. A DAY OF DEEDS. The morning dawned, tlie sun rose bright, And birds sang happy lays, Tho' nature's God had thus prepared A day of hope and praise. And as time passed, the day was spent In doing friendly deeds, And helping others all we could About their pressing needs. That day of deeds has truly taught To work in many ways, For well with me that day is wortli A hundred other days. I love to think about that day. When troubled hearts went free, May stand a cherished monument For all eternity. One deed designed another deed, And bore its own reward, It was a day for memories Devoted to the Lord. That day of deeds I'll cherish long, Those acts of precious seeds — Oh, who would dare to imitate And live a life of deeds. AN EPITAPH. Here lies a friend beneath the sod, He sought the paths of peace, The path that leadeth up to God Where blessings never cease. May angels guide him in his llight From earthly things behind. And reach in safety with delight The peaceful shores of time. ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. 85 BOYS. Come i)()\v, boys, don't be i-eckless, You, like men, have work to do, And may make your lives successful If you prove to business true. You may go to shows and dances, And may think them wise and funny, But don't ]Kiy too much for pleasures, First consider, save you money. Life is not a dream of pleasure. Life is prone to ups and downs. And your dimes accumulated Soon may treasure into pounds. You should proper act with wisdom. As you travel on life's journey, You are sowing for a reajiing While you handle tinie and money. You may have your wishes furnished. May not need your cash to-day, But may form a useless habit That your future life must pay. Then be watchful and bo saving While your days arc bright and sunny, For to-morrow may bring trouble, And may need life's wasted money. You may seek for friends and playmates. Other hearts may do the same, But if early life be wasted, You will harvest grief and shame. You may go with pretty maidens, And may think them sweet as honey. But remember, boys, remember, How you spend your time and money. 86 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. BEAUTIFUL AND FAIR. She was fair and she was lovely, She was pretty as could be, She has taught this heart to love her, Aud her love was all for me. She was winning, she was gentle, Life with her was sweet to live. Love had filled her heart with pleasure, And she had sweet love to give. Oh, yes, maiden, lovely maiden, She had sacred love to share. And this heart has long been cheerful, Thinking of her beauties fair. Life was sweeter, life was better. It has long been so with me, And if love has been her portion, Life with both has prospered free. There was love within her bosom. There was praise within her care, Deeds of love and deeds of kindness, Flourished with her beauties fair. With a heart to love and labor, With a purpose e'er in view. Life has cherished love and duty. And the thoughts of living true. Maiden gentle, she was lovely. Blooming in her youth so fair, Blooming for a noble purpose. With the love she had to share. Thus we all should be in earnest. Making most of life we may, Hopes and pleasures soon may fail us. Deeds of merit truly stay. LLEN DOKMANS POEMS. 87 BUILT UP AT HOME. Talk of great and self-made men, Who by their efforts won Their fortunes and their eminence, To show what they have done. It is true with business men, Who long have stood alone, And faced life's adversities, And built right up at home. They have toiled 'mid heavy cares^ In search of fortune's gain, And have stood it patiently, Thro' sufferings .and pain. They have labored day by day For treasures now their own, And worked thro' the harvest time. And built right up at home. See our nation's greatest men, The men of wealth and fame, See how truly they have toiled For what they have obtained. Go to history's worthy men. And men of ancient Rome, And see how they truly worked To build right up at home. Labor is a creditor. That pays up every bill. And helps on triumphantly, O'er every steep and hill. He who labors earnestly, His work may thus atone. And give him strength honestly, To build right up at home. ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. Men who woik and men who try, And hibor long and true, May surmount adversities And ti'iumpli safely thro'. He wlio seeks his fortune far Where pilgrims fear to roam. And built his treasures with his God, Has built tliem first at home. So let's work each day and hour, Till other days shall cotne, And ever labor on and on Until life's woi-k is done. xis all the good we may do With what we call our own, Slituild be like gifts of charity And first begin at home. BLASTED HOPES. With buried life and blasted hopes I live and linger on, I have no object now in view, My hopes ai'c sadly gone. I look not for a future bright, I fi'cl that life is vain, For all the object of my time Is but to ease my pain. I spend my time in trying now To find my heart relief, I'd give my time and labors now To free my heart from grief. My hopes are blasted in my breast. My hopes are now no more, But yet they say that second love Is better than before. ALLEN DOEMAN'S POEMS. BEAUTY. Beauty, beauty, charming beauty, Making every heart so glad, Is a screen that hides the ugly Tho' it naay be good or bad. Beauty charms and beauty praises. Beauty hides the art of sin, With the shroud of its discretion, Fastens what it gets within. Beauty serves a noble purpose, God is beauty and divine. And we all should claim it ever. Let our deeds with beauty shine. Beauty sweet is fascinating. Fancied colors light and gay Charms the heart till it is blinded, As he's rich who feels that way. BETRAYED. I told a girl I wanted her To marry me right soon. That I was almost old enough To have some honeymoon. She said she would, O yes, she would, Was ready for the tie, But when I once' considered it, First thought it was a lie. So I began to build my hopes, Upon her heart and hand, But she began to build her hopes Upon another man. She flopped with him, she hitched with him, And split the cross with me — I was betrayed, I was betrayed, I was betrayed you see. eO ALLEN DOKMAN'S POEMS. BATTLES NEEDED. There's battles needed in the lieart, If it would merit gain, And battles won by doing good May compensate the pain. The heart must battle in the breast If it would battles win, And not to battle for the right Is but to live for sin. This world is but a battle-iield, Where heaits may win or lose, And heaits that battle for the right May win most what they choose. The heart hath need of victories, And if it fails to fight, May sink in its dependence And lose its burning light. BROKEN HEARTS. There are broken hearts around us, Ladened with their loads of care, And their heavy weights of sorrow Seemeth greater than their share. But they struggle in their peril. In their pain and in their grief, Hoping that some hand of kindness May assist them with relief. Yes, we see them all around us. How they mourn and how they live- 01), how much they need our kindness, Which alone our hearts may give. Then how cruel to be S])aring With the kindness others need, Or neglect them in their troubles — Broken hearts that mourn and bleed. ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. 91 BAIRD COLLEGE. How grand Baird College proudly stands, A nioi-unient of worth, A hope built up within our midst Of more than crumbling earth. A real hope which cannot die. While blessings it may give, And wisely teach immortal souls That are destined to live. The seeds of good that it may yield And scatter far away. And spread its light o'er barren fields, And make their darkness day. Its come to stay and stand secure. And yield its fruits of good lor other hearts in other years, And flourish as it should. Beard College, yes, the pride of home, Our liearts hath need to be. An institution in our midst Of hope and liberty. Long may it stand a source of worth. And may its foutiders live And wisely reap with other hearts The good the) 'vc sought to give. Bear up, bear on, thou sacred hope, 'Tis worthy to be true. And freely do for other liearts The good things done for you. Of all the mines of treasured worth The Lord hath need to bless. Of school or learning thou art peer, The vassar of the west. 92 ALLEN DOKMAN'S POEMS. BURIED THOUGHTS. youth it dreamt of golden future, Bright and rosy in its form, As the sun shone on it gladly. With its rays so free and warm. Youth it thought about the future As in age it older grew, But life's cares soon over-shadowed Much it sought and loved so true. Time came on and thoughts were buried Far beneath the load of care, Duty sought them at her leisure, And the dream once bright and fair. Life was real in its purpose, Brilliant and its prospects free, But around was not so sunny As in youth it seemed would be. BRIGHT DAYS. I often think of bright, bright days, When cherished youth was free. And meditate of good times past. That once were dear to me. Tiie bright days of my early youth, Those sunny days so bright Are cherished yet in memory With pleasure and delight. Those cherished days, those sunny days, Those golden days of youth,' Are monuments in memory Of real life and truth. So let our hearts be mindful still Of coming, sunny days, And treasure up for future life Some worthy deed of praise. ALLEN DOKMANS POEMS. 91 BEAUTIFY YOUR HOMES. You men of worth, you men of means, You men of taste and thought, Come beautify your own dear homes, And tix them as you ought. It is your right and privilege, And is your duty, too, To ornament your neighborhood With all tliat's good and true. Yes, iix your homes and fix your farms With beauty and repairs, 'Twill lighten up in many ways Your heavy weight of cares. Your neighbors then will study you For what they may detect. As hearts who honor self and home Are worthy of respect. Yes, be a man in what you may, A neighbor and a friend, A stay within your neighborhood On which it may depend. Yes, ])aint your homes and fix thcni up, And is no crime or sin To let your neighbors imitate The happiness within. The trees you plant around the field Are ornaments indeed, And never know the good you sow Until you reap the seed. The weary traveler on his way. Beneath them takes liis rest. And feels that you as well as ho Are likewise truly blest. 91 ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. And as he turns to tuke his leave, Would honor if he could The hand that planted yonder tree, God bless him, he is good. However worn, however sad, In trouble or in strife, He puts you down in memory A station in his life. Your neighbors watch, then letthem watch, They watch most everything — The njaple for tlie mocking bird. The dipper at the spring. They watch your motives and intent. Your purpose and design, And give you credit if they think The heai't within is kind. Then beautify your saci-ed homes, And beautify the mind, 'Tis beauty gives them ornament, For beauty is divine. And beautify your characters In all you say and do, And gladly sow for other hearts, What others have for you. BETTEK DAYS. I met a friend, an old school-mate, Who had been rich and ga}', But he had lost his worldly goods" — Had spent them all aM^aj. He turned to me his once proud heart, And spoke of better days, And vanities of fashion's God He worshiped once with praise. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. y5 BLOOMING FOK THE TOMB. Yes, uU our hopes thro' transient life, Aud all of nature's bloom, And all life's features fair and bright Are blooming for the tomb. And all our friends we love to praise, Physioonomy of the face. And all life's bright and sunny days Must pass without a trace. Yes, blooming, blooming, O how sad, All flowers' features gay, All nature striving to be glad, Y^et doonied to pass awa3^ No visage of life's feeble tread, No warning of its doom. Unmindful of its kindred dead While blooming for the tomb. BKIGHT ETERNITY. Bounding hope is never sterile. When the heart can truly see, And behold in dreaming future Scenes in bright eternity. Scenes that sedate life appraises For their beauty and their worth. Floating thro' the skies of glory. High above the scenes of earth. Bright and lovely, high elated, All the forms that enter there. Where the loved and sainted gather In a world so bright and fair. Bright, immortal and eternal, Fh)ws the crystal fountain free, And the angels live forever In the bright eternity. 96 ALLEN DOKMAN'S POEMS. CAMPBELLITE. The Cliristia:i Church or Campbellite, Perhaps are all the same, And if 'tis true, the Christian Church Has just a surplus name. The Baptist folks that name should have. The so-called Campbellite, To ornament their doctrines with And make them nearer right. Sectarian creeds of sprinkling faith May need some Campbell heads, To put baptism in their creeds, Who sprinkle in its stead. Their sprinkling faith is good with them, Baptism good with all, Its like pure gold, 'twill always pass, In every creed and call. To say the least, its chafty faith That leaves the mind in doubt, And may not find the holy ghost, Unless they weep it out. In grief or joy our hearts re-act, 'Tis with our nature true, For every sigh a joy may come. The holy ghost with you. Then claim the church Christ built on earth, And worship him alone. He is the life, the light, the way, The Church and corner stone ; But then with names we'll compromise. And trade a little too. If you will help us up to God, We'll help the same with you. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 97 COUETING DAYS. How sweet the cherished thoughts of life, "When life is love and praise, And hopes revive our energies, In times of courting days. When love is all this world to us. And life is sweet to live, And praise is found in other hearts. And they have praise to give. Oh, courting days, yes, courting days. When lovers' hearts are true. And love with love is loveliness. In all we say and do. Yes, when they meet in social sweet. As angels may above. And gladly praise each other's ways, And live in cherished love. Oh, courting days, sweet courting days May come but once in life. When woman seeks a husband, And he like seeks a wife; Love is a blessing while we live, A blessing for the soul, A blessing of a life-time. That never becomes old. Oh, it is sweet to gladly live A life of song and praise. And feel the heart may cherish long The thoughts of courting days ; Sweet courting days of hopes and fears, They come and go so fast, And have their share of grief and care. And soon are sadly past. 98 ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. The heart grows weary, worn and weak, And sad of loviiig long, Yet O, life has its bitter grief, When courting days go wrong. Love has its changes year by year, Thro' all its trying ways. When slighted hearts may seek to roam, Or end their courting days. COLLEGE GIRLS. We welcome thee, thou fair ones, We welcome, welcome thee. And hope that thou may prosper With us in unity. We welcome thee, thrice welcome, With words wo cannot say, Within our social circle We welcome you to stay. May God be with you ever. And help you in your gain, The good you've come to gather From fields of golden grain. You've come and are among us, You've come with all your praise. The sunlight of your presence Are hopes for other days. You've come and you are welcome, Your presence is our gain, The pleasures that you bring us, We'll favor you the same. Thy labors are examples, We love and truly need, That we may likewise treasure. For every thought and deed. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 99 CHEEISHED HOPES. Life is blest when hopes are cherished, And we labor gladly on, Wlien the heart is filled with pleasure, Seeking for a harvest moi'n. Yes, we labor on in earnest, And we labor with delight, Serving duty as a pleasure, In the sunny paths of right. Cherished hopes are cherished blessings, Ever making life so gay, With the present or the future, 'Mid the darkness or the da}'. Cherished hopes are clothed in pleasure, Wlien we labor as we should. Not in sorrow or in vengeance. But in hopes that do us good. CONTENIMENT. Oh, contentment be my stay, Be my portion day by day. In my work and in my song, Cheer me sweetly on and on. In the darkness, in the light. Keep me ever in the right, Let me know that life is spent, All happy in contentment. Contentment, a precious theme, Hope of it the sweetest dream. Hearts without it are indeed In want of life's highest need j Life is wanting in its sphere. Without contentment and cheer, 'Tis God alone that knows it best, Shares contentment with the blest. 100 ALLEN DOnMAN'S POEMS. CHARLES WESLEY. Great men who by deeds of greatness Wrought their deeds in life to stay, High above life's rolling billows. Never to be w^orn away. High above the shoals and breakers, High above their slashing beat, Higli above the storms and changes, High above the i-estless deep. Tlius will live the deeds of Wesley, High within the hearts of men, Deeds that show how true he labored With his heart and with his pen. In his songs he sang of heaven And its blessings for tiie soul, In his prayers, he cared for others As the shepherd for the fold. CHARLES DICKEKS. Great men, good men, high in stations On which merit may depend. By their labors and their actions, Rule and sway the hearts of men. Yes, they labor in their greatness, In their eminence and fame. And tiieir worthy deeds are photo'ed Down in history to remain. Thus it was with Mr. Dickens, See his name a shining light, And we love to tell the story, How he labored for the right; How he prompted nobler actions In the hearts of men to try. And to know him by his labors, While the years of ages Hy. AtiiEN DORMAN'S tOEMS. M CHEERFUL AND TRUE. When maiden is so cheerful, So beautiful and fair, This iieart in times of leisure, Would steal its presence there. Wlien she is gay and lovel}-. And free as morning song, tier pi'aises for this bosom Would cheer it sweetly on. Oh. yes I love my maiden, I U)ve her gentle ]iraise, It cheers this heart with pleasure Thro' bright and sunny days. Yes, life will be successful, With more than one alone, With those who love tlieir maidens. And chiim them as their own. I know the charms of maidens Are beautiful with me. They kindle in my bosom The thoughts that it is free. I'll try to cheer my niaiden The best that I can do. And when she tries to cheer me, I'll show that I am true. This life will be a burden With him who loathes the truth. And knows not love or beauty. While blooming in its youth j He loses half the blessings Which God hath given men, Who fails to love his maiden As confidant and friend. 102 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. So let US cheer our maidens. And love tlieni faithful too, While life is young and cheerful, And while we may be true. Yes, work and do our duty, And love them every day, That life may be delightful Till life is called away. DEWDROPS. When morn is gladly dawning. And all around is new, May 'waken thoughts of pleasure 'Mid sparklings of the dew. When birds are gaily singing, And spring-time is for all, When forest leaves are ringing From dewdrops as they fall. The soul is filled with pleasure. When sports of spring abound, And roses show their colors, 'Their fraij-rance all around* Tho' hearts may droop in sadness, And seek to rue from all, Yet lite may lure in gladness 'When gentle dewdrops fall. Oh, soon our cherished features, And all that's bright and gay. And loving hearts around us Like dewdrops pass away. That changing law is calling. We hear its death-knell sound. That hearts like dewdrops falling. Are buried in the ground. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 103 DAYS OF YOKE. 'Tis sweet to think of pleasures Our childhood loved so well, They are the recollections, We oft delight to tell; Oh, yes, those early praises, We love them o'er and o'er • The praises that we cherished In happy days of yore. The stream of time still rushes, And bears us hast'Iy on, From pleasure^ ever sacred. Till they are sadly gone. In vain we seek for others Upon the sunny shore, But life is hast'Iy moving From what wc loved of yore. So, let our hearts be watchful, While sailing for the sea, Upon the tide that empties Into eternity. Oh, then shall life be gladdened, When earthly work is o'er, To know it loved and labored In sunny days of yore. ASPIRATION. 'Tis desire in the soul. To encounter fate. E'er aspiring for the goal And be counted great. 104 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. DO NOT LEAVE. Di) not kave nie, vvortby pilgrim, Do not, do not leave to-day, I have lieai'd that you are going, Truly would I have you stay. I have heai'd you have been faithful, And the kind words spoke of me, In return, my dearest wishes Are as truly all for thee. Do not leave me sad and lonely, Let me know thy heart is true. Tell me that you will remember One, whose need is most for you ; If you leave me you must promise. As you go far, far away. That you'll think of me and often, And our parting here to-day. Do not leave me are my wishes. Do not leave me all alone, For this heart is nigh to broken, In the loss of thee its own. I will miss thy presence sadly. Such will rend my bosom sore, Pray then let us know each other As we have in days of yore. Good-bye, good-bye, one so worthy We will hope to meet again, For these partings are but earthly. With the ties of transient friends j Soon these partings will be ended And these heartaches will be o'er. When we truly meet forever Where sad jiartings are no more. ALLEN DOKM-^N'S POEMS. 105 DO ANGELS KNOW. Do angels know my earthly tlioiiglits? The flesh with all its sin 'i Do angels see my angry lieait, When all is dark within'^ Do angels watch wheie 1 may be? "Wherever I may go ? And when I sigh in solitude, Oil, do the angels know 'i Do spirits hear my humble prayers ? Do spirits hear me sing? Do spirits know when I am blest? Do they my blessings bring? Do spirits watch me in my walk ? And guide me Mhere I go ? And cheer me wlien I sorrow most? In 1 roubles and in woe? Do angels know my secret thoughts? Do angels search my heart? Oh, are they ever at my side? Or come, and then depart? Do angels watch me when 1 sleep? And gather round my bed? Are angels with me in my dreams? The suirits of the dead? Do angels see us now on earth? The tViends we use to love ? Oh, do they see where flesli cannot? Or do they dwell above? It is a theme we cannot tell Or buy with golden wealth Or learn from any earthly source, The mysteries of death. 1C6 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. deserted' loye. We had loved and we had parted, We had canceled love's adore, But we'd loved each other fondly In the early days of yore ; She was fair and she was friendly, She was lovely as could be, But she'd traveled since I knew her And deserted claims with me. Many joys were forgotten. Many days had passed us by, But the good times of our childhood Ever seemed to linger nigh. She was at a fountain drinking, As I saw her turn aside, It was her I had remembered. Cherished love had conquered pride. There it was we had our meeting. There we talked of days gone by, There we spoke of friends departed. Youth had cherished fondly nigh; There deserted love was kindled. As we talked of childhood's praise, Talked until our hearts were saddened. By the thoughts of love's bright days. Thus how true with life its journey, When we think our efforts vain, And with friends we've most forgotten. As we sometimes meet again. Deserted love from idle causes. May return to us once more, And may kindle hope within us, And be better than before. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 107 DO MAIDENS TELL. "We wonder now if maidens tell The secrets that they knoM', /Vnd have associates believe The news that's on the go. We wonder if they go and tell The things their conscience let, And oflfer then to nrjake excuse, And say they do forget. Yes, when we have their confidence, And tell them secrets true, "We wonder if they go and tell What they should never do. Yes, do they let our secrets out. With impudence and craft, Oh, do they break our confidence? Then do they go and laugh ? Yes, when we love them all we can. And tell them secrets deep. We wonder if they go and tell What they should strictly keep. Now do they talk to other boys'^ And break our confidence? And tell our secrets all away? And grin as recompense? Now,we have thought they sometimes do And think it pretty well, That what the men say, much is false. And that the maidens tell. Oh, yes, we think it pretty sure, Nor do we hardly doubt. That what is resting in their hearts, May thoughtlessly creep out. 108 ALLEN DOEMAN'S POEMS. DON'T BREAK THE HEART. Don't break the heart that loves thee, But love him all you can, Don't slight his claims that he may be A true and happy man. Oh, it is true he loves you nov^^, Don't break his fainting heart. Don't give his hopes a heedless glance, Or bid them to depart. He's been a soldier in his life, And served his country's cause, And like a soldier bravely fought. To re-instate its laws. He's faced the scenes of battle's strife, A soldier true and tried, He's now a soldier for thy love, He don't pretend to hide. Don't be so cruel maiden, then, But love him o'er and o'er, Go cleanse thy heart its little guilt, And love him all the more. Don't break his heart, O maiden fair, Or wound his heart with pain, His heart would yield no compromise, He thinks your heart is vain. We know that youth has much to learn, And life has much to bear, And hearts may rue this mortal coil. Beneath some weight or care. So let us try and faithful be, And break no lover's heart. Death may be sweet compared with such, For such has been my part. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 109 DEATH'S PHANTOMS. What is death? That mighty monster Stirs my senses thro' and thro', Stings my nerves, thrills my conscience, As I startle what to do. Fangs that tear the heart asunder, Terrors of a felon's doom. Ghostly sights of wild destruction, Horrors of an endless gloom. Death, the ghost of foulest murder, Makes me chill and tremble so, Frightful, angry, cruel monster. Help, O, save me from his blow. Legion from the foulest region. Clad in armor as he comes, Spearing wrath in every bosom. For th-e sins that it has done. Oh, is death so great a 'venger. Are his phantoms dark and cold? Does he dwell in loathsome riots. Bringing terror to the soul? Does he search this guilty conscience? Does he bring the heart decay? Does he solve this mortal coil As he tears the soul away? No, O no, death is not angry, For thro' him we may be blest, The pilgrim's friend he bears us over, To the shores of peaceful rest. Safe in him we sweetly slumber. In repose we lose our breath. This is all when all is over, For they tell us tliis is death. JlOn ALLEN DOEMAN'S POEMS. DARKEY IN THE COLD^ This ole darkey am a freezin', Fur hez gettin' gray and ole, And liiz. liiiis are weak and feeble, As he shibbers 'mid de cole. He is fur away from Dixey, In a land of sleet and snow, 'Mid de: winters of de country Whar de chilly wins do blow. He iz goin' back to Dixey Whar de sun am shinin' warm, Back dar to de ole plantation, Dar to lib upon de farm. See he habs no occupation, And he habs no whar to go, Hez a stranger 'mid de people An' dars no one dat he know. He iz fur away from Dixey, In de Ian whar he do roam. From de sunny days in Dixey, He is fur away from home. Hez a gittin' old and feeble, And de snow am all around. An' hez gittin' cole and hungry As he goes upon de ground. He iz goin' back to Dixey, Whar he may de darkies see, Whar de darkies am a libin' An' de coons and possoms be. Hez a-goin' back to Dixey, Whar hez nebber come away. In de Ian of good ole Dixey, Iz de happy place to stay. ALLEN DOllMAN'S POEMS. Ill DOCTKINES. ^oniig man of my country be careful What kind of doctrines you choose, First Bee that your points are all pi-oper, Then none of your arguments lose. Then go to your neighboring churchman, And take your Bible along. And give him some point of your doctrine, And tell him his docti-ines are wrong. Yes, tell him his doctrines are worthless, And give him your reason and why, His doctrines not fit to live under, Much less for the Christian to die. Yes, tell him he's in a delusion. And handle his doctrines about, And give him a point of your doctrine, And show him the way to get out. And after you've faithfully conquered The doctrines of neigboring men, "^hen tackle the doctrine of bishops. And show them your business with them. Yes, go to the infidel leader And tell him his doctrines are thin, The seed of his doctrine is Satan, The doctrines of evil and sin. Then tackle the skeptic and deist Tlie buddhist and atheist, too. The doctrines of men and of devils. And all that don't tally with you. Yes. tear up tl;e doctrines of thinkers, Where all is not proper and right, The creeds ard confessions of mortals, And travel along in the light. 112 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. DAYS GONE BY. It fills the heart with sadness When memory turns back, And brings to mind the changes Of life's traveled track. And see of life its failings, How life is fleeting fast ; But yet we find sweet pleasures In thinking of the past. We love the scenes of childhood, For pleasures that they bring, The rosy part of life time, Life's early, sunny spring. We love them as a duty, Tho' they will come no more, The sunny scenes of childhood, The happy days of yore. Oh, who could now forget them, And slumber life away In idle dreams of leisure. Where pleasures cannot stay. Oh, yes, we'll hold them sacred, And truly claim them still, The flowers and the brooklet. The meadow and the hill. We love those days with pleasure, Those happy days of yore, Their sports and pleasant rambles, We love to think them o'er. We'll love them for their beauty. We'll claim them for their praise, We'll know them as a duty, Those happy, sunny days. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 113 DARLING. Oh, darling, gentle darling, I'll claim with tender care, Thy charms so sweet and lovely, So beautiful and fair. You are my pretty darling, So friendly and so gay. And with your charms and blushes You charm me every day. Oh, darling, deary darling, I love thy charms and name, For thou art sweet as honey, So pretty and so tame. Oh, let me call thee darling, And draw thee to my breast, My pretty little darling I love thee truly best. If darling will be faithful, And love me kind and true, I'll promise thee, O darling, I will be faithful too. I'll love no other, darling, If darling will be mine; I'll love my darling only So fondly and so kind. I'll claim thee as my darling, My honey and my dear, And" hopes that have been coming Will come with brighter cheer. I'll cling to thee, my darling, And sigh in thy embrace — My darling, O my darling, There's none can fill thy place. 114 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. Mj darling, lovely darling, I'll claim thy beauties fair, ' And sigh in thy affections, Thy bosom and thy care. I'll share with thee sweet pleasure, As gentle as a dove. And saturate my senses In pure and darling love. DEATH'S NAKROW SEA. We dream of death, its mysteries, What just beyond may be, And fancy that we may behold Death's deep and narrow sea. Oh, pleasant scene it is to dream, We see from shore to shore, And saints passing over, Keturn to us no more. The waters calm and sweet, serene And pleasant to behold, And just beyond the narrow deep The city of the soul. Yet all is calm and still as death And pleasant as can be, And fears they vanish as we pass Death's deep and narrow sea. And just beyond the sun that shines Above the city bright, Dispels the darkness everywhere And moves the clouds of night. Oh, may we when we come to die Be safe from sin and free. And sail in safety over Death's deep and narrow sea. DO MEN LOVE WAR?-Page 115. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 115 DO MEN LOVE WAR. Do men love war with all its woes ? Do men love death and crime? Do men love sin the world has known Thro' centuries of time, Do men love war with all its death, The scenes of cannon's bhize, Its fire and smoke and sabre stroke, And all its wicked ways? Do men love war with all its crime. Its wounds and dying groans, Its death upon the battle-field And scenes of human bones? Do men love death with all its pain, The sights that soldiers see, The blood that flows from dying hearts, And brains at yonder tree. Do men love war with all its sins, The spoils of peace and wealth, Its desolation everywhere, The harbinger of death ? Do men love war with all its grief. Its pain and bitter tears, Its loss of life and property. Its agonies and fears? If men liate sin and wickedness. Why don't they sin abhor? Why don't they cease forevermore The cruelties of war ? It must be man's own nature bad To butcher and to kill, And if it is his nature then. It is his purpose still. m ALLEN DOBMAN'S POEMS. DOG TKADE. In early days wo owned a dog, His name was Doctor Wats, He was a doctor of his time But would not mind or watch. Yes, he was worthless on the farm, He would not watch at night, And would not run the cattle off, Nor threaten them to bite. But he could eat a liearty lunch, He loved his bread and hash, So we determ'd to slay our dog. And sell his hide for cash. But soon we met a colored man, While passing thro' the woods. We halted him to make a trade And cheat him if we could. The darkey liad a worthless cur, With shabby tail and back, While our dog— a pretty dog — Was spotted white and black. We caught the dogs and brought them And, seated in the shade, [round, And as the dogs began to smell Concluded ho might trade. He said his dog was a good dog, Was heavy built and low, And proper made to sell or trade And give a man a show. But then we said that our dog Was pedigreed and fine, His daddy was a sheplierd dog Or setter of some kind. - ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 117 Yes, he was part Newfoundland, And worth a China hog, And he was part a tarrier. The other part just dog. And so we thought we wanted boot To make and bind the trade. But that the darkey couldn't see And so no boot was paid. We had the darkey to stand up And then to say red leather, A process that he must perform To bind the trade forever. We caught the dogs and started home And thought we had done line. That we had traded Doctor Wats For something that would mind. We tied the new dog up that night And left him all alone. But then we saw next morning bright The doctor dog come home ; And soon the darkey came in haste. And wanted to retract, We teased him for a little while And then we traded back. And so it is in real life, The worthless things we keep. Like trivial sins we cannot rue Tho' be they ever cheap. We cannot trade, we cannot lose The sins within the breast, Nor purchase with them from the Lord An everlasting rest. 118 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. DARK SOULS. In this great world where all is life, And everything is bright, And where the golden sun of day Doth shed his glorious liaht. There are dark souls that seek the dark. Amid the glorious day, And when the glaring sun is high Doth rue it all away. ifes, in their cells they seek to dwell. In darkness all within, And shun the light that's ever bright With coverings of sin. To thee, dark souls, the God of light Is ever watching you. And penetrates with perfect ease Your darkness thro' and thro'. DON'T BE SAD. Oh, lady fiiend, pray do not weep, Fray do not mourn and sigh, I know you weep in solitude, When no one else is nigh. I know thy heart is broken now. Thy looks are pale and white, I know thy portion has been sad. And you are sad to-night. I know you sought another's heart. He promised kind and true, But he has chosen another girl. And broke his vow with you. No more he'll pay his evening calls. Or cheer you with delight. He's filled your heart with agonies And you are sad tonight. