itf '^xttms %ml^ i^^rs/^ APR 12 1919 COPYRIGHT APPLIED FOR SMITH PRINTING COMPANY, WACO CONTENTS. a 1. A Sonnet To C. T. C. ^ 4. When der 'Taters Begin Ter t'ry. 5. Forward. 6. Melons on de Vine. 7. Toast To An Opening Banquet. 8. Disappointed. 9. Our Trip to Marlin. 10. About To Sin. 11. The Little Stars. 12. A Toast. 13. Rain Drops. 14. Be Not Least. 15. A Dream. 16. The Pilgrims. 17. When Bennett Rings the Bell. 18. Spring. 19. His Imagination. 20. Livingstone, Montana. 21. Honey, I'll Remain With You. 22. A Hope of Freedom, .^c^ l 23. Class Poem. 'J'°' 24. A Wet Advice. 25. Music From His Hoe. 26. School of Mine. 27. Sick Week. 28. A Sonnet. 29. Spirit of the West. 30. A Letter. 31. What the Canary Does. 32. Decided. 33. To a Bird. 34. Ode To Mother. ©CI,A515382 SONNET TO C. T. C. Our school on ihe hill, A monument for all, Rest thou contented still. I'll enter this fall. Silent as death thy work is o'er Still I'll remember thee ever more. On thy walls of dust, Spiders are weaving twine; Each working a hand of trust, Though greater is the hand of thine That writes a motto "backward never Continue in faith, forward forever." Birds in thy trees. Sing a sad song. Among thy flowers the bees Work all day long. A new year is coming with joy ladened store. Old ones to return nevermore. LONESOME. Lawd, I'se so lonesome. In dis world ob sorrow. My wife done gone an' lef me. An' won' come back termorrow. Ever'thing's so silent', No one ter make er fuss, I hab no one ter cheer me, An' my heart am 'bout ter bust. Caline's ober yonder, Standin' in de do, Talkin' ter some udder feller; It's Rastus Green, I kno'. She promis' ter stay wid me, Her love am 'bout ter fail, Lawd, stay here wid me, Fer de debbil's on mv trail. Early Verse I'se gwiner stir 'roun', An' see what I can see; Nobody but Caline er comin'. My heart jist longs fer t'hee. Who's dat wid her, a bunch of chillun. Reckon who could dey be? A eatin' flock of picanninies Comin' to stay wid me. I'se gwiner hide dat bread. No, I'se jes' too late. Caline an' all dem chillun Er comin' in de gate. Come in, honey; Set dem chillun on de bed; Rastus, quit you' dancin' dere Wid 5^0' wooley head. Comin' in der fust thing, Wid er hungry look, Er dancin' ter de kitchen, Nothin' in dah to cook. Caline, I always loved you, I'se glad you come back home; Wipe dat baby's nose dere, Don' you see it begin ter foam? Now han' him ter me. He's gvv'iner dance a jig; Come ter yo' pappy, Yuh little ole dirt3^ pig. Where's you been all time Wid dis ole dirty dress ? I'se great mind throw yo' 'way; You jest looks er mess. Book of Poems Don' start dat cryin', sir; Wid dem eyes lookin' deep. Go on ler yo' mammy, Fur 5^ou wants ter sleep. Caline, my heart's now full ob joy, Stay an' love me still; Wid all my power I'll do fur thee, Wid er iron detrmine will. LINDSEY HOLLOW. 'Tis a great path cut through the rock. Where bands of people often flock, To see the beaut}^ of the land, That was formed by Nature's hand. The trees, that shade these banks. Seem to give to God their thanks. By bowing and bending now and then. When shaken by His holy wind. Oh, 'tis pleasant for one, in spring, To walk about where echoes ring, And gather flowers, where they're rare, Over Lindsey Hollow everywhere. The golden stream, that crosses it's mouth With golden waters flowing south, Is a wonderful phenomenon to be seen. Crossing this fair home ever green. Great v>^hite rocks can be seen In this fair home ever green, Upon these rocks, so white and plane, One may stop and carve his name. Oh ! this picture drawn by Nature's hand. Where melancholy days are enjoyed by man, Riding with care and hearing with same, The voices of birds when they sing. Early Verse The brilliant sun, the lamp of day, That throws his shadow by the way, Cxives light to man and every tree. Where golden moments shall forever be. In dark ages of the past, When through it Indians passed, Voices could be heard, when they groaned, "Waco, oh Waco, I am thine own!" WHEN DER TATERS BEGIN TER FRY. I'se happy as de birds Dat stretch dere wings an' fly, Jumpin' an' dancin' all 'roun' When der taters begin to fry. 