H Drum of JMm L, M. W, PS 3357 W7 LIBR ARY OF CONGRESS. Chap. TJopyrightMoL.. ShelL UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. A DREAM OF HEAVEN AND OTHER POEMS BY L. M. W. NEW YORK 189(5 v^ T Copyright, 1896, by LOUISA MARY WOOKEY. A Dream of Heaven, AND OTHER POEMS. A DREAM OF HEAVEN. ^HNE night I dreamed an angel came, And smiling called me by my name. " Arise," said lie, "if thou wouldst know Aught of Heaven's glories here below/' And rising from my bed, I found My feet ascending from the ground ; And as we rose toward the skies, I felt no fear within me rise. A sense of strange security And quiet strength stole over me ; It seemed as if no care or pain Could ever touch my soul again ; And as we neared the sun's bright rays A beauteous landscape met my gaze, The hills and vales with verdure clad. In all my life I never had Such scenes of beauty looked upon. Then, lo ! I found my guide had gone ; But presently returning placed Some flowers within my hand ; they graced The lovely dell through which we passed. I looked at them and held them fast ; " I've seen those flowers on earth," I cried. " They are part of heaven," said my guide, " Placed there to cheer the sons of men, Bringing them joy and hope again. Heaven sheds its tears upon the earth, And then the lovely flowers spring forth, Breaking their way with glad surprise, An answering echo to the skies. This is their native atmosphere, There's naught to mar their beauty here." And as I listened to his words The singing of celestial birds, Like some sweet, unknown language, fell Upon my ears. I ne'er could tell How rich the music which they made To echo through that lovely glade. We traveled on and on until We reached the summit of a hill 4 On which a city stood, so grand It shed a glory o'er the land For miles and miles around. My sight Was almost blinded by its light ; Its walls with precious stones ablaze, More brilliant than the sun's clear rays. " What are those palaces?" I cried. " Eternal mansions," said my guide, 1 ' Prepared for those who turn aside From all earth's follies, lust, and pride." But how shall my weak pen portray The glory which around me lay? " Eye hath not seen, nor ear hath heard," Is written in the holy word, Nor mortal heart can e'er conceive The joys for those who still believe ; Though for a time the veil is drawn Before their eyes, the radiant morn Awaits their waking. Glorified and free, Mortal shall put on immortality. I watched the people as they passed Before me in that city vast ; And on each brow there seemed to shine Unearthly radiance divine. 5 One there I saw who while on earth Had naught but trouble from his birth, — A struggling- artist, in life's race, Trying to paint a perfect face. Again and again he tried, but failed To grasp his ideal ; his spirit quailed At the scoffs and jeers of the noisy crowd Till, crushed and heartbroken, at last he bowed His head in the agony of despair ; But the Lord looked down, and took him where He forgot all the insults, the scorn and disaster; He found his ideal in the face of the Master. I have heard music here on earth ; But, ah ! those sounds of heavenly birth Which filled the air around me seemed Like songs of joy from the redeemed, Such utter gladness, and the peace Which nothing but a soul's release From pain and sorrow could inspire, — Those notes, touched with seraphic fire. I saw a man amidst the throng Who, between every burst of song, Made rich the air with music rare, And naught beside it could compare. 6 Once before I had seen him a cottage within, With little on earth save his old violin. There were chords in his soul that would never respond To the touch of his instrument ; always beyond His reach was perfection, and vainly he strove To put power in its tone ; but when Divine Love Filled his heart, then his whole being thrilled With a purpose so new, and a fire that instilled Fresh vigor and strength, and he brought forth such sounds That made angels wonder; the limitless bounds Of that ocean of love had inspired him at last, And his struggles and failures and pain were all past. As I mused upon this happy fate A beauteous form passed through the gate, Wending her way toward the earth. The Master had called her at the birth Of her little child ; and sickness lay Her hand upon him ; and that day, She, swifter than an eagle's wing, Had sought permission from the king To watch beside his little cot, To see that sickness harmed him not, 7 Placing bright visions of life before him, And he smiled as he dreamed that his mother bent o'er him. Myriads of others, too, I saw Who, in obedience to the law Divine within them, had pursued The upward path, oft dark and rude. Failure and pain had been their lot, But through it all they ne'er forgot The Master suffered, too, and trod That upward path that leads to God. Sowing in tears, they struggled here, But found the full fruition there. And as the gates were open wide, As I stood there, I asked my guide If I might pass within the portal. He answered: " Not while thou art mortal. Go back to earth, take up its strife, Work out the pattern of your life, — The foundation pure white, the threads all of gold, It never will perish and never grow old, And others may see it glisten and gleam, 'Twill help them with theirs." So ended my dream. 