INSURRECTION = AND OTHER POEMS SAN BIEC IPORNIA By Edith Maida Sturges San Diego, Cal.: SILVER GATE PRESS Printers 1 3i%XlX cNlrs, Starges, formerly Miss Edith Maida. Lessing, of Waco, Texas, Ivon quite a little prominence in her nati'oe State 'with her 'bersesf also, as Poet Laureate of the Texas Woman's Press Association, ^ Olotttftttfi Insurredion The Race Love*s Garden Moonlight Tuberoses "You'* Mine! When He Cometh Waiting When We Are Old In Havana the Year We Fought with Spain Kismet Good-bye At Chri^mas-tide Haunted A Chri^mas Lullaby My Little Lad Ol0tttfttt0— tonttttuflu When Baby Died In Memory Missed Lo^ Was It You? To the Texas Press Association The Indians That Cow The Death of Mr. Cox Taps When the "Boys" Go Marching By Christmas in San Diego Her Charity A Summer Day Ice Bound Love's Threnody '^"jS^i^^'^B Ct] Ct) [t] 5^^S=%-i ^namvtttxan What does this Life amount to — after all, We love — or hate — and then grow old and die, And thus unsatisfied, escape the thrall, That holds us prisoners here, we know not why. We plan and dream, and dream and plan again. And watch both dreams and plans escape and pass. Brief as the rainbow, glittering in the rain. Brief as summer dew, upon the grass. 'Tis such a little while we linger here; We barely learn to live or love our life, Ere we like soldiers on the battle field. Are cut down in the midst of battle strife. Miserable puppets of a Master hand. Made to smirk and smile, and weep and rage. Held in subjection by Divine command. We storm and strut about our mimic stage. What futile buffetings of Fate are we. What thistle down, tossed by the restless wind. What miller's chaff — what dust — what nothing- ness! Seeking a hope, we do not dare to find. Some of us who hunger for the sea. Must inland live, land bound on every side. And never know its glad waves tumbling free. rj^^s^^^s cf3 cjj ct] s^^s^^ Its windswept shore, nor hear its murmuring tide. And those of us who crave the distant plain, With wealth of prairie, wide and wild and lone, Vast, grand, immutable, must live entombed. By four grim walls, of mortar, brick and stone. And there are we who love the city mart, Crowded, noisy, restless, guilt and sin. And these awake to find themselves, for life, In little sleepy country towns, shut in. Some of us long for glory swift and sweet, And live a life of pain, and die unknown, And some for love do cast our every die, And find ourselves betrayed, wrecked — left alone. Some sit with idle, loveless, empty, hearts, And crave a child to play about our door, Envying the brawling beggar who. May count his dozen half-starved brats — or more. And thus we tread our little measured track, Like pawns about a chess board, moved and set, We must go on — we do not dare go back. We long to cease and end it all, and yet — And yet the pitiless power that placed us here, Will leave us not until the game is done, A game too deep for us to comprehend, Or even know the pieces lost and won. Always the same, we have no power nor will, We can but drift upon a mighty tide, Until a Voice shall say to us "Be Still," And once more in oblivion we abide. Always the same — the same since guilty Cain, Crept out of sight to hide his shame's despair. We spring like fungus grown up in a night. And like fungus, useless — ^anywhere. Always the same — we grasp but Dead sea fruit, The soul's mute call, no answer hears — nor can, There is a God whom we do never reach, By Him forgotten, in the world's great plan. What are we for? Each in his little rut. Does grind and grind, and walk his weary round, And wait for better things, defying Fate, Until at last effaced from sight and sound. And this is the sum — content — a piteous farce. Fame — a delusion — Hope a sad defeat; And Love, a thing to fool us mortals with, A game where two must play and both shall cheat. 