beyond the twilight - forgotten books · pdf filefrom fray and foray grant releas e! [9] ......

B EY O N D T H E

TW I L IG H T

A BOO! OF ! ERSE

BY

GEORGE W ! IN

IARRINGTON

Author of“ A Reversion ofForm ,

!etc !

BOSTON

SHERMAN, FRENCH 6‘ ! OMPANY

19 1 1

! OPYRIGHT, 1911

SHERMAN, FREN! H év ! OMPANY

©0LA305 1 83A!

TO‘THE MEMORY OF

HOWARD WILBUR SLADECLARENCE SUTHERLAND WALLACECLAUDIA ELI ! ABETH KELLOGG

CHARLES F ! M ! GAHAN

AND

WILLIAM WALTON WOOLSEY

FRIENDS OF LONG AGO

THE AUTHOR IN LO ! E ! GRATITUDE AND HUMILITYDEDI! ATES THIS SHEAF OF ! ERSE !

! ompan ions ever near to me,

Who’ve answered to the H eaven lyYes, Whi le they held my handFond eyes met eyes as fond ;And I would not forgetThei r touch

,their sympathy !

CONTENTS

GERALDBEFORE THE DAWNSTRESSFRIDAY EVENING

GROWING OLD

HEIGHTS AND DEPTHSPALS !

INTROSPECTION!

CHOOSING—eTO- DAY

COMPANIONSPAINDESPAIR NOT

PRIVILEGEA SONG OF HOPEIN REVIEW

! UESTIONSPADDOCK FRIENDSSATURDAY NIGHT

A PLEA !

MY ! OYSTHE GARDEN OF YOUTH !

WHEN THE SHADOWS HA ! E DEEPENEDTH E COMMON LOT

THE DEAR ON E S AT HOME

THE FIRE HORSEPREPARATIONHEAT IN THE TENEMENTS !

A s WE WOULD HAVE THEM WALKOUR FATHER’

S CHILDREN

ONLY A ! OCKEYTHE LAST ANALYSISTHE MESSAGEALONE“MAKING GOODALL THAT WE KNOWCINDERSTHE SONG OF NATURE !

TO - DAY !

AFTER MANY YEARS !

TH E RADIANCE OF NIGHT

NOR HESITATE !

“WHEN MY LOVED ONE SM ILESTO- MORROW— A PRAYERVOYAGESONLY A YEARVOICESWITH PASSING YEARSA SALUTARY NIGHTMAREA WORDANOTHER CHANCELEAVING PORTBROTHERSON THE TRAINSTRANGERS— TO- DAY

OUR NURSERY WARRIORSTHE CITY STREETSTHE HURDY GURDY MAN

BEDTIME

A REBUKE

THE FRIENDS OF LONG AGO

ASSURANCEA REBUKE TO MELANCHOLY !

BLUE ! EAN PHILOSOPHYYOUTH, AGE— THE SEA

RESTING IN FAITHINDIAN SUMMERGOOD NIGHT

A FOREST RIDDLE! UST TO B E A MANMY WIFE

GERALD

TH E little feet that patterA cross the nursery floor,

T‘iny hands that tug so hardA t the giant - fashioned door,

The high pitched cry of welcome,And the ready, glee ful laugh ,Greet the coming home of “Dad,Now a king— and more, by half !

The dear, wee form , close cuddled,Fairy fingers searching out

Some odd, reluctant treasureT o be greeted with a shout

The cheeks aglow with gladnes sAn d the eyes alight with j oy

Pray , what has God made betterThan our blithe, bewitching boy ?

[ 1 ]

BEFORE THE DAWN

T H E sweet tranquillity of nightHath hushed and changed a troubled

worldCast its so ft , mysterious lightWhere hosts of day their j av

’lins hurled !

Hard hours of toil and stres s— of strifeHave given place to gentler mood ;

T o higher, better things of lifeThan brother seeking brother ’s blood !

Gentle radiance of yon moonDoth suggest a kindlier bent

That Steels the thews of fighters soonTo strike the blows Of Thor’ s portent !

Calm, maj estic , beauteous night !

Serene, untroubledflbreathing peace !I pray to thee , Lead, Kindl y LightFrom fray and foray grant releas e !

[ 9 ]

STRESS

TH E river is dark and restles s ,Beneath a cloud- Swept sky ;

S inister tales it seems to tellOf men who’ve sought to dieDrawing watery covers aboutA s down to rest they lie !

Is the river brazen , boastful,Concealing black remorse

For deeds it ’s seen , and help’d to do ?

(O men of bitter los s !)Stay ! did they compass repose, I wonder,Leaving this life by force ?

The stream is mute , nor gives a S ignT o still its eerie soul ;

While hard - pres sed men look on , in fear,So difficult their goalO taciturn river, pray tell, to - night

,

Dost look to me for toll ?

[ 3 ]

FRIDAY EVENING

THERE i s no music in the worldA s sweet to me

A s this , when shouted with acclaimIn ev ’ry key

(Yet tenderly )“Daddy ’s come home

[ 4 ]

GROWING OLD

WHEN my usefulnes s is end-ed

And my str ength has been expended,When no longer do I feel a zest for life,Take me to a realm far betterAh ! I know this to the letter,

Weary, troublous , hollow world of bitter strife !

Yes , a brighter day’ll be dawning

On a fair, auspicious morning,When I ’waken in the Land of Bye - and - bye !There, my dear companions greeting,In a glad, unsullied meeting

There I ’ll face Eternity without a sigh !