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 119 Oil, just to-night revive once more, Fling all your grief away. And do not wish to have return The love he cannot pay. So then be true, 'twas for the best, Revive with all your might, And tho' you are forsakened now, Be cheerful just to-night. DEATH'S TROUBLED SEA. Oh, sad indeed, when mortal hearts Are weary, weak and worn, And in their sins must sadly pass From life to the unknown. When sin has stained the troubled heart And life's no longer free. And life must leave this gloomy world And sail death's troubled sea. They see the angry rolling waves. They hear the tempest roar, And see the gloomy mists of death That span from shore to shore. They see the billows rise and fall In mad eternity. And hear the angry surges roar, That stir death's troubled sea. Oh, angry scene of gloom and fear, And troubled from the start, And souls that try to anchor safe Are summoned to depart. What scenes of gloom and wretchedness The sinner's lot shall be. The home of crime and punishment Beyond death's troubled sea. UO ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. DAYS MISSPENT. ■ With me my tiiue's not all been spent In labor and in duty, In serving purpose for the best And clothing life with beauty. Much of my time has been misspent, AtkI I my brother's keeper, I've suffered loss from other hearts And both have been the reaper. Bright days misspent and sadly lost, And passed beyond redeeming, Were spent in grief and wayward thoughts' In idle hopes and dreaming. In grief my wandering steps have lured, I've wasted time and treasure,^ And serving grief without relief In precious times of leisure. I saw those days, those sunny days,, Misspent and sadly squandered,. In sorrow and In waywardness My straying steps they wandered. I tried to live, but all in vain. My sins they held me sadly, 'Twas reaping sorrows I had sown, And no one loved me gladly. I tried to mend my broken heart, And help my fallen brothers. And thus restore the confidence That I had lost in others. My heart it worked, for hearts must v/ork, Yet pleasure found me never, And time was spent, and moments lost, Forever and forever. ALLEN DORMAN'S FOEMS. 121 Out on the ocean-waves of life, My bark was troubled sadly, My bark was tossed 'mid ocean spray — jjeat on its bosom madly. I fcsaw the busy world around. How ladened ships were sailing, And bearing blessings for the world, While O, my bark was failing. I saw proud hearts of merit's worth Wcie busy at their reaping, An.d saw the wheels of commerce turn, While I was lost and sleeping. 1 thought to self, why not I live And busy with my brothers, And be a blessing to myself And blessing unto others. Mv heart could beat as proud as their's, With duty and with pleasure. My sun could shine as bright for me, That I may build my treasure. My bark could sail as grand as theirs, Tho' needed some repairing, And help the causae of enterprise In reaping and in sharing. I sought to live, and I must live, If God will be my helper, I'll stamp improvements on my times And spend my monients better. Yet I am sad that ere I spent My time in idle dreaming, Or that so much of life is lost Beyond the hope redeeming. 122 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. DANIEL WEBSTER Daniel Webster, Daniel Webster, Yes, a ^Tetit and shining light That will luminate-the ages With his honored name so bright. Yes, immortal with tiie earthly Will he permanent remain, While the world is so familiar With his labors and his name. Yes, a giant and a chieftain, And a mighty potentate, Swaying with hisHights of genius In the high affairs of state. God hath need of all the worthy. And he claims them for his love, Unto life and unto glory In a better world above. DAYS THAT HAVE FLOWN. Days that have flown, days that are gone, Days that have passed us by, Days we cherish with pride and song, We fancy yet so nigh. [brought. Bright days we loved for sports they We love them for their praise. We see them bright in memory. Those happy, sunny days. We love them best, tho' they have flown, Bright days when we were small, Tho' tiiey have passed with other days, They seemeth best of all. Yes, they have flown, those sunny (lays, Those happy days of youth, Though yet they live in memory As monuments of truth. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 12^ DRUNKAKDS. The drunkard should be pitied, Because he does not know The seeds of sin he scatters About his neighbor's door. He sways the hearts of others, In great or less degree, And stains the soul immortal For all eternity. They may have hearts within them. And strive to do the right, But yet their cravings bind them Unto their liabits tight. You cannot reason with them. They think tliey know it well. And pride in useless habits That burdens them with hell. Poor, wretched, human beings, Poor mortals of the dust, Who wreck the noble manhood God's given them in trust. Their systems vile and filthy. And life-time's wrongly spent, Upon the plains of glory Would never be content. FORGIYEN. Forgiven, the forgiven, Siiould try to better live. And imitate yon heaven, Its motto to forgive. How sweet when life is riven, And leaves this world of care, To find in yonder heaven Its sins forgiven there. i^ ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. EAKTHLY HOMES. We may strive and find contentment As thro' fleeting life we roam, Far in search of place or palace, Where to claim an earthly home. We may seek for gain and pleasui-e, Have a home that is sublime, Yet in such may feel it truly, Earthly homes are not divine. We may live npc>n the ocean. Seek for other homes away, But may fail to find a pleasure That is lasting and will stay. Not in titles, not in treasures, Not in hoines of earthly kind, Do we truly find contentment. Earth itself is not divine. We may seek for praise and honors Thro' life's hopeful, sunny days, While the birds so gay and cheerful Welcome us their songs of praise. But the heart may feel a warning In its home of earthly kind. That's not furnished in its structure With the things that are divine. So let's work and build a mansion, Not of earth or earthly gold. But where mansions stand forever, Thro' eternity untold. Let us work and do our duty. And thus treasure for the mind, Hope and love and peace eternal For a home that is divine. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 125 EXCUSE ME LOYE. Excuse me now, my prettv maid, Yes, excuse me if you will, For thy heart it has been faithful, And I know it loves me still. Yes, it was a thoughtless blunder, On my part I was to blame. But if you will grant me pardon, You will then my love retain. Now this heart it seeks thy pardon, Now this heart it seeks thy praise, H<.>ping it may win the kindness Of thy heart for future days. Life is vain in vain convictions, Vain in what it may pursue. And is vain in thoughtless actions, Tho' it labors to be true. Excuse me now, my little maid. Yes, excuse and pardon me. For this heart its dearest wishes. Have been truly all for thee. Oft thy favors are remembered, And thy pretty charms so new, And thy looks of snowy whiteness IJaunt me still that thou art true. Love, when slighted or unbidden May in sadness turn away. And if love would find no pardou. May determine there to stay. Love neglected or rejected, While in youth or blooming health, May be saddened and forsakened. And untimely droop in death. 126 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. EYERYWHEKE. Everywhere is everywhere, And that is all we know, That eveiywhere, is everywhere, As everywhere will show. And though we try to well decry Where everywhere is not, We fail to find the minute sign, Or designate the spot. In what is known and what is shown, In distance or in space, Elowever bear there's everywhere, And center in its place. Yes, everywhere is everywhere And e\erywhcre abcut, There's everywhere we may declare, And can't bo counted out. ESSENCE OF LOYE. Pure happy love is much the best, And no use to deny it, As many folks have thought it nice, And do not fear to try it; It has been tried in many ways. In dancing and in romping, In kissing as by accident When courting is not wanting. Wise men have oft considered it, And solved it with their senses, And say its scientific ways Will more than p:;y expcnecs. Pliiloso]ihers expounded it With great and close attentions, And poets have depicted it. And loveri in con\cntions. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 127 The science man has studied it, And sliced it up in pieces, And mixed it up, and cooked it down, In chemistry and greases. Great scholars have dissected it, And men of education, And all the essence that they get Is sparkification. ENGAGED. 'Tis sweet to keep the mind engaged. And serve good purpose true, And fully know and understand The work we have to doj In doing so we do the right, And do our duty best. As each day truly has its task, And has a time for rest. Yes, get engaged and keep engaged. About some worthy plan, And do the good as right we should In every way we can. Be friendly while we journey here. And useful while we live, And feel that life's an easy strife, And has good things to give. Yes, be engaged in life and love, In labor and in song. In doing riglit with all our might We learn to rue tiie wrong. Engaged, engaged, O, yes engaged. Engaged in what we do Is just the way to live and stay, And love and labor true. 128 ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. EXPOSED. There prevailed a great excitment, When the maidens beard some news, And s(>n}e hearts were filled with terror, Stricken with the market blues. Yes, tbej heard an awful secret, Of a deep romantic scheme, That were just some bold intentions Of tlie things that lovers dream. YeS, the aiaidens acted faithful, But they broke some confidence, And exposed an awful danger. Love was sought as recompense. Cv^urtship has its little troubles, In its stiides to get above, And to beat some special rival, Anything is fair in love. Yes, the maidens labored faithful, And they took their proper stand, Just to change the circumstances. And to nullify some plans. Much was talked in maiden's council, Plans to meet such awful scheme, Much adopted wise and proper, All to justify the means.. Just a scheme, a hidden secret. Was exposed with maidens 'round, And it turned some wild, excited, As they spread it o'er the town. Strange that plans cannot go proper. When we plan with thought and care. But is headed off romantic By the lovely and the fair. ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. 129 ENYY. What is envy and its nature? Is it something that you see? Is it what the foe so often In his hatred handles free? Is it meanness? Is it madness? Is it anger, is it blame? Is it something of this nature? Is it malice, is it shame? Env}', envy, awful envy, Men doth scatter all around. And may check the march of merit, Or may crush it rudely down. When I try to do my duty. When I feel that I am free, What hath I done to my neighbor He should hate and envv me? ETEKNITY. Eternity, boundless in extent, Immortal and perpetual, Endless, lasting, never ceasing, Almighty and eflfectual ; Potent power, everlasting. Expanse, distaiice, unwavering, Divine, mighty, ever changing, Moving and unwearing. Eternity, endless and forever, Fadeless and unfaltering, Surprising, mighty, wonderful, Changing, yet unaltering. Lord, strength and unwasting, Creator and divine, Firmness, durable, imperishable, Eternitv is thine. 130 ALLEN DOUMANS POEMS. EAELY IMPRESSIONS. Early impressions on the mind May be the best to stay, And may be vivid all thro' life, And least to wear away. Far back in days of early life, Far back in early youth. Impressions made then on the mind, May verify this truth. A deed, a word,^ a light, a tune, An hour after birth, May stay impressed upon the mind For all that it is worth. So let our hearts be mindful then, Of early habits new. And thus improve the youthful mind With all that's good and true. EVENING SHADES. The evening shades, how still they grow, And hasten in their length. Until the glorious sun is set In all his might and strength. The evening shades, how oft they come At close of sunny days, And tho' their scenes are sometimes sal, May have their mirth and praise. 'Tis sweet to watch the evening shades, The little shadows move. The little lessons that they teach, Yet mighty problems prove. And as the shades of evening come. Will come the shades of time. And hearts will vanish in the dark, That have no lights to shine. ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. 131 FOR OLD AGE. Youth should have bright and cheerful hopes, And keep the mind engaged With thoughts that life may wisely store, And treasure for old age. Old age may have to toil and try, And work from morn till night. And sadly barter health for gain, Or deviate from right. May have to toil with hasty speed, And hurry on thro' life, And forced to struggle as it goes, Thro' bitter things of strife. Yes, fancy that we see our age Far in its future state. Then think how soon that it will come, If we but live and wait. Old age will have what it rears up, Its pleasure or its pain, Its peace, its praise, its happiness, Its sorrow and its shame. Then O, how sad if life be wrecked. And age should not find rest, If life be spent in idleness. Old age will not be blest. Old age is what we make it now. Its blessings and its name, Its trials then will be as now. Or very much the same. So let us work and wisely live. And know that age must come. And thus prepare that age may have A pleasant evening sun. 133 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. FAIK WOMEN. Fair women, gentle women, So beautiful and gay, That in our dreams and fancies They charm us all the day. Oh, yes, their charms are pretty. So lovely and so fair. That it is sweet to cherish Their beauties and their care. When they are clothed in neatness, With features fair and new, And all their charms are blooming. So lovely and so true. Oh, then we love their beauties, And dearly love to eee Their features fair and winning, As lovely as can be. Ihe women, yes, the women. When charming^s all the go, We love to see them cheerful And love t(^ tell them so. Their eyes of diamond brightness Are pleasing to behold, Their forms of snowy whiteness May charm the very soul. Life's highest occupation, To stay and pass the time. The women and the weather Would be enough to mind. Oh, what's the use of claiming One nice and pretty tree, When we can claim the orehaid ■ All happy and so f ice. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 133 FLOWEES. The flowers and the roses, The jewels of the field, Are ever loved and cherished For blessings that they yield. They grow in spring and summer, When everything is green, And in the time of autumn There's flowers to be seen. They bloom among the mountains, And in the meadow wide, And at the sparkling streamlet Bloom gently near its side. And at the wreck of bridges, By ancient temples old, Sweet flowers may be blowing Their lovely tints of gold. Down in the lonely valley. Where soldiers are at rest. May bloom the lovely flowers. The sweetest and the best. Yes, they adorn the gardens. And grow by nature's care, On mossy rocks and hillsides, Sweet flowers may be there. Oh, soon the flowers perish, And sadly pass away. And wakens on memory. Earth's beauties cannot stay. The beautiful and lovely, The sacred and the fair, Must yield to law and order, Its cnanges and its care, 134 ALLEN DOHMAN'S POEMS. FORGETFUL NATURE. Nature teaches changeful lessons, Teaches change in every way, Teaches lost, forgetful lessons. In its night and in its day. Teaches change in changeful weather, In the shadows and the light, Constant changing and forgetting. As the day forgets the night. Spring forgets the cold of winter. Time incessant hastens on, Fall forgets the change of summer. And the day forgets the dawn. Storms that rage with claps of thunder, Clouds that spread the summer sky, All forget the pleasant sunshine, Life forgets that death is nigh. Leaves that grow and buds that blossom, And the turf on which we tread, All forget of last year"'s changes. And the snow that winter spread. All the birds that sing and cheer us In the pleasant summer days. Have forgot the chills of winter. In their songs of mirth and praise. All the flowers and the roses. All the praises of our youth. All the changes of a life time. Go to prove this solemn truth. In the laws of all creation Go to teach oblivion, Ever changing, dying, sinking, In the vast diluvian. ALLEN DORM AN S POEMS. 13& FALLEN MEN. Fallen men should not be hated, Tho' their efforts were in vain, If it was their honest failures Brought about their grief and pain. If they tried to do their duty, And the foe was much too strong. It was not their act of failing That would make their purpose wrong. Yes, their hearts may be of merit. Men who love and do the right. But conditions were against them. And they failed to win the fight. They perhaps would do us favor, They pei-haps have weeping eyes, They would help a fallen brother. And prepared to sympathize. Fallen men we see around us. They may need our help and care, They may need our deeds of kindness. They may need our words of prayer. Fallen men should be respected. And they should be treated right, And their hearts should be encouraged, That their burdens may be light. Fallen men may have their troubles, Have their grief and have their pain, And the censure of the wicked. Who delight to talk and blame. Let us then be kind and friendly' With the fallen and the sad. Helping them with deeds of kindness. Cheer their hearts and make them glad. 136 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. FAME. The sun that shines in yonder sky May shine alike for all, It brightens up this opaque world Where e'er its rays may fall. It makes the living what it is, The flowers and the tree, And gives to earth its purpose well, Whatever that may be. And so it is the sun of fame. It makes the heart feel brave, And gives it courage to pursue The woith it seeks to save. We to the hearts this tribute give. Who once with humble names Have born them to immortal heights, And written them on fame. 'Tis thus the prize that labor wins. Ambition has its call. And those who rise by merits' ways, May never rise to fall. Yes, those who toil and those who try, And labor day by day, May write their names along with fame, And write them there to stay. So let our names immortal rise. Beneath so bright a sun. And sweetly live for memories Thro' ages yet 4;o come. Yes, let our hearts be true and brave, And seek a good reward, As sweet success may be for those Whose labors serve the Lord. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 137 FALLEN BROTHEKS. Go help your fallen brother, Go teach him how to live, Go tell him of his Savior, How freely he'll forgive. You see him in his peril, He is your brother sad, Go lend a hand of mercy And win him from the bad. We all have fallen brothers Who need our help and love, The children of one Father Who dwells in peace above. Go help him in his dungeon, Redeem him if you can, Your brothers and your sisters, Go lend a helping hand. They are tlie tempter's victims. They need the light of day, Perhaps it was contention That turned their hearts astray. Go at the dawn of morning, Go at tlie noon-day bright. Go at the close of evening. Go at the hush of night. Yes, go thou Cliristian coward. You see your brother stray, Down in the street he's fallen. Go help him while you may. Don't crusli him down with slander, But dress his burning pain. Go tell him he's your brother. That he may live again. 138 .ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. Go help Your fallen sisters VVitli help you have in store, Go scatter seeds of kindness About her dungeon door. 'Tis true she hates her vices, She's weak and can't do right, 'Twas when the heart was saddened, That came the cloud of night. 'Twas once her heart was cherished By some loved one of youth, When it was pure and sacred, And loved the light of truth. But she has sinned and fallen, And you help keep her down, Go tell her of the sunlight That's everywhere around. Her sins they are disgusting, She hates them much as you, With God they are insulting. But yet she can't be true. Go help the sad and fallen, They feel you are to blame. Because they are neglected. And dying in their pain. One precious soul's worth saving. If left with God to say. If prized with earth its treasures. The earth would melt away. Then lift the veil of sorrow, And bid the fallen live, And tho' their sins be crimson, God's promised to forgive. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 139 FOLLOW ME. Yes, follow me my brothers, In purpose and in deed, As I the eldest brother Should proper take the lead. And let us march t()e;etlier And enter in the fight, And we will surely conquer, In what is good and right. It seems we are forsakened Just now in early life, But if we stand united We'll conquer in the strife. Arise at early morning, And go or follow me, And let us work like brothers, Determined to be free. This life has much to cheer us When all around is praise, And nature's sky is friendly With bright and sunny days. And it is right and manly To help each other free, And wisely do our duty. Whatever that may be. And if we do our duty. And strive to labor true, The world will lend us courage, And God will bless us too. For soon will life be ended. And labors will be o'er, When we may rest securely From labors evermore. 140 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. FAMOUS. Tliere's famous men among us, Whose lives are shining lights, That cheer tlie weary pilgrims Thro' dark and dreary nights. This life is one great journey, A voyage far at sea, A battle-field while marching For one eternity. And pilgrims may get famous, Thro' bright and worthy ways, By wisely helping others. And justly merit praise. A famous reputation That's ever wending higher, And's often celebrated Is worthy to aspire. FOKEYEK. Fo>rever is forever, An awful lengthy time. And what must live forever Is not of mortal kind. The mortal may be lasting. But can't forever stay, What's mortal in its nature Is subject to decay. They tell us that the angels In heaven do not die. But that they live forever In heaven there on high. Forever, yes, forever, Immortal and divine. Shall live the things forever, That's of immortal kind. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 141 FAK-SEEING DEMOCEATS. Some far-seeing democrats, So loyal and so true, With penetrating visions May glare you thro' and thro'. They see in mighty distance The workings of the foe, And tell, as politicians, How great elections go. They most are office-seekers, And blab and gas and try. And deeply deal in measures. And use the letter I. They're mighty self-conceited, And wear the party coat, But may not help the party Except to gas and vote. FEEBLE AGE. My worttiy friend, my aged friend, Thy limbs tiiey tremble now. The years that brought thy feeble age, Brought furrows to thy brow. Your speech is feeble as you talk. In what you try to say. And years that brooded o'er thy head Hath frosted it with gray. Thy limbs they tremble with old age. Thy strength is failing fast, The sun that lingers in your sky Will soon be set at last. Thy heart must fail with wasting years, As innocent as youth. The law of life's own nature thus Proclaims this solemn truth. m ALLEN DOEMAN'S POEMS. FADING. Fading like the mist of morn, All that's bright and gay, All that's lovely in this life, Doomed to pass away. Fading, fading, all of earth, Every plant and tree. Ever drifting with their worth, For eternity. GKIM CRITICS. When critics try to criticise The work that we have done, We think that they have ended off Just where we first begun. But when they try to ridicule And say that we are wrong. We feel that Satan is behind, A shovin' them along. What you may write there's always men To criticise and blame. And they are just the very men Who fizzled at the same. Yes, when we try to do our best. The Devil has his clerk, A man who fizzled at his own To criticise our work. In times of war there's always men To criticise and plan, And tell how battles all would go If they just had command. So let our labors be for right, And live what we ehould be, Tho' men may chocec to ciilicisc. They do not bother ii.c. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 143 DKEAM OF BEAUTY. I dreamt a dream, a fairy scene, A dream of beauty and love, Not 'mid scenes of earthly rudeness, But was higher and above. It was fair and it was lovely. Charms and graces yet untold. And its forms were forms of glory, Kich and pleasant to behold. Scene of gladness, hope and brightness, Beauty in fair beauty's home. As if borrowed from the glories Of a scene of heaven's own. Bright and lovely, free from sadness, "Was that fair and charming scene, And of earth, tho' heaven's nature. In my sweet and pleasant dream. GEORGE K SNEDIKER. IN MEMORIAM. One by one our schoolmates fall Beneath the pain they bear. And sink to earth and pass away Beyond this world of care. Life is at best a misty dream, A vapor or a span. Unmindful of its certain doom That may be nigh at hand. May peace be thine, my worthy friend, And free thy heart from pain. Thy soul it sought a friendly God, And sought Him not in vain. Oh, may we meet in peace above, Beyond this world of sin, And teach the hearts that follow on The way to enter in. 144 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. GEN. U. S. GRANT. The world hath need of great men To manage its affairs, And labor with its rulings, Its duties and its cares. In every land and nation, Where great men may be found, Such countries are respected The civil world around. Thus Mr. Grant he labored. And served his purpose true, And did a work of merit No other man could do. Whatever may be questioned Or suffered for a test About his public actions, All's happened for the best. GOOD INTENTIONS. Good intentions may remind us Of some labor needed done, But the action of its doing May or may not ever come. All along life's rugged journey, Good intentions may be found — Good intentions without actions. Wasted, crushed forever down. Good intentions came in season, But the heart it did not save, Scattered all along life's journey From the cradle to the grave. Oh, if all life's good intentions Were improved or wisely done, Life could hardly have a limit Of its battles sweetly won. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEJiS. II GOLDEN DAYS. How sweet, how bright, how pleasant The golden days. that como And bring for life its blessings Alike for every one. We hear the songs of summer, The little birds that sing, And feel how sweet the blessings That summer days may bring. Oh, when the heart is gladdened With bright and sunny days, May sweetly lift it higher In nature's mirth and praise. And 'waken hope within it For other days to come, And make life's journey pleasant Beneath its golden sun. But soon the hopes of summer And golden songs of May Must cease, alas, forever, And sadly pass away. So let us reap life's blessings And store them when they come, While all around is pleasant, Beneath so bright a sun. Oh, let us all take courage And labor, love and try, And sweetly do our duty While nature's sun is high. And life will then be better And praises lure us on, Till love and labor ceases. And golden days are, gone. 146 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. GEIEF. Oh, bitter grief, and yet my friend, In thee do I repent; It may be vain in choosing thee, But yet with true intent. I come to thee in solitude, With all my weight of care, To free the burdens from my heart When they are sore to bear. Desponding grief, despairing grief, In thee we do confide With hope to ease our sufi'erings. And lay them all aside. Afflictions come and weight us down, In thee we know not why. As truly thus our hearts must mourn Whenever grief is nigh. There is a sigh in every heart And in our nature deep. That bids us mourn, to free the pain Our bosoms cannot keep. Life's bitter grief, and wasting hopes, Its failing efforts vain, Are bodings that the heart must know Life's agonizing pain. Grief is a member of the lieart That darkens all within, And turns the heart to wretchedness When hope cannot get in. There is no heart, however bold, Who feels and will not sigh, Or feel some changes in the heart When bitter grief is nigh. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 147 GIVE ME PEACE. Give me peace, and give me hope Wlien my heart is sad, They will cheer me on my way. They will make me glad. Give me peace when I am weak, When 1 mourn and sigh. Let me feel that I am blest And that peace is nigh. Give me peace and give me praise, Give me hope and cheer, Let them serve me as a guide Thro' life's every fear. When my foes so harshly speak. When they envy me. Let me feel that I am blest In a world so free. Give me peace, and give me love When I weep and mourn, Give me hope, and give me cheer, When I'm weak and worn. Give me peace when I am sick, When my hopes decline Cheer my heart and make it glad With your praises kind. Give me peace in times of need, When my hopes are vain ; Help me strive that I may be What I should attain. When we reach that world above, When from sin released, We shall know forevermore There abideth peace, j 148 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. GOIKG WITH ANOTHER. I know my pretty maiden, She claims another man, So I must claim another And do the best I can. She tries my better nature, But watclies me the same. So when M'e get thro' trying May then see who's to blame. She works her maiden's nature. And works my nature too. And prompts in my opinion That she is hardly true. It may seem nice and proper To have romantic fun — But going with another May lose the other one. Perhaps she's just a trying To see what I may do, But then would rather make up And act a little true. The heart it is deceitful, And sin is never right, As sin may learn, and truly, That after day comes night. GLORIOUS. All glorious, glorious, Happy and divine, She lielped me pop the question, Said she would be mine. Now if you'll be my lover. My sweet prettj' maid, Just give me your hand gently And call it a trade. GEORGE WASIIINGTON.-Page 149. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 149 GOD IS LOVE. God is good and God is mercy, God immortal dwells above, God is glory, God is pleasure, God is peace and God is love. All the flowers test his goodness, All of nature everywhere Go to prove that He is wisdom, And is watchful in His care. God is great and God is safety, God is song and God is light, God is king for the hereafter, God is pardon, God is might. God is promise, God is heaven, God is lasting and above, God is certain and forever, God is hope and God is love. GEORGE WASHINGTON. The honored George Washington, A great and worthy man, The father of his country, America's proud land. He fought in time of peril, And bore our flag unfurled, And made this land a nation, The brightest of the world. A land of hope and freedom. Pre-eminent alone, Of great men and inventions, Of liberty and home. Long may our country flourish, Its glory and its fame Be ever celebrated With Washin£:ton''s name. 150 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. GKEAT MEN. Great men are bright and shining lights, Ihey help the world to shine, And Juminate the liruiament Of turmoil and of time. And when the clouds of darkness spread O'er every plain and hill, And when the foe oppress them most, They shine the brighter still. Great men we know tliem by their deeds And see their actions bright, They rule and sway the hearts of men, For they are gems of light. So let us all determin'd be. As all great persons should, And honor merit in great men. The worthy and the good. GOOD DEEDS. When life is old and feeble, And glares its evening sun. The heart may then look backward, O'er good deeds it has done. Good deeds they stand in mem'ry. As bright events that stay, And ornament life's journey As stations on the way. Good deeds they sweetly cheer us. And make our pathway bright, When rendered unto others May make their burdens light. Good deeds should be our motto, While sweetly now we live, As deeds of love and kindness Are favors all may give. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 151 GOOD IMPKESSIONS. Good impressions wrought by others On our hearts may sweetly stay, And may prompt us to do better, And to live a nobler way. Good impressions may be lasting, And may lure us for the best, Sweetly on and sweetly upward Where to be forever blest* Good impressions are the jeWele, Gems that ornament the mind, And may sweetly prove as blessings For this life and future time. So we then should all be careful What we do and what we say. As our actions are impressions On some heart to live and stay. GOSSIP. Gossip, gossip all around. Seldom building— tearing down. Burning like the heated flame, Spreading sorrow, sin and shame. Like the whetted sword and knife, Stabbing sister, son and wife. Seeking for a name to kill That has taken time to build. Gossip, gossip, flaming fire. Satisfying base desire. Demon, devil, talking bad. Spreading desolation sad. Hell is full of gossip news. Where they gossip what they choose, Gossip primed and cocked for sale, Down in hell will have a tale. 152 ALLEN DORJIAN'S POEMS. HOW CHEERLESS. How cheerless is the lieart When once by love betrayed; It ne'er again may have A hope for guiltless maid. The heart within may monrn, And faint in sad despair, As if the soul had lost Its only hope and care. The sun may shine above, And set at pleasant eve. Yet naught may cheer the heart When bi'oken and deceived. Oh, what is life with those Who hear no song or praise, And have no hope in life Of other future days ? But then a task for all Is given each to do, And we should do our part, And prove to others true. Yes, cheer the hearts that weep, With gentle love and praise, That others may be blest Thro' all life's fleeting days. We know not what may pass With those we hold so dear. Or how their hearts may change. Unmindful of our fear. So let us do the right And work while life is free. As everything we do Is for eternity. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. ISJ HAPPINESS. "We often seek for happiness Here in tliis world of grief ; It strengthens up the fainting heart And gives the heart relief. It gives the heart a higher sphere In cheering songs and love, And lures us sweetly on and on To its own home above. Our hearts hath need of happiness Here in this mortal home ; It cheers the heart in times of need. In public or alone. It often comes to saddened hearts And takes them on surprise, As blessings sweet may often do, Comes often in disguise. Oh, who would rue sweet happiness, While spring of life is gay. And price too low life's hope of it And idle life away? Oh, let us live for happiness And work as we should do, That life may reap it as its own And ever claim it true. Yes, let us labor day by day And do our duty right, And truly labor while the sun Is gladly shining bright. Oh, let us claim sweet happiness; Its earthly home is love. And it will guide us to its honie In Heaven sweet above. 154 ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. HEARTS THAT MOURN. Be kind to those who mourn and weep, Be friendly with the poor; A kind word or a gentle smile A broken heart may cure. Be kind to those whose hearts are sad, Whose hearts are weak and worn, And those who weep in solitude, For they hare cause to mourn. Bejkind with those whose hearts have failed, And in their troubles weep, For kindness shown with troubled hearts We may their kindness reap. Be kind with those who have no friends, God only knows their grief; A kind word spoken to the poor May give their hearts relief. For life is such we know not why That life must toil and bear. And hearts that toil may sometimes fail Beneath some weight or care. The loss of friends we dearly love, The sad, worn cares of time, And troubles of adversity, May cause us to repine. Life's little troubles, day by day, And things that others do, May cause our spirits to decline When others are not true. So let our hearts be kind with all. The troubled and the worn. The wretched and unfortunate. For they are hearts that mourn. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 155 HOME OF THE BEACJTIFUL. Home of the beautiful, Home of the fair, Sought by the beautiful, Proper with care. So charming and pleasing, Brighter than day, Hopeful, and seemingly, Not far away. Home of our destiny, Governed with pride,. Endless and heavenly. Boundless and wide. All pleasant and dawning. Gladdened with song, All mindful and warning, Eight from the wrong. Home of the beautiful, Safely from sin, None but the beautif'^^ Enter therein. Never bemeaning. Features that borrow, Sweetly redeeming, Peace from earth's sorrow. It's not of earth's beauty, Not of earth's pain, And not of earth's pity, Not of earth's shame. Home of the beautiful, Home of the fair, None but the beautiful Entereth there. 156 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. HIT OR MISS. Hit or miss, we should be doing, We should labor every day, We should struggle with our duty As we journey on life's way. We should labor and in earnest, Toiling on beneath the sun, Working in the golden harvest Till the harvest work is done. Hit or miss, we should be trying, AVaking pleasures now asleep, If we gain life's rarest blessing We must dig them from the deep. Let us work and do our duty. Let us labor for the right, While the heart is light and cheerful, And the morning sun is bright. flit or miss, we should be working, Life indeed is short at best, And the heart that truly labors, Sweetly, surely may be blest. God will help the heart that labors. And will make its journey bright. He will guide it and will bless it. And will keep it in the right. Hit or miss, we should be earnest. Though we miss 'tis no disgrace, If we hit 'twas all thro' trying That we struck the center place. Life is such it often blunders, Tho' it works with care and might, Yet success will surely crown us If the heart within is right. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 157 HOPE. Bounding liope is never sterile, It briglitens np tlie way, And gladly bears us on thro' life To one eternal day. 'Tis hope that cheers the weary heart, And makes it strong and brave, And guides the heart with contidenee In triumph o'er the grave. And tho' we sail far out at sea, Where troubled billows roar, 'Tis hope tliat lures us sweetly on, And brings us safe to shore. By faith we see the great beyond. Thro' mortal visions cast, And hope that bears us gladly on. And brings us home at last. Oh, poor indeed we all would be. Was life not truly blest With hope that dwells witliin our hearts And center in the breast. The pleasant mornings all thro' life. And merry birds that sing, 'Tis hope that mingles with them all And gladdens everything. It is the Christian's destiny. And when the heart is sad, 'Tis hope that gives it fortitude And makes it truly glad. 'Tis hope that makes our journey bright And drives despair away. And hope that lures us safely up To hope's eternal day. 158 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. HUMAN NATUKE. Whatever life may gatlier Or seek at its command, There's much in human nature We may not understand; Yet, he who reads it proper May truly comprehend, That skill may be acquired In dealing mucli with men. There is in human nature A faculty to learn, And govern other natures, Or govern in return. The human heart is human, It may be friend or foe, It may be guest or brother, It may be high or low. Yet, he who knows his brother In deeds of human kind, Tho' be he friend or stranger, Is human most divine. But he who seeks to question The human natuie down, May injure his own nature With other natures 'round. The heart is full of natures, But may not understand Its evolution dickers With monkey and the man. In wild reckless conjures Of liuman nature's will, Its origin and purpose. Its human nature still. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 159 HEK FEATURES. Her featui'es once were lovely, Her maimers once were kind, Her ways were nice and winning. And pleasing to the mind. Her songs were sweet and charming, And came with magic ease. Like gentle strains of music Comes floating on the breeze. Oh yes, I do remember Her gentle deeds of yore, And thought brings back with pleasure The beauties that she wore. When youth was sweet and pleasant, And hopes were bright and new, Comes thoughts when she was lovely, Was friendlv, kind and true. HORACE GREELEY. There are great men of glory. Of merit and of worth, Who live in fame and story, Immortal on the earth. They gain tlieir lofty stations Where all around is bright, And place their names securely Above the throne of right. And thus with Mr. Greeley, He truly fought his way. And gained his honored station Securely there to stay. A man among the many. With worthy thoughts within. He manly fought life's battles And truly fought to win. 160 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. HOW THEY JINGLE. How they jingle, how they jingle, Mingle, shingle, but not single. Went to congress for some glory, But he heard the seeker's story. And his chances for the dollar-wars, Where the dads say ' 'get out shallowars'' That the office sign must jingle With another on the shingle. Dreams and thoughts of first creation, When he gets to nioditation — And his thoughts begin to jingle. Wonders why he wants the shingle. Lost in hell are good intentions. Coming dads must hold conventions, All in this a world of sin, Fizzled but it might have been. HOPE AND FAITH. Hope and faith when well united, Serving God as truly one, Builds a promise in the bosom Of the better dajs to come. Hope, a stationed light before us, Faith thro' which the lieart may see, Sweetly serving as a guidance To the bright eternity. Yes, they lift us and they lure us, And they guide us on the way, Sweetly, brightly, gently onward, Up to hope's eternal day. Hope and faith, the pilgrim's compass. Promised thro' this vale of tears Up where hope and faith are real, Thro' the roll of endless years. ALLEN DORMAN'S lOEMS. 161 HOW IT COST. How it cost for hearts to perish, Loving hearts and useful men, And how grief may raise expenses. Yet 'tis worthy to befriend. Cost that fashion terras as proper And respect for kindred lost, Grief tliat yields to fate and custom, Grief that yields to count the cost. Others' eyes may be expensive, Fashioned in its saddened state. Pomp and show for thee departed. Cost to die with some are great. If my death must be expensive, And my funeral cost so high, I should feel to live 'tis cheaper. For the coming by-and-by. HOT WEATHER. When the sun is shining down And makes the weather hot. It wai-ns U8 well to seek a place Where sun is shining not. The sultry days in summer time, They warm the summer nights, And make it awful hard to sleep With bed-bugs as they bite. When days are long and nights are short, And night-bugs on the trot. And large, sweet girls lay out to air, Are signs ihnt it is hot. Hot weather days they come and go In this our mortal life. And man his portion seemeth hot Jo have a scolding wife, 162 ALLEN DOUMANS t'OEMg; HENRY CLAY. The great men and the useful men^ The worthy and the true, We love to praise and imitate In much they say and do. Yes, great names and the cherished named That glow in history bright, They shine like lone and stationed stars Or burning suns of light. They iielp the world, they bless the world In all their might and main, Their lives and deeds are shining lights Of, what we should attain. Oh, to the hearts that rule the world By worthy deeds and ways. We owe a debt of gratitude, Of honor and of praise. HENRY KIRKE WHITE. The bi'ight gems and the worthy, The jewels of the earth, Are with the human sacred, Of real zest and worth. Tlie diamonds of the human, In merit pure and fine, The highest and the rarest Of mortal most divine. And thus it was with Henry, Divine that he shall live, A gem for earth and heaven. The purest earth could give. A light of hope and glory, A lonely star to shine. In this great world of darkness, For a fires and for time. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 163 HELPING HEAKTS. Helping hearts and helping hands, When indeed combined, Go to build up character Thro' the heart and mind. Man who helps his neighbor man, And with motives free, Helps himself by giving help. Just as it should be. Life is such we know^ not why, Peace we often spurn, Yet in helping other hearts. Reap it in return. Helping hearts in much they do Reap the seed they sow, And helping hearts may garner sweet Blessings here below. IIURLEi) IN THE PAST. Hurled in the past on wings of time, Moments of night and day. And pleasures sweet that often come Are likewise passing away. There's naught in life that stays secure. But follows with the tide Of time that lures us hastily on, To eternity wide. Hurled in the past is life itself, And on the wings of time, It leaves its record in its trail With all it leaves behind. The law of nature is its guide, The law it must obey. And blend its nature with the earth, Where all things pass away. 164 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. HEAYEN. Oh, heaven, the center of centers great, Of all that is grand and bright, The fountain and source of peace and love, Above all darkness and night. Immortal, eternal, secure and divine, Of pleasures is heaven the best, The city wliere saints of all ages unite And gather the good and the blest. Oil heaven, sweet heaven, that far-off home, My youth hath dreamt of thee, And God and angels abideth there Are waiting for you and me. The pilgrim's hope as he journeys here, The distant home of the soul. The world that is best of all God's work, The rest is left untold. H. W. LONGFELLOW. Oh, worthy friend, we humbly bow, Would honor if we could, And thus respect the memory Of one so great and good. You labored for humanity, Your work was nobly done, You lived a life of usefulness, A true and worthy one. Thy work will live, it cannot die, Thy work of verse and rhyme Will spurn the presence of decay Through all corroding time. Go sleep in peace, thou worthy one, As earth is truly blest, And God is mindful of thy deeds, Thy heart it needed rest. ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. 165 HOME. Home, the heart's abiding place, Home, the heart's abode, And is constant traveling for Over life's rough road. Ever seeking day by day, Not to be alone ; Where life's truest friends abide. There is real home. Home the heart is seeking for That it may be blest, When the weary heart is sad Home may furnish rest. Home, tlie pilgrim's destiny. Home for every one, Home, sweet home, and real home, When this home is done. HON. A. H. STEPHENS. Alexander H. Stephens, His bright and worthy name Will stand firm in history, In honor and in fame. He fought life's battles manly, As one who dared to fight. And stood by his convictions In what he thought was right. He was a southern chieftain, A worthy man indeed. And sought to help his country In peril and in need. Long may his name be cherished, And glow in history bright. And stand for time and ages A monument of right. 166 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. HOMER. Homer, Homer, epic Homer, Distant far away, Like a lonely star of glory, Stationed there to stay. Shining lonely from its distance With a Incid hue, Tinted with a diamond lustre, Ever beaming new. Yes, a name of ancient glory. Real far away, Bearing us much light and story Of his ancient day. Thus the great men of the present Will in future be. Distant like the ancient Homer Is with you and me. HELL. Where is hell, that fearful region, Is it distant, is it nigh. Is it where the sinners landeth, When their mortal bodies die ? It is where old Satan dwelloth. Dark and dreary everywhere. Icicles, large as mill posts, hanging From the sheds erected there. Hot and blowing, burning, freezing. Chained to stakes the demons wail, And the damned behold the devil, As he proudly cocks his tail. Lost in hell the sinners mournetli. And the furies vive and swell. Storms of smokeand burning brimstone. How they have it down in hell. ALLEN DOKMAN'S POEMS, 167 IN RETUKN. Down in the heart there is a wish, A longing in the soul, Which life may never satisfy With earthly pomp and gold. And tho' the heart may seek renown, The heart may not be blest, The restless longing in the heart Disturbs the heart from rest. I sometimes feel my task is hard, And hopes are not secure. Yet all the grief the heart may bear Proves what it may endure. I know my hopes are often vain When saddened I may be. And feel I've worked for other hearts When they've not cared for me. When I have served humanity. And labored for its part, I've felt in sad adversities Its cool ungrateful heart. I've felt that hearts have served me thus, Whose help I've sought to earn, And they've refused to obligate Or helji me in return. Why should my neighbors serve me thus. Why should they turn aside And hold from me their sympathies. They so pretend to hide? But soon life's trials will be o'er. When 'twill be sweet to learn The grief we've born for Heaven's sake. Will reap it in return. ]68 ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. I LOVE MY LITTLE LADY. I love inj little ladj, She's nearest to my breast, And she has told me sweetlj She loves me truly best ; And O, those gentle tellings I know they are the truth, And she is sweet and lovely While blooming in her youth. I love my little lady, She loves me in return. And if there's good in loving That good we'll surely learn. I feel that love will guide us Along the weary way. And if our hearts are faithful We'll prosper every day. I love my little lady, And if she'll love me more I'll meet her at love's altar. And open wide the door. And there shall love be cherished, All golden bright and new, May God be with the lovers That love each other true. I know that love will cherish And brighten up the way, And lure the lives of lovers To seek love's endless day. I know the claims of others Are dear unto my breast, But God will bless my lover, I'll truly love her best. ALLEN DORWAN'S POEMS. INTERVIEWED. A single news reporter Called on a lady fair, And in her bright new parlor He saw her sitting there. He met her single-handed, He acd the lassie, O, And as their wits commanded, They loved each other so. Her features were so charming, Her eyes were lovely bright And fresh like gems of Eden, That dazzled in the light. Oh, he was entertaining, And she was truly glad. And they got lovely kisses. The best they ever had. She told that news reporter, With a — a— a— a — grin. That she was almost ready To take some fellow in ; That she was on the market, And wished the world to know Her style of advertising, That she might catch a bean Said once she had a lover And tried to charm him gay, And that he popped the question But did not pop to stay. She said he loved another, And she had caught him shy Within her neighbor's kitchen, A gettin' huggin' pie. 170 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. She said, she could not stand it, With words that would condemn, And would not claim or notice, Or love the devilish men. She scorned him and despised him. Grew worse at every breath, And waged a rage of thunder. And then got up and left. IMFROYE YOUR TIME. Improve your time my dear young friends, Improve your precious youth, In after life you U see its need, - And realize this truth. Improve your time in study now, In learning and in thought. If time is spent in idleness You'll find it dearly bought. Improve your time, your precious time, In labor, book or pen, And njake a scholar of yourself And imitate great men. Great men were all once young like you. They had their pain and grief. But used their youth and precious time To bring about relief. Improve your time, while youth is bright, Be earnest and be true, Life never knows until it tries What it may wisely do. So dare to try and do the right, Shun evil thoughts and sin, Improve your youth and precious time And God will help you win. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 171 IT FAINTLY SHONE. One evening, while I sat beneath A tall and shady tree, I felt the gloomj clouds above Brought sadness unto me. I felt my heart would almost break Within my troubled breast, While tliere I sat without a hope To cheer and give me rest. And while I sat beneath the tree, The clouds were moving slow, I watched them closely for awhile To see how they would go. When all at once they sudden broke And let the sunshine in. It faintly shone but for awhile, Then stole where it had been. And so young friends, it is with you, Life's way is dark and rough, And roads that lead to happiness Leads over hill and bluff. And all along life's dreary way Will have some hope and cheer, Some gentle word, or loving smile, Some beam of sunlight clear. There's ne'er a desolation sad. Or rough and stony plain, But has some evergreen to cheer. Some hope to live again. And all our plans are transient here. As clouds of summer day, And life itself is like the clouds That move and pass away. 178 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. I LOATHE. I loathe what once was lovely, I loathe what once was fair, Since hate and sin lias sliadowed And turned it from my care. Yes, once I loved a maiden, With purpose true and kind, But time has changed her actions — I cannot call her mine. I loathe her very actions. The same I use to trust, I loathe them now as never In horror and disgust. Her heart was false and cruel, And 1 am pleased to know I'm free from her forever, And I may let her go. Her charms and lovely actions I've truly claimed so free, Have lost their charms and beauties, And they are turned from me. 'Twas once I loved her features In pleasure and in truth. And yet I hold them sacred For what they were in youth. But time has changed her actions. And she is not the same. And love has lost forever The charm about lier name. I know we part as strangers, As each are turned and free. For we have loved unwisely, Yet she was dear to me. ALLEN DORMAN S POExMS. 173 IMPEKILED YOUTH. Ingratitude, ingratitude, The world has shown with me, And tried to crush youth's manly thoughts When hopes were bright and free. I've had to light my own way through, Discouraged and disowned By persons whom I thought my friends, Hath left me all alone. My heart was broken in my breast, My better thoughts were sad, And much of golden youth was lost When all around was glad. I had no friends to cheer my heart. No hope to cherish free, My heart has mourned in solitude When no one cared for me. I DREAMT A DREAM. I've often needed help and friends In sickness and in pain, And often felt my lot was hard When efforts were in vain. Yes, grief has often found my heart Without a help on earth. Without a friend in times of need To tell it of its worth. Yes, I have thought my lot would be To wander on in grief, Without a hope, without a cheer, ' To give my heart relief. But life is such the heart may mourn When neighbors are untrue. And when neglected most by them May find its pleasures few. 174 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. I've often had no helping friends, My heart's been turned away And been discouraged in my work, And tempted much to stray. And had no hope within my breast, No hope to cherish free, Each coming Sabbath brought no face I sought or cared to see. The sun that rose so clear and bright In gladness high above, It shone for me but failed to bring A hope or cherished love. I know much time of precious youth Has been misspent and sad, But had life been encouraged then It surely would been glad. GAB BLABS. You gab blabs and you hypocrits Whoever you may be, You slander with your serpent tongues Most every one you see. Your mission is to scatter sin. To butcher names and kill. And spoil and tear down characters That's taken time to build. You see no good in other hearts, You butcher hearts and names, Your wrath and lies are black as hell And you delight to blame. You demon wretch in human form, When at the bar of God, The many good names you have killed Will speak your own reward. ALLEN DOKMAN'S POEMS. 175 IN THE RIGHT. However hard jour task may seem, Or slow you get along, 'Tis better to be in the right Than flourish in the wrong. Yes, stolen gold is stolen pain, It stands in fear of grief, And gives the mind that awful dread That haunts the wretched thief. Be in the right and try to live. And dare to face defeat, And tho' it hurts to do the right The hurting will be sweet. Be in the right and do the right And God will help you live. For he is able to protect And able to forgive. I dreamt a dream one dreary night When all was dark and shady. And O, it was a funny dream, I dreamt I was a lady. Though some may think it is not right To dream so much we know. And think that we could change our signs. But certain it was so. I thought my dress was very nice. And fit me very well. And all seemed pleased to think that I Was ready for a swell. My lips I thought were rosy red And like the rubies fine. My hair was bound in curly braids, Or something of the kind. 176 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. When all the maidens of the town Were claiming lovers true, I quickly thought it was my time To claim a lover too. So I began to look around If any I could find, And shortly met a pussy one Just suited to my mind. My Uncle Billy was a man Who knew just what to do, And he got mariied, by the way, So I got married too. Methought 1 was the queen of town, A fair and charming honey. But what astounded me the most Was something awful funny. It was the prettiest thing on earth, And was without a name, And all the papers in the state Gave notice of the same. The last I knew of this my dream, To make it brief to tell. The doctors left me all alone. Said all were doing well. GIVE ME LOVE. Give me love, pure sacred love, With all its hopes and pleasure. Sweet maiden's love and heaven's love Are man's best gift and treasure. Oh, when I die, pray let me die The death of lovers sighing, The death of love, pure happy love, A thousand years a dying. ALLEN DOEMAN'S POEMS. 177 I WAS WRONG. I was wrong in my opinion, I was wrong with tliee, Yes, tliis heart it was mistaken, When it spoke so free. Yes, it was this heart's own blunder, And it was untrue, 'Twas a thoughtless, trivial blunder In its deal with you. But I know you'll grant it pardon, Yes, I do indeed. For thy heart is one of mercy In a time of need. All life's sins however little Stain the heart within. And they go to make up habits, Sin on top of sin. Oh, the hearts we have neglected, Slighted on life's way, Are the dues we owe to others, But may never pay. God will hear the heart's petition, God will cleanse its stain, God will see the heart's condition, And will heal its pain. THE GUARDS. The guards that stand and constant watch The movements of the foe. And stationed to protect some right They claim in life below. The law is placed within their hands, The law of high retards, Who passes them must yield to them. But who will guard the guards. 178 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. I'LL CALL HER DARLING. Yes, onco I loved a maiden, And she m'us pretty too. And I would often meet lier, And tell her I was true. "When first we got acquainted, I loved her all the same, But soon we had a quarrel, And she was most to blame. I said I would not love her, Until she'd taken back The words which made us angry, And made us fly the track. She said she would not do it. And that I was to bhime, And that she would not make up. And I could do the same. And so we quickly parted. To stroll it thro' the world. But then I loved her truly, The best of any girl. I did not let her know it, That she was dear to me, I did not call her darling, But claimed that I was free. But since she's told another And I have heard it all, That she most dearly loved me, And wished that I would call. So I will not refuse her, But will be good and tame. And I will call her darling. And we'll make up again. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 179 IN YOUR WAY. Now if yoii have a task to do, And think that it will pay, You'd better than not try at all To try it in your way. Yes, try to act and dare to try, And work with all yonr might, Th(>ugh other hearts may not approve, But do your duty right. Plowever frail your task may seem, Ennoble it with pride; 'Tis not the task, but how it's done, That wins men on your side. And if you have a life to live Don't heed some worldly sway, For if you would be satisfied. Best live it in your way. I LOYED A GIRL. I loved a girl, a pretty girl, And thought I'd love no other. But when I found she was engaged I thought I'd love no further. I tried to rue, but I was beat. When found I could not get her, I felt as if I was ashamed And should have known quite better. I should have known, but did not know, That maidens' hearts are leather. And may be turned both in and out On trades that stick forever. But then they trade, they sometimes do, And fix it up so neatly, -That you W(Mild think it awful nice To trade with maiden sweetly. 18Q.. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. I TKIED. Though my heart may be rejected By the hearts relied upon, I will try to do my duty Till life's fleeting days are gone. That I may with friend and neiglibor, In the harvest field so wide, Show to them by earnest dealings That I labored and I tried. Guided by the praise of Heaven, As it teaches where to go, I will struggle, I will labor In the harvest field below. I will trust in God, my Savior, And I'll battle at His side, Giving Him the praise and glory Of the gains where I have tried. If I labor, truly labor, A reward will surely come, And for me as consolation I may see my duty done. If I struggle, if I labor, Seeking duty as a guide, In the end 'twill be a blessing If I know that I have tried. Should my lot be peace and comfort, Sliould my heart enjoy the same. Life may show they have been treasured By the toils of constant gain. Not in pleasures do we find them. Not in sins of heedless pride. But we see that hearts have gained them Where the faithful ones have tried. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 181 But should life have grief and sorrow, Burdened with them every day, If wo hibor we may rue them And remove them all away. Should I fail in time of peril, When I need a help and guide, In the end, though I am conquered, 'Twill be worthy that I tried. Soon, yes soon, life may be ended, And its labors shall be o'er, And tlie soul be wafted over To one far eternal shore. When the soul shall meet its Savior, May it then no troubles hide, Should the Savior see my failings May I show him that I tried. INTENTIONS. Intentions, be thoy good or bad, Are motives in the mind, And actions to be carried out In purpose or design. Awakening thoughts of need or want, Incentives of the heart. To think, to plan, to wish, to hope May come and may depart. Intentions good, intentions bad, Intentions full of sin, Intentions lost, and what they cost. And what they might have been. Intentions sometimes come and go. And scarce impress the mind, So let us use intentions wise When we intentions find. 182 ALLEN DORMAN'S TOEMS. TLL BET. I'll bet a silver dollar I love my pretty girl, For she is fair and lovely, The sweetest in the world. I know I love her dearest, Her name is sweet to call, Among a score of lovers My lady beats them all. I know I'd win in betting About my little maid, Because I love her dearest, And hope that we will trade. You all should see my lady So beautiful and gay, She is so sweet and lovely, I love her all the day. If you love pretty niaidens. Just love them all you will. But then with me my maiden So nice adjusts the bill. But then to be in earnest, Aside from any fun, I tell you that I love her The best of any one. You talk about my betting. And think it's naughty quite. And say that all the preachers Will claim it is not right. So then I'll change my betting, And show to all the world I'll compromise by loving My pretty little girl. ALLEN DOKMAN'S POEMS. 183 IN THE LIGHTS. In the lights of golden sunshine, In the lights of hope and truth, Seeking for a destination Is the heart in early youth. Seek we then the golden harvest, And a life of song and praise. As we journey looking forward in the lights of golden days. If we live for right and duty, Hope will cheer us on the way, Peace and praise will be our portion As we journey day by day. Love and treasure will reward us For life's work in many ways, If the heart is true in duty, Toiling on thro' golden days. Oh, to God, the God of heaven, Perfect in his law of love, Perfect in his laws of nature, And the golden day above. Sacred youth is tilled with blessings, And we see them in the rays Of the lights while looking backward, Through the lights of golden days. True this life has varied blessings, Many blessings life has known. And we cherish those of childhood. Truly blessings once our own. But the future has a promise, We shall know it by and by. And shall reap it as our portion In the golden day on high. 184 ALLEN DORM AN S POEMS. IN PAIN WE PART. In pain we part and say good-bje, In pain we sadly part, You go to live far, far away, And absent from my heart. I know when morning's sun shall rise You will be far away, Yet, I am sad that you must leave. For I would have you stay. This heart is sad that you must go, That you must take your leave, It feels it cannot now return Your good it has received. Your heart has been my dearest friend In pleasure and in pain, And on the mission that you go May never meet again. We'll promise now as faithful friends That we will often write. And try to cheer each other's life And make it clear and bright. 'Tis in thy leave I lose a friend, A faithful friend indeed, A friend to this my humble heart, A worthy friend in need. I know there's changes in one's life, And changes in the heart. And this a sad eventful one That we to-night must part. And though we may not meet again As in the days of yore. We'll hope to meet in heaven bright Where partings are no more. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 18S IMMORTAL MEN. You talk of great illustrious men, And men who cannot die, Ihey most were men who labored hard, And truly dared to try. Yes, they were men of useful deeds, Who with their humble names Have stamped them with immortal ink Upon the works of fame. Their deeds are known, their works will stay Their labors may not fade, 'Twas by the good deeds they have done We term them as self-made. So let us try and raise our deeds Beneath so bright a sun, As deeds must live that cannot die For good or bad to come. Oh, think of names, immortal names, To live for time untold, And shine so bright in history Beyond the price of gold. The men whose names are monuments To stand thro' war and peace. Through ages and through centuries To live and never cease. The men whose deeds hath blest the world, Who labored for the right, And did their duty in their way And conquered in the fight. They worked with mind, with deed and thought. And labored with the pen, And when they pass beyond this life Their works will follow them. 186 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. I KEMEMBERED. I met a friend, a ladj friend, A friend Td known before. She was a true and worthy friend I'd known in dajs of yore. And she was then polite to me, Was kind and friendly too, And acted as a worthy friend Whose motives then were true. I rather wondered why she came So friendly and so free, And tJiought I'd ask her to explain And tell it all to me. She did not wait for me to ask But up and told it all. And spoke of one deed I had done When we were young and small. She spoke of deeds in days gone by, One true and worthy deed Was brought to me in memory Just at a time of need. She spoke of things that I had done, A friendly deed of good Was treasured in her memory, As worthy actions should. And thus it is with you, dear friends, The deeds that you have done Are monuments in memory For good or bad to come. So let ua live a worthy life, And do what good we may, That good deeds done for memory May not be thrown away. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 187 1 LOYED THEE. Oh, to this heart thou hast been dear, You've fondly lingered nigh, I thought you never w^ould betray, I loved thee, but good-bye. It may be vain to keep thy name, Or live as I have lived, Through sorrow and through sufferings, When thou hast naught to give. I loved thee in thy early youth, And fondly thought of thee, I truly sought to claim thy heart, For it was dear to me. I love thee, when we often met In early days of yore, And never dreamt of what would come, That we would meet no more. But as it is I say good-bye, And hope that thou art blest. I loved thee in the long-gone by, I loved thee truly best. I loved thee as no tongue can tell, I loved thy bosom dear, I loved thee as my only hope, Of happiness and cheer. I loved thee, but to no avail, I loved and worshipped thee. Yet all that memory has in store Is left with you and me. I loved thee, but life's brightest hopes "Were spurned and lost in youth. And all the heart can term as life Will testify this truth. 