?S 3529 C525 M4 1920 yody^ eF.O'Conneli Gopightr.- f^lQ CjQE£R!GI!r OSFQSm MELODY MELODY BY GEORGE F. O'CONNELL NEW YORK THE DEVIN-ADAIR COMPANY Copyright, 1920, by THE DEVIN-ADAIR COMPANY All rights reserved by The Devin- Adair Company DEC -6 1920 Burr Printing House New York ©CLA601856 TO THE DEARLY CHERISHED MEMORY OF MY MOTHER CONTENTS PAGS Retrospection ii Melody 13 To THE Sea 15 Memories 17 Your Song 19 Deserted 21 The Swan 23 A Lament 25 A Gypsy Slumber Song 27 Dedication 29 The Victor 31 La Madonna del Azura 33 Devotion 35 Yearning 37 The Lily 39 An Autumn Reverie 41 In an Old Garden 43 To-Day 45 Absence 47 [7] CONTENTS PAGE The Shadow 49 The Penitent 51 Old Friend OF Mine 53 A Rhapsody 55 Mavourneen 57 The Firefly 59 My Trust 61 Mio Carissimo 63 The Song Maker 65 La Noche d'Espana . .- 67 An Irish Toast 69 Sweet Lavender 71 A Southern Plea 73 Chere Antoinette 75 Friendship yy Rosemary 79 Sanctified 81 At Musics Shrine 83 Love Watches 85 Motherhood . 87 Mammy 89 Afterwards 91 Requiescat 93 [8] MELODY RETROSPECTION To My Mother The passing years have left untouched My memory's sacred thrill, Thy voice's tone — thine eyes' soft gaze, That cause mine own to fill, Across my vision flash, undimmed By death's oblivion still. To-day upon my soul descends the vital part of thee — The thing immortal that is surging on, And throbs in me. And makes me feel how wondrous is our love's great unity. [II] MELODY To Mine. Julia Claussen Bid me to sing — that some poor wounded soul May live awhile forgetful of its pain. Bid me to sing — mayhap for one to lift the veil Of some sweet yesterday again. Bid me to sing — who knov/s a soaring meadow- lark May sing an answer to my lay. Bid me to sing — dear God, that he who wanders far May hear and find again his way. [13] TO THE SEA To Adelaide IVhytal Down by the sea, near the water's edge, Where the sands are soft and gray, A fair-haired lad with a tiny ship Is lost in his boyish play. And only the cry of a mother gull And the ringing laugh of a child And the crooning song of the restless deep Break on this stillness mild. Down by the sea, near the water's edge, A big ship came one day, And a sailor lad kissed an aged brow — And the big ship sailed away. The sudden boom of a battle gun. The flight of a frightened bird, A murmured prayer on two trembling lips — But never a sob was heard. Down by the sea, near the water's edge, A lonely woman stands With an anchor white, on a blue tattered rag, [15] TO THE SEA Clasped in her trembling handa. But deep in her mother's heart lives a pride, For a hero's blood has been shed; She smiles through her tears, for the Victor's flag Was borne by her noble dead! [i6] MEMORIES To Mina C. Pfirshing In the early flush of the sunset sky A song of a thrush in a tree close by Brought a message of hope for a life to be — This song of a thrush in a maple tree. In the twilight dim of that evening still The mournful call of a whippoorwill Brought a tear-dimmed face of a mother mild To the aching heart of a lonely child. In the midnight hush of the starlight pale The pleading tones of a nightingale Came throbbing in rapturous ecstasy, Til it wakened an olden love in me. But ah ! in the dawn, on the dewy ground. It was only a mocking-bird I found, Whose little heart broke with songs not his own As he sang of a love that he once had known. [17] YOUR SONG To Carrie Jacobs Bond Sing to me, darlin', a bit of a song, As I lie in the moonlight anear you. There's a rift in my heart and a hurt in my soul, And sure 'twill be soothin' to hear you. For oh, 'tis the wondrous voice that you own So wistful and soft to my hearin'. What memories I have, as I list to its lilts, Of faces and things so endearin'. There's times when your note has the call of a lark. And again, I can hear the sweet linnet; But always, dear— ^always — it leaps to my heart For the tear and the wail that there's in it. So sing to me, dearest, a lone little chant, To ease me and still my poor sighin' — For 'tis only your song that can rest me to-night, As here in the moonlight I'm lyin'. [19] DESERTED To Mrs. May Ramsdelf The old house stands deserted and forsaken, Amid the dreams that yesterday were true ; There is no voice can call it to awaken, For they are gone — who once its