'T^^^^lti^^^^'^^^^ ^r^a,^:^!! [t] c?3 ct] 5^=^!j=^^ ©Ijp Harp Come — fill up your flagon — there's plenty here. Drink to the winner's name, See! there he stands in his purple robes Another draught to his fame! But the weary wretch who creeps along, Curse him nor count the cost. Jostle him out — give him a blow, Not a tear for him — who lost. Bring on your garlands — heap them high Fling cut the rose of Love, For Beauty stands in servile grace. As timid as a dove. The rose of Love — to the vanquished goes? No crush it nor count the cost — Better dead 'neath the victor's feet, Than to be flung to him — who lost. Praise the winner and shout his name, Smile in his greedy face. Cower and tremble low at his knee, And praise his coveted place. Sneer at the vanquished — crowd him out. Crush him at any cost. Bubble — oh, wine, for the winner's lips. There's nothing for him who lost. (T^&J^^^S Ct] (t3 [t! S^^^S^^ C-^a«^^ C?3 Ct] Ct] G^^S^^-i SottPB OiarJiptt Love wants no precept, of rod or priest. Love yields a lifetime, in one brief hour. And that one hour were more at least, Than a thousand life-times, without its power. Love wants no chains, but its own desire. No bonds to hold — no prison-cells. At the thought of restraint. Love chafes and flies. As morning dew that the sun dispells. Touch your butterfly to confine. And its broken wings, from your finger fall. Imprison the Luccioles, wanton light. And the wandering firefly dies to all. Love wants no answer, but love-sweet eyes. No music but whisper of soul, and smile. No hope — but the quickening that comes but once. And makes crucifixion well worth while. No eloquence, but the lingering kiss, Warm and silent, and passion-fraught, Beside whose exultant, awakening thrill, Speech were vacant and words were naught. Love wants no walls, but crimson aisles. Of dreaming lillies, to wander by; No light but that of the throbbing stars; No roof, but the night's tender canopy. And in Love's garden the thorns are hid, By the flush of poppies blood-red glow. A garden of passion, and hopes and dreams, And bitter-sweet longing — that all must know. Here peace bends low o'er the water's edge, When comes as a whisper from gods on high, Laden with the breath of a thousand flowers, The touch or Eros, in passing by. In its fairness, to some, is the lost mix'age And deep in its melodies madness creeps, And hid in its cold, white magnolia blooms. The dark dread, death-stinging aspic sleeps. And having once dreamed, for an hour here, The heart rebels, at the rugged plain For the spell of the garden's poisoned sweets, Ever comes haunting the soul again. Ay, the soul rebels at the rugged plain. Through the fire of hate — and the stab of pride. And ever in longing, looks back, and wails — "Unsatisfied, unsatisfied. C-^S^^^^S C^] Ct] Cj] 5^=^5=2^ ^■^^^^^^S C?3 Ct3 ft] G^=^S^^ iinottltslft Oh, give me a draught of the moonlight wine. Poured out white, from her heart to mine; Oh, nevei was quaffing of port or Rhine, That could blot out my life's despair Like this subtle sense — so deep — so thrilling — • As sad as death, and as sweet and chilling, That steeps all my soul, by its splendor stilling The smile of the moon so fair. Oh, give me a draught of the moonlight wine, When friends grow cold and creditors whine Like perfume from hidden crypt or shrine It steals to my heart and brain, Till I swoon to her kiss — the world forgetting, Nor ruin, nor wreck, nor love, regretting. Nor the tangled skein that my Fate is netting. With the sable threads of pain. O, give me a draught of the moonlight's wine. Let me be drowned in its power divine. Let me bathe in it, lave in it — mine, all mine! Till my soul be soothed and still. What is the world and its empty madness. Its running and cunning — and wanton badness, It's surfeits of sin or its wails of sadness. When the white moon works her will. c!:[?][t]s^=^»^^ Oh tuberoses! fragrant, waxen, white — HoTV^your touch chills me ariid thrills me tonight! And that old dead June drifts out from the past. So sudden, so sweet, and too brief to last Tuberoses! Ah, and he kissed my throat. And he crushed your perfume against my face. We parted — and he from my side passed out Into the world's unfathomable space. And oh, since then, when I feel your breath, It goes to my heart like a draught of wine: The pain and the madness, sweet as death, Scorch me again with a fire divine. For one brief moment the past uncloses