[ 5 ]

HEIGHTS AND DEPTHS

THERE is no Heaven and no Hell,! he cried ,

And then he died !

Ah ! he had never known the poign ant blis sOf Offspring’s kiss ,

Nor yet endured the bitter, blighting painOf work in vain !

[ 6]

PAL S

YOU awsk me w ’

y I’me lookin’ queer to - day ?

I’ve ’ad a spill, a cruel, ugly fall !

I’ll not come right ! They ’ve put a friend away,A honest friend, as never funked a call ! !

! HORUS

’

E was a bold un, bad to beat

L ight was’

z'

s’

eart an’

! uick zs feet,Ga!me was

’

is eye,’

is bone was neat

M9 good old gal lopin’

pal !!

II

Per’aps you

’ve ’eard O’ ‘The Governor ’s Cup ,

’

’Eld on the ‘Round ’Ill C'

ourse,’ at Ferry

town !My eye ! It took a ’chaser to stand up

’Twas j ump ’em true an ’ big— or els e go3,

III

I wa s ridin ’ at ten - stone—ten that day !

‘Our colors ? ’ The ‘Purple with crimsonbars ?

I cared a lot w’at the own er ’d say ,

A s I knotted my re ins an ’ blest my stars !

[ 7 ]

IV

A School - boy friend, Bill Flynn— called ReddyFlynn

(’Cause ’i s knob was a bloomin ’ carrot top )

Was Up on a chestnut mare by Gunga Din !

Eh ? ‘W ’at name ? ’ The F irefly— dam , Malaprop !

!

VIn thi s same race was useful Lure 0’ Gold,Fresh from a ’andy win at Leopa rdstown ;

An’flippant timber topper, Blithe an’ Bold,That led at Beecher’s Brook— an

’ then wentdown !

!

! I

At the open ditch The Firefly mistook ,

(Tried to‘Put in a short one ,

’ understand) !

I say , that purler’ad a nawsty look,

An’ in the flurry down went Wonderland !

VII

Now I was comin ’ j ust a bit be’ind,On this same Valiant ’E art, w

’ats dead today

A‘

n’ ’

e was leppin’ big an’ runnin ’ kind ;I— s ittin ’ still an ’ smilin ’— knew ’

e’d stay !

[ 8 ]

https://www.forgottenbooks.com/join

! HORUS

’

E was a bold an, bad to beat

Light was’

is’

eart an’

! uick te feet,Game was

’

is eye,’

is bone was neat

My good old gall0pin’

pal !!

[ 10]

INTROSPECTION

A RAINDROP fell against the pane ;It trickled down , now left, now right

It paused irresolute, then spedUncertain , shy, a fraid, unled ;Then j oined another in like plight !My life, alas ! Confused— in vain !

[ 1 1 ]

CHOOSING— TG DAY

I

TH E unkind look , the causticThe petty, selfish deed

(Oh ! Miserable greed !)Make life a little harder,

On this weary, foot - worn road !

The happy face, the cheery voice,The generous , helpful actMake better thi ngs a fact

And lighten heavy burdens ,So that pilgrims sad may smile !

[ 1 93 ]

COMPANIONS

THEY gather ’round me in the gloom,

Those faces once so dear to me,Emerging from the mists of time !

I ne’er withdraw— or say them nayThey come not at my fond recall ;

They come, alas , I know not why !

Not always are they near— and like,SO like, their unresembled selves !

They come and go , quite uncontrolled !

Mayhap their miss ion reassuresThat life goes on beyond the veil

Beyond the soft’ning veil of peace !

Sweetly they temper and assuageThe poignant bitterness of life ;

And give regret , and make it dear !

Their tender presence ever promptsT o better thought and fairer deed,

T o purity, to hope, to faith !

[ 13 ]

Would they safeguard me from myself ?Pointing a truer, nobler way,

Uplift and bless and cherish me ?

When barren pastures lie behindAnd verdant valleys fill the ken ,

Fuller, radiant life were mine !

[ 1 4 ]

PAIN

WHAT destiny doth shape the courseOf thi s unhappy hour called life ?

What mute and iron compulsionDoth force and bind us to this strife ?This bitter, racking, woeful strife !

The strange and poignant mysteryOf which the first and last is pain

(With pain and yet more pain between )What does it mean ? From whence it came ?Wilt leave o f us a fleeting name ?

Why needful is the knotted lash ?And how deserved the barbed dart ?

The promise sweet —believed, unkeptHath made us bleed within the heart !We meet , we love— and then we part !

Ah ! cruel , baffling, secret s creed !N O writing on the wall we know !

We ’re here to - day, and suffer hereBut whence we came , or where we goIs hid from penitents below !

[ 1 5 ]

DESPAI R NOT

JU ST around the cornerWe may meet a friend ;

! ust around the cornerTroubles sometimes end !

So cheer up a bit, with me ;Try the good in life to see !

Never dr ag around the cornerLike a melancholy moum er,

But expect a lot of sunshine round

[ 16]

A SONG OF HOPE

I ’M weary to - night , Dear Heart ,Weary but thankful— content

Roads have been long, and the heatGave not a sign ’twould relent !

To - morrow the day may dawnRefreshing, the breeze from the seaTo - night— to - morrow— I knowB elov’d, I am one with thee !

IN REVIEW

WHERE lies the charm of j ewel rare ?Of what avail this hoard o f gold ?

A wealth of riches doth not spare,But adds futility untold !