shelter knew. The garden too is overgrown with wild things. This barren heap was once a pansy bed. The clustered grape — the rose vine — and the mild things That grew in sweet profusion — now are dead. Bethink you ! This was once a hallowed bower Where love's own mystic voice in whispers spoke. This crumbling sundial marked the trembling hour When two lives parted with a silent hope. How many autumn twilights long have vanished Since from this garden gazed an aged face, Whose hope for his return time never banished. Whose tear-worn eyes his soldier form would trace. [21] THE SWAN To Kathleen A lonely swan drifts down the tranquil lake, A willow tree is moaning on the shore; I know the silent thing is grieving for its mate, The willow sobs for springs that are no more. [23] A LAMENT To Eleanor Hymer I am waitin* here beside the road 'til you be passin' by, And ask the roguish likes of you to give the reason why A poor young gossoon like myself should pine in sad despair And you be so unnoticin' and seemin' not to care. Arrah, Delia Doolin, quit your foolin' an' leave off your teasin' ways — Faith, me nights you're overrulin' an' you're damagin' my days; I'm so worried and uncivil — you're to blame, you little divil, Sure you have me killed entirely — Delia darlin' be my own ! There's not a lad about the place can love you more than I, And 'tis envious they all will be to see us steppin' [25] A LAMENT And you'll be leanin' on my arm enjoyin' the hilarity And I'll be smilin* down upon the beauteous Mrs. Flaherty. Arrah, Delia Doolin, quit your foolin' an' leave off your teasin' ways — Faith, me nights you're overrulin' an' you're damagin' my days; I'm so worried and uncivil — you're to blame, you little divil, Sure you have me killed entirely — Delia darlin' be my own! [26] A GYPSY SLUMBER SONG To Mrs. Eugene Malloy Little lad of a wanderi^g tribe sleeping upon my breast I clasp thy limbs of dusky brown, and watch thee through thy rest. The silver charm about thy neck shines In the campfire's light, And thy fate's star is hanging low to bless thy future's flight. Sleep, my babe, for I love thee— my little lad of Romany. Little king of the dusty road, slumber till break- ing dawn When the catbird's call will waken us, after the night is gone; Then we'll hie once more through the woodland paths And cross the meadow's streams, and pitch our tent when evening comes And sing to dreams you again, to dreams. Sleep, my child, for I'm watching thee — my Httle lad of Romany. [27] DEDICATION To Myrtle Reed Thy silver pen lies tarnished with its rust, And thou that once did wield its mystic themes Hast long since found thy sleep 'mid nature's claiming dust, And left us but these pages of thy dreams. And yet within this book wherein thy hand did trace The love tales and romance, so sweetly told, Doth seem to live again thy well-remembered face, And thy spirit held a captive in its fold. [29] THE VICTOR To Lieut. Morgan B. McDermott Now take thy rest, for thou art glorious sublime — Thou valiant youth victorious, entombed in for- eign clime. A star of gold is hung for three upon a flag flown high, A brighter one gleams forth to-night in God's remembering sky. Rest thou in peace, thou fearless one and brave, Thy radiant soul is glorified, thy blood has freed the slave; The trumpet sounds thy welcQme c^gJl beneath the §acred dome, And Christ Himself goes forth to lead His child, His soldier, home ! Now take thy rest. [31] LA MADONNA DEL AZURA To My Mother The sky is but reflected light From thy soft mantle fair, The ocean's blue God made for yoiii Because that hue you wear; The violet and forget-me-not, The bird with azure wing, Are little thoughts to thee on earth That grow and bloom and sing. [33] D EV O T I O N To Mrs. Sarah Fahy Once when my heart was aching After a soul that had fled, Once when life's bonds seemed breaking And future hopes lay dead, I came to you in that valley — You were awaiting me there. Your faith touched mine in its rally. Your smile awakened my prayer. I hold you close in affection Just for the cheer of that day. Always this sweet recollection — Your love illumined my way. [35] YEARNING To Nelle K. Browning Laddie, come play me a wee bonny strain And carry me home in the gloamin'; Take up thy