'Lasses jug an' 'possum, too, On de table settin' by; But I leab dem right dar, When der taters begin to fry. Pa jes' plays dat fiddle all de time, Don't stop ter bat his eye; But hangs it up jes' as quick, When der taters begin to fry. An' ma's fussin' all de time. As de lubly days go by; But how can she change dat voice ob her's. When der taters begin to fry. Stop dat playin' heah! We'll hab ter jump dis high. If we don' be quiet at once, When der taters begin to fry. Myrah bakin' pon-pons, Pickanninies am drawin' nigh. In a hurry to der table, When der taters begin to fry. Book of Poems At de table de thanks are giben. But I'se jes' can't see why I gib thanks fer der yams, When der taters begin to fry. Bless us dis day. Cause not our tongues ter lie; But tell der truth all der way. When der taters begin to fry. FORWARD. Friends, are we going backwards. The way that does not pay? Let us strive to go forward. For forward is the way. Forward workers are the ones, Whom our people need; Those who stand up for the right And help us by their deeds. Willing workers we should be. Toiling for the rig'ht; That's the forward movement, That's pleasing in God's sight. We can be a mighty power. In the community where we stay, By being dutiful to every cause That leads the forward way. We need pure insight and sound judgment. To continue and never pause. And by wisdom and knowledge from above, We'll add blessings to the cause. Men and women we should be, Educating the head, heart and hand, That's th eforward movement, That the God above demands. Early Verse Let us have that character, That rejects wrong and pursues right. Then by the power of our God, Men may see the light. Men may annihilate our bodies; They may bring us to our woe; But by the help of God, Forward we shall go. God, be merciful to our race. Make us not afraid to die; But go forward with our tasks And obtain blessings from on High. So forward, forward is the way, Though our trials be hard, Praying, laboring as we go, On our journey to our God. MELONS ON DE VINE. I'll go dis journey ter day. Over ter my neighbor's across de way. Lawd, hov>^ grand 'twill be Ter stand in de road, look ober de fence And wish f er what I kin see ! In de patch side ob de road, O melons on de vine! Red an' sweet an' am so juicy An' I'll sleal dem all de time. Jes' wait now 'till June, At de dark ob de moon, An' I'll show you where I shine, In de patch side ob de road, melon's on de vine. Now dem melons ain't mine, Dat's so lobely on de vine. But he ought not planted dem here, Ter tempt er Christian wid dere looks, An' had er devil to fear. Book of Poems 9 Doe I could leab dem dere An' let dem ripen on de vine. Doe if I pass dis way ergin, Dat ole blue one gwiner be mine. I'se grcad mine pull it now, Stop lookin' so natural dere, Layin' up dere lack a devilish hog Er rollin' in his hair. You jes' did 'scape dere, sir; I lack ter had you fer dinner, Doe you would er ben mine. Had I'se been er sinner. TOAST AT AN OPENING BANQUET OF CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE, SEPT. 21, 1914. Today she opened her pearly gate, Why linger ye behind? Enter in ere it be too late. To shape a brilliant mind. I may cross the mighty deep. En route to some other clime; Though for her my heart shall keep A spark of love divine. Here's to all here tonight: Go wherever duty demands. Laboring for her with all thv might, With pure hearts and willing hands. TOAST AT A BANQUET GIVEN BY THE JUNIORS IN HONOR OF THE SENIORS OF C. T. C, MAY 14, 1914. We are thankful for what you've given, May blessings of joy extend from Heaven. Refreshing your hearts in many ways; Crowning your lives with many davs. 10 Early Verse May wisdom from an Unshadowed fold Come brightening your hearts like glittering gold, Flowing in knowledge like rivers at sea, And make noble characters out of thee. And like dew refreshing the summer green. Having found a home where it is seen, May your love for Central and that alone Find friends for her where they're unknown. DISAPPOINTED, Lawd, Fse so disappointed, Things ain't what I thought'; Wish I'd never paid 'tention Ter dem lies dey taught. My money done gone from me; An' my friends hab lef me, too; Lawd, hab mussy on me, What am I gwine ter do ? Fer I'se in de North Ian', An' my folks in de Ian' ob cottn; Jes' praying fer a lonety trabbler, Whom all hab done fergotten. An' dey ain't sent no letters. Concerning m}' railroad fare, From dear ole Louisiana, Lawd, how I wish I wus dere! Where de 'lasses mill am makin' De velva out ob de cane; Where pickanninies ain't workin' But eaten' jes' de same. Fse here deblish hongry Ain't got er thing ter eat, Jes' workin' fer dese whitefolks Willie dey walk up an' down de streets. Book of Poems 11 An' dey ain't paid dat money, Fer all dat work I'se done, I'se jes' gwiner quit 'em, Fer I'se Mandy's only son. I'se gwine back ter her, I'll nebber come ter Maine, Jes' stay dere wid her an' Rastus An' help her cut de cane. OUR TRIP TO MARLIN. We triumphed o'er the hot well city, Through cold, sunshine and rain; Many hardships we had met Though