188 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. INFLICTIONS. It makes me sad, it gives me pain To think what life has been, And see how cruel foes may be, And how they've chose to sin. The bitter grief that makes me sad And makes me suffer so Was brought about by cruel hearts That proved to be my foe. My heart is sad, O, very sad, I know I'm sad indeed, I know my heart it suffers now, In peril and in need. I sometimes think that I am free. But then my thoughts are vain, For when I tliink my troubles o'er, They sadly give me pain. I often try to free my breast. And do my duty right, But then my grief as often comes, Dark as the clouds of night. I often weep in solitude, And wish that I was free From other hearts' ingratitude, And. what they've done for me. It makes me feel that life is vain, "When others are untrue, And when they seek to censure me For honest deeds I do. But I will try and do the right, And make my bosom free. And kindly act with other hearts As others should with me. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 189 I WOULD LIVE ALWAYS. I know my brethren sometimes sing, "I would not live always," And stay from yon bright heaven, That home of joy and praise. That heavenly home, that city fair, Which often seemethnigh, We fainly sing that we would go, But yet we fear to die. Oh, surely, speaking for myself. If life had endless days, If life could be as life has been. Yes, I would live always. And tho' my heart may feel depressed With bitter sorrows deep, Yet life has praise, in many ways. Though often is asleep. Oh, think of life with all its worth, Its duty and its praise. Its pleasures of prosperity, Its golden, sunny days. Its cheerful songs and gladdened hearts, Its pleasures to forgive, Its sweetness of futurity. Oh, let me always live. And with belief or unbelief. Of what our death may be, And varied doubts of Deity Are sometimes doubts with me. If I must die, then let me die, And rue all earthly ties, And welcome death's sad mysteries If there's no compromise. 190 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. IT BLEW. Two gallants were out hunting, And rode together nigh, 'Twas on a stormy evening, The wind was very high. It blew and blew with fury, They rode together slow, The wind was in a hurry, From way it seemed to blow. It blew and blew, O women, With thunderbolts and hail. The men they stopped to counsel About the awful gale. It blew and blew romantic, Tho' nature sought to go, And 'waken up the question With such an awful blow. m THE DISTANCE. In the great and far-off distance Stands the city of the soul. And through faith we see it dimly Shining as of one of gold. 'Tis life's liope and 'tis life's promise, 'Tis a fadeless world of light, Stationed far-off in the distance. Far beyond the clouds of night. Deatli is unknown in that city, Life is one eternal day, And the soul it is immortal, In its hapfiy home to stay. 'Tis the pilgrim's destination, "Tis the Christian's sweet reward, 'Tis the work of God's perfection, 'Tis for those who serve the Lord. ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. .91 INDEED. A critic once sat in his chair With grim look on his face, And criticised an author's book, Indeed much out of place. He censured author and his work With ridicule and blame, And criticised in ])roud disgust The contents of the same. Another person standing nigh To critic, now indeed, " Where's the book that youVe written That other heaits may read. Wliere are the pages you've written. Or efibi'ts you have done To make the world a better workl?" Poor critic he had none. IN THE WOKLD. I'm in the worhl, how came I here Amid life's care and pain '{ What have I now I call my <. wn With this my mortal framed Oh, has my heart an inner soul. Who gave it unto me, Who made my person as it is, With eyes that I may see ? I'm in the world, who placed me here, With person, mind and will, Midst life and death, and right and wrong With purpose to fulfil. The hills and trees, the land and seas, And stai-s by some command, Proclaim to me there is a God Conditioned as I am. 192 ^LLEN DOEMAN'S POEMS. JUSTICE. Justice due and justice comiug, Justice had and sought, Justice is a theme that's proper, "When its proper taught. Justice, justice, coming justice, In the proper way, Is a law of heaven's system Written there to stay. Justice, yes, immortal justice. Certain in its cause, Comes at last, and from the fountain Of all perfect laws. God is justice and wo need Him Every day we live, And the justice of our portion He alone can give. JAILED. One time I passed the prison cell As three young men were jailed, They had been stealing property, But they had justly failed. All three were in their prime of life. Were healthy, stout and bold, But sin had led their hearts astray And left them in its cold. They all walked in the prison cell, Slam went the iron door, As if to teach them seriously That they should sin no more. It is a strange and serious thought, That stout men fill our jails. And venture boldly into crime And ask for help and bail. ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. l93 JUST A DREAM. I dreamt a dream, a little dream, Of those I loved the best, And in my dream I dreamt of one More sacred than the rest. I dreamt of one I'd often met In bright and happy days, [thoughts And brought to mind the cherished Of youth's past love and praise. Could I repeat my little dream rd dream it o'er and o'er. And in the end would surely think 'Twas sweeter than before. Though time may sadly change the heart From what it now may seem. Yet I will long remember this. My sweet and pleasant dream. JAKE AND JUNE. Jake and June got married up. And all went well and funny. Until they found it awful hard In living without money. To try to live on wedded bliss Indeed was quite a blunder- Bound up and hitched both man and wife, They were indeed, by thunder. The case with them was hard to solve, In real life and living. Yet God who makes the poor man rich Is watchful and forgiving. Tho' doctors preach and doctors pray, The Lord takes care of fools. And real life and real love Beat all the other schools. 104 ALLEN DOHMAN'S POEMg. JUST THE KEASON. I love to cheer my lover, And ])reach right unto her The doctrines that are sacred, Of sweetest love and clieer. Oh, yes, she dearly loves me, For she has told me so, And that is just the reason I truly ought to know. 'Tis sacred consolation To have her love me true, And that is just the reason That love is always new. Yes, that is just the reason, A valid reason why This heart is free and happy Whenever she is nigh. JOHN S. LINDSEY. I>f MEMORTAM. Another friend and schoolmate Has passed from earth away. To join with the departed In that eternal day. His heart was doomed with sickness. His stay untimely brief. Till death came to his rescue And summoned his release. His life it was a model. That other liearts could see, And live by his example For all eternity. Death teaches life is wasting. It falls like forest leaves, And reaps for heaven's harvest Our labors as its sheaves. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS 195 JANE S. HANCOCK. TO MY AGED GRANDMOTHEK. IN MEMORIAM. Oh, chilling; death, how cold it seems, How dark its forms appear, The law that brings death unto earth Brings life with all its cheer. We cannot tell from whence it comes Or who must wait its call, We only know that death must come. Its doom is fixed with all. Its certain with the young and old, And with the rich and poor, It is the reaper of the soul. Its doings all are sure. We see its work when friends depart, And feel that it is nigh, We fear it in the dreads of life. It is when we must die. Death comes and we must wait its call, It claims the heart its own. It bears the soul unseen away To its immortal home. And it has called my aged friend, My mother's mother true. Its called her from this dying world To one forever new. She was my friend in early youth, The Bible was her guide. She workeil for poor humanity, She labored and she tried; She served her mission here on earth, Her hands were free to lend, 196 ALLEN DORM A MS POEMS. The poor and weary found in her A Christian and a friend. Her spirit's past beyond this life — Went at its Savior's call; . The scenes of death she witnessed here Are witnessed here by all. She's passed into the great beyond Through frightfrd death that burns, And into that eternity From whence no heart returns. She's left me hei'e in this sad w-orld, I feel I am alone, She's left me where my heart is tried In caring for its own. And where my iieart grows weak from toil, And weary with its cares, And where I need as my support I Her presence and her prayers. Oh, yes, its true that friends must part In this sad world of sin, And leave behind no lasting trace Of what this life has been. And thus indeed it was with her, Her heart was kind and true. Her heart was one of worthy deeds Which only Christians do. She gave to me with true respect Her Bible as my own. And I have often read it since While sitting all alone. I've read its pages o'er and o'er. Through many a silent tear. And felt the lessons taught to me, The same were tauo-ht to her. ALLEN DOKMANS POEMS. 197 But all of life is fleeting fast, And all we do and say Are drifting with the tide of time Like clouds that Hoat away. And all we see and all we know, And all we claim as true, Are swiftly passing in this life As nature bids them do. The grief that fills the aching heart When troubled and alone. May make it mindful of the Lord Who seeks us as his own. 01), while we live the heart may weep In sorrow and in pain, And often feel when we are sad Our efforts are in vain. May feel we have no worthy work, No good we may perform, No deeds of kindness and of love, No sins we may reform. And yet, our lives are prone to such, The grief and pain we bear Are true essentials of this life For blessings to prepare. Oh yes, the worthy and the true. The useful and the just Must perish like all living things That's wrapped in mortal dust. This fleeting life must ebb away Where death shall be no more. And leave the spirit with its work For time's eternal shore. 198 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. JOH]^ A. LOGAN. John A. Logan, John A. Logan, Peer of manly thoughts witliin. Yes, a true and worthy statesman With a lieart that tried to win. With a heart and will to conquer, With a nerve to over-come, Fought he gallant through life's battles All beneath an azure sun. All great men are not good men, Yet, the good and great forgive, And their lives may prompt in others How to go and likewise live. Yes, great lives are lives of honor, On their stages grand and high, So in strides of emulation Let us labor, let us try. JOHN ADAMS. 'Tis much to be a statesman, Or ruler of the land, And much to be a president, But more to be a man. The famous may be worthy, And make their actions bright, And wisely rule a nation In wisdom and in right. And thus with Mr. Adams, He wended his own way Up to be a president, And power of his day. He taught by his example. In rank and liigh estate, That young men may be useful And worthy, good and great. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 199 JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. It 'wakens in the bosom, "The thoughts we may befriend, To hear of deeds and merits Of great and worthy men. Yes, men who do tlieir duty While all around is bright, And build up home and country, And labor for the right. The men who reach the stations Of honor and of fame, May show by their example What others may attain. May prompt in other bosoms The noble deeds that stay, And thus revive their manhood Before it ebbs away. JAMES MADISON. All great and worthy persons Of real note and worth, Have as a rule ascended From low and humble births; Have had to toil unaided For what they have attained. And worked their own way upward To eminence and fame. And thus it is with great men. The worthy and the tried, The world hath in them confidence. And honor them with pride. And thus the great and worthy. Who wend their way up high, May teach by their example 'Tis honorable to try. 200 ALLEN DOHMANS POEMS. JOHN I. BLAIR. John I. Blair, the millionaire, A wealthy railroad man, He built the Baily railroad. And raised the price of land. He toils in railroad dealings, And interests on loans, And keeps him busy working With property he owns. It looks like thrift and business When wealthy men arise, And wisely boom the country With hope and enterprise. Oh, how I'd like to travel. And rich, like Mr. Blair, And ride upon the railroads, And with my honey fair. JAMES MONBOE. James Monroe, once president Of this United States, Was once an humble person, Till toiling made him great. 'Twas through his manly efforts He wended his way high, And found beyond life's battles That victory was nigh. And thus it was in trying And doing for the best, And working out life's mission, That life is duly blest. Yes, life will find in season, If living for the right, That just beyond life's darkness Comes spacious morning bright. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 301 JOim TAYLOR All great and worthy persons Who sway the hearts of men, May teach by their example, 'Tis worthy to befriend. 'Tis worthy to be faithful And labor day by day, And prompt in hearts around us To live a nobler way. And thus with Mr. Taylor, Whose life was wisely spent, And gained, while manly living. The throne of piesident. Beyond the gloomy perils Of striving for the right. And high upon its altar Stands victory bright. JAMES K. POLK. The stars that shine above us So steady and so high. Are symbols of life's stations, For which the heart may try. And lives of worthy pci'sons, They shine like stars of light Out in a world of darkness. As monuments of right. On life's dark stormy ocean. Where restless billows roar, Great names are glowing beacons, Of safety's welcomed shore. Somehearts who reach the stations Of honor and of praise, Were once unknown and humble, Back in their early days. gOS ALLEN DOKMAN'S POEMS. JAMES BUCHANxiN. Thoughts of great men often cheer us When their deeds are brought to mind, For we seek to know their action, That we may good motives find. Every heart should have a purpose, Ever knowing what to do, Ever toiling on and upward, Like the noble and the true. Thus in striving to be useful. Like the worthy and the great, May attain some honored station In the high affairs of state. 'Tis in striving to be useful, And in striving to be good. That the heart in life may conquer With its purpose, as it should. JAMES G. BLAINE. Of many noted statesmen Who reach the heights of fame, There's few perhaps more worthy Than Mr. James G. Blaine, He's labored for his nation, And served it well and true. And swayed the hearts of many, As only great men do. His name will stand for ages, As one great burning light That sheds its rays of glory Out in a world of night. Oh, to the hearts of merit We owe a debt of praise. The hearts whose lives are models Of great and manly ways. ALLEN DORxMAN'S POEMS. r.03 J. GOULD. J, Gould, a railroad magnate, Now in the rising west, He owns, controls and freezes In schemes of railroads best. He strides in competitions, And has it up and down, And reigns in railroad circles, The busy world around. JOHN MORGAN. John Morgan was a soldier, A warrior true and tried. Who fought with main and valor Upon the Southern side. He was to me related, A man of solid wit, And that's perhaps the reason He made the Yankees "git." JOHN MILTON. The distant stars above us That shine with glowing light, Would never show their lustre, If 'twas not for the night. And thus great men of merit. Their lives would never shine, If 'twas not for the darkness Within the public mind. Great men of all the ages Have labored for their fame. And helped the world with blessings That it may know the same. They've fought to win life's battles. And labored to befriend. And built their claims of honor Within the hearts of men. 804 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. JOSEPH H. PATTERSON. COLORED. IN MEMORIAM. The unknown may be worthy, Like purest gems of earth, May slumber deep in silence As undiscovered worth. Yet God knows well their merit. And claims them as his own, To reign with him forever. Where they'll be better known. JESUS. Jesus, Lord of man's condition, Help for every care. Hears the heart in its contrition When it bows in prayer. Jesus, son of God eternal. Human and divine. Gem and jewel, bright and vernal On the shores of time. THE CALL OF ANGELS. Sometimes 'mid scenes of visions clear. When sad the heart may be, The thoughts of angels have appeared So very nigh and free. They seem they would, yet seem to drcc-J To live this life again, And we shall know when we are dead If thus such calls are vaiu. ALLEN DORIVK^N'S POEMS. 206 KEPT TRUE. I know I try to please my girl And have her love me true, But then she often vainly acts In spite of all I do. And tho' I try to do my part And love her all I can, She sometimes acts the infidel, And loves another man. At times she seems to act all right, And I can rest at ease, And other times she turns away As if she is displeased. And thus you see she stirs me up To thinking what to do, To see that she must love me best, And see that she's kept true. KINDNESS. How sweet to reap the kindness Of those we love so dear, And those who dearly love us Speak gentle words of cheer. It makes the heart feel better. And makes its burdens light, As pilgrims on life's journey, It makes our journey bright. Yes, kindness, gentle kindness. Will free the heart from pain. And give life hope and courage, To ornament its name. So spare not deeds of kindness In all we do and say. As those who reap our kindness Have kindness to repay. 200 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. LILLIE. I love the name of Lillie, For she is dear to me, Her looks so fair and charming Are lovely as can be. I know her charms are pretty, And blooming bright and gay, Her heart so free and friendly Is cheerful every day. She has a heart so gentle, So thoughtful what to do. So full of hope and pleasure. So friendly and so true. Oh, who would rue fair maiden, When she is true and nigh. And blight her gentle praises And have her mourn and sigh. Miss Lillie's heart is worthy, So friendly and so gay. And all her charms and beauties Are blooming every day. Oh, yes, it is an honor. And pleasant as can be. To know those charms so lovely Are blooming all for me. Yet maiden with her beauties, So bidding to adore. Must fade, alas, forever. And die to bloom no more. Yes, life in all its glory. And all that's bright and gay, May have their time to flourish, And likewise pass away. ALLEN DOKMANS POEMS. 207 KINDRED SCENES. Far back in early childhood, 'Mid scenes of youth and praise, The heart turns back so often To those bright sunny days. Like scenes of kindred pleasure, They often do return, Its rambles through the forest, For which the heart may yearn. The scenes of crowds of people. The wagons in the lane, And changes of a life-time So often come again. When old age is our portion. And life is nearly done, Tlien faith may solve the problem Of kindred scenes to come. KIND WORDS. Kind words, we love to hear them, And deeds of kindness see. They brighten up life's journey, And make the bosom free. Yes, cares are all made lighter, And friends we often meet, Their faces are made brighter When kind words come so sweet. Kind words and gentle praises. Oh, let them be my part, Like songs of cheerful gladness Are sacred to the heart. And God will truly hear us. The gentle words we say, And he will likewise cheer us With blessings in repay. 308 ALLEN DOKMAN'S POEMS. LONGING TO MEET THEE. Longing to meet thee, fair one of earth, Longing to greet tliee, good one of worth, Longing to see thee, pride of this heart, Hoping to trust thee, never to part. Seeking thy praises, truly and free. Welcome, sweet welcome, love waits for tliee, Fair as of Heaven, under the sun, For thee I'll tarry, beautiful one. Waiting and longing, lonely to-night, Seeking to witness thy features bright, Thy heart 1 cherish, for it I'll sigh, And know thy favors of days gone by. Thy name is honor, thy bosom is praise, God hasten the dawn of love's bright days, Help the true lovers, fair angels above. And save them sweetly, for God's own love. LOVE'S TKUE HOPE. Love's true hope is dreaming Of better days to come. Where it shall dwell in safety Beneath a prosperous sun. Where all around is pleasant, Far in the future bright. And seeming to come sweetly With pleasure and delight. Love's true hope is welcome. It cheers the aching breast. And when the heart is lonely It is a welcome guest. Oh welcome, yes, thrice welcome, Is love's true hope with me. For it is linked with Heaven Through all eternity. ALLEN DOKMAN'S POEMS. 309 LOST MEN. Lost men, indeed, forever lost, Are those who cannot live. In hope of life beyond this life Eternity may give. Their fate is sealed by their ovi^n hands, Their doom is death and shame. They failed to win eternal life, Their purpose was to gain. The soul was lost, the doom was sealed, And sealed by their own deeds, They wrought the darts that ruined them, The darts of sinful seeds. They chose their sins, and nourished them Within their natures deep, And death came on with silent steps. And found their hearts asleep, LITTLE Br LITTLE. Little by little and one by one, The raindrops fall when showers come. Little by little the snowHakes fall, And cover plains and mountains tall. Little by little life's time goes by, And clocks tick, tick, as moments fly. Little by little our days are spent Living a life of some intent. Little by little the grass it grows. Little by little the flowerets blow. Little by little our heads turn gray As types of shades that pass away. Little by little our deeds are done. Life's books are wrote, and battles won, Little by little we live and see. Luring for eternity. 810 A M.E.N DOliMAN'S POEMS. LET ME DREAM. Let me dream of maiden, Gentle, true and neat, How she smiles with pleasure, With her charms so sweet. Let me think, and fondly. Of her charms and praise, They will make me better Through life's dreary days. Let me dream of lassie, And the charms she wore. The thought is one of pleasure As I think it o'er. It is sweet contentment. And the thought is new, For it lulls my longings When I know she's true. LORD BYRON. The great men and the useful Are known by what they do, Who had in life a purpose. And served it well and true. Whatever may be questioned About their trivial ways. Their efforts and their labors Are monuments of praise. We know them by their labors, As fruitful trees are known. And should ascribe them honors They've earned and duly own. They stand like stars of glory. Because their lives are bright, And thus we see their labors That glow with merit's light. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 211 LABOR. Hearts who labor and in earnest, While life's ebbing swift away, They may conquer o'er the trials That they meet with every day. Let ns face life's raging battle, Let us conquer in the fight. Let us work for truth and honor, Let us do our duty right. Let us rue all thoughts of failing, We have work that should be done, If we conquer, life must labor. And beneath a sultry sun. Labor paves the road to fortune. And it guides on up to fame, Labor is the will of Heaven And it bears a worthy name. Labor stands upon its merits. Strengthened by its own defense, Bearing good for self and others, Finds for self a recompense. Let the poor man do his duty. Let the weary not complain. Labor wrought by rich or lowly Is to Heaven all the same. Labor is no vain ambition. If we labor over sin. Toiling with enthusiasm, God will wisely help us win. Labor is life's highest duty, Love and hope is labor's song, If we serve them, tliey will bless us While we live and labor on. S13 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. LOST AND KUINED. Lost and ruined, lost and ruined, Hopes have fled forever now, For this heart is nigli to broken, It has lost fair maiden's vow. Lost, yes, sadly lost forever, She has left me all alone. She has filled this heait with sorrow. She has caused this heart to mourn. Lost and ruined, I am ruined. Yes, this heart is turned away, It is lost, despised, forsakened, It is lost and turned to stay. Farewell, farewell, one so lovely, All that life has ever been Is discarded and repulsive With this broken heart within. Lost and ruined, and forsakened, Lost from one I claimed my own, Lost forever and forever. Lost to wander all alone. Lost from one IVe fondly cherished All my hopes are at an end, Nevermore to meet as lovers, Nor perhaps to meet as friends. Youth has come and youth has ended, Golden days have come and flown, And our hearts have witnessed pleasures Once we cherished as our own. But we part and now forever, Nevermore to meet again. While we journey from each other And this heart is filled with pain. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 213 Oil, 1 trusted thee, fair Katie, Trusted thee and only thee, Sought thy heart with hope and pleasure, When our hearts were young and free. But we part, alas, forever, Never, never, more to meet, While life's hopes are sadly failing With the heart on its retreat. Oft my heart has failed in duty, And beneath some weight of care, Failed with loss and dit-appointinent, Terminating in desj^air. Trouble, sickness, grief and sorrow, Pain and anguish in the breast. Sorrowful and discontented. Living ever in distress. Oft I've wandered thro' the forest, As in early days of yore. Seeking for new hopes and pleasures Youth had witnessed there before. But the hope that once was cherished Had subsided in my breast. And my heart was discontented, And it sought in vain for rest. In my pain and in my sorrow. Worn and weary, day and night Have I wandered without pleasure, Once I cherished with delight. Oh, the pain that's tried this bosom, And ensnared a bleeding wound. Stole within when hopes were brightest, And the sun was all around. Sa.4 ALLEN DOKMAN'S POEMS. Thus the heart grows faint and weary, Ever striving on in vain, Seeking for the consolation It would cherish and retain. But in thinking of the pleasures Life has loved in early days, May revive some faint ambition In some fleeting thought of praise. But the heart is foiled in purpose, When it learns the bitter truth. That its wounded with the arrow It luid cherished so in youth. Like the rose of early summer, In its hope of blooming bright, Culled with hand and dropped to wither Left to dread the coming night. Oh, my hopes were never brighter. Never cherished more with song, Never sought with better purpose, Never blighted more with wrong. Cruel, cruel in its nature. To betray the confidence, And to rue it off forever Time alone can recompense. But the heart is prone to error, And its nature is to sin, As desire without purpose. When it sees it cannot win. And the bosom is the victim When we bid the sin depart, It is troubled in its nature And Js restless in the heart. Allen doeman's poems. 215 Sins we do are sins of danger, Sins we reap and sins we sow In the field of life's bard battles, Often it is self that's foe. Love and hope will lure together In our natures as their home, Yet the heart when it is broken, Droops to sutler and to mourn. If we sow the seeds of sorrow, Tho' unconscious of the blame Bitter grief may be our portion, As we truly reap the same. Rea]) the sin with its production, Witli its loss and with its woe. Bitter sins in times of trouble Are the sins we often sow. And we sow for those around us. In tlieir loss and in their gain, As the heart, its brother's keeper. Truly, truly reaps the same. All the blessings we enjoy, And the sorrows when we sigh. Are related to some other Who is ever dwelling nigh. Thus we all should do our duty. Ever striving for the best. Ever helping those around us, Ever seeking to be blest. In life's loss and in its trouble. In its labor and its care, There is some one ever watching, And may ready with us share. §16 ALLEN BORMaN'S POEMS. Thougli this heart is now deserted, Full of agonizing pain, Yet the h)ss that it lias suffered May not prove to be in vain. Though 1 sufier in my peril, And I'm troubled day by day. Yet I'll hope for other blessings, And I'll seek a better way. Life with rae is now a burden, And its troubled way is sad. Full of sorrow, gloom and darkness, And its bitter cup is bad. But I'll labor with my duty, Through my sorrow and my pain, With a vow I'm independent, And I'll hope to live again. LOVE CONSOLED. We'll let ill-feelings now subside, And live as friends forever, And think of pleasures quite the same That time alone may sever. And do our duty while we live, And time will tell the story That all is best, that happens best, In trouble or in glory. We'll hold the past for what it was, As sacred, each together. And you remain in holy twain, And I'll splice with another. And let our actions be the right. As seeds we sow we gather. Though everything that happens round May not be as we'd rather. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 217 LITTLE LOVERS. Now little lovers will make up, They will come back again, Perhaps they have not fully learned That loving is a pain. Yes often when sweet love runs smooth One's apt to fly the track. But when they see their own mistake, They shortly may come back. Somehow they meet by accident. And smile with looks of love, Then O, the sweetness in their hearts Prompts them to look above. Tliey take it little by degrees. As love grows sweet and strong, And when they meet and talk it o'er Clear up the little wrong. The sweetest love^may often sour, And say it will not speak, Yet both may soon regret it all, In less time than a week. For love is sweet, too sweet to lose. As lovers may attest. For when it fails to cheer the heart, The heart is not at rest. So let us love each other right, And love our lovers true. And when we learn that love is best, Will often love anew. Yes, soon, too soon, love may be lost, The love we would adore. It may be slighted, hurt and wronged. And fade to bloom no more. 218 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. LIFE IS WHAT WE MAKE IT. Kind hearts are cheerful always, And youth has mucli to give, With lovely friends around us That make life sweet to live. When dark clouds gather o'er us, And true friends pass us by. It chills this heart of ours, And cherished pleasures die. But yet there is a welcome On life's eventful way, That bids us do our duty And labor all the day. A prize that dawns in future, A gift of worldly fame That treasures up our efforts And builds an earthly name. Oh, wlio would vainly linger Through life's bright summer day, In harvest with the roses Would sleep sweet life away. Is there no heart to cheer us When sad thoughts gather round? And whisper sweet tiie story, Love's purest gems are found. If trying can accomplish And make life what we may, Why make life sweet forever, Wiiile youth is bright and gay. Soon death may come and tell us, Of life beyond the tomb. Where angels wait our coming, And life shall always bloom. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 319 LOYELY WOMEN. The charms of lovely women Are sweet, like daisies fair, For lovely are the beauties That little daisies wear. They often gladly meet me With features fresh and new, And with some token greet me. And act like they are true. Of all the cherished blessings That life may hope to see, The praises of the women Do most to make life free. Oh, what are other treasures Compared with truest love, It is the will of Heaven, It lureth on above. Though some may love unduly, And rue sweet love away, Yet I would with it tarry, And bid it with me stay. My vow I'll oft renew it. In kindness and in song, And seal with love my presence That it may lure me on. The praise of lovely women Are sacred unto me, It 'wakens hopes and pleasure§ Of blessings yet to be. I hope when life is ended, And I am called away. To live with love forever Through one eternal day, 220 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. LOYE WILL COME NO MOEE. She was sitting nigh her window, Watching 'lone tlie evening sky, Sadly thinking o'er her trials As the eve was drawing nigh, Sitciiig lonely nigh her window, Where she'd often sat before, Watching love while ho was coming, But for her would conic no more. He was gone, alas, forever, He had turned his heart away, She had often bid him tarry. But he would not with licr stay. Sadly weeping, sadly Fishing, As she thought her trials o'er, He had wooed and won another, And for her would come no more. Watching, waiting, weeping, sighing. At the window all in vain, Trying to relieve her bosom Of its bitter loss and pain. Oh, the hearts that droop to w^eeping For the love they would adore, Life to all would bo a burden Should its dear ones come no more. Life may rise to fame and fortune. Love may bloom with beauty gay. But the hearts that bid us welcome, Soon may sadly pass away. Life may be with many others. With some one they loved of yore, Sadly leave to stay forever. Love with some will come no more. ALLKN DOBMANS POEMS. 221 LOST LOVE. Life's youth is but a shadow Of future things to come, And life beyond those shadows Has far a brighter sun. Thus in life's passing moments Are liopes that lure us on, When brief like passing shadows, We find that youth is gone. Yes gone, alas, forever, With hopes that cannot stay, With roses and tlie sunshine So bright along the way. And love that life has cherished In happy days of yore, Is h)st with nje forever. And past to come no more. Sweet love, that once was sacred, Once gentle, kind and gay, lias lost its charm forever, And faded now away. Lost love has been my portion, My fate I did not see, Yet may not be with others As it has been with me. But if the heart can labor. And wear a smiling face. Then grief and pain may vanish, And love may take its place. So let us be in earnest. And labor, love and try. And feel that life may conquer When victory is nigh. 222 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. LOYELY MAIDEN. Maiden gentle, thou art lovely, Thou art lovely day by day. Thou art friendly, thou art cheerful In thy blooming youth so gay. Thou art gentle, thou art social, And I feel that thou art blest, I M^onld tell thee that I love thee, If thou didst not know it best. Thou art kind to friends and neighbors. Thou art kind with strangers too, Pleasing, })raising, ever cheerful With the words that must be true. I was once a stranger with thee, Weary, laden, worn and sad. But I heard thy words of kindness, And they truly made me glad. Thou hast taught me well a lesson, In whatever we may do. It is best to speak with kindness Of the hearts that would be, true. Gentle words of love and kindness, May not all be spoke in vain. Some poor heart forlorn and weary May revive and live again. Gentle words are precious jewels, Treasures more than purest gold, They are what the heart may cherish. And are blessings for the soul. Let us work and be in earnest, Love and labor day, and night, Speaking words of praise and kindness. While our golden sun is bright. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 223 LIFE HAS BEEN YAIN. I'his life with r.o it lias been vain^ In toiling my wiiy through, Some friends Eve knov\n in times of need Have pi'ovcd to be untrue. Yes, hearts have been unkind to me, And known me not by name, And hardly as humanity, And life it has been vain. My future has been dark with me, My sun has not been high, My heart's been weary, worn and sad As da\s past swiftly by. Oh, had I only served my God, He would not sought to blame, He would not have deserted me Nor made my life so vain. This heart has tried to manly act, In dealing with the bad. And often failed in what it would When it was weak and sad. Yes, foes they have refused of me My just and pro])er claims, And they have sought to injure me, And make my past life vain. My friends have oft deserted me, And left me all alone. And foes have magnified my faults To cover up their own. Who has a friend may have a foe. The world will praise and blame, And summing life up as I may. My life it has been vain. 324 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. LOYE IS COMING. Love IS coming, love is coming, Maiden watches with a sigh, He is coming all in promise, Love is coming bye-and-bye. She is watching, she is waiting, And she feels that he is true. She is waiting for his coming With his promise to renew. Oh, the bosom is uneasy When it feels a sudden blight, But there is a charm in waiting When it feels that all is right. Yes, there is a charm we cherish, When we feel that all is well, And we feel that love is coming With some cheering news to telh LOVERS DREAM. Love dreamt a dream in its own way. It was a naughty dream. She thought her lover sweet and nice, Had melted in a stream. She sat upon the rosy banks To see the current go. It was the first she ever saw Sweet love and honey flow. She thought life was mysterious, And love was misty too, That life and love had mysteries That taught her something new. That love is full of vanities With many faults to hide, Where life is but a vapor. And time is but a tide. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 225 LEFT WHEN AKGRY. My neighbor friend has left me, He now lives far away, He left when we were angry, And he is gone to stay. 1 thought he was unfriendly, I thought he was to blame. But yet its brought the feelings We ne'er may meet again. Friends should not live unduly As naught in life can stay, With changes of its nature, Life soon must pass away. Vain thoughts may be but trifles, They may not wrong the past, But 3'et life's hopes and partings May work some good at last. LITTLE LAWS. A spider once wove out his web, Then crept in silent lurk. As if it sought to nicely show How wisely it could work. A wasp came up and dashed within, Few struggles let him pass. But when the smaller insects came It fiercely held them fast. And thus the little laws of man May let the big thieves through, Yet little hearts with little sins Must mourn for what they do. God's laws are just, they are not thus, They hold the great and small, And Satan sprightly cocks his tail At every sinner's fall. 226 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. LOST BUT FOUND. As I was walking through the field I found a pocket-knife, It was the same that I had lost Far back in early life. I recognized it as my own. My own in childhood's store, It drew my thoughts in memory To early days of yore. I held it sacred for its worth, A treasure of my own, It had a page in memory All sej^arate and alone. None knew its value more than I, The lost had been redeemed, For its own part in memory Was held in high esteem. And so this moral may be true, Some lost event of life May come to us in memory As this my pocket-knife. The deeds we do, the hearts we cheer, We may forget the same. Yet they belong to memory, More sacred than in name. So be our actions good or bad. Old things n)ay tui-n to new. As builders of life's destiny, This lesson may be true. This world it turns and life it turns. And may come round to see. That things we turn may likewise turn Up in eternity. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 227 LOST LIFE. Oh, tlie precious time that's wasted, And the many days gone by, And the good of life neglected When its golden sun was high. Life is lost when its neglected, Many moments full of praise, Many mornings bright with sunshine, Many happy golden days. Time is lost with some forever. Cherished hopes have been in vain, Many troubles have they witnessed. Full of sorrow and of shame. Every life has time neglected, Back in early childhood's dawn They have wasted, and unmindful. Time that is forever gone. Oh, the golden moments wasted, And will neverniore return, All are numbered in life's journey, As we live and as we learn. Learn to know the need of labor, And the need of cultured youth. And the need of sweet contentment, And a life of honest truth. Life is lost when life is wasted. Time is gone when time is past, Yet the longings of our nature May revive some good at last. Losing life is losing Heaven, Wasting time is serving sin. And is blighting for the bosom All its nobler thoughts within. 8 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. LOVE BETRAYED. Lost and ruined and forsakened, Lost and ruined liere below, Lost and ruined, wretched woman, In this bitter world of woe. Earth luis heard thy plea of sorrow, With its bitter, bitter grief, Thou hast lost thy share of pleasure, Sin alone has been the thief. Once thy future was not darkened. Once thy golden youth was bright, Once thy face and charms were lovely, Flushed with beauty and delight. But the sins of Satan sought thee, As a lurking demon bad. And around thee, safely bound thee. Till thy weary heart was sad. Now it is thy heart is ruined. Now it is thy hopes have fled, Now the roses of thy bosom All have faded and are dead. It is wrong to now discourage. And to have thy heart to mourn. Yet some hearts of yon bright fortune Are more guilty than thy own. Yes, they sought, and you consented To the ruin of your name, And the world could see no damage To the willing unto shame. 'Tisnot wealth that brings contentment, Nor the bulk of busy cares. But success in honest duty. And in shunning evil snares. ALLEN DOHMANS POEMS. 22d LUCRE. Lucre, lucre, hoards of lucre, Speaks in iron tones of might. And the moneyed gods of treasure Sway its power with deliglit. Honor riches, wealth and fortune, Priced too often with the soul, And the thwart of man's salvation Girded tight with bands of gold. Lucre comes both rough and easy. Goes by leaving off the i-ough. Seekers for it often travel Up the hill and down the bluff. Old men wake and work to make it, Young men dream and do the same, Lawyers plead and plan to get it, Gamblers play to win the game. Lucre, lucre, dreams of lucre, Flush and flurry where thou art, Business moving, trades improving. Lucre plays an active part. Brokers scheme in speculation, Titles good and titles wrong. Courts defend it, fashion spends it. Lucre is its silent song. Lucre married may come easy, Should the bird be not too rough, Should she clatter lucre, lucre, You may think it dear enough. Lucre, lucre, worlds of lucre, Lucre making is the game. And may win the lieart to honor Or unto eternal shame. 230 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. LIVE FOR ME. It is to-night that I would offer All I am and all I know For the hejirt within thj bosom, As I trust it loves me so. • Yes, O yes, it has been faithful, And I feel its willing now, And will help in sweetly fixing, Make and safely seal our vow. Yes, to-night and gently, kindly. Yes, this very solemn night Shall we, shall we seal our fortunes For the coming future bright. Careful, breathless, silent moment, Tis this heart alone with thee, God and Heaven, angels witness. Will you, will 3^ou live for me. THE OLD SCHOOL-HOUSE. The old school-house so dear to me, So dear in days. of yore. Has been my school, my country scliool, But can be now no more. Its niem'ry now is dear to me, It's nigh my birth-place home. Far o'er the hills, surrounding hills, • My youthful heart hath roamed. There many 3'outhful sports I've known, 'Mid games and mental work. Long been a student at its schools. Director and its clerk. Through winter days and summer days. Long have I soldiered there. And fought the battles of life's schools So re:il in this life's care. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 231 LITTLE GIELS. When little girls are frieudly, So pleasant and so sweet, I love to see them cheerful, Their gentle nianners neat. With faces like the morning, And blooming all the day, And hearts that act so kindly In all they do and say. I love to hear them singing. So gentle and so free, The gems of human nature, True types of liberty. When they are kind and social. And seem to watch my ways, I love them for their watchings, I love them for their praise. 1 love to see their faces. So clean and snowy white. With hopes so full of promise. And features fair and bright. But yet their lives are fleeting, They cannot with us stay. As death may take untimely The little girls away. Oh, yes they are the emblems Of innocence and truth, When they express their wishes In happy ways of youth. There is a charm about them, A thought inwoved with pain, That rosy dreams of childhood Will never come again. 838 ALLEN DOKMAN'S POEMS. LOVE'S GOLDEN DAY. Oil, Imppy fair that iiioni shall be, All golden, bright and new, When love in all its hope and praise Shall welcome me so true. When love shall glow with cherished hopes And bloom in beantj gay, And tliish with charms of loveliness, All in that golden day. Oh, happy, happy, will it be, When love shall gladly come. And welcome on that morning fair That bright and golden sun. That morning sun so clear and bright Will drive all night away, And spread its glories everywhere Then on that golden day. Oh, love will bo delightful then. And glow with praise and song, And peace, and hope, and happiness Shall luie us sweetly on. Then all that makes life sweet to live, And all that's bright and gay Will lure us on in happiness, Then in love's golden day. Love's golden day, sweet golden da}^ I'll claim with all my lieait, As silent tears, thro' wasting years, Has been my bitter part. Yes, I will claim thee by and by, And welcome thee to stay, And ever cherish love's delight, Love in love's golden dny. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 233 LOVE AND Lx\BOil. Love and labor when united, Have ricli blessings for this life, And they help us and they lure us Gladly over pain and strife. If we claim them and we use them. They -will help us as we go, Sweetly onward, sweetly U])ward, Through this bitter world of woe. Love and labor have the blessings We should ever keep in view. Ever striving to possess them, In the work we have to do. Love, sweet love, will gladly cheer us. And will make our journey bright, Labor too will likewise help us On and upward with delight. Love and labor have the treasures We should never let depart, Life is not complete without them When they're vacant in the heart. Love and labor are companions Ever marching side by side. Hand in hand like little brothers, Ever faithful, true and tried. Love and labor is our duty, Fills the heart with song and praise. While the heart is sweetly marching Through the lights of golden days. Let us all then do our duty. As we journey here below, Ever claiming as our portion, Love and labor as we go. 231 . ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. LURES OF SIN. How true it is in daily life That real life is true, And the' life often brings us change, It brings us nothing new. Whatever way the mind is bent The heart is sure to go, And if we choose the lures of sin In sin life's bark will row. The tide of time bears swiftly on, And we as mortals learn That when we move in lures of sin We cannot easy turn. T7e train the heart to love its ways, And in its ways pursue, And in its ways the harvest comes, The fruits of what we do. We know not what it is to live And truly serve the Lord, And neither do we comprehend That life has its reward. We strive to reap the lures of sin, Its sweet desires are vain. And seek for praise that never comes. Sin is the seed of shame. We live in sin and serve it well Till all life's days are passed. Then thoughtlessly and hopelessly May serve it till the last. Then why should man refuse of man Good help that he may Icain, And give him strength to ilo the i i;4ht When he's not strength to turn. ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. 036 LOVE'S COUNCIL. Love in council, once was dreaming Of the one lier heart should clioose, As she feared in her selection She might gain or she might lose. On one side was love and duty, On the other, lands and gold, Love was true, and love was faithful, While the heart of wealth was cold. Thus she thought while in her council, Careless hearts may come to need, And of him who has no harvest Garners in no golden seed. But the faithful hearts may flourish, And may prosper day by day, And may reap in time of harvest Golden blessings by the way. Thus she chose her faithful lover, Yes, the one she loved the best. And the one with hopeful future She had gained and he was blest. And she found in her selection Cherished blessings for her soul, Love was dearest and had triumphed, In its test with sordid gold. And he loved her, truly loved her, Flush with hope and promise dear. And he prospered, sweetly prospered. She with him and he with her. And their lives grew sweet and stronger With the hopes of golden days. And the thoughts of sweet contentment Filled their hearts with love and praise. 836 .. ALLEN 1)0 RMAN'S POEMS. LINGERS WITH ITS OWN. True love is sweet and is sincere, It seeks for love's embrace, And labors with its duty free To seek its proper place. It seeks to praise, it sees no fault Where love is pure and bright, . . Its ways are ways of happiness. And lives in love's delight. It seeks a home where it may dwell. In marriage and secure. And sweetly lingers with its own, . When all within is pure. It seeks to dwell with love alone. And bids its own to stay, And lives with love and happiness, Delighted every day. Sweet love will choose, and claim its own, When nature's laws are right. That it may grow and thus secure Its own with true delight. That it may live and be with love, And linger with its own. And garner in at harvest time The seed that it has sown. Oh, sad indeed that hearts so warm, Should waste affections true. And fill their futures with despair. And insult Heaven too. . Would fail to act in season wise, Or do their duty right, . And give to death, eternal death. The purpose of this life. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 237 LONGING IN THE HEART. There is a longing in the lieart, And we feel its constant star, And we feel its restless moving As the shadows of a day. Yes, we feel it in life's sorrows, As the world moves swiftly on, From the dawning of each morning, Till the day is past and gone. And within life's daily duties, When we sigh or when we weep, Find we then this constant warning, Born within our nature deep. Oh yes, in the march of living, When the dearest friends must part. Have ve felt this solemn feeling, Yes, this longing in the heart. It is not for vain desires, Or the dread of danger's fall, But this longing in the bosom Seemeth higher than them all. It is not for earthly treasures, It is not for pleasures gay. But this longing is a warning That this life must pass away. It is vain for us to rue it, Or to sigh for its release, As the heait would not be mindful Should this longing in it cease. Let us then be ever watchful. And to hold in high esteem, Yes, this longing in our nature, Not as mere an idle dream. 238 ALLEN DORM AN' S POEMS. LIFE BEYOND. Life beyond tins world of sorrow, Life beyond this world of night, Stands the world divine, immortal, Through eternity bright. Just beyond life's narrow vision, Just beyond life's breathing breath, God is waiting to receive us Just beyond this mortal death. Life beyond this earthly journey. Life beyond and yet so nigh That we fancy we may see it, When through faith we only try. Just beyond this mortal coil. Just beyond this wasting bond, Oh, so near us, Oh, so near us, Is the endless life beyond. Life beyond these frail petitions Is the endless life to come, And we enter it so easy When this earthly life is dono. Life beyond this earthly voyage Is the city of the soul, When we enter we must tarry. While the years of ages roll. LIFT THE FALLEN. Go lift your fallen brothers. And help them like a man. Go cheer them with your presence, Go lend a helping hand. In helping fallen brothers The Lord will surely see. And give the heart due credit When in eternity. *' I*.-"' THE LINCOLN MONUMENT.-Page 239. ALLEN DOKMANS POEMS. ^ 239 LIFE'S DESTINY. When life gets home beyond this world In Heaven bright and fair, 'Twill know the things that angels know, Away from toil and care. , The heart will then be free from sip, Forever free from pain, i , , And will be free from mortal life / And earthly wishes vain. Then we siiall know as we are known, And live immortal free, When we have reached our destiny To spend eternity. When we get home we will be home, And not be here below, And life shall be forever free From earthly care and woe. LINCOLN. The name of Lincoln, known so well, A man of real worth, Who reached the place of president Up from an humble birth. . ' His name will long familiar live , By what he's done and said, And sway the world in history Though he is with the dead. He's known as great by what he did, In what he thought was right, His public deeds .were wisely done To move tlie public right. Yes, like a sun far out in. space. His name will brightly stay, , That those who look to see his life May find around it day. \ 910 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. LOYEKS. See the men and see the women, Acting lovers all the while, See the boys and the maidens In their courtings laugh and smile. They have tasted love, its sweetness. And they hurry and they haste, Thus to linger at its altar. There to get another taste. Lovers, lovers, happy lovers, Making all the love they ean. Just to see how much they like it. And how much their hearts may stand. Oh, how happy are the lovers When they love with all their might. Fondly making many mashes. And in fixing them up right. LOVE'S HOME. Love is gentle, warm and sweet, When it seeks its own. And with same is glad to meet In its cherished home. Love it thrills with fainting pain. Be it far or nigh. It will hope to meet again In love's by and by. But the heart is not its home Or its place of birth. For the thoughts of love may roam, Far away from earth. Oh, the real source of love And its fountain home, Is in Heaven high above, Where it seeks its own. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 241 LIFE'S SUN. I wandered thro' the fields one day, And sought a place of rest Upon the fence to watch the sun While setting in the west. The sky was clear, the birds were gay, And sweetly singing free, 'Twas in the early spring of life. And life was dear to me. And while I sat upon the fence To pass the time away, There passed a man of seventy. Whose frosty locks were gray. His steps were slow and feeble too, His actions much the same. His voice trembled as he spoke And as he told his name. He said to me, "my youthful boy, You see yon setting sun, You know that when it soon goes down The starry night will come. You see that sun at morning rise And take its daily round, You've seen it brighten up the sky. You've seen the same go down. "And so its been with me, my youth, I've seen life's morning sun, I've seen it reach life's manhood, I've seen my evening come. And as that sun so clear and bright Is setting in the west, The sun of life that keeps me here Is setting in my breast. 242 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. "IVe lived a life of hope and fears, I've sought for life's renown, But when my sun untimely sets Must go forever down.*' Sure as that sun that swings in space And shines at nature's call, The sun of our existence here Must rise and set for all. LOCAL OPTION. Local option, local option, Now spreading o'er the land, And playing havoc with saloons That's selling liquor drams. Oh, wonder what the whiskey men Will do or even think, When they shall find, as sure they must, They cannot get a drink. LOVE COKNERED. 'Tis nice to get love cornered, And 'waken pleasures new, And have her where she loves us, And acts so kind and true. She acts so tame and gentle And thinks that we don't know The reason why she loves us. And stays around us so. She serves a plan so faithful. And fears that we are vain, When she has heard some tidings About her rival's gain. She fears that there is danger. And loves us all she can. And acts so kind and friendly. And sweetly serves a plan. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 243 LITTLE MIGSES. Will you love me, little maidens, Will you help me while you may, Will you favor me your kindness While we journey on life's way ? Will you praise me when I'm M^eary, With your gentle words so true, Will you cheer me when I'm saddest, With your little faces new ? Little pilgrims, little strangers, Little girls with gentle ways. You have love denied of others In your youthful, sunny days. Will you know me and be friendly. Will you love me every day, Will you speak a word of kindness When I see you at your play ? Will you help me with your favors While your happy youth is bright, And with deeds of love and kindness Will you cheer me in the right? Will you speak when I am passing. As I go from Sunday school, Will you speak your words of kindness- Speaking is an easy rule. Will you favor me your friendship When I see you in the street. Dressed in clothing plain or costly, Looking lovely, clean and neat? Yes, be kind, be true, and friendly, While your little hearts are free, Gladly sparing sacred blessings ^ God hath sent by you to me. ^a ALLEN JDORMAN'S POEMS. LOST FEATURES. Earth's features are like shadows That move and pass away, And leave no deep impressions Behind them that will stay. The faces, looks and features, So true to self its own, Are but the shades of substance That sink in the unknown. Oh, features, how they perish, And pass like mist away. Or like the bloom of summer, Or event of a day. Lost features of companions. Or shadows of the sun, May have a future purpose, Or go from whence they came. LIFE'S SUMMER. Life's summer's on its journey, The season's sunny day, Are seen in looking backward. So bright along the way. Oh, yes they seem as stations. So regular and bright. And yet it takes great caution To count them from the night. To follow them straight backward. And lose no missing link. Place summer after summer, Is most too much to think. The thought is one of sadness, Yet real do we find How small are the impressions That life has made on time. ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. ^6 LEGENDS OF TIME. Bright legends of illustrious men, Of saints and tragic song, Have left no trace of what they were, While yet the world moves on. Yes, legends of the world have come, From many events down. And left no trace or wear of time That may be seen or found. Much truth is new of olden times, From merit wove within, And bears to live in spite of time Of what some things have been. The myriad legends of the world. Of conquest and the brave. Must lose all vestige of their trace, If reproduce don't save. LOVE AND MERCY. Love and mercy, when they meet us, Make us feel that all is right. For they wear a smile upon them, Clothed in beauty and delight. Yes, the heart may often need them. Love and mercy ever true. For they prompt in others 'round them Deeds of kindness that they do. Love and mercy, love and mercy, Ever sacred, ever dear. When we woo them, and we win them, They may furnish thoughts of cheer. God is love and God is mercy, God is gracious to forgive. And he offers us his Heaven Through eternity to live. 246 ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. LIFERS BATTLES. There's much in life that represents The soldier's real life, Like battles won, and battles lost, And trials in the strife. The labors of the author's task, The busy cares of days, All represent the soldier's life In many real ways. The heart it plans to get along, And labors 'neath the sun, And often works at great expense In hope to overcome. , The little trials day by day. And efforts to be right. Are dealings with adversity, Like skirmishes of fight. The hearts that move or travel far, As from each place they go. Are working with adversities. Like soldiers do with foe. And hearts that rise to eminence May have to war their way With oppositions that oppose. And strive to gain the day. And some may rise, and some may fall On life's great battle-field, While battling in the conquest, Determined not to yield. So let us battle for the right, Like worthy and the free. As life must fight if it would reign Out in eternity. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 247 MY BEST GIRL. My best girl is so lovely, • So pretty and so free, That all her charms and beauties Are lovely as can be. Her charms so sweet and winning, So beautiful and gay, And pleasing in their nature. Are blooming every day. Yes, she is kind and gentle, So beautiful and fair. That life on its sweet journey, Would need no other care. Oh, yes, her charms are winning, So lovely and so bright. And all her smiles are cheering. With beauty and delight. Her pretty charms are lovely. And ever growing new. As if the gems of Eden Had furnished her their hue. Yet lovely charms must perish, And blend with nature's breath, When maiden's snowy features Are summoned unto death. Yes, maiden fair is friendly, Her heart is full of love. The God who made her pretty Made Heaven liigh above.' Oh, yes, we'd have those features So lovely and so gay, To be our own forever And never pass ^way. 848 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. MY DARLING. Oh, my darling, O my darling, Blooming lovely, sweet and new, She has told me that she loves me With her fainting heart so true. She will claim me, she will cheer me With her beauties all so bright, And will love me and obey me All she can with sweet delight. Yes, we will be happy lovers. When we love each other free. For IVe set my cap for darling. And she's set her hat for me. Now my darling, O my darling. If sheMl love me all she can, She will be a happy darling. And I'll be a happy man. MULE. My neighbor harnessed up his mule To plow a field of corn, And thought he'd cover up some weeds, That just were being born. Its heart was full of donkey tricks. And donkeys have their day. For when it got a little warm It turned to run away. It 'gave its tail an awful switch. And kicked with all its might, And lunged in earnest down the hill Thro' modern donkey spite. It plunged headlong into the pond. And could not get its breath — Down, down, into the water deep, Down in the locks of death. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 249 MY FRIEND. Wiio is my friend in this lone world, Who is my help and stay, Who is the friend that guides this heart, When it would turn astray? And when the heart is worn and sad And seeks to turn aside, Who cheers this heart in paths of right And acts as faithful guide. The Lord is thus my constant friend, He seeks to care for me, And prompts the heart to do the right When it hath need tt) be. So if the Lord's my friend indeed, While no one else is nigh, The Lord will be my friend in need, To save me when I die. MEN WE ENVY. The men we envy— who are they? Are they true men of deeds, Or ai-e they men we should mistrust. As snakes among the weeds? What cause have we to check their march, What have they done to us, Why should we envy them at all. Or even them mistrust. They have to live and they have rights, They have their toil and care. And if they live in this big world. They'll sui-ely have their share. So let us live and envy none. We reap the seed we sow, Yet little birds that sing so sweet In some way have a foe. MY MATDEN.-Paue 250. 2o0> ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. MY MAIDEN. My maiden is a daisy, And she is kind and true, She's like the queen of roses That's ever blooming new. Her tresses are so lovely, Her features are so fair That age would be but cruel To put its fingers there. She is the queen of summer, She is the queen of May, She is the queen of loving. She loves me every day. Her ways are light and winning, Her charms are fresh and new, Her love is like the morning In that its ever true. I love to see my maiden. Her pretty charms so fair, And life with all its blessings Would need no other care. For she is kind and friendly And lovely all the day. She is the queen of maidens, So beautiful and gay. I love my pretty maiden, Her charms are blooming bright, In all their golden glory So pleasing to the sight. Her love doth make her friendly, Her love doth make her sweet, Her love will teach me truly None other need compete. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS, 251 Of many lovely maidens I love her truly best, And love its golden blessings Lies center in her breast. If love will love me faithful, And bid this heart to stay, This heart will claim her only. And love her every day. MY TEACHER^S TOMB. Up to this writing there's not been Spare time we may presume, To have a handsome monument Phiced at my teacher's tomb. Conic schoolmutes and you mason men, Our duty we've forsook, And have neglected much too long The tomb of Mr. Cook. You Cliristian hearts of charity. And men of public trust, This life is brief, we too, must die, Such may come home to us. The deeds we do of noble worth May sweetly cheer life's way. And treasure up fond memories To live beyond our day. How shall we think when we must die, And dust returns to dust. How we have served humanity That it should do for us. When flowers lose their healthful bloom, No hand may care to save. And hearts that's due a monument May scarcely find a grave. teS ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. MY LASSIE 0\ My lassie, will you love me best, Oh say, will you be kind, And train our hearts for other years, That they may truly bind. Yes, come and sit beside mc now, And cheer this heart to know That it may treasure happiness, And love its lassie O'. True love is sweet, when it is right, And love may ripen strong. And grow to be as perfect quite As heaven's highest song. Yes, tell me that this heart is true. And cheer and make it free, And love me to thy heart's content. While all alone with thee. Yes, lay thy hands upon my arm. Thy head upon my breast, And whisper sweet that I am thine. And lull sweet love to rest. That I may feel that magic spell, And with thee pleasures share. Serenely as no tongue can tell. And love my lassie fair. I know thy heart will wait for me, Oh, should it vain betray, 'Twould blight the heart that now is true, And drive all hopes away. But I will love my lassie dear. And welcome pleasures new. And strengthen love in silent cheer, And love my lassie true. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 253 Oh, I will love none other true, If lassie will be mine. This heart will know undying love. And hope to soon be thine. When life is done, and death shall come To bear the soul away, I hope to be with lassie dear, And with my lassie stay. MY BOOK. My book, ray book, it is my hope, I love its thoughts of truth Much as a father loves his son He's reared up from its youth. The gems of worth which it contains, And placed upon its leaves, Have cost great efforts all thro' life To gather them in sheaves. I love my book, I love my book, I've had to write the same. And known what efforts it has cost Thro' trials and thro' pain. I love it when the heart is sad, For it is dear to me, A treasure for this fleeting life, And for eternity. So let the books we all may write, Be written for the best, And let each life be modeled right, As for eternal rest. Each life is but a written book, A history of its own, A history for the great beyond That's issued to unknown. 254 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. MANY THANKS. Many thanks, to one so worthy, In the borrow of thy book, Often liave I read its pages Sitting nigh some little brook. Many blessings it has brought me. As I've read its pages o'ei-, Many lessons it has tauglit rue That I never knew before. Often has the heart been saddened. Thinking of some pleasui"e past, Dreaming of an honored future, With its bright and wortliy task. Yet, for me bright days have vanished, In this world of hope and pain, And bright hopes that life has cherished Never may return again. But there's much of life remaining, Much in life to lure us on. Much to cheer us in life's duty. Till a brighter day shall dawn. Yes, for each a task is given. And a duty to forgive. Ever toiling on and upward, Merely for the right to live. Let us then be ever cheerful. Working faithful all the day, Striving like the men of honor, Whose immortal works will stay. Let us read good books of merit, Like their authors, faithful try. They whose works are now immortal, And whose names may never die. ALlEN bORMANS POEMS. ^55 MY LITTLE LADY. I love mj little lady, She often comes to me, Comes smiling sweet and cheerful, As lovely as can he. She is a lovely lady, And I am pleased to know She is my little maiden, The girl that loves me so. Her heart is young and cheerful And ever full of praise. And loves me best of any. All in her own true ways. She tells me that she loves me, As only she may do, And lends her charms so fondly, So beautiful and true. I love my little lady The best of any one. And in her is the promise Of happy days to come. I love her for her beauties, Her kindness and her name, And feel it is a pleasure To have her do the same. If loving gives my lady Sweet happiness and rest, I'll love her as a duty, I'll love her truly best. And love will sweetly treasure The praise of Heaven nigh, And lead us up to glory Where love shall never die. 256 ALLEN DOKMANS POEMS. MY CHOICE. My choice now is but to know, This heart is tilled with pain, Bright hopes that once were dear to me Can ne'er return again. This heart it has been broken sad, And felt it was nnblest, And been deserted by the one It truly loved the best. Why did she go, why did she go, This heart has asked in vain. And when this heart has thought of her. Has 'wakened thoughts of pain. The work was done, untimely done, Most like a winter's frost. And chilled this heart till all its hopes Have been forever lost. Oh, who could blame the wretched heart When sorrows make it weep? Tliis heart was torn, and O, it ached With thoughts of what it reaped. This heart it often thought of her In sunny days of yore, And even yet it calls to mind The beauties that she wore. Oh, can it bo this heart was wrong, Or that it was to blame. If such was true, this heart in grief Has had its share of pain. Could all my woes return to me That's pained my every breath. Oh, could they all return to me, Mv choice it would be death. ALLEN DOBMANS POEMS. 