8 When I awoke the Christmas bells Were ringing in the joy that tells Of peace on earth, good will to men. I think I knew its meaning then, — A little pain, a little strife, And then the promised Crown of Life ! December 28, 1895. LINKS TO THE UNKNOWN. PAY what this is in our human nature, ^ Longings unsatisfied, dreams unfulfilled, Cravings for something beyond the creature, While, strive as we may, they cannot be killed. Soon of the pleasures of earth we grow weary, Children with bubbles, — they break and are past. Then discontent comes, and life looks so dreary, O tell us of something beyond that will last ! Germs of divinity, crying for sunlight, Which none but the Author of life can impart, Striving to reach their Creator, but hindered By thick walls of doubt built up in the heart. Streamlets that struggle to reach the great ocean, But man builds his earth banks and keeps them apart, Forgetting, one day, they will break that weak barrier, And carry him forth without rudder or chart. Then, Soul, drop thine anchor while yet there's security, For what is thy life? 'Tis naught but a breath. Then live that life in honor and purity, 'Twill carry thee safe through the quicksands of death. God's angels will bear thee above the blue ether, Beyond the bright stars, to that beautiful land, Where all thy cherished ideals are perfected, Sanctioned, and blessed by the Master's hand. Worlds of rare beauty will open before thee, Faith will be lost in the fullness of sight, Christ's gracious presence forever around thee, In the full blaze of eternal lieht. THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS. ^rjpWAS a dreary land I was traveling through, And thorns about my path that grew So thick I scarce could tread my way ; The glaring sun threw scorching rays About my head, and all my days With toil and pain were weary, till at length Despairingly I cried: " Is there no road Out of this wilderness? No one to care For human souls tortured with doubt and fear? " When lo ! a shadow o'er my pathway fell, And looking up I saw a cross ; and when I met the look of Love Divine which shone Upon the face of him who hung thereon, I cried, " Lord, take me, all unworthy as I am! " And as I knelt low at his blessed feet The thorns all disappeared, and in their place Rare flowers were growing. Then I heard a voice ' ' Keep near the cross, and do not fear Because the way looks long and drear. On from the cradle to the tomb, Sweet flowers within its shade will bloom." ii EASTER. BLESSED Easter, brightest day of all the Chris- tian year ! Earth, sing loud alleluias; let thy song rise high and clear, And echo through the skies; let shouts of joyful praise From every heart ascend, to greet this day of days. Ye mourners, dry your tears ! The King's own Son hath passed Through the dark vale of death, and robbed the grave at last Of all its terrors dire, and lighted up the way Through which we all may enter into the realms of day. Herald the glorious tidings until they shall resound From hill to hill and vale to vale the universe around ; For through that mighty Sacrifice his followers may sing : " O grave, where is thy victory ? O death, where is thy sting ? " LIFE'S RECOMPENSE. GORROW and joy come hand in hand, ^ Twin sisters from the shadow land ; Sunlight and shade must surely be To make a perfect harmony, But it must have the Master's skill To make the picture beautiful. Black skies and blue make ocean's view The lovelier to our wondering eyes ; We ne'er would know the false and true Had sin not entered Paradise, And earth would lack its choicest flowers If bounteous heaven withheld its showers. Sometimes from o'er the distant hills A strain of heavenly music thrills My heart with rapture ; then again The touch of earth brings discord ; yet The memory of that chord divine vStill lingers in this soul of mine. For every sorrow there's a balm ; For every storm there comes a calm ; And could we pierce within the veil, Never a doubt would us assail That God, who orders all our way, Will lead us into perfect day. o TO THE BIBLE. BIBLE, grand old book! Thou art a castle strong, Into which shipwrecked mariners may enter; as along The shores of time they wrestle with the stormy waves of life, And find a pleasant refuge there, safe sheltered from the strife. And while the powers of earth and hell, with all their strength, combine To rend thy walls asunder, built by a hand divine, Firm and secure thou standest, calm amid every shock, Because thy sure foundation is on the Eternal Rock. Never had any book such enemies as thou, Malignity and hate sublime is printed on their brow; 14 But utterly their efforts fail. O living book supernal, The everlasting record thou of the great King eternal ! And long as time itself shall last, thy mighty walls shall stand, To shed abroad the beacon light along life's shifting sand, And guiding safely past the rocks, which all around us lie, Thou wilt bring us safe to harbor in worlds beyond the sky. [ A STRANGER AND A PILGRIM. AM a daily pensioner on the bounty of my King, And because he's always faithful his mercies I will sing. I never called to him in vain, for he has always heard, And sent me down assistance, according to his word. Sometimes my heart grows weary, but then I hear him say: "Courage, despairing one, strength equal to thy day Shall still be sent to thee. Rest on my promise sure That I will never leave thee! as to the end, endure. 