To the cold, sweet touch of white tuberoses. r^ And toads and worms, and creeping things, Shall lose their vileness and their stings, And from their curse shall be set free To creep to Him in purity. From out their revels and haunts of sin, Men and women shall gather in To learn His judgment, shall there assemble, Shall crouch and cower, and whine and tremble. Shall crouch and cower and beg and whine For the bartered light of His smile divine. Rulers and potentates and kings Shall feel his knowledge and power take wings. And before Him come, awe-struck and dumb, Piteous, wretched, cringing things. The wise shall gather from all the earth. The pompous and proud, and vain of birth. And fall at His feet and pray and entreat. And know their nothingness then, complete. And they who have ground their fellows down. Hoarding each atom, and tithe of gold. Who have trampled and crushed to the very dust. And left the good in their hearts to rust, Shall swoon in despair before His face, Pleading for mercy and pardon and grace. They shall boast of the good their gold has done And prate of the little course they run. And each little, starved-out, narrow soul. Shall lie before Him, unchanged and whole, Naked as lies the child, new-born. To crave His pity and feel His scorn. And beggars, like rats, from their haunts shall C-JS^^^S Ctl Ct] Ctl G^^a^-^ creep, Dirty, diseased, and dull with sleep. They shall kiss His garment and feel His touch, Humble and lowly, and trusting much. They shall rise in splendor and join the horde Of purified souls, who shall praise His word. The halt and maimed and blind shall come. And they shall see that He is truth And stand before Him, mute and dumb, Feeling again the thrill of youth. The spawn of hell, and filth and crime, All prisoners in prison kept. Shall fall before His face sublime, And weeping, feel that He has wept. For a thousand years the King shall reign, With wrong subdued and right upheld. Poverty, pitiful, and pain. By His dear love shall be repelled, And then shall drunkenness and vice And all the hidden deeds of night Of ribald man and wanton maid From out the universe take flight. Anarchy shall cease its being, Hatred and unjust law shall cease Before the powerful Prince of Peace, All torturing tribunes gives release. And Justice — live, not blind, but seeing. No more shall warring hordes go forth To seek and slay their fellowmen. Nor barter kingdoms for a song. Nor sell their very souls for gain. Virtuous women, fair and true, c^a^^.^3 c?3 cf! ct] c^^^a^^ And noble men as true and brave. Steadfast of purpose, staunch and strong. Shall use the power the Giver gave, And honor and truth shall dwell round the throne When the Lord God of Hosts comes back to His own. ^^^S^^5 C?3 C?] Ct] j^^,^»^^ ^?Ss^.^s C?3 ttj Ct] G^^S^-:> iiattittg I do not know if her face be fair, If her eyes be blue or brown. I only know, it is always there — The sweetest voice in town. "Waiting?" — So still and soft it comes That low sweet undertone. So close in my ear it startles me. The voice of the girl at the 'phone. She does not know that she stirs me so, That my thoughts go flying away. To those old sweet childish dreams of mine, That are vanished — and gone, for aye. "Waiting?" — For what, am I waiting? For a few idle words, with a friend, Who, three miles across the city, Hears — at the other end? Waiting! For what are we waiting? For glory, or wealth, or love? Waiting for fall of empire? Or for battle clouds to move? Some of us wait and are waiting. And have waited — all these years. To kiss once more a mother's face. That we parted from — in tears. ^^a^^ ct] Ct] Ct] ^^^^ Some of us wait, in agony, For a tortured souls release, Waiting — for mercy and pardon. Waiting — for rest and peace. We wait — Oh yes — for forgiveness, And we wait, and are waiting — still. As we grope, in Life's Gethsemane, To know our Father's will. Some of us wait, for a ship to come home, To its harbor through wind and wave. And some of us wait for flowers to bloom. On a little infants grave. "Waiting?" — And I awaken. From the dream, where my thoughts have flown. To answer the gentle voice of the girl, At the other end of the 'phone. Sometimes — I almost tell her — That I long have ceased to wait. To attain my old ambitions — That I bend to the hand of fate. And I drift where the tide will take me. Away to the open sea — But I hope to enter the haven, By the Hand, that is guiding me. <^^^^5^^^5 Cjl Cf: Ct] i^.