F or thee, Dear Heart, I’ve lived - for thee

Posses sion ’s worthless dross doth pall,Bald ownership a dream , ah, me !These mocking baubles but enthrall !

The empty boast of vain display,The sullied might of atoms swayed,

Prove sacrilegious in this hour,With schism and rebellion flayed !

O God ! against Thy awesome willI marshalled childish purposes ,

And sought my petty hour to fil lWith lean , ambitious heresies !

Fair One, I’ve built as folly ’s slave

A house upon the sands— for thee ;And all God gave to me I gaveA beggar ’s principality !

I ’ve planned and toiled and striven , toA s impotent as hands of man

To still the flood that Neptune sends ,Or lift from racial yoke the ban !

[ 19 ]

The was te and ruin of such quest ,Its utter folly, now I see

To Fate I urge my last behestPerpetuate thy love for me !

Yes , let me keep this fragrant love ;Yet to give back , nor stint, in kind

And so make earth like Heav’n above,

And vast , celestial beauties find !

[ 90]

! UESTIONS

AH ! I wonder why I wait,Leaning on this moss - grown gate ;

Musing, yes , and deeply dreaming,While the bustling world i s teeming !

Would I know the ultimate ?

Do I ask the driven raceWhy this wild, unrea s

’ning pace ?

Surely, all the world’s contriving,

In a scheming, frenzied striving !

Does this s erve a valid case ?

Shall I seek the reason, whyTravelers seembound to try

Paths that lead but to confusion ,Whose reward is disillusion ?Ah ! to live is but to die !

Better far to be content,Than in sorrowed years repent !

Dr iven by ambition’s prodding,There are weary millions ploddingO ’er the roads of strange consent !

Give me love and peace and h0peYes , and strength I

’d have, to copeWith the things the age’ s providing !

Give me benefits abiding ;Thus , n ot far a field I ’d grope !

[ 21 ]

PAD'DOCK FRIENDS

OF all the j oys of a selfish world,The one that stirs me most

Is the feel of a game, bold - striding horseIn the field or on the harrowed cours e,Or keen one at the post !

Then to the breezes dull care I throw,And j ust a moment live

For the love of the beast i s in my blood ;And I know he ’ll be true, through fire andReady, hi s best to give !

When worries and disappointments soreMake life a bitter grind,

There’ s a Sport that changes the face ofthings

T O the j aded nerves a sweet tingling bringsOh ! recreation kind !

[ 29 ]

! HORUS

Oh ! love o f a horseBrings us no remorse ;

And we’ve much to learn— not getHe is game and true,And all through and through

Will try till his s ight grows set !

He wont repulse or pass one by ;Or look with cold, unfriendly eye !He’s game and staunch— he ’ll do

And more— he wont forget !

[ 23 ]

SATURDAY N IGHT

CLO SING hours of the closing dayOf this fair, full - measured week !

Little more and we shall start afresh ,T O reexperience dangers

And delights of beck’n ing , unspoil’d hours !

I see where I have worked amiss ,Unwisely, and have drifted far !

T o—morrow, when chance to make amendsIs given , I shall know— must act

For some week end will be the last ; then

[ 24 ]

MY ! OYS

SOMETIMES when I am sad

And life seems all awry,I sigh,

And wonder why ’tis so,

Dolorously lament ,Intent

On some much - thought - of thing !

But when I stop to thinkI feel it vain and wrong

T o long,And to deplore, unheldThe things that fate controls

The tollsOf life, its di scipline !

For three great j oys have I ;Nor would I take the world,

Unfurled,In place o f ki ngdom mineMy soul glad music makes

AwakesThrice blest and more am I !

Riches ? ! you ask ! N ot that !“Or wealth of broad design ? !

“Youth ’s wine ? !

N O, none Of these Far more !Wouldst know my vaunted bliss ?

’Tis this ;My j oys are three dear boys !

[ 9 7 ]

THE GARDEN OF TRUTH

WITH those I love I cannot always goIn to the hallowed heart of things ,

Into the gardens wondrously a—bloomWith blossoms beautiful and rare

Grown nobly, by the uncompelled HandTruth,

By the omnipotent Hand o f Truth ,Which cannot fail on sow amis sI stand and wait !

Though love of mine be strong,I cannot take them by my side ;

Als I would have them walk ,Exploring this eternal Paradise,

Gazing into tranquil, limpid streams ,L ist’n ing to the rapturous song OfThat garden which is athrobWith melody !

They seem to lag, to wander and to driftAway from me— ever, alas , away ;

N or do they clasp my hand,Impelled by the sights and sounds and scents

Of praise and unenslaved delight ,Of comfort in the truth Of Truths

A s old , unchallenged and entireA s things unseen by Man !

[ 28 ]

My heart beats with the strange presencePervasive, rapturous , ethereal ;

Emotion holds and rules meI am alone and my tears ,

The unaccustomed tears o f man ’s estate,

Fall on the sweet, cool moss !

[ 929 ]

WHEN THE SHADOWS HAVE

DEEPENED

T H E so ft, mysterious curtains of the night aredrawn ;

Impalpable, by unseen hands controlled !

Imperious demands of day are stilled ! For daylight

Faded into dusk : and now enrolledAmong the sunlit hours o f the past we know is

keptThis record Of succes s and loss , untold !

[ 30]

THE COMMON LOT

IN the cortege we are marching,Of the fri ends who loved us well

And our silent tongues are parching,A s we listen to the knell !For the hell is tolling, tollingOf our anguish does it tell !