money was our aim. Its people were so very kind, And we'll try with all our might To keep them in our mind. As our prayers take their flight To God o'er the sands of time. It's good to have such friends. As we have in this town, Whose hearts are filled with welcome And in which great love abounds. Thursday night we so impressed them With song, recital and speech. That we were asked to spare more time In their city in order to reach Those who were confined. On Friday we visited the High School; And while there we could see Many young boys and girls As busy as could be. On that' night the church was filled With these hopeful sons of men. There to listen and to wait A helping hand to lend. 12 Early Verse We all played well our parts As each would take his stand. There to show from his heart The things that make a man. We left on Saturday morn. With all just feeling fine, Having enjoyed good things to eat, And just a hog killing time. ABOUT TO SIN. Down by der fireside, On de ole plantation farm, Jes' playin' der fiddle while dey dance, Doan mean er bit er harm. Jes' look at Rastus ! Ain't dancin' er deblish thing; But tryin' ter win de praise, Breakin' dat chicken wing. Fse gwiner stop playin', An' I'hrow dis fiddle 'way; 'Cause I jes' can't stan' it. Some one else kin play. You, Rastus, stop dere! Don't try ter hab it all ! Vs? gwine ter hab er ban' In dis 'possum ball. Jes' take dis here fiddle; Hang it on de wall, Fer my feet am now ready Fer ter out dance 'em all. Come here. Lucindy, Let me swing yo' arm. An' dance 'round' de corner, Doan mean er bit er harm. Book of Poems 13 Break de pigeon wing wid me, honey; Doan cher hear dem figgers call? "Swing yo' pardners 'roim' de corner, Steady an' balance all." Dance wid me ler de table. Honey, doan be uneasy, Fer we done win' de prize, 'Possum an' 'taters layin' dere greasy. THE LITTLE STARS. How bright are the stars above. That dot the Heaven's of love! Each one has its work to do. While sparkling in the sky so blue. These "little diamonds in the sky," "Up above the earl'h so high," Make bright the path by the way And are our company while we pray. They are shining oh so bright; As we travel in the night Thej'' seem as wanderers far away, Waiting for the dawn of day. Who is it whom they obey? Cease to shine at dawn of day. Now as their work has all been done. They hide themselves behind the sun. 'Tis God whom they obey — Cease to shine at dawn of day. The One who is Maker of us all; How He would miss one should it fall! A TOAST. Here's to a race lying on its back. Bound in slavery to the rack. Thye land is across the sea. With all my earnestness, energy and intelligence, I'll pledge my life to thee. 14 Early Verse RAIN DROPS. Beautiful rain drops of the sky. That come in refreshing showers, Falling from the realms on high, And giving life to beautiful flowers. These falling objects from the sky, Shine sparkling as Ihey fall. From dingy clouds that hang on high, While on the Heaven's crawl. When flying from a dingy cloud. Like arrows from a bow. Grass and flowers look as proud While drinking here below. Each little garden that looks so green, Receives its part of rain; When water carriers above are seen To go out and come again. We ought all thank our God; Ough praise His Holy Name, For granting to us a reward. By sending the falling rain. Algihty God, the Creator of man, Made the drops to fall, How wonderful is the powerful hand. That made and blessed us all! BE NOT LEAST. Be not least in thy class; Nor a M^hisperer day by day. Use the moments as they pass. Studying and making haste. Go on and on to the utmost round. Till thou shalt win a name. Then thy voice shall sound In noble halls of fame. Book of Poems 15 A DREAM. O what an awful sight to see The Heavens in a flame, Time was no longer to be, Fire had begmi to rain. From Heaven to land and sea. The people in the town Were running to and fro. Falling upon the ground. Crying and mourning woe. To await the trumpet's sound. Some of them were prepared To meet God face to face; Their souls He them had spared. To enjoy the sacred place In Heaven, a home so fair. A very sad time, it seemed To me, while I lay asleep; But when 1 awoke 1 gleaned The idea that I now speak; O 'twas but a dream. THE PILGRIMS. We boarded the ship on England's shore, A dark, dreary and lonesome day. Thirty composed this most lovely band. We were pilgrims far a better land. We left the little seaport town, Where friends and kindred stood around. Saying goodbye and shaking hands, We bade farewell to England. While out on the mighty deep. Where we the pilgrims fell asleep. Our ship was rocked by the wind. So grief and sorrow doth begin. 