^5^^ ^1^!^^ C?3 Cj3 CS3 S^^^S^^ m Wt Arp mh The car was crowded — the seats were full — All going- out to their homes to rest, Idle and gay and tired and sad, Satin and rags and Sunday best. One more passenger straggled in And found a corner in which to stand. Glancing in vain for a empty seat. As she clung to the strap with her palsied hand. A shabby old woman, crooked and bent. With life's sad story on face and form, A frail old craft that had sailed the sea, And was nearing the haven through wind and storm. Nobody gave her a seat, and all Gazed at her coldly and turned aside And drew in their skirts from her soiled gown. And sat and chattered in empty pride. A wave of pity swept over my heart. Though my arms with bundles were laden down. And I gave the trembling thing my place, And stood and watched the passengers frown. Ah, her miserable smile, how it cut my heart. Oh, why is the world so hard and cold? We scorn the wretched and shun the poor. And show contempt for the weak and old. We, too, may some day be worn and bent, And weary and old, and forlorn and sad, With no tender hands to smooth our way, And no sweet voices to make us glad. We may shiver and tremble before the crowd. The gay, idle crowd that knows no care, That softens no heartache, stills not pain, Whose sky is all sunny and sweet and fair. With worn, tired feet, and sorrowing hearts, We may feebly totter toward our rest. Outliving our hopes, and desires, and youth. With life's sad secrets — and sorely prest. Ah, then for a tender hand or a smile, When the night draws near and the winds are cold, God pity us all who are so bereft Of all life's sweetness — when we are old. <;-3S=f^^S [t] Ct] Ct] 5^.^3=5^ 3(n l^auana t^t f far Wi I am tired of the city's deafening roar, I am tired of the constant ceaseless tread, Of the many feet that pass my door. Of busy seekers for daily bread. I am tired of the rush and noise and crowd, I want to go back to the shores again, Where the showers of bullets fell like rain. Where men were cut down like garnered grain. Where shell and shrapnel, tore and plowed. Where sunset or sunrise, either, found, A harvest of dead men stretched on the ground. When a man has once been through the hell. Of the battles fury of shot and shell, It is not easy to settle down. To a desk and a pen in a busy town. Though some men can, but not the man, Who has known the sorrow that came to me. In that old world city beside the sea; Who found Heaven and Hell in a month's brief span, In Havana the year I'hat we fought with Spain. It was after the battle's roar was done, I lay on the field while the stars shone down, And thought of the victory we had won. That would bring to our nation a world's re- (T^^G^^S Ct] Ct] Ct] i^^»^^ nown. The blood crept out from a wound in my side, And I felt that the ebbing crimson tide, would bear out my soul — and I grew weak. Then 1 felt Death's coldness on hand and cheek. And came a blackness — I knew no more. I opened my eyes after many days. When burning fever, had spent its way. Opened my eyes to a woman's face, Whose wondrous beauty filled all the place. A little brown maiden with dusky eyes, Who held in the touch of her little hand, A power I never could understand. She started the blood in my veins to life, And set me to loving her. When she turned, And looked at me soft-eyed — then I learned. That the hope of earth, and the far off skies. Is centered sometimes in a woman's eyes. She was a Cuban, and lived alone. In a hut, that stood on the edge of the town, Father and mother and brothers had died. They called her a witch for her strength and pride, A strength and pride — they could not break down. She stabbed a man once who had come too near. She struck him down — the dog that he was. She put her foot on the coward's neck. And