In the years forever passing,We are losing, one by one ,

Fond companions ,’round us mas sing

When the j ourney was begun !

From the ranks they’re falling, falling !

Will the end find us alone ?

On our right , the stricken mother ;On our left , the orphan son ;

Just before , the grief- bowed brothel“

Just behind, the wife of oneWho has loved and worked, nor falteredNow his brief probation ’s done !

In the depths of night , beguiling,They are calling, from beyond ;

They are beck’ning ; they are smiling ;Though the darknes s doth surround !

In my lonelines s , I’m waiting

Earthly lonelines s , profound !

THE DEAR ONE S AT HOME

RADIANT moon , look down on those I love ;And with thy so ft effulgence gently batheThem in a bles sed

,tranquillizing light !

Yes , in thy fixed, unhurried pas sage throughThe vast , immutable heavens of night,Look down , with pity and with love, on mine !

[ 32 ]

Has man our toil requited ?And our hurts and pains allayed ?

Or worked for our protection

(H e, whom we have seen afraid) ?Is the Golden Rule suspended,When our usefulnes s is ended ?

Does he pay as Judas paid ?

L’

EN ! OI

Hark ! The knacker’s cart is coming,With its brains—bespattered floor !

(They are swinging off— and backing ;)Now it stands before the door !Yes , it means the boys have bought me ,Ere the huckster’ s lash had taught me

I could save the town no more !

[ 34 ]

PREPARATION

STRI! E to make the birthdays brighter,Pray Heaven show us better ways

Try to make the burdens lighterFor homemates welcome sunshine’ s rays !

Somber hosts of night assemble ,Full hours o f usefulnes s agone !

In the balance bliss doth tr embleMay natal days forecast The Dawn !

[ 35 ]

HEAT IN THE TENEMENTS

’T I s morning in the tenements !The sleepless - eyed and star ing folk

Stumble along the grimy hallsAnd totter down the foot - worn stairs

Wan, unrefreshed by slumber’s boon ,

Or by the early day ’s repast !For who can sleep when Hell is loose ?Or eat, while Demon Heat is king ?Children their playmate s hardly greet ;

Listles sly, mirthlessly they meetIn the bare , foul, sun -

cursed street !

’T is noon : the scorching sun pours downOn this furn ace, whose victims writhe !

Weary and worn , confused and pale ,A t windows , doors , in bits of Shade,Hopeless women , desperate menMust pant and stare and wait , for what?

N o help in sight from cloudless sky ;Surrounding stone repels the touch !

The mockery of lunch ! Oh , think !A crust , a sip of tepid drinkOn delirium’s awful brink !

’T is night— the night of pa in and dreadSome will be “is ! and others “was !

When morrow calls for sacrifice !T'enements are groaning ; unrest

Fills airles s halls and stifling roomsA child moaning in fitful Sleep !

Tranquillity hath stood aloof ;Sweet peace of night is far removed !

God help the troubled dwellers here ;Their earthly potion , pain and fear !Li fe’s white branding iron doth sear !

L’

EN ! OI

Oh ! The dividends from warrens of menMay buy immunity

F’

or idlers who 1011 in their motor - cars ,Surrounding false - caste with firm outer - bars !

But can they always fleeThe mothers ’ wail,When life doth fail

The child of the tenements ?

[ 37 ]

A S WE WOULD HAVE THEM WALK

A s I tuck my boys in their beds , at night ,I breathe a prayer that in manhood’s fight

They ’ll be brave and true, and face The GoodLight

The That Faileth Not !

[ 38 ]

OUR FATHER’S CHILDREN

THIS life is fraught with blighting cares ,With sorrow, grief and pain

Yet we are wasting precious daysIn selfish, sordid gain !

Our neighbor is a shadow, dim ;While fiercely, in the struggle, grim ,

We slay— nor count the slain !

Would we but pause to see and feelThe human things Of li fe ,

A new, glad light would flood our souls ,And end this bitter strife !Ah ! shame on this relentles s war !

Against potential fr iends— and more !Bring peace, where woe was rife !

God gave a noble heritageEnough , and yet to spare

A precious patrimony, vast ;Larges s for al l to share !But we, like Cain, have sought the bloodOf brothers ; who through fire and flood

Should have our constant care !

[ 39 ]

Ah ! could we here but understand !A s children knowing well

The guiding hand , the tender kiss !Beneath one roof to dwellWould be a sweet experience !God give us sight, from this day

Brothers from dross to tell !

[ 40]

There are those who look,

And those who book ;

And also those who r ide !

There are those who fear

(F or life is dear ) ;And those who s tem the

This lad got the ’igh—prized floral plate

(Above’is j acket , laid) !

Boys ! Jockeys may ride between the flags ,An

’ come an ’ go ;’e’s staid !

!

There are those who look,

And those who book ;

And also those who r ide !

There are those who fear

(F or life is clear ) ;And those who stem the

[ 493 ]

THE LA ST ANALYSIS

WHEN I am called before the BarOf Justice , in The Land A far,

Will some kind advocate appeal ?And zealously, for my best weal ,

Lift up his voice and plead my cause ?Lest j ustice fals ify her laws !

Will this solicitor explainThat I have tr ied— though tried in vain

My part to do, throughout life’ s day

But circumstance fair plans did flayHave striv’n , fallen , risen , to beRepulsed by opportunity !

Will he avow that I have stood,With Toil as sponsor— pledged to good

Knocking at ! ismet ’s fateful door ?To ask, to plead ; yea, to implore

And coldly turn ed away have beenAn d not for blight, or sloth, or sin !