16 Early Verse Oh, listen, listen to the wind That rocks our ship, cried two men. How rough and it seem to blow. Over the sea where waters flow. The storm was rough on ocean's tide, It tossed our ship from side to side; Oh, God of Heaven, we pilgrims cried, "Let us in Thy Bosom hide." The storm birds lit upon our ship. And seemed to say as one with lips: "O Pilgrim Fathers on the sea, The God of Heaven remember thee." When this awful storm was o'er. And the thunder's voice had ceased to roar. We gave thanks to Him who saved And kept us safely ont the waves. We had sailed sixty days and nights. Yet no land could be in sight; But by the logs that float on sea, Land we knew close must be. After six more nights on ocean's tide, A light beyond we Pilgrims spied; It was America, the land of dreams. From whence a candle threw its beams. We planted a colony on this strange land, And built a church as God commands; How happy could we Pilgrims be In this land across the sea ! 'Twas God who heard us when we cried, And landed us safely to this side; In the land of roses throiigliout the spring, Where we could praise His Holj^ Name. Book of Poems 17 WHEN BENNETT RINGS THE BELL. When Mr. Bennett is on duty. He performs his duties well; Central Texas is the place, Where Bennett rings the bell. The students are verj;^ active, Each ohter we try to excel, By being on time in chapel. When Bennett rings tho bell. From chapel to Mrs. Wilson, We recite Essentials well, To Prof. Robinson for Literature, When Bennett rings the bell. In reciting Literature, pains are taken In pronouncing our words well; The next on hand is Astronomy, When Bennett' rings the bell. Greek is the next old subject, About Cyrus it will tell. But we gladly close it at the time. When Bennet rings the bell. At noontime we all hustle; Dinner! is what we yell. In a hurry to the table, When Bennett rings the bell. SPRING. Enters the year with a joyful spring; Oh, what beauty it doth bring; With daisies so sweet and lilies so fair, Over hills and hollows everywhere! When all the leaves of trees bud out, And birds and insects fly about. And the Heavens seem a dreary blue, I like to be out doors; don't you? 18 Early Verse Then every cloud up in the sky, That goes so slowly drifting by, And the leaves that hang on every tree, All seem to speak and speak to me. The birdies whistle their merry tunes, Among the flowers in morning so soon; Playing and dancing upon the ground. Where the grass is peeping all around. The busy bee greets the spring. Gathering honey as t'hey sing; From beautiful flowers of the land. That were planted by our Master's hand. The little child that gathers the flowers, In early mornings of dewy showers. Runs through the woods and plays, Trying to enjoy the saddest days. HIS IMAGINATION. I'se jes' sitl'in' here a dreamin' 'Bout de good things I kin see. Lawd, if I could grab some of dem How busy I could be ! Dat ole garden side de co'n Am so pretty an' so green, Wid beets, onions and lettuce, De lubliest dat I'se seen. An I ain't et dis mornin', No, I guess I ain't. Now if I don't eat me somethin', I think I'se gwiner faint. Jes' look on de table, At dem good things ter eat, 'Lasses, snap beans and 'taters, Jes' walkin' on dere feet. Book of Poems 19 Lawd, whar am Lindy? I guess she's back in dere. No, I guess I'se mistaken; I guess she's gone somewhere. She said she wasn't gwiner leave me; She didn't hafter lie, Leave me here a lookin' At dat table full of pie. She done lef me here so lonely, Feelin' bad and hongry, too. Lawd, hab mussey on me. What am I gwine ter do? Dat's alright I guess; Some day she'll make her 'turn On some aAvful cloudy mornin', When dese co'ns begin ter burn. Dere she comes now, dancin' Out ob de kitchen, so deblish quick Wid all dem good things fer me, Gal, you mus' think I'se sick. Lindy, you never did ack dis way befo' God's gwine bless you dis night. Stop walkin' so trilby dere, I wish you'se out ter my sight. Jes' place dem on de table, God bless yo' little heart. You know I always loved you, Doan think we're gwine ter part. Lawd, look at de 'possum an' de 'taters. An' de gravy oozing down. Now, it's no use feelin' funny, I'se jes' well walk 'roun' an' eat. 20 Early Verse LIVINGSTONE, MONT. 'Tis pleasant for one to stay, Where breezes steal from the heights away And onward gently below. Ah ! fair Livingstone, City of Pride, Built close by the mountain side. Of the Rockies covered with snow. HONEY, I'LL REMAIN WITH YOU. (A Song.) 