pipes, and I'll follow thee there And ne'er leave again to gae roamin'. For Laddie, it's fair round my cot o'er there. With the heather and brier rose bloomin'; But the hearts that are bidin' my comin' again Take the pain frae these long years of gloamin'. But ah ! Laddie dear, I've forgotten I'm auld And the years that hae come and hae flown ; I'd nae find a thing but a hearthstone grown cauld, Nae a face nor a voice that I've known. [3;] THE LILY To Rev, Thomas F. Burke, C.S.P. When Christ was nearing Calvary's mount, To die for men that day, One last sad tear fell from His cheek And on the earth it lay. On Easter morn on that same place, Lest some rude tread might sear, A lily bloomed, and in her cup She held that little tear. [39] AN AUTUMN REVERIE To Maude Burnham All day there glowed the dull November sky. The chilly winds from off the inland lake, Have swept the fallen leaves in helpless drifts to die, And chant a solemn dirge far out where billows break. Some grey geese scream above me as they fly To some fair land where summer's fragrance fills, Far off I hear the vibrant dismal cry, Of some wild thing affrighted in the hills. Ere long the bitter frosts, then winter's snowy blight. No semblance then of golden August days, Thus must I bide alone amid my saddened plight, And call unanswered down the muted ways. [41] IN AN OLD GARDEN To D. M. O'Connell A golden sunset fading into red, A humming-bird above a yellow tulip bed, A little fountain weeping near a rose-hung wall, A cricket's evening song, a ring-dove's vesper call— 'Tis twilight there. A May moon glimmering through blossoming apple trees, A honeysuckle swinging her censer on the breeze, A tired fawn sleeping near a star-reflected lake. The locust's hum, a loon's cry from the brake — 'Tis nightime there. [43] TO-DAY To Orrin Johnson Tell thou to-day love's word that trembles on thy speech Lest passing time decree it be not told; Stretch forth thy hand to me while mine has power to reach — To-morrow's light may find it strangely cold. And oh, remember, dear, when my poor rest is won I cannot know thy bitterness and pain; But I can clasp thy rose ere this sweet day is done And hear thee say my heart breaks not in vain. [45] ABSENCE To Grace Armstrong Let not my memory fade when I have gone from thee, But keep me still enfolded in thy heart. At sunrise or at star shine, I care not when it be, If thou wilt think of me, where'er thou art. Let some beloved book, or song we used to sing, Recall me when the day begins to wane. A lily pond — a broken road — a violet-crested spring. Or e'en a bluebird's note may hold my name. [47] THE SHADOW To S. M. C. The Christ Child stands with outstretched arms To greet the rising sun, And near a tree His mother rests To guard her little One. He looks afar into the East Where clouds hang low like masts. But her sad gaze falls on the cross His slender shadow casts. [49] THE PENITENT To J. E, R. Before a chapel altar ere day was almost spent There knelt within its shadow a humble penitent The place was long deserted, a single taper burned And shed its beams of softness upon her face upturned. There were no sighs of anguish, there were no sobs of pain. There were no cries of hopelessness for days long lived in vain; But there were tears, aye, countless tears, that stained the hollow cheek And bore a contrite message that words could never speak, And on a little crucifix held firm in her embrace, Like Magdalen, she looks upon her gentle Mas- ter's face. [SI] OLD FRIEND OF MINE To Leo G, Dwan Take my hand and clasp it tight And promise me that through Hfe's fight We'll steadfast stand in loyal might, Dear friend of mine— old friend of mine. Look on me well before we part And read the friendship in my heart And feel my quickened pulses start, Dear friend of mine—old friend of mine. Perhaps we'll meet some moonlit night On some far desert plain or height Our comradeship to reunite, Dear friend of mine— old friend of mine. But if our hopes be only vain And on death's scroll be writ my name Live on, my soul will still remain. Dear friend of mine— old friend of mine. [53] A RHAPSODY To Julia ReBeil Ofttimes within my soul there throbs a joy un- spoken That feeble words of mine seem lost to sing; 'Tis then I come to