Yea , I have loved and planned and triedA hundred lives have lived ; and died

A s many score ! Seared eons have dragged ,And small -h oured death- watch lagged,

A s I have paced thi s grisly cell !Deliv’ rance ? Or the lethal knell ?

[ 43 ]

THE MESSAGE

H ow pleasant ’tis to hear from those at home,When working in the noisy, man—choked town ,

T o know that someone feels and cares— andwaits !

It serves to make the burden light ;It gives one heart to toil and fight ;It steels the arm with righteous might °

This help from those at home !

[ 44 ]

AL ONE

AMONG the busy crowd I move ,But with a stranger’ s footsteps tread ;

An alien , unknown entity !A s through the throngs my way I thread

N O friendly heart doth beat for me !

A lone ! And in the midst of men !One of a thousand ; yet removedBy some strange circumstance of Fate !An isolated soul , approvedBy none to whom it would relate !

What destiny hath shaped my course ,Or moulded this unhappy clay ?

What full - wrought power did as signMe to thi s ill—befitting day ?

This t roubled day, o f stress malign !

To be with men , yet not ofmen !T o feel the hostile scrutiny

Of these, my brothers , who protestSuch kinship ! Ah ! ’twere mutiny

T o leave the craft , for aye— and rest !

Yet, flagging i s my weary brain ;And sorely aches a pained heart ;The cruel hunger of the soulContorts me with its barbed dart

Swift driven to its chosen goal !

[ 45 ]

Ay ! laughter springs at light commandT o lips that frame the passing j est

And ready is the list’n ing ear,T o play the gay, complaisant guest !

My starving soul cries out for cheer !

MAKING GOOD

WHEN the j ob is hard and gallingAnd hills and streams are calling,

When monotony is pallingAnd disgust doth fill my heart ,

With j angled nerves contestingAnd bitterly protesting,

Yes , connected thought arresting,I must mutely do my part !

I must gr it my teeth and hustle,In hurly - burly bustle ;

I must “bank ! on brain and muscle,Or succes s will pas s me by !

Though I may not care a copperThat things be right and proper,

I must never “come a cropper ’

Nor the “kiddies ’ claims deny !

[ 47 ]

ALL THAT WE KNOW

HERE not to rule,

Here not to stayHere not to foolGod’s time away !

Here but to work and wonderGasping,

’tween blow and blunderWaiting for day !

THE SONG OF NATURE

TH E sea i s whispering a word to me ,Nor would I turn unheeding ears away ;

The rising sun a token gives , to beInterpreted for my good weal to - day !

The moon , the stars , the sky serene and blue ,The scent of flowers and the song of birds ,

The patter of the Summer showers , the dewA potent message give— not empty words !

The butterfly, the rainbow, and the snowsDrifting acros s the azure vault above,

Would murmur to the heedful ear o f vowsTo take and keep , that we may build and

love !

The grand, hope - giving sunris e , and the duskWhich spreads o ’er town and wold— and

breathes sweet peaceGive manna to the soul , not withered husk ,Promise beatitude, beyond release !

The laughter Of the ! hildren — Youth is theirs ;The world is wonderful and fresh and gay !

The gurgle and the swirl where tumbling daresThe brave , blithe brook ! O glad, triumphant

day !

[ 50]

Hail ! Tokens of a fuller, better hour !U top i a ! Beyond life’s bolted door !

From this awak’ning springs a nobler power,To elevate and comfort , evermore !

[ 51 ]

TO - DAY

LE T us be kind to - day,And do at least one brave , unselfish deed,

Out in the battle - worn and troubled wor ldOut in the world o f grievous wrongs , of pain,

Where men forget and H eav’n is far removed !

Give none the right to sayLove has been put awayLet us be kind to—day !

Let us be kind to—day,For some may crave a strong and helping

hand,And more may stand in need o f gentle wordsTo others j ust a smile and nod would prove

The pessimist’s mistake— that no one cares !Help not the weak to strayShow them a brother ’s wayLet us be kind to—day !

[ 593 ]

AF TER MANY YEARS

SHOULD success to - day rewardWork and waiting of long years ,

And thu s banish haunting fears ,Would I feel exhilaration

An d victory’ s quick vibration ?Or woul d gladnes s merge in tears ?

For eager, friendly facesAnd hands that locked in mine

Have long since in sleep benignFound complete emancipation

From a cold and stern creationThe beyond doth give n o s ign !

In the years when youth dared all,Fond and flowered years Of hope

When I pr omised s elf to copeWith achievement— shy

,elus ive

I ’d speed with power conclus ive ;Now, alas ! I blindly grope !

Ah ! the ! ictor ’s laurel crownA llured with power rare,

And it made me bold to dareWorking, while the dear ones waited

With interest unabated,Working, for the world was fair !

[ 53 ]

From the Perfect Land beyondMayhap God will let them see,

For I know they care for me ,That I ’ve waged the bitter fight

And I would have them know it’s right ,A s they hoped and prayed ’twould be !

[ 54 ]

THE RADIANCE OF NIGHT

MOONBEAMS trace a golden , shimmering pathA cross the mute and tranqu il river’s blue :

Whi spers o f the night lend heavenly charm ,

And nature’s kindly benisons endue !

Enraptured, I am musing in this realmOf forms and faces ever dear to me ;

Of those who often ’mid such scenes as thisDrank in with me Divine tranquillity !