257 MUCH EEMAINS. This life is often cold and dark With many pilgrims here, And ventures that the heart may make, Is often made with fear. We know life has its share of grief, Its bitter toil and pain, Yet, should we think what life deserves, There's much for it remains. 'Tis true, dark clouds may often come And change the sunny sky. Yet far beyond the sun is bright, And would, if could, be nigh. And thus the heart is often sad With losses more than gains, But should it think what it deserves, There's much for it remains. The God of life hath sacred laws. Consistent in its ways, And gives to earth what earth deserves. Its sun and sunless days. Some hearts are rich and some are poor, And some are proud and vain. Who cannot see, or do not see, Their portion that remains. Why think of nature everywhere, The little birds that sing, The hope beyond this fleeting life. And golden thoughts of spring. We have unnumbered blessings here. The sunshine and the rains, So let us live and grateful be That such for us remains. 258 ALLEN DOUMAN'S POEMS. MAY I NOT. Yes, my true and friendly maiden, We have gladly met to-night, We are friends and we are lovers. Seeking to be in the right. May our hearts be true and faithful, May thy heart be true to me, May we both live long as lovers, May I not prove vain to thee. We were friends and we were lovers In the sunny days of yore, Then it was we talked together, Of the future bright before. Then it was we praised each other In our hearts so glad and free, Then it was I promised truly, May 1 not prove vain to thee. If we love each other only We will know the right from wrong, Life to each will be a blessing. As we journey sweetly on. Then life's trials will be easy. And life's blessings will be free. If to each our hearts are faithful, May you not prove vain to me. Now the future gladly cheers us With new prospects every day Yet such hopes are thus relying On the things that pass away. Let us then be constant striving, Let thy heart be true to me, If thy heart is true and faithful I will not prove vain to thee. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 259 MAGGIE. Miss Maggie, hearts are often vain, And life is iieeting fast, And cherished hopes that once were bright Are drifting in the past. 01), yes, this heart's been very sad, It's often ached with pain, And much its loved and cheiished long, Shall ne'er return again. What e'er the past has been with us. While on youth's sunny shore, I cannot speak but for myself Of thoughts which come no more. The gem of love that once was dear, Though childish hearts were vain, Was spurned beneath our treading feet, And chilled to death in pain. 'Twas other hearts then came to me. And lingered fondly nigh, All angry words which then were heard, Pray let us pass them by. Yes, let us be as friends once more. That love may pleasures find. That angry thoughts may never dwell Between this heart and thine. For what is life with all its praise, If we neglect our own? May cast a shadow o'er life's days. And lose what good we've sown. Yes, what is life with pilgrims here. If hatred must control? How can we do our duty right When all within is cold ? 260 ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. Then let us strive with courage true, And labor every day, That golden thoughts of kindness May not be thrown away. That life may glow with blighter hopes. And love sweet pleasures know That life may have the joys return, We loved of long ago. Then God will bless us while we live. And help us with his hand, And give us strength that we may strive To do what good we can. So let us live and do the right, And conquer thoughts of hate, And feel the pleasures lo forgive Before it is too lute. MINNIE. Miss Minnie is a pretty girl, And lovely as can be. And often gives a gentle smile, Intended all for ine. She has a heart to sympathise And all her charms are new, And she is near and dear to me Because she is so true. Oh, could I be with Minnie fair I'd feel that I was blest, I then could pleasures with her share, Aiid love her truly best. Then love would cherish all our hopes, And grow with pleasure strong. And gladly brighten every day, And cheer us swcetlv on. ALLEN DOEMAN'S POEMS. SGI MAMIE IN HEAVEN. Miss Mamie was my schoolmate, Far back in early youth, But now she is in Heaven, Safe with the God of truth. She's taken from love's circle PJer lovely features fail-. And saddened part its pleasures, And left it vacant there. She sought for new companions. And angels know her face. She's with her God in Heaven, That sacred, far-off place. She loves her new companions, And knows their chei'ished worth. For angels' hearts are purer Than hearts that dwell on earth They love her for her beauties. They love her for her praise. And love her for her kindness, Through bright, eternal days. She loves to live with angels, Her heart is happy now. She's won the crown of glory She wears upon her brow. Oh, Mamie, lovely Mamie, We would that she was nigh, And visit with her playmates From Heaven now on high. Oh. yes, we seek her presence Wherever she may live, For we would speak with Mamie If she could answer give. 3 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. They tell us she is spirit, And that she cannot come, And whisper words of kindness, As she has often done. But that she may be with us In vision or in dream, And help us in life's duty. All sweetly and serene. We know her home is Heaven, Where soon we hope to be. And that her loved companions Are happy now^and free. We see her as through fancy. Her home so far away, Through faith we bridge our vision To faith's eternal day. Oh, Heaven, far-off Heaven, With happy angels fair, That wing their presence lightly So far away from care. Oh, could we all be with them And with the angels rest, 'Twould ease the restless longing That lies within the breast. Miss Mamie, lovely Mamie, We bid her now adieu. As for respect for Mamie When she was with us true. We know she is in Heaven, Where spirits cannot die. So wait for us fair Mamie, We'll meet thee by and by. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 06 MY LAST SCHOOL-BELL. 'Tis sad indeed for me to hear Tones of my old school-bell, It turns my heart so quickly back, To days I've loved so well. Its tones remain familiar yet, Most as in days long passed, And I may ne'er forget the time It rang for me the last. Yes, it was long, long, years ago, Tho' few, yet long they seem. But when it was and how it was Appears most like a dream. Its tones I yet remember well, As fancy holds them fast. The same my youth has often heard Has rang for me the last. Yes, I was on my old playground, And heard my last bell ring, Its tones familiar then to me Fled as on solemn wings. Its tones I since have often heard, Yet rings for me no more. It rings for others quite the same As once for me in yore. But life has changed and friends have left And youth is on retreat, And I was sadly called from school And others have my seat. And I was called forth out in life To meet its cares and pain. And reap the harvest youth had sown, It ne'er can sow again. 1^ ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. Oh, when I pass the old school-ground And its surroundings see, And when I hear the school-bell ring I feel it calls for me. 'Twas therein childhood's sporting days Was formed life's guarding rule, The rules that seal life's destiny, The same was formed at school. Yes, then the seed of good or bad Is planted in the heart, And goes with life and stays with life And never may depart. Yes, all that molds our habits firm Is formed within us then, And stays with us and is our own When we have grown to men. The poor and weary may be good, The humble may be true, And faithful hearts may garner in The fruits of what they do. And kindness has its own reward, And duty is its stay, And labor is a creditor That's ever prompt to pay. Oh, some that heard my last bell ring May seek the heights of fame, And live for truth and usefulness And build up life and name. So let us work and do the right, And have the future tell. That life may pride in what it was Since rang its last school-bell. ALLEN DOBMAN'S POEMS. 265 MILLIE WHITE. COLORED. IN MEMORIAM. There is a wise and perfect God "Who's made and governs all, And gives to earth wliat earth deserves, Its portion, great and small. He counts not by the strong and brave, By numbers of the bold, And measures not by looks or dress, But plans to save the soul. And all true Christians, rich or poor, Who truly serve the Lord, Must enter death alloted them. And reap their own reward. Then happy will the Christian be Though poor in life below, ., To gain that bright celestial home Above life's every woe. And thus it was of whom we write, Unknown to wealth and fame, Yet true she helped the sick and poor, And bore a Christian's name. She was polite and good to all. And helping as a friend, And if the sick had need of her Ther could on her depend. But now she sleeps within her tomb, Beneath the dewy sod. Prepared in death's eternity. To meet a friendly God. Yes, meet her Lord she loved so true. And served so well on earth. And cast her lot with angels safe, And know sweet Heaven's worth. 266 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. No more to suflfer pain and grief, No more to linger long, But with the angels high above She joins their happy throng. And lives with them no more to die, And free from every care, And sing with them celestial songs In Heaven bright and fair. MY FOES. My foes, my foes, my watchful foes, They watch with envied eyes, And look as if they surely thought That all my words were lies. They seem to think that I am wrong, And what they do is right, And all the good that I may do Is only done for spite. They slur me and they envy me, Some look most awful mean, And act as if they had been whipped, Or smelt of something green. And should I happen to be wrong, It is an awful shame, They seem to glory at my loss, As if it was their gain. Come now, my foes, don't be so bad. Don't blind your mortal sight, Don't worry at the good I do. But let us all do right. This is a world of wide extent Where neighbors oft infringe, And where each heart is tempted much, And foes go unrevenged. ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. 267 MEN AND WOMEN. See the men and see the women, With affections how they splice, See some men so rough and ugly, See some women sweet and nice; See them when they love each other, See them talk and see them dance. See them when they get at sparking, See them labor for a chance. Men and women, men and women, Common in all peopled lands, Trading in a common traffic, Trading hearts and trading hands. Wonder how the men would like it . If the women were to fly. And the men could never catch them When they wanted huggin' pie. Wonder, wonder, awful wonder, Men and women all the while, Working to keep up in fashion. And in spreading on the style. Oh, we wonder what would happen Could such awful thing be true. Should the women leave the country, Wonder what the men would do. Men and women may be useful. When they labor and they try, When they learn the mul'plication, And they learn to multiply. Men are handy and convenient. With the women tame and true, Wonder, wonder, wonderful. What the men and women do. 8 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. MOST AWFUL SICK. Oh, my darling, yes, my darling. You are what I call my own, I could lift thee, I could pack thee, I could tote thee all alone. And I think jou ought to love me, I have loved thee long and true, Still I iind my little darling. Love is pleasant to pursue. Oh my darling, lovely darling, Faithful, gentle, true and tame, Lovely, pretty, sweet as honey, And I love thee all the same. Now my darling, be in earnest, You must love me all you can, Don't forget to let us whisper. Darling, dumplin's hand in hand. Take me darling to thy bosom, Lift and turn me gently o'er, Look right down upon me darling With th}' looks of sweet adore. Take me gently to thee darling. Draw me closely to thy breast, Let us look like little lovers. Or like two pet doves at rest. Let us woo as mashers do it. All in love our little bliss. As we whisper darling, darling. Let us seal a loving kiss. Darling, darling, lovely darling, Will you darling, love me true. If my darling loves me dearest, I will love a little too. ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. M MOURN NOT FOR ME. Mourn not for me for I must go, M}' heart is turned away, My heart is turned to leave its home. And truly turned to stay. My heart is turned and I must leave, And bid my friends adieu. And seek my home far, far away, With other faces new. I've tried in vain to do my part. And do my duty right, But all my plans are sadly now Repulsive in my sight. My efforts all have been in vain, And now I cannot stay, My troubles pain my weary heart, And it is turned away. I know some friends are dear to me, And neighbors have been true. But I must leave them all behind, 'Tis best that I can do. I feel some hearts may need my help, Their actions tell me so, But as it is, my heart is turned. And truly turned to go. Mourn not for me, 'tis my request, Dear friends, for we must part, The changes of this earthly life Is sad for every heart. And all we do in this vain life, Will soon be past and o'er, So let us live that we may meet Where partings are no more. «0 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. MEN OF DEEDS. True men of deeds, of useful deeds, Are real men of worth, • The men who do their duty riglit, Are best that dwell on earth. They toil and labor day by day, And know their duty best, And dare to labor for the right, And should be duly blest. We seek them much as social friends. And praise their merit true, And try to imitate their work In much they say and do. They liarvest treasures for the world, Bright thoughts of virtue's seed. And scatter with their main and might The blessings of their deeds. Oh, men of deeds, true men of deeds, They must delight their God, In that their deeds will live for right When they are 'neath the sod. We love to claim them as our friends. Their help we often need, And much delight in praising them About their worthy deeds. So let us live like men of deeds, And do our duty well, That others seeing how we do. May glad the story tell. True men of deeds are men of worth Whatever be their creeds, We all should imitate their good And live like men of deeds. ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. 37J MY SAD HEART. The sun above is clear and bright, The birds are singing glad, But O, within this aching breast This heart is cold and sad. There is no song, there is no charm That gives my heart relief. Life's cherished hopes that once were bright Have all been turned to grief. My heart is sad, my heart is sad, My hopes are all in vain, My heart has lost bright, cherished hopes It never can regain. My heart is weak and all is gloom, Where once was free and gladj My life is dark and sorrowful Because my heart is sad. This life is sad, O very sad, My heart is full of pain, I often try to find relief. But then I try in vain. My breast is aching all the time, My heart is bleeding sore. My grief is great for me to bear. And all is dark before. Oh, could I have my youth return. Its sunny days so bright. And all that life lias ever been. Above the thoughts of night. 'Twould bring my heart sweet comfort now, If it could pleasures see. It then would try to live agaiu And make this bosom free. 273 ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. MY AGED TEACHER Since early joutli I've truly known My faithful teacher's face, Tho' others have been dear to me, There's none that fills her place. Yes, long I've known her as my friend, And long I've known her name, Tho' fleeting years have changed her looks Her heart is yet the same. Now in her age her locks are gray, Her life is failing fast. She looks not for the world's renown, But thinks about the past, She's known the trials of this life, Her failings they are few. Her heart has passed thro' toil and pain, And tested it till true. Yes, now in age she looks to God, The God of Providence, And puts her trust within His care Safe in His confidence. She sees in age that youth is passed. And life is not secure. That all is fleeting here below And life must pain endure. Yes, youth is passed that once was fiee With sports and pleasures gay. Have faded with the mist of years. And with them passed away. So let us all a lesson learn From one so good and and true. And be like her in what was right That God may help us through. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 273 MINDED MEDDLERS. Yes, fair maiden heeded meddlers, And she's taken their advice, Let some persons fix her marriage With the one that she must splice. Yes, she trusted love so sacred, With some friends and friends alone, As if she had not a saying In what should have been her own. Yes, slie let some meddlers fix it, And they fixed it up their way, Now she sees they were mistaken, And she has the cost to pay. Yes, she bartered love so sacred, And she dared to venture bold In her act of hasty trading For the cheating thoughts of gold. Love, true love, yes, love was traded, Love that should have had no price, Love was lost, yes, lost forever In its trade with good advice. Now she blames her free advisers, And herself a little too. Now she sees she is the victim, Traded love may not be true. Lost true love in minding meddlers, Lost true love and love's delight. All that makes this earth a Heaven And its sunny road so bright. Lost and ruined and forever, While she mourns thro' wasting years, Sees she now where slighted others. Thro' her grief and silent tears. 274 Allen dorman s poems. MAIDEN AND THE MALE. There are pleasures, hopes and praises, That we meet with every daj, But the heart is constant changing, And its pleasures will not staj. Yet the pleasures that we cherish, And we wish would never fail, Are the pleasures that are sweetest With the maiden and the male. Life would be a vale of sorrow, If there were no maidens fair, Sweet to praise the men and boys With their solace and their care. See how the boys love the maidens. When they fix themselves for sale, See their hearts thump forth with pleasure When the maiden's with the male. Nature made the pretty maidens, Furnished them with beauties bright. But it made the men at leisure, Or at odd times in the night. Thus the men are rough and ugly. And with faces often pale, But it all is turned to sweetness When the maiden's with the male. Man was once a prided racer, Descended from the monkey tribe, Down thro' ages he has tumbled With a maiden at his side. Doctors prove the old rib story. But all creeds and doctrines fail. When the sexes are in earnest, And the maiden's with the male. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 276 MAIDEN'S NATURE. See the maidens when they love us, How they look another way, How they smile and laugh a little As if accidentally. An accident — no accident. They sweetly love untrue. It is planted in their nature. And they cultivate it too. Maiden's nature, maiden's nature. How they flirt and how they play. How they try to sweetly charms ua As they look another way. Yes, they love us, dearly love us, But may never tell us so. They would truly have us love them In some other way you know. Get us charmed and they are happy. When they think they have us caged, Then they get about their planning With the terms to get engaged. All because they charmed us sweetly. With their looks and with their plan, With their sweet romantic nature. Talking of another man. Maiden's nature, maiden's nature, Always sweet but seldom true, Plans with plans should go together, We should have some nature too. Nature, nature, saucy nature. Maiden's nature is the game. How they test life's better nature. Yet they love us all the same. i ALLEN DORM AN S FOEWS. MOKNING OF DECAY. When the earth was formed by nature, By a law of perfect plan, Wisely for the soul's creation. And the safe abode of man. Yes, when Adam ate the apple. And he threw man's life away. Came the night of sin and darkness. And the morning of decay. Then it was man first degraded, Fell from Eden's high estate. Sealed for man his mortality, Brought to earth his sin and hate. Man was driven from the garden By the law he must obey. After night, which must have followed, Dawned the morning of decay. Down thro' ages man has wandered 'Neath a bright, decaying sun. Saw from nature and its doings What the law of death has done. Man has suffered and repented. And has wandered far astray From the duty of his purpose, Since the morning of decay. Nature has a law that teaches Of the ocean, air and ground. Which extends from earth to planets. And the distant worlds around. All through space and earthly substance, All that moves in nature's sway. All that's subject unto nature Had its morning of decay. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 277 Nature has its storms and tempests, Has its sunsliine and its breeze, Gives to man his bitter portion, Sorrow, famine and disease. Wars have come and humbled nations, Crime has raged in sad dismay, Earth to earth has been corroding Since the morning of decay. Wars and rumors, wars and famine. Wars and mighty wars have come, And hath sunk life into darkness. Buried from the light of sun. Sorrow, grief and mental anguish, All the doings of a day, Spreading death and desolation Since the morning of decay. Yet to earth all nature echoes In the cadence of its song, That the right may yet be righted Safe and sacred from the wrong. Yes, the hope of pleasant sunlight, And the gentle songs of May, All for life may rise from darkness Since the morning of decay. Truth, indeed, will sure be righted. Justice treads with leaden steps, Though it slumbers in its prison. Wisdom rights its injured debts. And the Lord is ever watchful. When the soul is torn away He will save it, if it's worthy. From the workings of decay. 8 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. MASHED. What is mash, O, what is mashed, Its meaning or its name, When mashed upon another heart, Or smitten on the same. Now some folks say it is to bruise, And others say to flirt, And others think it is to love, Until the loving hurt. Now mash, is to get all broke up, And love with ardent heat, And have some difficulties in To make the loving sweet. When love is mashed and desperate, A longing and yearning. Is just its very meaning true, Drawn from source of learning, MISS ANNIE. Fair and lovely, features blooming, Free like morning bright. Young and pretty, full of promise, Cheerful with delight. God hath made thee fair and lovely. Pride of what He coukl, And hath favored thee with blessings. That thou may be good. MISS ELLA. Thou art lovely, fair and pretty, Flush with bloom of youth. Dreaming of a sunny future With thy heart of truth. Yes, thy heart it asked the favor. To insert thy n;imc In the book that wo arc writing, Classed with those of fame. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 279 MUSIC. Sweet music, strains of music, We love its notes so well, It chants the weary bosom, And bids the heart to swell. Yes, music, ciiimes of music, That vibrate thro' the trees. And floats like gentle zephyr So softly on the breeze. Oh music, notes of music, Fond blessings sweetly bring, Yet, fills the heart with sadness, When it is called to sing. We love the charms of music, Tiiey lure and lift the soul, And waft the spirit upward, Where songs grow never old. JEFFERSON DAVIS. The worthy men of nations, Who rule affiiirs of state, And help the world to prosper, May well be counted great. And thus, with Mr. Davis, A worthy man indeed. A statesman and an author. Who met a public need. Thus all men of the country, Who shine from stations bright, Are like the stars of glory, That move tlie shades of night. Their lives are ])ublic models, Tiieir deeds ai'e gems of worth, And all their works are worthy. That help and bless the earth. 280 ALLEN r.CT.v.Ay: prr.y.?. MAETIN VAN FUEEX. Each luorral lieuit iiuiy liavi- n lusk. In soiDG way wliilu on (aiili. And those who reach tie pre sidcnt. Are a])<" to be of worth And men who wend tl nr ( wn wry np, By worthy deeds and vay^, May tridy nieiit in their rank Mncli great a])i)lause and praise. The world lialh need of worthy hearts, To rule it as they should, And wliile eaeh heart niay not be great, May all be true and good. So let US live and let us try, And wisely do the right. That God niay give us in tl e end A crown forever bright. MILLARD FILLMOEE. To reach the rank of president May cost an effort true, And that high rank may well belong To only great and few. Yet Mr. Fillmore reached it safe As thirteenth president, And luled the country in his name, Before his life was spent. Thus other iiearts may learn of him. His life of truth and deed. And try to bless humanity By helj)lng it in need. We have but one time here to live. And one time here to die. So we should make the most of life. And dare to live and trv. BENJAMIN HARRISON.-Page 281. GROVEK CLEVELAND.-Page 281. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 281 GROVER CLEVELAND. Mr. Grover, Grover Cleveland, A heavy man of fame, Who beat in race for president, A Mr. James G. Blaine. He broke the rule of party reign. And rode proud into state. And in his democratic reign Was counted wise and great. He started out in early life, And wended his own way. And battled with adversities. Till came a brighter day. And thus it is with self-made men. Who dare to live and try, May help the world, and bless the world. Before they come to die. BENJAMIN HARRISON. The bright men of the country, The worthy and the true, Who sway and rule the nations, Belong to only few. And thus it is an honor, To be related nigh To chieftain of the nation, Up in its ranks so high. The great men and tlie worthy. Do unto others show, How they have reached the stations, The world may well bestow. 'Tis good to be related, To men of high estate, But better, yes, far better, To make self good and great. 282 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. MINGLED WITH SORROW. All that we cherish in the heart, And all the heart may borrow, And all the hopes of better days Are mingled here with sorrow. We feel the spirits rise and fall As in our nature blended, They are indeed the bosom's need, They have so often mended. The hopes that lure ns sweetly on In gloiy or in pleasure, May 'waken grief and seek relief In times of sighing leisure. For every hope there is a sigh, For every hill a hollow, And all the pleasures of the heart Are mingled liere with sorrow. MEET ME m THAT OTHER WORLD. Once on a time I had a friend In sickness stricken down, And while she on her dying bed Her friends were gathered round. She knew me as she softly spoke, She was a little girl. She spoke to me in dying words, Meet me in that other world. Oh, meet again, yes, meet again, Beyond this world of toil, Bright in that world we shall be free From this our mortal coil. Yes, meet again, I'll keep ray word, A promise of the soul. We'll meet where kindred part no more, And time grows never old. Mi»thi<;k is dead.-page -jus. ALLEN DOEMAN'S TOEMS. 283 MOTHER IS DEAD. Oh, Lord, my God, my Savior, My heart is tilled with pain, My mother, O, my mother, I ne'er shall see again. In death she sweetly slumbers, I ne'er shall see her more, Her face, her form and features, Or pleasant smiles she wore. With her bright hopes have perished, Bright hopes within my breast, Yet one that I must cherish Is that she's with the blest. "We liope to meet thee, mother, On Heaven's far-oflt' shore. Yes, meet and greet thee, mother, Where we shall part no more. MES. M. A. GANTT. IN MEMORIAM. Of all the heart may claim on earth, Above, beyond all other. In way of sacred hearts to love It is an own dear mother. Yet life is such we all must die And pass beyond the river. And break all kindred ties of life, Forever and forever. Oh, thus to sadly give her up, As children sometimes suffer. May hardly realize their fate In losing dearest mother. Yet just beyond the vale of death, Dear friends are waiting truly. And there will greet us as we come As Heaven's fondest duty. 284 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. MORTALIIY. My neighbors aredjingand passing away, And much I've cherished in youth, With friends and kindred that's dying so fast, They 'waken mortality's truth. As pilgrims, as strangers, we march on the way, As soldiers far out on the plain. As brothers that are passing, parting and sighing. We mortals are doing the same. Down deep m the heart may cherish sad tears. O'er withering death and decay, The death that severs the circles of friends, When loved ones are taken away. How sadly they pass and go from our midst, Are wafted safe up to their God, The immortal lives, the mortal must die, Left moldering under the sod. Oh, terrible death, it makes the heart sad To think of its victims of worth Can never repay or give in return An equal for loved ones of earth. But yet we must bear, the heart must endure The losses of death and decay. And feel in the heart 'tis all for the best, The Lord of the soul will repay. MOliTALiTi'.-PAGE yai. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. : MRS. F. A. CARTER. IM memoriam. Of every tree and flower, That spring up from the earth, Hath truly in their nature A purpose in their birth. And thus with mortal human As transient as the tree, Hath likewise some good purpose For its eternity. They come, they bloom, they perish, All common in their way. And serve some given purpose, However brief their stay. So let us know life's mission, And strive to do the best, That we may sweetly merit The title to be blest. FATHER IS DEAD My father, O, my father, Is sleeping now in death, The sleep that knows no 'wak'ning And knows no earthly breath. He's gone to meet my mother On heaven's far-off shore, Where they shall live forever, And they shall part no more. My father and my mother Hath left me all alone. And now are with the spirits Where spirits do not mourn. Oil when I reach those portals. When this sad life is done, My father and my mother Shall greet me when I come. 286 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. MKS. FANNIE PEINCE. IN MEMORIAM. This life is like a shadow That moves and passes on, And leaves no trace behind it As proof where it has gone. And shades that follow substance, The substance must decav, And all is unsubstantial That's doomed to pass away. Oh. how each life is sinking From all its ties so dear, Down into oblivion, Ne'er to re-appear. But yet beyond the sinking There's hope eternal bright, A promise of the future That all will there be right. MKS. FANNIE MOAD. Oh, deep within the mortal heart Life's sorrows may descend, When fate has yielded up to death Another cherished friend. 'Tis death that breaks the warmest ties That bind true hearts to earth. And wafts them from this mortal sphere To climes of purer worth. The deeds we do they truly live Beyond this earthly sun, And far beyond this life and derth Are treasured all we've done. Yes, silent, sadly, in this life The true ones pass away. And welcome us to follow on To life's eternal day. ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. MKS. E. L. PRICE. IN MEMORIAM. How true to life its living, That life must pass away, And hardly leave impressions Behind it that will stay. So brief, so frail, so transient, Is all in life we do, That life seems hardly prompted To labor and be true. But yet it is with many, The worthy and the good Have tried to do their duty In every way they could. And they who labor faithful Shall conquer and be blest. When they shall anchor safely Upon the shores of rest. MEN^S WIVES. Men's wives, men's wives, of great and small Are women, yet men's wives, May talk to husbands, other men, And rule them with surprise. But wlien the darlings try to reign, And try to wear the breeches. They should remember man was made To needle with his stitches. 8 ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. MRS. F. M. DELAYEEGNE. IN MEMOEIAM. One more has left us sadlv, One more has passed away, Was called from earth forever To everlasting day. She was n)y friend and teacher, A teacher of my youlh, She taught me in my childhood Her noble thoughts of truth. But she has past forever, We cannot see her now. And deatii has moved the trials That wore upon her brow. Her ti'ials now are over, And busy cares of earth No longer act as burdens Upon her heart of worth. Yes, she is with her Savior, With angels bright and fair, With Jesus, her redeemer. Who heard her words of prayer. Her heart it is contented With spirits of the blest, And clothed in spirits' garments. Their immaterial dress. Her features are immortal Thro' one eternal day, Where God, the light of Heaven, Drives darkness all away. And all is pure and holy, The fairest and the best, As nothing enters Heaven That Heaven would detest. ALLEN DOKMANS POEMS. Oh, Heaven, endless Heaven, That city of the soul, That city of all riches, With happiness untold. The honje, the source, the center, The fountain of the jmre. Where love and peace and mercy Dwell safelj and secure. The home of God eternal, The center of the wise, Beyond the bounds of mortal, Its liighest to arise. Where life has its existence, The mind and sou! of man, So ])rcperlj adapted To that celestial land. Adapted to its nature, Whei'e wisdom may unfold The beauties of all science, The science of the soul. Oh. it must be delightful, Where spirits are divine, Where God in all his wisdom Hath honored the design. The Lord lialh ])lanned it proper- And made it for the best. Where hiorlals when immortal May Ix! forevi'i' blest. Oh, when v, c reacli those poi'tals, The li(;ut may Kellci- ki.ow How grt>at is (-iod Almighty. On that eternal shore. 290 ALLEN DORM AN' S POEMS. Yes, when we sweetly anchor Upon the shores of time, My teacher, tlien more thorough, May teach of things divine. Yes, teach of things immortal, And far and near explore The beauties of all teachings, Far better than before. The same God who made mortals, Made Heaven, earth and air. And gave them law and order, Consistent with His care. And we are all His beings, And subject to His will, Adapted to some duty. His purpose to fulfil. And thus we all should labor. And do life's duty well. And reap its coming harvest Its own reward will tell. They tell us God is spirit. That souls are spirits too. That in them there is merit. If we but only knew. Death's fathoms, we shall know them, When we are called to die. The mysteries of Heaven, Its gloi'ies there on high. So let us gain that Heaven, "Where weary hearts may rest. Though it may cost us trials. To be forever blest. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 291 MISS MAGGIE SALMON. IN MEMORIAM. One more with the departed, One more with Heaven's blest, One more is now with spirits, The fairest and the best. One more with souls immortal, Beyond this world of care, And in that f ar oflF city, Is with the angels fair. She is with God, her Savior, Immortal and divine. Where temples old and lasting, Wear not away with time. Her stay with earth is ended, She knows her own reward, Her home is now eternal, Contented with her Lord. She knows the thoughts of angels, She knows what we shall know When life its stay is ended, And we are called to go. Her heart is now celestial, Her eyes no longer blind To see and know the wonders Upon the shores of time. Her stay on earth was transient. And like the fallen leaf That falls to earth decaying, Through its own nature brief. She had a heart to labor In duty and in care, Her name we called it Maggie, Her beauties they were fair. 292 ^LLEN DORMAN S POEMS. Her deeds wei-e those of kindness, With those who knew her best, Her life was one of duty. And hearts were truly blest. Yet God hath need of worthy, He claims them as his own, To brisjht adorn the circles Of his immortal home. Her heart is gone forever, Her presence is not here, In Heaven with the angels, Hath found a nobler cheer. There God is truly mindful Of each and every heart. And gives the angels blessings That never can depart. Yes, she has gone to gladden The loved ones gone before, And taken with her spirit The beauties that she wore. Her heart was turned to meet them. The loved ones she had known. And bright in Heaven greet them, Her kindred and her own. Oh, sweet will be the meeting Of kindred hearts above, Where all is peace and safety, And everlasting love. We hope to meet thee, Maggie, With loved ones gone before. Yes. meet and greet thee, Maggie, When we shall reach that shore. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 293 MISS ANNIE PARKS. IN MEMOKIAM. Another friend and schoolmate, Has passed from earth away, And joined the happy angels, Forever there to stay. In death she sweetly slumbers, The sleep that knows no wake, The sleep of features mortal. Her soul it could not take. She left what ties were earthly, The way w^e all must do, To gain the strands of Heaven "With happy angels true. Her heart was kind to others, Her beauties they weio fair. Yet God most sought her kindness, To cheer His presence there. Her heart was true and w^orthy, Her deeds were those of love. Yet God had need of worthy, To dwell with him above. And all of earth that's sacred, Its highest and its best. Belongs to Heaven proper. The center of the blest. Oh. Heaven is eternal. Its climes forever new, Tlie center and the fountain Of all that's good and pure. So may we all be gathered, When life its work is done, Unto the Lord in Heaven, Without the loss of one. 894 ALLEN DORMAN'S ror.MS. MISS MATTIE SNELLING. IN MEMOKIAM, How soon this life its journey Must perish as relief, And take from earth the spirit, Its staj however brief. The young, the fair and worthy, Must yield to nature's sway, The nature of our being, And with it pass away. And all we hold as sacred, And all we call our own. Must yield to death its nature, And sink in death's unknown. One more with the departed, One weary seeking rest. One spirit more in Heaven, One more with Heaven's blest. MISS BIKDIE MAXWELL. The good, the true, the worthy, The lovely and the fair, Have in their lives a purpose, That's interwove with care. We know by things around us, That life must meet its death, And take from earth forever AH vital bloom and breath. The fairest of companions, Of college and of home. The Lord saw fit to summons Unto his favored own. And thus the Lord will gather. All who his word obey. Unto himself in glory To live eternally. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 295 MISS CALLIE MURPHY. IN MEMORIAM. The trne, the bright, the beautiful, The best that God hath made, Must be transplanted unto him. Where features do not fade. Yes, all that's worthy, good and true, When God shall claim His own. And all He claims must go to Him, And there be gathered home. Earth's hopes they blast, and features fade, And all around so free. Are luring with us hast'ly on To one eternity. Miss Callie, yes, a cherished light, Of college and of home. Yet God had need to claim her His, In Heaven as His own. MISS BIRDIE LUCAS. Oh yes, the bloom of summer, With all its promise gay Is but a dream of fancy That soon must pass away. The fair, the gay, the lovely, With all the bloom of youth, Has not a hope or promise, That can evade this truth. And thus the pride of parents, Of college and of home, Has left them as a pilgrim. That could not take its own. But then she goes to Heaven, That far-off city fair. And there will truly greet us. When we shall meet her there. 296 ALLEN DOKMAN'S POEMS. MISS EMMA WILLIAMS. IN MEMOEIAM. Yes, all that bloom in season Or 'wakens from the gionnd, Or has the form of hiiiuan. Mortality is found. And all the good and worthy, However high in trust, That's subject unto earthly Shall soon return to dust. And all the good and faithful. The lunnble and the true, That blcom like lovely flowers Must fade like flowers do. But yet there is in human That part of life that lives, And has a claim eternal Which God of human gives. MEET ME, MOTHER Meet me, mother, meet me, mother, On that far-offshore. Safe beyond all pain and dying Where we'll part no more. I am coming, meet me, mother In that world so fair. Oh, my mother, O dear mother, How I need thy care. Oh, IVe suffered at thy leaving. In my bosom deep. Yet I know 'tis not thy wishes That thy son should weep. Meet me, njothei'. greet me mother, With thine own true hand. Gladly show me things so wondrous. In that blissful land. ALLEN DOKMAN'S POEMS. f.PT NAPOLEON BONAPAETE. Of all great men who ever lived In this great world of ours, [hearts There's none that's swayed more human In conquest with eartii's powers He awed the world with monarch force, More dreadful than a flood, Was cannon fright along his trail That flowed with human blood. Oh, shall who fought to check his march Still hope for victory, Or shall their w^ounds go unrevenged Out in eternity ? Yet he was great, we call him great, As his great actions show, He often tried to do the right To overcome life's foe. N. P. WILLIS. In looking at the men of worth, The men who lived for right, There seems to be around their lives A burning glow of light. A glow that makes their names sublime By what they've done and said. Because their hearts have blest the world While they are with the dead. And thus their lives are monuments Of blessings on the earth. And all their deeds that make them great Are gems of honored w^ortli. And thus we all should lessons learn From great men good and true, And try to imitate their w^ays In work we have to do. 298 ALLEN DOEMANS POEMS. NANCY JANE. Miss Nancy Jane, O Nancy Jane, If I was sweet like thee I'd charm the single men around And have them all love me. I'd keep the market on a boom, And sweetly charm the men. And frighten all the other girls, And neither ask nor lend. Oh, Nancy Jane, O Nancy Jane, If I could charm like thee I'd never let another girl Obtain a start of me. Yes, I would court and dream and dress, And love with sweet adore. And cultivate my pretty charms. And charm forevermore. NATURE'S STORE. Nature's store is all around. And nature's healing health May well repair life's healing parts. If we but knew its wealth. The fields around have treasures rare, The forest and the plain Are richly stocked with medicines That heal life's every pain. The sunshine is a fountain store, The minerals of the earth. With roots and plants are remedies, If we but knew their worth. Then wisdom learn of all around, Tlie flowers and the tree, As God hath placed them for man's good, And placed the good things free. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. SOO NOT THE NAME. I knew a man, an honest man, He labored all the day, And sought the good that he could do, And in the proper way. He sought the right and proper road That leads to honest fame. And tho' his heart was often praised, He did not seek the same. He held no malice in his heart, No hatred in his soul, And lived a life of usefulness. From youth till he was old. He labored for a worthy cause, And lived to serve the same. His deeds were those of eminence. But did not seek the name. He labored with an honest lieart, And was a useful man, And lived to serve humanity. And lend a helping hand. As wise and good do noble deeds. He surely did the same. While some are praised for what they do Ho did not seek the name. So let us labor for the right Till brighter days shall dawn, That when the Lord shall claim his own. May find each toiling on. The Lord who watches all we do, Each deed of love or blame. Will give us credit for the good. Regardless of the name. 300 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. NOAH WEBSTER. Noah Webster, Noah Webster, Like a star of light, Shedding fortli its rajs of lustre Through the darkest night. Yes, a star to shine for ages, Tlirongh the wear of time, Fadeless in its brilliant lustre, Like a world sublime. Yes, a heart of rarest merit, And of purest worth, Wisely wrought its worthy labors While upon the earth. Thus we all should do our duty, While its not too late, Striving to be good and useful Like the true and great. NOT ACCEPTED. You have sent your angry message Unto one so far away, And she deems your efforts worthless, Or but trifles of a day. You have sought to sway her feelings, Through your efforts plain and bold, But perhaps have not considered That to her your words are cold. She will not accept your message And she'll never claim it true, Slie has rights and they are sacred, She has rights as well as you. Not the rights of mere rejecting. But the rights to do the right, And to rue your angry message. But accept you with delight. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 301 NOT GUILTY. Yes, anything is fair in love, And love is always fair, When courting davs are courted out With prudence and with care. So little lovers should be sharp And have their plans run smooth, And never make mistakes at all When jokes will answer truths. Tho' you should make a big mistake, Don't let your guilt appear, But try and smuggle up all clues And guilty looks of fear. Don't let your rivals Und it out, For they M-ill tell on you, And they will try to do you up, And beat you acting true. NATUKE TAUGHT. Nature taught my pretty girl To love me all she can. And have a special love for me Instead another man. Yes, nature taught her how to live And think so much of me, That I am glad that nature is The thing its thought to be. Her love it seems spontaneous, And center in her breast, That nature must have put it there, The sweetest and the best. She loves me true and acts her part, And seems so good and kind. That I am proud to know she has Those notions in her mind. 302 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. NO ONE CAKED FOR ME. Once this heart was weak and weary, Once was broken and was sad, No one sought to help it friendly, No one sought to cheer it glad. Though I often met with persons Who were favored and were f ">, But they told me by their actions That they did not care for me. I was poor and I was troubled, Knew my earthly lot was sad, Often has my heart been weary, Troubled with some persons bad. Yes, this heart has felt the losing Of the hopes it cherished free, All because some hearts were strangers, And they did not care for me. Though I passed thro' crowds of people, Thro' the throngs of busy men. No one spoke a word of kindness. No one knew me as a friend. Oh, the trials of an author. Or of him who tries to be Wretched, hated and forsakened. No one thought to care for me. Oh, the grief and mental anguish Tiiat I've suffered day by day, Simply through neglect of others Who refused their sympathy. When my heart was young at trying, When it sought a future free. And when I was in my troubles, Often no one cared for me. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 303 ONLY A WISH. Only a wish tliat life was young, Only a wish of youth, Only a dream of what has been, Only a thought of truth. Only a wish that life could be What its youth has been, And feel as youth has often felt, Without a care within. Only a wish, a lone, sad wish, Only a wish to be The same that youth has sweetly been, When it was bright and free. Only a wish, a sad, sad wish, For what was once life's own, A wish that life could see and claim The good things life has known. OLD BALKY. Old Balky was an old bay mare. And clumsy in her walk. She lost her instinct how to pull, But saved it how to balk. Her heart was full of balky tricks. While working in the road She thought to balk at every hill, And would not pull her load. She'd turn her head and look around At every balking place. As if she only wished to see The f I'own upon your face. Like Judas, for his sins of old. The pond was her death-bed. When brother John proclaimed the news, " Old Balky mare was dead. " V 304 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. ONCE FRIENDLY. Oh, worthy friend, thou hast been dear To me in days of yore. But this heart is turned away, And seeks thy help no more. Yes, I must say thou hast been good, Thy heart it has been dear, When other friends deseiled me Tliou freely came so near. It fills mine eyes with bitter tears To tell thee thou may go, For thou hast been my dearest friend When others were my foe. But be our troubles as they may, Wherever I may be, ril hold it true in memory, Thou hast been dear to me. ONE PURPOSE. One hope, one aim, one purpose, One object and design. One lieart with soul and body, One motive in the mind. One rule, one hope, one system, One practice that I can. One habit and one council Will make a mighty man. And thus the Lord intended The heart should toil in need, And gave life rules and systems, By which it may succeed. And if we do life's duty. And labor for the best, And serve one purjiose truly, That purpose will be blest. ALLEN DOUMANS POEMS. 305 OUT-RUN THE HORSE. First settlers of this countrj Disputed Indians' rights, And tliey would often battle, And have some awful fights. The Indians all were tricky, And white men tricky too. And when one got advantage. Would put the other through. But white men were good marksmen On running or the wing. And with their specks and rifles, Could hit most anything. They often shot to practice, With steady nerve and aim, When Indian man was target, Was sure to liit the same. A white man, once out hunting. Espied an Indian chief, And thought he'd steal the Indian And be an Indian thief. But Indian man objected. He could not see the point, For he was good at running, And quick at every joint. The white man sought to capture The big, old Indian chief, And bring him down to justice, For liis bad unbelief. The white man was on horseback, A racer number one, While Indian chief was walking, But ready for the run. 306 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. They ran a lengthy distance. Perhaps a mile or more, And ended off convincing The Indian was before. He out-run horse tlie racer, With both eyes open wide, He reached the brush securely. Where he could safely hide. His feet proved his salvation. The Indian chief went free. And then thanked the great spirit For his sweet liberty. It was a case of logic, A case to understand, Where Indian chief, big Indian, Was better than white man. ONE FOR AN AUDIENCE. I'll preach to thee, darling, Sweet doctrines of truth, As thou the best audience IVe had since my youth. I'll quote my text proper. The sweetest and best, A passage to cherish Of love in the breast. The words of my sermon, Let never depart. And take up collection. Of love for the heart. I'll preach to thee, darling. Of doctrines above. The doctrines of doctrines, Sound doctrines of love. Oi^LY A DREAM. Unly 6 dream, a sweet, sWeet dream, Wlier^ hopes and joys were found, Wliere flowers 'mid the bloom of youth Were lovely all around. Wliere life was sweet and cares were few, And naiure smiled with love, And where the sun, so clear and bright, Was shining high above. Where all was peace and hope and praise, And everything was bright, And where each face was fresh and new With beauty and delight. Oh, it was sweet to |ream such dream. It made the bosom glad, And though it brightened all its hopes. It left the bosom sad. Yes, life has known such real dream, And thoughts of distant yore, Has left behind that peace of mind Which then was bright before. There is no heart, however cold, However far from truth. But what has had some time in life A pleasant dream of youth. ONCE BRIGHT. Once the hopes of youth were bright, Full of song and praise. And the cares of life were light In those distant days. Once bright were the sports of youth, Yes, in more than name, But it is a solemn truth, They'll not come again. 30b ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. ONLY A LESSON. Only a lesson by the way, Taught by one so true, Only a lesson wc should keep, Taught for me and you. In this wide world one so kind, Sowing kindness free, Sowing kindness every day, Yes, for you and me. She WJ18 kind and good to all When their hearts were sad, She was helpful unto them That they may be glad. So it is on life's dark way If we rue the blame, And we scatter deeds of love, We shall reap the same. OLD MEMORIES. Old memories, old memories. How true to life they come. And bring to mind some lost event Of things we've seen or done. [act, Some deed, some play, some hope, some Some sport of days gone by. When brought forth plain in mtmory May seem to be so nigh. Old memories, old memories. Though often written deep On moldy pages of the heart, Are sacred things to keep. Yet in them there is hope revived, Sweet pleasures and content. That bids our feelings not be sad. If life has been well spent. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 309 OLIYER CROMWELL. Like the stars that shine above us, Thro' a boundless world of night, Are the lives of noted persons Whose illustrious deed are bright. Yes, their lives are true examples Unto those who know their ways, And their worthy deeds should merit Of the world its honored praise. Cromwell, Cromwell, worthy Cromwell, England's chieftain in the right, Wisely fought its trying battles With his vah)r and his might. Thus we all should be like Cromwell, In that we have wars to gain. Struggle to be good and useful, And be great in deed and name. OLIVER GOLDSMITH. The great men and the useful men Who make their mark in life. Have often had to wend their way High over loss and strife. But they have dared to live and try, And sought to overcome, ^Till life it found a pleasant task lo know what it had done. And thus it is, we all may live In trying to be right, May overcome in what is good, And make life's journey bright. And life's good deeds will help the world. If we but only try. May make the world a better world Pefore we come to die, 310 ALLEN DOUMAN'S POEMS. ANDREW JOHNSON. There is a charm about the lives Of great and wortliy men, Who leave with us their useful lives To help us and befriend. In striving to be true and great, And living to be right. They leave around their honored names A constant glow of light. And thus we all should strive to live, Like honored men of fame, That we may like them, useful be, And build up life and name. We learn that they have often tried, Through trial and through grief, And truly conquered in the end, When blessings brought relief. PATRICK HENRY. The sway of genius may attain A stand immortal high. And build a name up in the world, That will not easy die. May build a name to bless the world, To live and firmly stay. And stand securely when all else Has fell or passed away. And thus with Mr. Henry, great. His genius will endure, For it was built upon the rights, The world will make secure. His name will long defy the storms, Securely and sublime. Like other great and honored names, That glow through age and time. ALLEN DORMAN S POEMS. 811 PHINEAS FLETCHER. The light that glows about the lives, Of great and worthy men, May prompt a feeling in the heart, Our lives may likewise end. Yes, once their hearts were frail and weak, And feeble like our own. But striving to be eminent. They made life's purpose known. And thus it is that we may live, And make life's purpose great. If we but toil like they have done. Before it is too late. So let us try and useful live, And labor to befriend, That we may make life's purpose known, Like great and useful men. PLATO. Men whose deeds are great and worthy. And whose hearts are greater still. Shed forth light of fame and honor From the stations that they fill. They are known as great and useful, By the labors they have done, And each life shines through the ages. Like some star or brilliant sun. They are known, they are remembered. All their worthy deeds are new, And we honor them for labors They have wrought so well and true. Let us then improve the moments, Let us labor as we should, That our lives may likewise merit Stations like the great and good. 312 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. FRANKLIN PIERCE. The men whose lives have bless'd the world By helping it aright, And teaching principles of worth, Have made their own deeds bright. Great men are frequent self-made men, And self-made mnu are best. Because they strive to useful live, That others may bo blessed. They teach the world by what they'vedone, What other hearts may do, If they would only dare to try, And labor h»ng and true. The starions now of public trust That show the worth of men, Will be for other hearts to fill, If they are ready then. PARTING PILGRIMS. This life is one great journey, As o'er a distant plain. Where hearts are constant passing, To never meet again. Yes, pilgrims heie are parting, And some no more to meet, While on and on they journey With worn and weary feet. They have in this great journey, Some constant a/m in view. Some hope, some wish, some purpose. They eagerly pursue. So while we here may journey. With some bright hope or aim, As pilgrims we should cherish The hope to meet again. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 313 POMPEY. The good that great men do so well, Is felt when they are dead, If they have blessed humiinity By what they've done or said. They leave behind with public lives Some help or useful deed, That other hearts may wisely reap A help in time of need. And thus, the great men of the world, In some way bless the earth, By meeting well a public want Of merit and of worth. They show the world what they have done. And teach what hearts may do. If other hearts will only try. And labor wise and true. PETER COOPER The public men who bless the world, In wise and useful ways. Should merit of humanity. Its honor and its praise. Too much at best may not be said, Of men of useful deeds, Whose hearts are great philanthropists At meeting public needs. They bless the world by helping it. In working shrewd and wise, And prompting schemes that bring about Great booms of enterprise. Oh, would to God we had more men Of Peter Cooper's worth. To show and teach to other hearts How they could bless the earth. 114 ALLEN DOKMANS POEMS. ANDREW JACKSON. To reach the stage of president, In this extensive land, The heart must watch, and earnest try Most every way it can. Oh, yes, indeed, the heart must toil, If 'twould be termed great. And rule a nation wise and well, In spite of foe and fate. The lesson is that we must toil, If we would hope to be Like great and wise and useful men, Whose lives were bright and free. The great men who have blest the world. Behind their thrones of fame. And made this world a better world, Have known much care and pain. CHESTER A. ARTHUR. All public men of public deeds. Who reach the stations high, And fill such places wise and well, Have had to toil and try. Yes, they have had to labor true. And do their duty right, To leave a record in the world. And make their labors bright. And thus it is young hearts may live. And have the future show What stations they may occupy, In this dark world below. Each heart in life has special work, A purpose to fulfil. Some station it may occupy. If it will act "I will" AJiLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 316 PKOF. E W. STOWELL. IN MEMORIAM. My faithful teacher sleeps in death, He taught me in my youth, His mission was to help the world And live a life of truth. He did his duty wise and well, While here upon the earth, And lived to bless humanity, Like other hearts of worth. His mission was to teach the world The good things taught to him, And tried to teach to thoughtful youth How they may blessings win. And thus we all should manly live, As each and every one Are builders of some useful work, Designed us to be done. POSSESSIONS. The heart may have possessions, Consigned to its command. It may be gold or silver, It may be house or land. The heart may crave possessions. And seek their fancied worth; Oh, how its tied to treasures. Mere atoms of the earth. Possessions, great possessions, The heart may idolize, It may be friends the dearest, It may be kindred ties. It may be hope of Heaven, It may be rank or name; Oh, varied are the treasures This earthly heart may claim. 316 ALLEN DOXIMANS POEMS. PURSUITS. The human heart, if mindful, Pui'sues some promised gain, It may be real worthy. It may be hopeless vain. The heart with its ambitions, The fear that it may die. Its wishes and desires. Would prompt the heart to try. The heart pursues some promise, Some battle strive to win. It may be fields of merit. It may be weeds of sin. Of all we seek in harvest. Of culture or of gold. The wisest and the richest Is saving of the soul. PERSONALITIES. Personalities truly. In memory will stay. Till time its rude wearying Has moved tliem away. How often with persons We constantly meet. And glimpse of tlieir features The mind cannot keep. How often we ponder, We cannot have stay The features of persons That 're ]Kissing away. But yet there is promise Of meeting again. The likeness of features Earth cannot retain. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 317 PLEASUKES. The heart may seek for pleasures, And often seek in vain, And pleasures sought from vices Are sure to end in pain. Earth's pleasures are so transient They leave when you are nigh, Like bubbles light and glossy They soon forever flj-. Oh. vain are earthly pleasures. They never with you stay, The further that you seek them The further are away. Deceitful as a vision. And enijity as a dream. If hunted are uncertain. And never what they seem. PATIENCE. Patience, honest patience. Is destined to gain, And come out conqueror Over foe and pain. Working long and constant, And with steady mind, Hopefully and truly, Leaves you not behind. Patience, earnest patience, Toiling constant right. Makes the duty easy And the joui-ney bright. Patience is the secret Of a life time's gain. As some grandest structures. Patience built the same. 818 ALLEN DOBMAN'S POBMS. PUKITY. Purity of mind and manners Are the saints of Heaven, And a gem that should be sacred When to mortals given. Yes, a diamond of the bosom, Ever glowing brightly, Chaste in deed, in thought and action, Prompts the pilgrim rightly. POOR. Poor and wretched, without riches, May be rich with grace, Yet the poorly without promise Is the poorest place. Thus in life there's consolation With the rich and poor. Each may need the other's treasure To complete life's store. POWER Power may be good or evil, When controlled is great. As the power of the engine That propels its freight. Yes, there's power in the earthquake And the storms of night, When they spread their desolation O'er the promised bright. There is power in great battles That would awe the mind, And the worlds of mighty forces Moving on sublime. And there's power in the cannon, Kingdoms, thrones and gold. But the power that is greatest Is what saves the soul. PRINCE BISMARCK.- Page 319. ALLEN DOKMANS POEMS. 319 POOR JOHN FITCH. Poor John Fitch, the great inventor, Tested till his heart was tried, All along through life he struggled, Walked that other hearts may ride. Served he true a world ungrateful By his own devoted hand, Gave the world the first steam engine That to-day rules sea and land. Lived he poor and lived he wretched, Doing what he thought was best, Hated, pitied and neglected That a cold world might be blest. But the great men of all ages Seem to realize the fate. That their claims for recognition Frequent sadly comes too late. PRINCE BISMARCK. Prince Bismarck, a man of power, And a mighty man of fame. Who has built by his own efforts Up a high and honored name. Yes, he sways a mighty nation Thro' his manly efforts great, That he often gains some measure, In the high affairs of state. He is great and he is worthy, He is wise in many ways. And he labors for positions That secure him worldly praise. But his greatness and his powers. If not used in ways of truth. May come short of lowly blessings. That are found in tl:( ughts of youth. Ban ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. PAUL JONES. The lives of men of valor teach, And unto otliers show, How perseverance may advance And overcome life's foe. Yes, show indeed what future bright May be for those who try, And thus encourage all young men To wisely build up high. PETER THE GREAT. Peter the Great, we call him great Because his name was so, Because he worked for what was right And overcome the foe. Who's not heard of Peter the Great, And hoped to be great too, They should learn of Peter the Great, Who lived to serve life true. PARDON ME. Pardon me, my gentle maiden, Pardon me now if you will, As we have been little lovers, And I trust you love me still. Thou art fair and thou art worthy, Thou art lovely all the day, Thou art blooming in thy beauties Like a honey sweet and gay. Pardon me, my little maiden, Let us try and love once more, Let us love each other truly As we have in days of yore. I can never love another While love's cherished hope is bright, So let's n)ake up and be lovers, Let us 6imi)lv do the right. ALLEN DOBMAN'S POEMS. 881 PHILIP SIDNEY. Yes, the lives of noted persons Are examples unto men, For their labors and their triumphs Are the fruits of try again. God will bless the hearts of merit, Those who labor, those who try, And will help them reach the stations Up in life so bright and high. PROSPEROUS DAYS. The heart looks back with serious thought At once bright, prosperous days, When sweet success in business life Brought happiness and praise, [days, The prosperous days, sweet prosperous Their cherished thoughts are gems. And songs we sing are not complete Without some thought of them. PRAYER. Oh, Lord, the God of Heaven, The Lord of earth and air, I owe thee my petition And pour it forth in prayer Oh, hear my supplication In mercy and in love. And save me in thy Heaven, Eternally above. This earth is not my station. This earth is not my home, This earth is changing substance And goes in the unknown. Then save me, gracious Father, And take me to thy breast, And let me live in Heaven With angels and the blest. 533 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. POOR MAN^S DAY. The ])0or man has his grief to bear, And has his times of fear, Yet well ho knows the hopes that come. For they may come with cheer. He has his share of sad and sweet, His duty is his day, He labors for the right to live. He toils for honest pay. And those who try the city life May find no better boon, But find their bills of house rent Come sure as comes the moon. They live and meet the stuns of life. And poor man's day must come. But then with death all men have days. When earthly days are done. PERPETUAL MOTION. I've heard my friend has been at work For several Sundays past. That he has turned philosopher. And sought the thing at last; It motioned up and motioned on. And motioned round and round, And motioned properly enough Until it motioned down. He fixed his model up to run, And showed it to his clerk. Who thought it like its projector, It was not made to work. Philosophers, philosophers. Philosophers so deep, Who long have for this motion sought, May longer let it sleep. ALLEN DOEMAN'S POEMS. 328 PASSIKG AWAY. Come past, with all }'onr partings, Your sad and bitter teais, And tell me of the changes You've seen thro' passing years. Yes, come with life's conditions. And tell me what you may — How life is constant moving. And passing swift away. You've seen life sad and real, Its feelings fall and rise, You've seen the heart repenting, In deep and silent sighs. And though the heart may cherish Some hope of pleasures gay, Yet in them find the warnings. That pleasures pass away. Yes, passing, passing ever. And live content to learn. When life has past forever — Will never more return. The days of life are passing, And life can never stay On earth with all the changes, That changes life away. The birds that sing so sweetly And cheer the aching breast. Are passing with time's current, That never is at rest. And all that earth possesses, The beautiful and gay. That has an earthly nature Must with earth pass away. 8S4 ALLEN DORMAN'S POKMS. The transient clouds of summer Are unsubstantial too, And passing with their shadows, As likewise earth must do. And on the banks of rivers, Where little children play, And see the waters moving, So life must move away. And on the fields of battle, The dying and the slain. May teach in deathly numbers That life is truly vain. And in the grave corroding, Where all that enters stay. Has fixed the doom of mortal, To die and pass away. PRETTY GIRLS. Sweet pretty girls, yes, pretty girls, The dearest ones on earth, We call them sweet because we know Just how to prize their worth. While thou art in the prime of youth, And flush with hope and praise, We love to see the pretty girls Enjoy their youthful days. Enjoy thy youth, it comes but once. Fair maiden, youth is thine. Improve thy days with mirth and praise. Thy season has its time. Yes, soon thy youth will all be past, And blessings are to win. When thou may sweetly meditate On what thy youth has been. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 3S5 PRAISE OF MORN. 'Tis sweet to see the praise of morn, Its smile on hill and tree, The sun that gladdens with delight. The song of birds so free. It cheers the heart to labor on For blessings through the day. That many good things of this life May not be thrown away. It frees tiie heart from heavy grief, And soothes its troubles o'er. And lures it on in usefulness, That it may grieve no more. The praise of morn is for us all. It comes but cannot stay, It comes for all who seek its health. At dawn of every day. Oh, it is sweet, yes, sweet indeed, To have sweet praises come, The praises that the morning brings At every rising suji. But life is such we may not see The praises of a day, Yet many praises often come. So nigh along the way Oh, what is life without its morn. Its hope, its love and praise. We gladly know and realize Through bright and sunny days. Oh yes, I love the praise of morn. For blessings that it brings. And teaches of a morn to come Beyond these earthly things. 