'Twas on er Friday night, When I was 'turnin' home; Der storm had pass but dark at las' An' I knew not' whah ter roam. M}'^ gal said stay; doe I went my way, Doe it was too dark ter go; Fer de moon didn't shine, but changed its mind Not ter guide me as befo. CHORUS. I'll nebber leave er nudder dark night; Honey, I'll remain wid you; Doe if I mus' go, an' you say so. Please go wid me. too; Fer my gun's in soak, an' I'm broke. An' de man I work fer, too. Now. if vou won't go, jes' say so; An' I'll remain wid you. I started 'way from her, do' Er bull-dog guarded her gate; De lights was dim an' I couldn't see him. So dere I mot mv fate. Den bv chance he caught my pants An' toe out de gable end. Home I hopped befo' I stopped, Ter find whah his mouth had been. Book of Poems 21 A HOPE OF FREEDOM. In a sweet song of Liberty Thai' made all sorrows sweet, Marched out a chieftain and his men, A mighty foe to meet. What was tliis song so sweet That alarmed the country lengthy and breadth? "Loose the shackles from our feet; Give us Liberty or give us death." "Onward through shot and shell! Raise Old Glory high ! "Take dead aim," was the yell, "Ere death lingers nigh." The enemy fell upon their faces Along the hedgy way; While bravely stood the general of races. Giving orders of the day. "Hurry! hurrj'^! do not stop! Drive them to yonder's hill, Where the star of hope kisses the top, With a ray of freedom still!" In the skylight of love, Though once it lay obscure. We may write this name above. The soldier- the stnitoo^-— iousaint L' Overture. CLASS POEM. Though many years have passed, Since we've been drilling here. To convey to the very last Victory through our career. We are journeying towards the end. 22 Early Verse In leaving we only regret To leave our college friends, Who are to follow yet. Tho' God has fixed it so to be, And we can not bar the cause; For if He is mighty and able to see The things that are best for all. Now we could rejoice, if we knew That grand and happy day When we again shall meet with you, In some grand and noble way. We know we haven't done our best; Though there's nothing hindering you, From bieng an example for the rest. Do well whatever you do. We'll try to bear in mind Every grand and noble thought, That will keep us rig^lit in line With eack good we have been taught. As we receive life from Heaven's winds. In this grand and glorious sphere. We shall keep the love that binds Our hearts together here. What was for you in the past, Was love in our hearts we bore. And we'll bear it to the last, Till time shall be no more. We would that you finish here, For a brighter day is coming still. When Central shall enlarge her sphere. With power and wonderful skill. We'll stand up for our school. When the winds begin to blow. We'll keep her golden rule No matter where we go. Book of Poems 23 O sun, shine out thy will, Everlasting blessings upon this hill, Where duty demands and thou wilt obey. Give life and wisdom to each phase of day. We'll dedicate her walls to God, While on earth we tread; And glorify His Name with praise, For having spared us these many days. A WET ADVICE. Dere's no need fer folks ter grumble 'Bout de wa}^ de weather acts; Fer it's gwine ter hab its way, No matter whut dey lacks. Too late ter talk 'bout hard times, An' de jobs dat we could git; Fur de creek's done 'mence ter risin' An' de rain am fallin' yet. Groun' too wet fur ploughin'; No need ter go fur wood; Too wet out dere fur cuttin', I wouldn't if 1 could. Days ain't' always pleasant; We'll all hab trouble it seems; When de North wind comes whistlin' Thro' de kivahs ob yo' drems. So jes' save some money fur de winter; So when de cold comes stealin' in. You kin set wid yo' feet ter de fireplace, An' hab some dougli ter spen'. MUSIC FROM HIS HOE. Dis grass is er growin' high; Hoe handle gettin' so slick, De more I try ter chop, It still seems high an' thick. 24 Early Verse Doe when I spit in my ban's, An' hole dat handle giner light, De steel begins ter ring, Fer' I'se choppin' it jes' right. Folks all choppin' bebin'; Movin' lack dey doan kere, Jes' er listenin' at de music. My hoe plays in de year. Fixin' ter thro 'way dere hoes, William leadin' de dance; Dey done furgot dere 'ligion, Music got 'em in a trance. Such a noise j'ou never lieard Out dere in de open field; Each in hominy wid de music. So steady on toe an' heel. Picaninnies at de bouse Jes' a kickin' up dere heels; Think dey heah a ban' comin'. Up 'cross de fiold. Wagons passin' de road; Folks jes' listenin' wid dere might; 'Magine dey heah a banjo playin' Late up in de night. Birds singin' in de trees, Stop an' drop dere wings; An' les' li'^tpn rlprr" wi