Ah ! could I but have these well - beloved,For one bri ef, perfect moment, j ust to share

This beauty, calm and fragrance o f the night ,N o feeble mundane j oy could e

’er compare !

NOR HESITATE

HITHER and thither they come and go

These folk that hasten to and froSome, surely, moved by good intent ;Others , alas , on mischief bent !But never mind from whence they come,A lways part of the human sum !

Yes , brothers and sisters of yours— Of mine,Raised by example both broad and fine,

Lowered by ! ontact with human swine !Let us meet their urgent need !

[ 56 ]

When my loved one smilesMy soul in ready answer wakes ,

And bids me mourn no more this day or night ,But j oin the song of bounty and delight

When my loved one smiles !

When my loved one smilesT hose galling shackles fall unclaspedThat bound me hand and foot in greed and woeI wonder now and grieve at trammels low

When my loved one smiles !

[ 58 ]

TO - MORROW— A PRAYER

LE T me do better to - morrowThan I have done to - day :

Let me work harder and longerThan I have toiled to—day !

Let me be watchful , and renderT o God His own— and be tender !Teach me to love— and pray !

[ 59 ]

VOYAGES

IN the gloaming I am sitting,While the birds are nestward flitting ;

With the twinkling lights appearing, one byone

And my thoughts are sad and dreary ;Yes , my heart is s trangely weary,A s I watch a brilliant craft— ere she is gone !

On a Summer ’s eve, delight ful ,Long ago , I thought it rightful

That such peace and happiness I ’d comprehend !

How those shining lights deceived me !N ow I ponder if it need beFor this cra ft that evening bore away a

friend !

Gracious Offices had mouldedKnightly hands , forever folded

Long ago ! A las ! The dragging years aredark !

Now at midnight, sleep - forsaken ,Futile calls would fain awakenThe s epulchered ! My soul is lone and stark !

[ 60]

Never more from him a greeting ;N lor glad corporeal meeting !

When the Steamer’ s lights had faded, he wasgone !

But one unpulsating letter,For want of medium better,Then the ters e dispatch that made my heart

forlorn !

Now I watch this craft appearing,A s a pleasured town it ’s nearing ;

And it s lights and music mock me o ’er the wave !Ah ! to - night , perchance , it

’s bearingFriend of someone, deeply caring,Whose seared, desolated heart must still be

brave !

[ 61 ]

ONLY A YEAR

A YEAR ago to - day,Two friends had I , as near

To me as friendship knows !TO - day , alas ! I wake and find them not

Naught doth avail glad voice or list’n ing ear !And yet the time was scarce so long ago

When felt I that I’d always had them ,

Always held them , clos e to my inner heart

(And s o would clasp— for life ) !

A year ago to—day '

A year ago today,

I knew that I could shareMy gri ef and happinessWith them , and find surcease ! Perplexity

Would vanish at their friendly, heartfelt wordOr when they looked at me and smiled

But now all this i s changed ; I call in vain !

I stand confused while cruel echoes mock !

Al as ! Al l promised fairA year ago to - day '

A year ago to - day,I loved them , and I knew

That they, in turn , loved me ;Don’t ask me how I knew :

’t was real , so real

It filled me with the blis s of truth complete !I sought no hidden reasons , but rej oiced !

And all the sweet earth gladly quickenedBeneath my feet, because they understood

Because they understood, in that dear timeA year ago to - day !

A year ago to—day,The hands that now lie cold, inert

Were wisely, gently leading me !The eyes that now are dim looked into mine,

And found there something better than I knew !

Those lips , sealed in the changeles s s ilence ofthe night,

Then form ed brave words of comfort and goodcheer !

I now see things to which I then was blind ;And one, the priceles s and immeasurable balm ,

The worth of whi ch I did not— could notknow,

A year ago to - day '

[ 63 ]

VOICES

IT matters not to me what aliens think

(Their garments’ hems scarce brush the hem

of mine)But I would have thos e nearer ones to know

(Those who , at last , have found security )Ah , me ! I

’d have them know that I had heard ,Had heard their sacred message— and obeyed !

A SALUTARY NIGHTMARE

SAY ! The other night I had a dreamThat sure did bump me some

I dreamt that I had croaked, for fair,An

’ up to H eav’n had come ;

Yes , Old Saint Peter was waitin’ there ,

Keepin’ a mob off the Golden Stair,An

’ bluff was on the bum !

I says , My good friend, it’ s j ust like this ,

I’ve wisely played my hand ;

But some fine day my wife will be here ,Huntin ’ a place to land

I’ve done all I could for her below ,

T o teach her the things she’d ought to know,But she can ’t understand !

!

I have a hunch that my wife meant well ,Tried hard, and all that Stuff,

But she had fool notions , cried too much ,Sometimes handed me guff

Still , ain’t there some place where she ’d be pat ?

Saint Peter, what do you know ’bout that ?Don ’t let her cut up rough !

!

[ 66 ]

Says he,“You sure have the plumb wrong dope ;

All to the good is she :

So don’t say a word, your wife’s in right,

And well deserves to be !’Cause any woman who ’s stood for youF or twenty tough years wi ll surely doYours for the brimstone ! See ?

[ 67 ]

A WORD

TH E youth approached the aged sageWith troubled mien , and thus he spakeBy sweat of my brow I have dearly bought ,I have fashioned and planned and built and

wrought ,Have toiled and striven and prayed —for

naughtForsooth, the worldHath heeded not

Nor paused !

!