thee and clasp thy chords unbroken, And low what raptures sweet thy keys resound- ing bring. [55] MAVOURNEEN To Mary Marten Mary Mavourneen, I'm missin' your face And all the dear ways that you had, And I'm mindin' the day that you came to the place When I was a bit of a lad. Those long years of love and tenderest care You gave me, my Mary Machree, Will live in a heart that you helped to make fair — A heart that beats fandly for thee. Mary Mavourneen, 'tis sweet is your rest Up with God's angels afar, But I know that your soul from that Isle of the Blessed Will shine in my West like a star. [57] THE FIREFLY To Lilian Tucker A little troubadour of night Paused to kiss a rose of white And in the light when dawning came Her petals glowed with crimson flame. [59] MY TRUST To Rev, P. J. OXaUaghan, C.S,P. What though my name be held in earthly praise, And fame's bright star emblazon all my ways; What though my barge drift homeward jewel heaped. And victory's mount by bleeding feet be reached ; What though my days by golden suns be blessed, And crescent moons loom silvery in my West — If at the close of twihght's peaceful time Your weary hands come not, dear friend, to rest in mine. What though my paths are ofttimes lone and drear, And sorrow "s cry the only sound I hear; What though fate's waves in anger lash my bark, And lights of hope gleam faintly in the dark; What though the friends I've trusted most — forget, And cherished dreams by failure are beset — If I can only come to you when these are past Naught else will matter then — and I'll know peace at last. [61] MIO CARISSIMO To Margaret B Oh Little Han', Oh Sweeta Han', Oh Han' of my bambin', You hoi' my heart in eet so tight Like nothing I have seen. Oh Little Face so softa and white Dat I am love to kiss If I was make a lady queen I would not geeve for dis. Oh Littla Han', Oh Sweeta Han', Oh Han' of my bambin', You no stay here wid me no more But go away it seem. But many time when night is come I sleep to have kind dream And feel again to touch my cheek De han' of my bambin'. i^Zl THE SONG MAKER To Gertrude Rosfs You weave the threads of life's sweet harmonies Into a tapestry of golden song. You give the soul of melody sublime To poet's verse, that makes its tones prolong. How great that Art ! How wondrous seems your pen ! That you can give creation to a thing That holds the very hearts and souls of men ! [65 LA NOCHE d'ESPANA To Rita Olcott Bright on the night shines la lunita Soft as the eyes of some fair seiiorita— Here in the courtyard a mandolinita Is sounding its music For Hght feet to dance. Pablo is singing to his noviecita Pledging his love 'neath a bright estrellita While she waves her fan like a gay coquetita And smiles on her lover His soul to entrance. [67] AN IRISH TOAST To Kate Condon Here's to the eyes of you — Irish and blue — Here's to the smile of you — gentle and true — Here's to the laughter and song in your heart- Here's to the tears of affection that start — Here's to you, Kate, Blessed be your fate Early and late 'Tis — God love you. [69] SWEET LAVENDER To Lillian Herbert A slender orchid blooming. And near a lilac tree A pretty maid in lavender Is singing happily. And in her lap lie violets, But in her hand I see She holds — all bound in lavender- This foolish heart of me. [71] A SOUTHERN PLEA To Mildred and Walter See dat moon up in de sky. Honey, will you lub me? If you don' I shore will die. Honey, will you lub me? Let my ban' 'round yours twine Jes' like some sweet glory vine. See dese flashin' eyes of mine. Honey, will you lub me? 'Taint no use to hide yo' face, Honey, will you lub me? Lubin' me aint no disgrace. Honey, will you lub me? See me down here on my knee Jes' a-pourin' out my plea Is you 'templatin' marryin' me? Honej^, will you lub me? [73l CHERE ANTOINETTE To Josephine Graff Where have you go, my Antoinette? Sometime I tink you have forget And maybe one petite coquette — I hope not yet Ma chere 'Toinette. But you have take one grand voyage And make me feel so disparage That sight of you will be mirage — I hope not yet Charmant 'Toinette. Voila ! I see you come encore I trow une baiser from de door — Oh, jolie fille, don't go some more — I love you yet. Have you regret? I hope not yet Mon ange 