dared them to touch her. Half in fear, Half in jesting they shrunk away, All of them cowards with nothing to say. How she hated and loathed them, but to me She was all that endurance and love could be, She tended the wound that the shell had shattered, And gave me to eat. Ah, but little it mattered, That the summer days were hot and long, That nations were warring for right or wrong. If she could but soothe me with smile or song, And make one to know, I was growing strong. When the wound had healed I made her my wife. Then one short week — It was all my life. And I marched off to the front again. To shoot and be shot at by dogs of Spain, Back to the horror and blood and dying. Back to the shell and bullets flying. And the summer breeze o'er the dead men sighing. Then it came to an end — as all things end. Over the land, breathed the voice of peace, And we tired soldiers found release. And set us to longing for home and friend. Then I sought out her hut, but all I found. Was heap of ashes spread on the ground. And the chimney standing, a spectre lone. Guarding the spot, that our love had known. I have never found her, nor do I know If she be in Heaven or here below, But I get restless on nights like these, And the moonlight yonder across the town. And the touch on the face ,of the soft night breeze, Blowing fresh and damp from the southern seas, Makes a mad thing of me, I seem to feel. The clasp of warm brown arms that are cling- ing, A voice that low in my ear is ringing, The scent of her breath and her dusky hair, Her rose blossom mouth, and her face so fair, And the silken sweep of her gown Nor raging nor raving can still the pain. That comes back to torture my heart again, The pain of the love that I found and lost. In Havana the year that We fought with Spain. C^^G^^S Cf3 Ct) £^3 i^^^^ KxBtnit He wished her "Good-bye" at the gate. To leave her was a task, He craved to speak, and learn his fate, But did not dare to ask. A cloud went drifting o'er the moon. He bent and kissed her hand; She stood and coldly smiled at him, And would not understand. He wished her "Good-bye" at the gate, And when he'd left her side, She knew that she had marred her fate, By her relentless pride. Before her stretched the hopeless years; She might live to be old! She stayed and sobbed an hour there, Whom he had thought so cold. They met once more, in after life. As people often meet; He, with his grown-up sons, and wife In a crowded city street; He shivered as he met her gaze, And when he touched her hand. Too late — across the waste of years. They both did understand. <^"5^s^^ c^ ct! c?: c^^s^^-i '^^ii^^S CJ] Cj] (t] i^.^»^€^ dnoJj-lg^ Say "good-bye" and let us part. What's the use o' crying? What means words atween us two? Ther' ain't no use a sighin'. Tears my heart to leave you so, 'D rather die to-morrow. Than let them eyes o' yourn meet mine With such a look o' sorrow. Thought she's dead a year ago, She went and lef me weepin' Lef the home-nes' an' the vines, Lef the baby sleepin'. Heard she's dead — an' then found you — Don't look at me so, "Honey;" Rather 'n you'd think I'm to blame, I'd rather lose a world o' money. Put your arms around my neck, An' kiss me once — jes' so, dear; The game's called 'fore we'd turned the cards; Good-bye — I'll hev' ter go, dear. ^^e^'^s (ti c?3 ct] E^^a5^ <:^^^^^>^s ct] cti c?: 5^^s=^i At (dijnBtmaa-ttJip Ob. the dull cold grey of the afternoon, The chill of winter is in the sky, The birds go Southward in search of June, And a few poor roses have bloomed to die. I think of you and your face so fair, And the silken gleam of your yellow hair. It was Christmas tide — four years ago, Christmas tide — that you broke your vow, A Christmas white with the drifted snow. I wonder little one, where you are now? Out in the world, I guess, somewhere, Tanglin^E,^ lives v/ith your yellow hair. Your yellow hair, that gleamed and shone, And clung round your head a halo of gold, You looked like a queen of days long gone. Told in legends of Norsetime old. And I thrilled at the thought, and would some- times dare Kiss the silken ends of your golden hair. How I trusted and