Thus spake the sage : “Thy heart was amiss ;For thought of Reward was goading thee

Better be friend of Truth than slave of Fame,Better kn ow worth of men— and whence they

cameBetter to garn er love than gild a name !

Live wisely— trust ;B e brave day !

Godspeed ! !

[ 68- 1

ANOTHER CHANCE

A LITTLE of the fading light remains ,Lingering in the western sky, a trice !

(Oh ! will this terrestrial stay suffice ? )Eternity , the reaper, ne

’er refrains !

Pray, is there not some high , neglected thingI was to do and would have done had time

But given warning of the final chime ?If so, it must be done ere time takes wing !

I would not face the mist - enshrouded wayOf souls that know the far—called clarion cry,

And leave this undone thing for those to tryWhose falt’ring strength, alas , but serves to

day !

N o warrant now for me to hesitate,In craven lamentation or regret ;

For I must make this final effort yet,T O do the task that must not call too late !

And thus I ask the grace o f brief delay,That I may meager restitution make

For moments that were not my Own to takeFrom everlasting time, God

’s endless day !

[ 69 ]

The darkness falls , yet“Death , where

sting ? !

Or victory, obliterating grave ?Within the compas s of succes s I braveDark death, for death hath taught a

thing !

[ 70]

LEAVING PORT

FAR away the ship i s sailing,And my mist - dimmed eyes are failing

A s I listen to the wailingOf the winds o

’er waters gray !

Will the sea give back , I wonder ?Or the good ship rend asunder ?

Break a loving heart , for plunder ?I await a fate ful day !

[ 71 ]

BROTHERS

THEY laid him in the church - yard when so

youngThat life had left no impres s and no stain ;

That hope and truth and dear belief were his ;And yet Fate bade another to remain !

That sweet release was given him beforeThe body wearied and the heart grew faint

N ot after friends had proven selfish,false ;

And love had died in long and bitter plaint !

They laid him in the church - yard,’neath the

swardTheir first- born and their j oy, their best be

lov’d

And turn ing saw the other who remained ;And wondered why their God had so removed !

Throughout their lives the cruel mysteryWill hover— its infinite cause withheld ;

And all the days of him who fettered isThe cry comes struggling to his

Repell ed !

!

[ 72 ]

STRANGERS— T -O- DAY

WE’

RE strangers , meeting in the street ;A hasty glance, and then we pas s !

Ah ! What know I of his travail ?The blighting cares his days entail ?

He numbers me among the mass !We’re strangers , meeting in the street !

We’re strangers , meeting in the street ;Yet one another we may know,

In days undreamed of, yet to come ;When , mayhap , far from city

’s humThe seed of friendship we may sow !

Now strangers , meeting in the street !

We strangers , meeting in the street,Have los t so much ! been blind, indeed ,

A s unrelated ( so we thought )We went our way

,unwarned, untaught

That when we met we had one needThough strangers , meeting in the street !

Full many strangers have I metTime’s crucible in most showed worth ;

In knowing these, delight I foundA wealth of friendlines s , unbound

I feel that there should be , on earth,N O stranger s , meeting in the street !

[ 74 ]

OUR NURSERY WARRIORS

HAR ! ! ’tis the rat - a - tat—tat and the toot - toottoot

Of the soldiers ’ brave advance ;And their bold array , as they seek the fray,Doth warklike mien enhance !

What foe would standT o face this band,

And meet its driven lance ?

We must ever be kind to these soldier boys

(Though their song is blithe to - day )F or the road is long, while the sun is strongThey ’ll march SO far away !

“Kiss me , my boy ,My soldier boy,

A Mother’ s heart must pay !

[ 75 ]

THE CITY STREETS

THESE people hast’n ing to and fro

( ! uickly they come and quickly go )What is their mis sion ? Why such speed ?Something worthy, or only greed ?

They ’re Off’r ing help or doing harm ?

They ’re moved by faith or by alarm ?I O ften wish that I could knowWhy so qu ickly they come and go !

But if I knew, perhaps my heartWould ache the more at human mart !

THE HURDY GURDY MAN

H E doesn ’t look to me quite clean ,N or do I like his foxy mien :

I ’m afraid he is rapacious

(But he’s most polite and gracious ) !

From whence those earrings did he glean ?

H is notes as sault my outraged earAnd I am filled with dread and fear

Lest he shall never go away

(While all the children hope he’ll stay ) !

When will he move his clam ’rous gear ?

Yes , I must hold my peace and bearAural as saults I ’d never dare

Resent ! This ! illain is their friend ;On him the “kids ! their money spend !

Confound (but don’t suppress ) this blare !

[ 77 ]

BEDTIME

TH E work of to—day is ended ;F or good or for ill , it

’ s doneThe record is wri t and blottedN ow peace, till to - morrow ’s sun !

But I hope and I pray that everIn the course Of the troublous day

Have I heeded the rights o f othersAnd thought of their difficult way ;For j ust what the day has costNone but themselves can say !

[ 78 ]

A REBUKE

ON the sands I stoodAnd humbly asked this question Of the sea ,

“If I Should bring my fairest work to thee,Wouldst thou then make one precious gift to

me'

To know the hearts of men !

The sea replied,“Thy man - wrought work done selfishly to - dayWill vanish, e

’en as du st i s blown away ;And thou wi lt know the hearts of men , some

When thought of self hath died !