96 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. POOR MEN. Poor men we have among us, With worthy hearts and souls, More grateful in their dealings Than others who have gold. They favor us their kindness. And prove a help indeed, And honor us with favors Which we so often need. The poor man is a neighbor, For you his door is wide, And often in life's travels He kindly lets you ride. As pilgrims on the journey, He favors when he can, And kindly shows to others His mercies like a man. He visits you in sickness, And cheers the weary mind, And helps you as a neighbor. Because his heart is kind. His heart within is worthy, His kindness is complete. In seeing and in passing He knows you when you meet. Poor men are Heaven's chosen, Their feelings are the best, God tenders them his Heaven That Heaven may be blest. Down in their hearts they cherish True merit iis their own. And weal tiie reformations That honor God and home. ALLEN bORMAN'S POEMS. 327 PLEASUKE AND PAIN. Sweet pleasures are mingled with sorrow, In all we do and we say, As life from its earliest childhood Has known thro' innocent play. There's never a pleasure or gladness That's free from trouble and pain, But find their solution in sadness, And show that pleasures are vain. The future may glitter with promise. With happiness and with song, Sweet roses and flowers may cheer us, And gladly hasten us on. Yet what we may see in the future May all be empty and vain, As fancies of life are deceitful, That knows no pleasure and pain. Sweet pleasures may gladder, us truly. As fancy may dream them o'er. Yet pleasures they often deceive us, And leave us worse than before. Thus pleasure and pain are united. As night that follows the day. So sorrow may follow the pleasure. And grief may follow the gay. So let us be true and be faithful. And winnow the good from wrong, Be mindful of pleasures deceitful That lurk in praises and song. And let us be true and in earnest, And welcome the future bright. Beyond life's mountain of sorrow. That shadow us here with night. 328 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. PLEASANT DAYS. The pleasant days that often come, And little birds that sing, Are sure to 'waken in the heart The happy thoughts of spring. Oh, yes, I love tlie pleasant days, I love them truly best. They furnish blessings for the heart And prompt it to be blest. Oh give me days, sweet pleasant days, The sunny days so bright. And let my heart their blessings feel Thro' morning, noon and night. And cleanse my bosom free from care, And let it feel once more The joys and hopes of pleasant days Its felt in times of yore. The pleasant days, sweet pleasant days. Seem brighter as they come, [sing And thoughts they bring, the heart would Till pleasant days are done. Tiie sunny days, the pleasant days. With skies of azure hue, Reflect their myriad sunbeams round So lovely and so new. Give me the days I love the best. The sun its golden rays. And mornings that are emblems true Of that eternal day. 'Tis God who gives us mornings bright, And gives us blessings free, To teach us of that pleasant morn Of bright eternity. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 32d PEOF. J. N. COOK IN MEMOKIAM. How sad the bells were tolling, How pale the students looked, How lone the scenes of morning, O'er death of Mr. Cook. The death-bells bore the tidings That Mr. Cook was dead, It was a dismal spectre That o'er the city spread. He was a man of merit In research and in thought, A teacher and a scholar In lessons that he taught. His tact, indeed, was thorough, In discipline and rule, And wise have been the lessons He's taught in Franklin school Oh, why should merit perish, The intellects so bright. The men who have the power To scatter seeds of light ? For O, the world it needs them, It needs their labors true. To dig from depths of merit The rich thoughts bright and new. But all that's dear and sacre^.. However bright their stay, However felt and needed, In death must pass away. And in that world forever We'll safely gather home, And sweet will be the meeting Of friends we here have known. 330 ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. POOR BUT TRUE. My worthy friend we meet once more, Thy hands are coarse and brown, You show by your plain looks and dress Hard times have pressed thee down. Your lot has been a bitter one. Of poverty and pain, You need not tell me how its been. Your features show the same. We've known each other in the past, Your kindness hath been dear, And those good times have been reviewed With many thoughts of cheer. But youth is gone and time has past, And we were called to part, And many sad, worn cares of life Have pressed each other's heart. Your lot was cast in poverty, But yet your heart was true, And while conditions used yon rough, Your heart has toiled it thro'. Hard times have brought thee many cares, And oft you've needed rest. But yet thy heart has ever sought To manage for the best. But I am pleased that we are here. And I am grateful too, That we to-night may see the past. And some good thoughts review. 'Tis sweet to tell what life has been. And view its trials o'er, And sweetly let the thoughts go back To those good times of yore. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 831 PKAISE. The heart delights to cherish The pleasant thoughts of praise, When given to life's credit Thro' bright and sunny days. Oh, yes, we love the praises Of hope and mirth and song, They fill tlie heart with pleasure. And lure it sweetly on. Oh, praises, yes, the praises, They lure and lift the soul, And 'waken thoughts of beauty Long hidden and untold. And well the heart may cherish The praise of friends so dear, It 'wakens thoughts and fancies So pleasing to the ear. God praises us in Heaven, And all who do the right, He promises the praises Of Heaven's home so bright. God is the source of blessings, Of praises and of worth. And we should praise him truly For blessings here on earth. The praises of our nature That 'waken in our breast, Make vanities so real That we are often blest. There is a hope in praises Of those we hold so dear, That often hearts are prompted To over-rate with cheer. 332 ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. QUEEN VICTORIA. The hearts of fame and honor Whose lives are like the snn, Have trials and temptations To meet and overcome. Like others they have duties, And chances to be right, If they would merit honors And make their actions bright. QUEEN ELIZABETH. However high this heart may be In culture or in fame, The dreads that try this mortal life Are very much the same. The king, the queen, the potentate. The honored and the bright. Have many duties to perform. If they would live upright. QUEEN OF THIS HEART. I love the queen of this my heart. For she is dear to me, And she is sacred to the part That needs her kindness free. She is the queen of this my breast, Her charms are gay and new, She makes me feel that I am blest With blessings sweet and true. Oh, sweet and pretty gentle queen. She is my lady fair. The sweetest damsel ever seen By mortal anywhere. Yes, I will love her true and dear, The same as in the past. And love will bring us hope and cheer. And make us one at last. ALLEN DORM.AN'S POE^:S. 333 QUESTIOKS POPPED. You meet a man, a niairied man, He's lietad the question pop, He may not tell you how it was, Or what plan best ado] t. But then he's had it in his mind, With him its nothing new, For he lias conquered it outright And gave it justice too. You see the women, women, women, pome worn with age and care, Aud they perliaps have heard it pop When they Mere young and fair, [ped, Oh. questions popped .sweet questions pop- The race of man has popped, How love has tiaded love for love, And hearts with hearts Iiavo swapped KEFRESHING SHOWERS. Refi'eshing showers often come In spring and summer days, And waken brightand hopeful thoughts. Through nature's changing ways. Refreshing showers in country homes Revive new life and song. And 'wakens in sweet memory Xcw hopes to ciiecr us on. The sunlight thro' the azure sky, The showers floating through, Depict the rainbow on the clouds In all its golden hue. Oh, there are many things indeed, In nature all around, That teaches wisdom of the Lord So nigh and easy found. 334 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. REYIYED HOPES. The sun once bright has rose again, And clouds have cleared away, And grief that rested on my breast. Has turned to golden day. This heart is free, and safely free From one long, heavy debt. That's been a burden to this iieart. But it has safely met. Yes, long and sad its been with me, I've suffered fear and pain. And tho' cast down with broken shield, I've labored not in vain. New hopes have come and I am free, I'll try to live once more, And feel that life is sweet to live. When hopes are bright before. Oh, who would rue when life is sweet. From hopes the heart would claim. And fail to act in season right, Or try to live again ? And fail to know what life may do, And fail to even try. And fail to labor on and on. When victory is nigh. The heart may droop in times of fear, And day be turned to night. Yet, just beyond those stormy clouds, The sun perhaps is bright. So let us live and let us try. And work for right and truth, That life may know in other years, It acted wise in youth. HEMEMBER ME. Oil, I pray remember me, Should I cross the ocean wide, Sailing o'er a troubled sea, Sailing for the other side. Should my lot this portion be, Then I pray remembei- me. If I march thro' battle's rage, Fighting in a foreign land. See the scenes that histories page. And the deeds that wars demand; If such harrows thus I see, Truly then remember me. Yes, when I am far away, Should I feel that life is vain. If I go and if I stay. Let us hope to meet again. If I'm thus so far from thee, Will you then remember me? Yes, dear, when I'm called to go, And be absent from your sight, And to toil thro' sleet and snow. And the wintry storms of night j If I suffer far from thee, Then I pray, remember me. Should I live thus far from you, While at home you nobly stay. Should I seek thy love so true, Do not court another gay. Should another sigh for thee, Then, O then, remember me. J ALLEN DORMAN'8 POEMS. ROSES. Oh yes, we love the roses, And love their fragrance free, For they are surely emblems Of bright eternity. They 'waken with the morning, In nature's sacred trust, And blossom in their glory. Yet they are only dust. Unlike the fragrant flowers, They have their thorn beneath, And charms we often cherish Have failings in the sheath. Yet God in all His wisdom, ITath made the roses fair. To teach us of tlie beauties The heart within should wear. ROUGH WOMEN. Rough women, void of culture, And don't know how to charm, May often make some blunders, lint then they mean no liarm. Somehow they can't get at it, And feel in part a dnnic, As culture in their habits With them has been postponed. But when you get them smitten. You have them mashed ti) stay, For they can love like lovers, To do it in their way. Rough hoosiers and rough women Can love most awful sick, And get right down to business, When they have learned the trick. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 337 KEFUSED. Oh yes, I've been rejected, And ready for a rest, And 'mid my grief and troubles I sometimes think its best. The market is not cornered, Tliough I am lone and free, But how it has been quoted Is serious now with me. My maiden, yes, my maiden, Has left me all alone, And gone and chose another. And claims him as her own. She left me in the racket. It was an awful dare, And then returned my letters, The part I thought was fair. I know such thoughts are bitter, When others are untrue. And love is left the victim Of wrongs that others do. To love is not improper, And is no crime or sin, Tho' let it be a fizzle Is where the hurt come in. I'm through with market dealings, I'm through with claymate or some special friend Of early days gone by. That's served a part in memory May bring the past so nigh. But yet there is a cherished hope, With those we used to play, 'Tis when we meet beyond this life, Friends will not pass away. ROBERT LEE. Robert Lee, ye.s, Robert Lee, A soldier true and tried, A warrior and a chieftain Upon the southern side. He fought with might and valor. For country, God and home. And gained triumphant battles O'er greater odds than own. The cause was lost, yet right survived, 'Twas worthy to befriend. As he who figlits a manly foe May trust him in the end. Peace to his soul, O worthy one, God loves the good and best, And takes tiiem home to be with Him That Heaven may be blest. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 353 RICH MEN. Rich men we have among us, Have to toil as others do, If they reap the world's approval. And be counted good and true. Many eyes on them are watching, For some favor or some trade, And too much is oft expected. Things the weak and poor evade. REALITY. Reality in consciousness. In wliat we say and do. Will make its print upon the soul, Life's every action true. To say the least its real life That knows the real right, And knows the art of secret shams That may deceive the sight. SCIENCE. Let science rise and teach the world. What truths its treasures may, Don't check its march because it wont Develop out your way. Arouse its deep and hidden truths, And teach them unto men. It will n(»t hurt the truth and right For science is their friend. Let science rise and bless the .world, •- From slumbers of the deep, And let its merit thus be known, Where science is asleep. The science of the earth and air. The treasures yet untold, And problems of all life and death. And science of the soul. 854 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. SING TO ME, LOYE. Oh, sing to me, love, undying, Teach me its beauties to-night, Tell me of love in its fullness. Where all is beauty and bright. Yes, sing of love in its glory, Where all is happy and free, Tell me of love in its grandeur, While I may tarry with thee. Oh, sing me a song of gladness. Of hope in its golden light, This heart is weary with sadness, And it needs true love to-night. Teach me a lesson of wisdom. Of happiness and of praise. Of the angels in their beauty, Who know love's happiest ways. SWEET HEAYEN. Sweet Heaven, far-off Heaven, All glory, grand and bright, The home of happy angels, That home of pure delight. The home of God eternal. Where angels all are kind. They sweetly call it Heaven, For Heaven is divine. Sweet Heaven, yes, bright Heaven, Where all around is new. And is the consummation Of all the good we do. For Thee my soul is yearning, Oh, waft me up to Thee, And let me dwell in Heaven Through all eternity. ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. 365 SHADES OF SORROW. When clouds appear above us, And fill the azure sky, May hide the sun of gladness, That would if could be nigh. And they may hide the pleasures, And many thoughts of praise, That often con)e so truly. In bright and sunny days. And thus the shades of sorrow, That brood above the soul, May chill the weary bosom And let within the cold ; And leave the heart deserted, And wretched in its pain, And flood the lieart with terror, And thoughts that seemeth vain. And those whose hearts we cherish, So friendly and so true. Their kind i-eciprocations Depend on how we do. We seek them as companions, To share with us our own. And think of them with pleasure. When often all alone. But when they do desert us, And turn their hearts away. May bring the shades of sorrow, Or eve of sorrow's day. 'Tis friendship that may kindle Sweet pleasures for the soul. And furnish life the blessings. Beyond the price of gold. 356 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. SOUGHT AND CHEKISHED. Sought and cherished, sought and cherished Is thy heart with fondness dear, Hoping, trusting for the coming. Of the time that seems so near. Oh, this heart is lone without tliee, •, Could it worship thee to-night, And adore thee in thy presence. And thy pretty charms so bright. Love has sought thee, true with kindness, Cherished thouglits have been its own, Hopes have 'wakened in the bosom When in trouble and alone. Love will claim thee, and with pleasure. In the years that are to come. Love will claim thee, true and faithful. Love thou true and pretty one. SAD AND LONELY. This heart is sad and lonely, And seeking thee to-night, Love's welcome, yes thiice welcome, With all her beauties bright. Oh, truly will she love me[^ And keep my wishes nigh? Love's wishes that are sacred Of meeting by and by. I'm lonely, sad and lonely, I need her promise dear, That she will love me ever With hope's delightful cheer. Yes, tell me that she loves me. And seal it with a sigh. With love's delightful promise. While she is fondly nigh. ALLEN DORM AN' S POEMS. 357 SPRING IS NIGH. When spring is nigh hopes may be bright, When praise is everywhere, And gladness cheers the weary heart, And frees the mind from care, The heart may feel that spring is nigh When little birds will sing, And all the changes that appear Are cheering signs of spring. Yes, when the trees begin to spread Their little branches high, And when the wintry snow is gone Is proof that spring is nigh. And when the grass begins to grow, And life in everything, And when the robin has returned. We feel that it is spring. So gentle friends, we should be true. And from this lesson learn That when the weary heart would stray. Like spring it should return. Oh, yes, return from angry thoughts, And let the heart live free, As may, indeed, the spring of life. Be short with you and me. So let us live and labor on, While little songsters sing. That life may learn and use with care, The pleasant thoughts of spring. Eternal watching is the price ^ Of true, sweet liberty. And hearts must labor if they live In spring's eternity. m ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. STKAYING HEARTS. There is some heart that's tempted, Seeking to go astray, Seeking to tnrn from duty. And from the truth away. Straying hearts that would do right May follow vice and shame. And tangle with the lurking sins Around their once good name. Straying hearts are all around us, They pass us every day, And gently we should ask them To live a nobler way. Go give them help and courage, And teach them how to live. For some poor heart is needing The help that we can give. SHE CAME TO ME. The thought is new, the thought is sweet, And in the heart to stay. Of times I've met with maiden fair When she was young and gay. Yes, in the past of long ago, When childish hearts were free, When maiden fair was kind and true Was when she came to me. The many times her heart was true And when we often met. And many good times of the past. I never can forget. Of aU the good times we have known. That's made this heart so free. There's none that's like those sacred times, The times she came to me. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 350 SEEKING PRAISES. Seeking praises, seeking pleasures, Knowing life is fated. Mingled in some changing sorrow, Thoughts that we are hated. Tho' we feel life has a purpose, And is hopeful ever, Looking proudly for the coming Of some hope that's never Every hope may have a sorrow, Every sigh a pleasure, Every day may have its darkness, Every life its treasure. Seeking praises may be proper, Ever working duly, Ever building destinations For a future truly. SIDE-TRACKED. The many hearts that try to live, And often try in vain. And get side-tracked along the way, May realize the same. They get discouraged on the march, And often fail to try, And lose life's special victory When victory is nigh. And when in life they see their plight, And when it is too late. May see and know and realize What brought about their fate. So let us try and dare to live And overcome life's falls. As long as there's a world of light That shines alike for all. 360 ALLEN OORMAN'b POEMS. SINFUL THOUGHTS. Sinful thoughts make sinful deeds, And sinful deeds make strife, And thoughts and deeds mold characters That go to make up life. But the Lord can move the stain, And will heal the sore, If the heart will rue such thoughts And will sin no more. SELF^THINKEIIS. Self-thinkers are the persons Who dare to do their thinking, And seem to know their business In floating or in sinking. In every occupation, In business of a tinker, Its well enough in purpose To be a good self-thinker. SELF-MADE MEN. The self-made men and worthy, The useful and the true, Their deeds are good examples That others may pursue. Their manly hearts are tested, As victors in the fight, And by them having battles Have made their labors bright. Some hearts have started lowly And reached the stations high And shown by manly efibrts, 'Tis sweet to live and try. Yes, Uve for God and country And build life's structures bright. Unaided and unfavored In labors for the right. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 361 SEEKING THE SUNLIGHT. Seeking the sunlight, seeking the day, Seeking the sunbeams so cheerfully. Seeking the morninggladdened and bright, Seeking the beauties of hope's delight. Seeking the promise, every good thing, Thoughts of the future, life's duties bring, Seeking the blessings happiness give, Seeking the sunlight here while we live. SUMMERS. Summers come and summers leave, Much like shadows that deceive. Summers bring many blessings, Flowers, fruits, nature's dressings. Summers may of a life-time Leave no record of their clime. Yet their beauties fondly stay. Summers of sweet memory. SOME SAD HEART. There's some sad heart that's nigh to us In every stage of life, And some weak heart who needs our help To overcome their strife. There's some one worn with toil and care, There's some heart weak and sad. There's some heart wretched with despair And would if could be glad. Let life be favored and complete, To think or look around, May see some other heart despised Neglected or cast down. So life has duty to perform, In healing aching pain. And sowing kindness and good deeds For those who need the same. 362 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. SILKEN SNARES. The silken snares that pierce the heart Are silken sins that wound, And lay and lurk to victimize Some poor heart easy found. Oh, shrewd indeed the heart must be And watchful every day, To safe elude the silken snares That lie hid on life's way. SIR THOMAS MOORE. Sir Thomas Moore, Sir Thomas Moore, A brilliant shining light, His name will stand as it has stood. And shine through darkest night. The wear of time may wear away. The lustre toil may give. But yet the name of Thomas Moore Will shine with names that live. SATAN. Col. Satan's reputation Is not of the best. Given him by his opponents, By the good and blest. He wrote no book but he hustled, And was for himself. And by numbers of his converts Is not being left. He ambitious planned a conquest, But was badly hurled. Family jealous for the spirits Of this human world. He rebelled against Jehovah When he got his start, A.nd has built a mighty kingdom In the human heart. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 363 SYSTEM. In system there is order, Whatever be the plan, Should wisely be adopted By every business man. The system of all systems On which the world is run, Is truly well adapted To every star and sun. SEASONS. Seasons come and seasons leave us, Seasons come with every year, And the changes that they bring us Often bring us blessings dear. But the seasons of a life-time As they come and its they flee, Go to teach that time is bringing Season of eternity. SWEET MEMORY. How sweet the recollections Of happy days gone by, And thoughts we fondly cherish Of times that seem so nigh. It is indeed a favor, A blessing while we live, That we may reap the pleasures That memory may give. The past would be deluded In dark abyss of night. If "tvvas not decked with beauties To glow and make it bright. And as we use the present. The past will truly be. The future and forever. For all eternity. 364 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. SCHOOL. 'Tis scliool that trains and teaches The little and the great, A mill that grinds the problems Of fortune or of fate. And now the school of learning, In research deep and high, In all the arts and science. May be for those whc try. SOLITARY. Some star that shines above us All solitary lone. And in its stationed glory, May shed much light unknown. And as a star that's lonely. The heart may likewise be, To live and bloom secluded Where no wcu-ld's eye may see. STATIONS IN LIFE. In looking backward at the past, At many hills of strife. May see as stations on the way, What. happens in one's life. The mindful blessings or reverse. The bright and hopeful days, Are stations that have stayed the march With sweet or sad delays. The hope of times to come again. Life's pleasure and its grief, The gloomy moments of despair. And comings of relief. Whatever happens good or bad. Some ti'ifle or delay, That n)akes its note in memory, Are stations on life's way.. -ALLEN DOEMAN'S POEMS. 365 STORMS. Storing that fill the sky above Often wakes a thought of fear, Yet the God of storm is love, And is nigh when storms appear. Storms and tempests came of old, And the same law guides their waj, But how bring them in control There's no scholar that can say. STYLE. The style and fashion and culture, That rule the people to-day. Are varied and transient as seasons That come and passeth away. Yet style and manner of doing, The beautiful deeds that live, May honor the arts of merit That cultured style may give. SAD MEMORY. How sad and dark and gloomy Are moments of despair. When life reviews the troubles Of sin and shame and care. The sin of days neglected. That makes the conscience burn, And sins of blessings wasted That never can return. The sins of desolation, Of sorrow and of grief, Where all around is ruin, And time brings no relief. When memory is saddened, And has no promise left. And all bright hopes are blasted, May wreck life unto death. 366 ALtEN DORMAN'S ?6EMS. SHE IS WAITING. Sliu is waiting, she is waiting, And she will wait to-daj, Her heart is weak it cannot wait, She has not long to stay. Her life is brief, her heart is moved, Her time is fleeting fast, While she's waiting, lonely waiting, Your claims may soon be past. She is waiting, truly waiting. And she is waiting nigh. She is ti-u.sting for thy choosing, An effort only try. Love is something, few may solve it. And when it runs aright It may bring the sweetest blessings That ever come in life. SHE CHARMS ME WHEN I'M SAD. Oh, I love my gentle maiden, She is half this world to me. And I dearly love her tiuily, When her gentle heart is free. God has blest my litlle maiden With the charms I cherish glad, She's my lady, she's my honey. For she charms me when I'm sad. Love, true love should sweetly clierish, Pleasures as it dreams them o'er. For in life it soon may perish, Droop in death and live no more. So I'll hold her love as sacred, Her true love that cheers me glad, And I'll love her true and dearly For she charms me when I'm sad. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 36T SHE WAS FAIR She was fair, and she was lovely, She was near and dear to me, She was kind and she was friendly, And as pretty as could be ; She was blooming, she was charming, She was lovely in my sight. And her eyes were gems of beauty As they sparkled in the light. Maiden fair was flush with graces, She was fair and she was gay, Blooming like the lovely roses. Like thera soon to pass away. Oh, I loved her, dearly loved her, And her beauties bright and free. She was fair and she was lovely, And her heart was dear to me. SHE LOVED HIM. I knew a fair young maiden. Her heart was light and gay, She loved her faithful lover. She loved him all the day. They loved each other fondly. With pleasures sweet and new. She loved him for his merits. He loved her kind and true. She loved him like a lover With all her heart and mind, His faults were turned to virtues, Her heart was true and kind. They loved each other dearly. When came the real test. She loved him as her choice. He loved her truly best. 368 ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. SHE'S A HONEY. She's a honey, she's a honey, Yes, my lady sweet, She is pretty, slie is winning, Gentle, kind and neat. * Yes, I love her lovely beauties And her charming ways. She is ever like the morning, Flush with hope and praise. She's my lover, she's my lassie, She's my honey too, She is just my little lady, Ever kind and true. Sweet and gentle in her nature. Ever, ever free, Blooming in her pride and glory, Blooming all for me. SURBRISED. The family folks were in the house. All quiet and content. While children played about the room, As if on pleasure bent. They heard a racket in a room, Or somewhere in the house, But thought it was the old tom-cat Was hunting for a mouse. The mother told some one to go And take the light along. And stop the racket in the house. And rectify the wrong. They all got up and quickly went. The mother at the head. And when they entered in the room 'Twas Satan on the bed, i ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. CG9 SATAN'S BENCH. Old Satan is the devil, sir, And is the boss of men, He tries to turn good people, sir, And tote them to his den. Once in his visit to the earth, And with a rusty wrench. He took up his serpent tail And screvi'ed it to a bench. He screwed it tight as you may think, Then looked it careful o'er. And had the demons down in hell To open up the door. Now Satan's mission was for men, He saw them near and far. And took up his clumsy bench And smeared it o'er with tar. Old Satan knew the wits of men And how to take them in, A scheme of all great hidden schenics, This was a scheme of sin. He knew that men would gather round To see his bench of tar. And when he sat them on his bench They certain would be there. Old Satan knew just how to act, He was a tricky whelp, And when he found his tail was fast, Began to call for help. Poor foolish men, yes, smartish men, Came running there to see, And with a view to realize That such a thing could be. B70 ALLEN DORMAN'g POEMS. There gathered ronnd great crowds of men, And some had run their best, As Satan spoke tliey nearly all Sat on his bench to rest. It all was done and sharply too, If by some magic spell, And all seemed good to shortly take A jolly ride to hell. At first they thought they had him fast, Old Satan's bench was full, They had a load they surely thought The devil couldn't pull. They all at once began to laugh When some one hollowed Oh! And sadly saw to their sui-prise, The bench began to go. It was a load, a mighty load. And started with a rip, And Satan promised those he left, He'd make another trip. They left the earth, lit out for hell, Some sought relief in vain, With seeming grace they entered space, Went Satan with his ti-ain. It was exciting times just then, And was no time to pray, For Satan in his hurry went Swift to the judgment day. It was no time for argument, For Satan was their boss, He run the thing to suit liimself, As wild and lucky boss. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 3T1 They passed the moon, the sun, the stars, Swift as an arrow shot. And as they reached in sight of hell, They felt it getting hot. Still on they went at lightning speed Through odors bad to smell, And as old Satan tucked his tail, They saw the gates of hell. They sadly saw no hope for them, The gates were all ajar, And Satan knew just where to take His mighty bench of tar. They soon approached the gates of hell, Went in at lightning speed, And in the burning flames around Went doctors with their creed. False prophets and false teachers too. False tribes in every cell, Were gathered there and roasthjg in The penal fires of hell. Yes, men were there of high estate, And many great and small, And men of giant intellects, But Satan bossed them all. Yes, kings were there, and mighty men. Who once the world possessed. But they were duped by Satan's tricks, And chose his bench to rest. So now, young folks, be good to-day. And don't you wander far, For when you handle sin and shame You handle Satan's tar. 878 ALLEN DORMANS POEMS. SOUGHT IN VAIN. She sought him in love's season, With pui-pose kind and true, And showed with proof she loved him, As only love could do. She served her part and duty, And in a worthy way. But his heart was wanting. And with her did not stay. And thus we all are wanting In many good things nigh, We often see around us, Could claim them if we try. The God of earth and Heaven Is ever watching you, And grieves when hearts are straying, As soint'times lovers do. SORROW^S. Sorrows often press the bosom As they come and go, Life is never wirJKMit sorrow In this woi'ld of woe. Sorrows como like shadows o'er us. With tlieir gloom and grief, Brooding oil" tlie gentle sunlight That wouM bring relief. Sorrows come and chill the bosom When the heart is sad, Seeking for the consolation It would cherish glad. Yet life's sorrow has a purpose When we mourn and sigh, For they purify the bosom, As the storms the sky. ALLEN DORMAN'S POEMS. 373 SELFISHNESS. Thou selfish heart, jou crave within The rights you merit not, And try to gather for yourself Some claims beyond your lot. Thou narrow soul, you sow and reap Within your bosom small, And in your selfish greed for gain, You sometimes lose it all. SYMPATHY. Down in the heart of justice Tli-ere dwells sweet synijnithy, That melts the iron conscience Of inhumanity. There, brothers know their brothers, As pilgrims on the plains, In meeting and in parting They hope to meet again. SHORES OF TIME. The shores of time will stand secure As long as time shall last. Have stood for ages and will stand The same as in the past. The shores of time will firmly stay Perpetual and secure, Will stand as they have ever stood Immortal, safe and sure. Yes, they will stand, forever stand, Thro' time and endless day, And waves that beat upon their banks, Will wear them not away. The shores of time that never fail Are not of earthly kind. And they will stand eternally. For they arc chores of time. 374 ALLEN DOKMAN'S POEMS. SPKING. When the winter's ice is melted, And the snow is past and gone, Comes the spring with gentle sunlight, And the merry times of song. When the flowers come so gladly, And the robin freely sings. Comes to ns the pleasant feelings Of the glad approach of spring. When the forest trees are budding, And the meadow's carpet green, Greets the bright and pleasant sunshine, Living beauties may be seen. Beauties of a future promise, Sporting birds with gentle song. And the murmur of the brooklet, Hurries life so smoothly on. When the crimson rose is blooming O'er its green and mossy bed, 'Wakens thoughts of pleasant feelings With its tints of golden red. Yes, it blushes with the breezes, And its tints of sable hue Greet the morning and the sunlight. As it dazzles fresh with dew. Oh, it fills the heart with gladness. And it tills the soul with love. Yet sweet spring is but a shadow Of that happy spring above. Yes, it tells us of the beauties Of another spring to come, Where the soul shall live forever When this earthly world is done. 11' /M) y. '