15 11 Immortal life awaits thee, and pleasures all untold. Joys that defy description, better a thousandfold Than those which earth can offer. Keep bravely on thy way, And soon this transient darkness shall end in bright- est day." The voyage may be stormy, the journey long and rough . But soon mv Lord will say, " My child, it is enough : " So patiently I'm waiting until he bids me come. And takes me to the glory of mv eternal home. THE CYNIC. WATCHED him along the lone path he was tread- ~ L ing, Absorbed in himself, and no sunlight was shedding Its warmth through his soul ; he had barred the door fast And shut in the darkness, which over him cast Xaught but gloom and despair, while outside the bright sun Kissed the world into beauty ; the clouds one by one 16' Dispersed at its brightness, the whole earth was glad, And rejoiced in its radiance ; and ah ! it was sad That God's noblest creation was marred by distrust Of his own fellow-creatures ; that canker and rust Had grown over his heart, and hidden the gem Of divine love and pity God placed there for them, So much sorrow to soothe, so much pain to relieve, And always "more blessed to give than receive." Ah ! how can a soul be so wrapped in itself, With no aim but its own petty pleasures and pelf, That sees no good in others, lets its chances slip by Of reaping a golden harvest on high? Rare jewels shine bright in the darkest night, And sweet acts of mercy put misery to flight. Here in this world, with so much to distress you. What must it be then without a " God bless you? " I DREAMED OF HER. T DREAMED of her last night; my mother dear Came to my side, and on my listening ear Her gentle voice in words of blessing fell Upon the boy she used to love so well. I dreamed of her, I dreamed of her ! 17 The old sad look of pain had passed away, And on her face was perfect rest and peace ; I could not think that in the grave she lay, But only of her bright, pure soul's release. I dreamed of her, I dreamed of her ! I dreamed of her, and o'er my aching heart This sweet assurance steals, e'en though the night Of death divides us now, we are not far apart, 'Tis but one step into the infinite. I dreamed of her, I dreamed of her ! SEASIDE THOUGHTS. AS I stood on the shore of the mighty ocean, Watching the billows as they rise, So wondrously kept in perpetual motion By the Great Ruler of earth and skies, I thought : Why, O why is man ever so blinded To deny there's a God, and ascribe it to chance, By the beauty and grandeur of nature surrounded? If his eyes were but open, 'twould need but a glance 18 To convince him the God who hath made earth and heaven Is also his Father, his Saviour, his King- ; He would render at once his oath of allegiance, And out of pure gladness of heart he would sing, And his song would resound through the arches of heaven Till angels and seraphs reechoed the strain, While joy from his heart would flow forth as a river, And God's love, like the ocean, would roll in aeain. RETROSPECT. ANOTHER year has passed and gone Into the future, carrying on The record of our toil and cares, Progress, backslidings, hopes and fears ; Duties omitted, duties done, Joys, sorrows, losses, gains, — each one With its own story to unfold, By the Recording Angel told. How oft we strove to do the right, Walking by faith and not by sight, 19 Still trusting in His power and care Who all our sins for us did bear, That Ave eternal life might gain, And be forever free from pain, Sheltered by his redeeming love Within the realms of light above. Then, bravely struggling lest we fall, Let us do battle with our foes, Strong in his strength ; for it is all Summed up in this — Our Father knows. ON A YOUNG FRIEND'S BIRTHDAY. ^npIS seventeen summers since thine eyes First saw the light of earth, And now another year has dawned With Easter's joyous mirth. I know not what the coming year May have in store for thee ; It may be sorrow, may be joy, But it will surely be 20 Just as our Father wills; he sees The future, and he knows The trials that beset our path From life's dawn to its close. May Easter joys still follow thee 'Mid all earth's care and strife, And on the resurrection morn Rise to eternal life ! THE ANGELS' SONG. TIT AIL, crystal morn ! A Prince is born ! In lowly garb to-day. Bring richest offerings to his shrine, And own his gentle sway. While wondering shepherds stand amazed On Bethlehem's starlit plain, That glorious melody bursts forth From all the angel train. Earth marvels as the song divine Falls like a freshening dew : Glory to God ! Good will to men, And peace on earth to you Amid earth's discord, care, and strife, That song comes rich and clear, Bidding us live a nobler life Throughout the coming year. Hail, crystal morn ! A Prince is born In lowly garb to-day. Bring richest offerings to his shrine, And own his royal sway. LINES SUGGESTED ON HEARING OF AN EX-CONVICT AFRAID TO ENTER A CHURCH. I T was on a Sabbath morning, The sun shone bright and clear, Church bells were giving warning To Christians to draw near And offer up their worship To God, their heavenly King, To thank him for their sonship ; All nature seemed to sing. Out in the busy city The mighty streams of life Were rushing ever onward Turbid with noise and strife, Save here and there a brooklet Which turned its course aside, To rest upon the journey, And to consult the Guide, To seek for hidden treasures, And the narrow path to find. 'Twas some such thoughts as these Were passing through my mind, When I saw a man draw near To the doors of the house of God ; His face was full of fear, So timidly he trod. One glance he took through the open door, Then started back awhile ; Said he, " This is no place for me, I am too poor and vile." Methought I saw the Saviour Watching him from above, To see if one of his followers Would take that soul in love ; 23 But, alas ! I saw no kindly arm Stretched out to draw him in ; And down he came from the doors again To darkness and to sin. And I said, " This, too, is a son of God, Whom Jesus died to save, Though wandered far from the Shepherd's fold. For such his life he gave. &■ Honor the noble heroes Who go forth into the slums To reclaim those wandering children ; For when the Master comes They shall hear his voice, ''Well done, Sit down within my throne ! They shall see those jewels sparkle In their Redeemer's crown. 24. ■ S'Sj y LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 016 256 317 8