dreamed — how I trusted and dreamed. By the dead Christ's pain, I'd have sworn you true. For of all sweet women on earth there seemed. None other so faithful and sweet as you. And you bound me stronger than vows could swear, By each shining thread of your yellow hair. It was madman's folly I know — and still I dream of you always — on days like this, For you swayed me once like a slave at your will, And bent me to dust at your feet for a kiss. And I risked my all on your face so fair, And the glittering coils of your golden hair. You are his by law — ^you are mine by love. Mine by your vow that you reckless, gave. In the sight of the King of the court above. You are mine and shall be — beyond the grave. For though you were false as you were fair, You chained my soul with your yellow hair. '^■^^S^^ C?3 (t3 Ct] 5^:^5^^ rj^a^^^s [t! ($1 C!3 !^^^3^^ 3(rp Mmnh My ship sailed out in the Summer time When the sunny skies were blue. And its hold was laden with hopes and dreams And the plan of a purpose true. I watched it across the sunlit sea 'Till my waiting eyes grew dim, And I said "God send it back to me, Safe, through its perils grim." I found it again — after many years, Afar in the frozen north — Shattered its sails, and its beauty wrecked, Which in majesty, had sailed forth. The frozen bergs, on either side, Towered up to a frozen sky, While borne on the bosom of the tide, The isles of ice sailed by. « « Hi « * I gathered my wreck and I brought it in. To my sunlit shores with me. But the treasure I laid, in its secret hold, Was lost in that frozen sea. r^ mtk Slab He grows more boyish, day by day; He comes in, breathless, from his play. And has such funny things to say; I sometimes wonder where can be. The warm, soft, tiny, nestling, thing. That used to cuddle close by me. And slumber gently, while I'd sing. Some day he'll be a cold, hard man, To take his part in life's great plan, And crush and trample as men can; And with my shadows, I shall sit. Too empty hearted then — to weep. While hallowed memories, round me flit. And rock my shadow — babe, to sleep. ^^5^5^.^3 C^ Ct! Ct] S^^S^^ ICoat The baby fingers, Are cold and still, That warm to my heart I've pressed. And the form so slight, Lies rigid and white. In the mocking grave clothes dressed. There is something I miss, From my path today. That was of my life a part. And the clutching pain. Comes again and again, And tightens about my heart. I hear the clods. Pall one by one, I hold my trembling breath. 'Tis not a prayer, I utter there, I hate, I hate you death! I have tasted the cup. With the bitterness. Perhaps the clouds may lift. Have I turned from the grace Of the Giver's face. To idolize the gift? ^*Sr^ C!3C?3C?3S^.^B=5^ ©Iff ipatif of Mv, (Eax- An ArttBt Like one who lieth down to pleasant dreams, He fell asleep upon a Summer's day. Brief was his summons — briefer still the end, When passed from earth to heav'n his soul away. Surrounded by the work he loved so well, Among- enchanted mountain's purple mist, While wild birds poured to heav'n their vesper song-. From, vales by Summer's wanton glory kissed. He fell asleep, his long-, long journey done, Leaving no half regret or hope behind; And they he strove by gentle means, to teach. Not soon his kind and simple like may find. He loved his Art, with that unerring faith. Which makes its object dear as honor is. He was content when canvas held, and kept Some one of Nature's wondrous mysteries. The fields of sunflowers he was wont to limn. Fading away in one pale, yellow drift. And Texas skies, so sunny, blue and fair. Or prairie, swept by sand-storm — blinding, swift. Cool little streams, where light and shadow played, Cotton fields, which seemed like Summer snow, ^^^^^S^'^S C?3 Cf] C^ G^^S^^J) Vistas of humble azure clover bloom, These were his own — because he loved them so. His purpose was to lift to purer heights, Love of the Beautiful, and thus impart A yearning- for the Good, and deep desire To reach Perfection's goal in every heart. Sonorous as the chime which told his hour. Sonorous as his solemn funeral knell, The hearts of they who followed to his tomb, Did