[ 79 ]

THE FRIENDS OF LONG AGO

REFLE ! TION comes w ith hours of sweet reposeGracious hands are reaching out toward me ;

A sleeping something stirs and wakes withinMy weary soul , when long stilled voicesflow !

A dream, you say ? Mayhap , but’tis to me

More real than life o f motion , sound andtouch !

A part o f me has slept since those have sleptT o whom I gave, beneath the Wand ofYouth !

[ 80]

! H ORUS

’

A fool i s full of confidence,A s asp is full of s ting ,

While in the world he g lides along

H i s emp ty song to sing ;

Oh! there is time, a lot of time ;Drudging work I carry over ,

I n the fields of life a rover,

I’

m in everlasting clover

F or the day is in its prime!

[ 82 ]

A REBUKE TO MELANCHOLY

TH E Summer rain gives not in vainIts dewy shade ;

The Summer skies a parad iseO'f earth have made !

The verdant hills , the fruitful fields ,The watered vales and limpid lakes

Al l in my soul a paean wakes ,To bles s the power that beauty wields !

[ 83 ]

BLUE JEAN PHILOSOPHY

I

SAY ! Sometimes in the evenin’

I ’m a - feelin ’ sort er blue ;Life don ’t amount ter nothin ’

Got some bills that’s overdueThe house is still an ’ lonesomeAn

’ my rhumatiz i s bad ;Seems if I aint got nothin’

Fer ter cheer an ’ make me glad !

Then I go ter bed a - sighinThink I ’m better oif a - lyin

Under bedclothes than a - try in’

Fer ter dodge the toll er years !

II

The morn in ’? H O ! that’s diff’rent °

T hen I aint got time ter mope !There ’s dewy cobwebs shinin ’ ,Twitt

’r in ’ birds is full er hope ;

Fust thing I know I’m whi stlin ’

Tune is chock - a—block with joyA ct ’s i f there warn ’t no worries ,Smart an ’ happy as a boy !

Then I do my chores a - hustlin ’

,

(Women fo lks’bout grub is bustlin’

)Breezes through the elms is rustlin ’

Gosh ! It ’s fun ter be alive !

YOUTH, AGE—THE SEA

I STOOD by the sea, rememberingRemembering the hope s of youth ;

The high intent, the pledges given to selfFor in that earlier hour I had vowed and

planned !

And something of the strong, quick blood of

youthSurged through my worn , old heart,

And stirred to life my sluggish blood !

(The world was new again ) !

But then , alas , came sadnes s so intenseThat sea and shore were lost , and winds

blew not !

Yes , I was alone with my deadMy dead, unsepulchred !

My dead,“unhallowed and unsung ! !

[ 85 ]

RESTING IN FAITH

TH E soft, sweet whispers of the fragrantnight

Intimate sounds , unbroken and unspoiledCares s my troubled ears , as healing balmDoth soothe the outer hurt ! Among the best

Of gifts Divine is this— the boon of night :The boon of night , which had its b irth in love !

Eternal , j eweled canopy, high - arched,Bespeaks this care, which thought o f beauty

here !Drowsy waters lap embowered shores ;Sweet - scented winds blow kindly through the

trees !The strange, full, s oul—uplifting Peace of God

Abides with me— “I lay me down to sleep !

[ 86]

INDIAN SUMMER

TH E tender glow Of fleeting daysA mellow, swiftly pas sing glow

A stillness and a fragrant haze,Etherealizing earth below !

Sweet lingering of Summer’s j oys !Sensations dear, yet fraught with pain ,

Bring peace to spirits j arred by noiseOf mundane tumult, harsh and vain !

These soft, sad, s ilent, wistful daysFind parallel in life o f mine !

For I, with ardent, hopeful gaze,Did once quaff eagerly life ’s wine !

Now, alas ! toward Winter’s blight

I turn a face unused to mirthT O cold and desolation fightF or Winter brings contrasting dearth !

[ 87 ]

GOOD ! NIGHT

MAY you sleep to - night, good friend,Sleep that God in mercy sends

May your cares and woes depart ;May your weary, troubled heart

Know the peace that Heaven lends !

[ 88 ]

What do you tell me,O babbling brook ?

Whisper your secret ,O friendly brook !

Do you bid the world be j oyous and bright ?An d, as living, in life find sheer delight ?

O baffling brook ! Bewitching brook !

[ 90]

JUST TO BE A MAN

I, UNINSPIRED, cannot be greatAnd lift brave souls to braver things ,

Or soar aloft on proud, swift wings ;But love and hope and work and waitI can , if I can not be great !

[ 9 1 ]

MY WIFE

LONG days have dragged,Days given up to toilsome task !

Down upon thy head the sunHath beaten fiercely ;

Thy back hath known a cruel burden ;Yet thou hast not faltered,

N or given up to fear thy heart !

And thou hast borne with me ,Borne with me and hoped for better things ;And loved— yea , more than all els e

Hath been this hallowed crown o f Love !

Now that the work i s doneI lay it at thy feet

And ask of theeThat thou wilt take it for thine own !

Would that it were better,Les s beset by fault,

Les s halting— in closer bond with Art ;A token worthier, befitting and complete !

Beloved ! Error - ridden as’tis found to be,

Still, it is mine— my best ;And I with love and hope have watched it grow,Have trembled lest it dieFlesh of my flesh ! — but little lessThe bles sed peace of night and midday heat

A like have known me breathlessly intent ;For it were mine— and it were meant for thee !

[ 92 ]

beyond the twilight - forgotten books · pdf filefrom fray and foray grant releas e! [9] ......

Documents