'Toinette. [75] FRIENDSHIP To Bert 0. Miller If deep within the confines of your soul You hold a heart that melts with yours into a perfect whole, If through your very being leaps that ecstatic fire That only sacred friendship can kindle and in- spire ; If you can feel the ever pressing of a hand And hear ofttimes a murmured prayer. Though in some distant, sunless land, Give thanks ! For God has sanctified your worth And given you, e'en now, a glimpse of uaradise on earth. [77] ROSEMARY FOR REMEMBRANCE To Hilda Spong iWill you remember me — now that we've parted — And you turn again to the road that leads home. While I am gazing, lone and sick-hearted, .Watching you fade from me into the gloam. Will you recall me, at some twilight's ending. As you seek again those green hills that we knew, While from the distance my cold lips are sending Life's last sweet message, my love-prayer, to you. [79] SANCTIFIED To Mrs. P. J. Barrett Shed thou no tears beside my vine-clad tomb, Nor call my name, nor bid me to return, For I was weary, and Life's hand of gloom Holds me no more ; within its fragile urn Two flaming lamps I had to light my way: One, mother-love; the other, glowing prayer. Cease then to mourn, for in this endless day My soul has found a God most wondrous fair. [8i] AT MUSIC'S SHRTNE To Edna Peterson Thy gentle fingers touch the snowy keys. As some fair goddess weaves her golden lute. And melody's caressing charms ascend — I listen — with enraptured senses — mute. For Thou, Sweet Lady, with this magic gift, That is thine own in such a goodly part, Hast power to lift my soul beyond life's sting, And keep love's sacred trust within my heart. C83] LOVE WATCHES To My Father Why do you seek that cold grey rock, out where the waves are meeting? Sure 'twill break your heart, poor weary child, to list to their weary beating. Your little world of yesterday lies crushed, aroon, and dying — Oh lamb of my soul, come home to my arms, for 'tis I can hear your crying. Let me press your head 'gainst my throbbing breast and kiss each tear that's falling, And hear again of your ship that sailed too far from the heed of your calling. And when your eyes of softest blue are closed by the croon of my singing, I'll watch by the side of you all the night through, God knows what the morn will be bringing. [85] MOTHERHOOD To Mazie Each child of thine to thee is bound by feome beloved charm. And as the oak has need of branch and bough So hast thou want of them that nestled once upon thine arm, For in their love is thy blessed haven now. Sweet Motherhood! Divinest gift of all that God can give ! Thou art the thing supreme of all the race. From thee does man seek first his heritage to live ; From thee doth come his courage, strength, and grace. [87] MAMMY To Duke F . .. , Dere's jes' one light dat gives de world de sun- shine An' jes' one vast expandin' sky of blue, Dere's jes' one moon a-beamin' in de nighttime An' jes' one mammy in de world like you. Dere's jes' one heart dat always holds my sorrow An' jes' one soul dat always takes my hand, Dere's jes' one voice dat cheers me for de mor- row, I loves you, honey, doan you understand? [89] AFTERWARDS To Ethel B. Reeves After the night's weary watching, After the longing and pain, Daybreak at last on the skyline. And hope in my soul once again. After life's pitiless journey, After the heartbreaks and tears. Rest in the grey ebbing twilight. Sleep and God's peace for all fears. [91] REQUIESCAT To My Mother Sweet Crucified, have mercy on her soul ! And grant to her the gaining of that eternal goal Wherein Thy Sacred Kingdom all worship and adore Thee, Sovereign Prince of Love, now and ever- more. Look down on me and see my tears to-day ! And teach me, gentle Savior, more fervently to pray For her whom I have loved and lost, but yet a little while. But through Thy tender mercies, again I'll see that smile, And feel once more her presence, and clasp that loving hand When I have come to Thee, Dear Christ, into Thy promised land. Oh Mother Mary, Blessed Lady of the Skies ! Give heed and tender comfort unto my griefs and sighs, [93] REQUIESCAT And take beneath the mantle of thy maternal grace This mother love of mine, to bring more closely to His face. Sweet Crucified, have mercy on her soul! [94]