beat in mournful measure a farewell. Oh, Clover! Blossom on his silent grave; Oh Mockingbird, pour out your melody Above the semblance of the man we loved. Whose soul has put on Immortality! ^■^^^=^3 Ct] Ct] Cf] S^^S^^ ^^aa^^^i Ctj C?3 C?3 ii^=^S:Sg^ (iiu^B Taps! Lights out! Stacked arms! At the end is the last long tramp. Let him sleep till the bugles' reveille call Shall awake the celestial camp. One more picket off duty, "Who the silent vigils kept; No matter how stormy or dark the night, He faltered not — nor slept. Gone from the fray and action, Is his pure and spotless soul, No more will he stand on the tented field. In answer to muster roll. With the hosts of troops supernal, He shall pass in glad review; And the King on His throne will find him, Honored and trusted and true. Breathe softly one last bugle tribute. As sounds each falling clod; "Loyal to home and country — Faithful to man and God." Taps! Lights out! Off duty! Furl the flag across his breast; And leave him to sleep, till reveille's sound, The sleep of a hero at rest. ^^S^^^S ft] ft] Ct3 5^:^5=5^ .r^S^^^S Ct] Ct] [^ !^^5^5^ (A bit of verse dedicated to my cousin, Capt. Robley D. Evans.) When the boys go marching by, With their guns and coats of blue, I think that I feel what our mothers felt. In the days of sixty-two. There's a tremor about my heart, And soft tears in my eye; And to me they all are heroes, When the boys go marching by. When the boys go marching by. In the gray of the early dawn, I turn from the window away to hide My tears — when they are gone. And I wonder if some mother's son Will in far off Cuba die. Away from the sun-kissed soil of his birth. When the boys go marching by. When the boys go marching by, So proud and erect and true. Who have offered their lives and hearts and hands Their country's will to do; I catch up my toddling boy, And I turn away and sigh, And I'm glad — and I'm sorry he is not one Of the boys that are marching by. <^^^i^^5 C?3 Ct] C?3 G^^^S^S^ Ollinatmaa tn #an itfgo Christmas? Yes? Why it seems like June! Hear the wildbird's melody, all in tune. See the Summer's glory, on sky and sea! Christmas, you say? Can it really be? The bells ring out on the perfumed air, With the odor of roses everywhere. The violet droops and hangs its head, In the shadow cool of its mossy bed. While the butterfly poised on its silken wing, Flits past — a shimmering, shadowy thing. Like a soul drawn back by the love of earth. To visit once more its place of birth. How the bold poinsettias scarlet flame. Flaunts her wanton beauty, to all the same, And the odor of tuberose pale and sweet, Sends its cloying breath to our very feet. While the regal lilly stands in pride. Arrayed in white, like a virgin bride. Like a ball of fire the sun glides on, Through the blaze of noon, from the birth of dawn. And crimsons the sky in his majesty. As he drops from sight in a golden sea, In a languorous dream we scan the bay. At the glorious end of Christmas day. Christmas? Strange! Then we close our eyes. And shut out the gleam of sunkissed skies. And before our vision, in dim review, Comes another Christmas, that once we knew. The air is crisp and the wind is chill. C-^ac^=@3 Ct] ($1 CS3 !i^^S=Si^ And the soft snow drifts over vale and hill. And smoke curls up from each chimney throat, As robins utter a tender note. The trees are leafless — the gardens bare. Not a vestige of blossom, anywhere. And even the snowdrop reaching up. To catch the light in her crystal cup. Catches instead, from His icy breath. In her perfumed chalice, the wine of Death. But Ah! what a happy busy throng, Treads the market place, the whole day long. The streets are gay with noise and mirth. In festive joy for the Saviour's birth. While the very beggar, whose wrinkled hand. Makes of your purse a just demand. Smiles as he hobbles and limps away, And shows he is glad it is Christmas day. The children shout, and the snowballs fly, As the jingling bells of the sleigh go by. And a glad cry rings through the world again. "Peace on Earth and Good Will to Men!" We sigh for the East — and we sing with the West. Which Christmas day do we love the best? ^^S«^»^S Cj] ft] Ct] i^=^/^^:> <^^^m^^^^^^^^^i^^ ^n (Eliantg It was Christmas time — it was Christmas tide, By the soft, pure, garment of drifted snow, That lay outspread on the whole world wide; Within a mansion there shone a glow, And gleam of light; and clear sweet strains, A chanting of Yuletide's glad refrains. With holly and cedar the room was decked. The tree in the midst hung a glitter with toys, With flash of candle and tinsel hung, With gift and gladness and Christmas joys; And around were gathered in youth's delight, A crowd to welcome the Christmas night. Silk and satin and jewel and fur. Dark eyes lit with a joy intense, But Ruth was the fairest of all and her Sweet face shone in its innocence, Quick and eager and gay was she. And the belle of the Christmas revelry. In the midst of the frolic a cry was heard. Out in the dark — in the street alone, Cold as a poor little wounded bird. Stood a beggar child on the cold step stone; And with curious eyes that meant no sin. To amaze and dazzle — they let her in. "Give her some cake," one said, and turned Away to a corner with dainties piled, Where a beautiful silver astral burned, Ct3Ct3Ct|g^^^3^5^ And brought and gave to the weeping child. "No! let's give her a book," said one; "The pictures will be to her lots of fun." But in piteous grief the child wept on — Though with joy and mirth the room was rife. 'Till — "Let us give her a doll" — ^said one. "She may never have had one, in all her life." From the topmost bough, they reached it down; But she hid her face in her tattered gown. "Then what do you want little girl?" said Ruth. Ruth could have melted a heart of stone, When she lifted her eyes full of innocent truth, And coaxed and pleaded in such a tone. Then the child flashed up — "Can I help crying. When hungry and cold, my mother is dying?" "You offer me food and toys — but who Of all this crowd would follow me there, Where in dirt and rags, she is lying alone. And kiss her and breathe for her soul a prayer? I do not want your toys and cake — But a woman's love — for my mother's sake." There was breathless silence — then one by one. With murmur and jest away they turned, And the same old wrong again was done. And the beggar was left unpitied and spurned; She crouched in a corner, and shivered and cried, And none of them thought of the crucified. "I will go," said Ruth. Then they said, "Ah, why. Should you for this beggar, our evening spoil?" What is the use if the woman must die? She will be released from a life of toil." "Take care of the child, help her," they said, "Anyhow, beggars are better off — dead." Her beautiful eyes, and beautiful face! She put them to shame as she stood like a queen, Wrapping- the beggar with tender grace, And gentle dignity seldom seen. Then she threw on her hood and cloak and smiled, And out in the darkness went with the child. Ah, why should I tell of what she found. Of hunger, poverty, want and despair. Of starved out body and starved out soul. Of rickety roof or of rickety stair; In pity she watched all night by her side, And in Ruth's white arms the woman — died. Ah, Ruth! It is years since that Christmas night. The snows have for twenty years whitened your mound. Covering you over with mantel white. Folding you in from all sight and all sound — But hot tears fall and lashes are wet. Recalling a Christmas I cannot forget. ^^^A^^^S C?] Ct] Cf: 5^=^5=5^ ^^2=5^=^3 Ct] C?3 [t3 S^^^S^Lp A Summer lag Do you recall the day on the sands, And the sound of the waves soft sighing, Your eyes sought mine, and we clasped our hands. And our hearts were in joy replying. For oh it was sweet by the low tuned sea. To picture our lives auspicious — The cup was full — we took but a sip — But oh was it not delicious. We wrote our names, do you still recall, And we drew a ring around them. Then our rioting hearts made us blind to all, Till the mad hearted waves had found them. Like our sweet summer dream, they were washed from sight, By a hateful tide — and vicious. The cup was full — we took but a sip — But, oh was it not delicious? ^^J^j^^a C?3 C?3 C^ G^^sSr^ ut^ y J905