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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/77843-0.txt b/77843-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9f18b4e --- /dev/null +++ b/77843-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6779 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77843 *** + + + + +Transcriber’s Note: Poems are ordered by publication year (goal is the +earliest available at least with legible text), then alphabetically +intrayear (ignoring “A”, “An”, and “The”). Poems appear as printed in +source unless changes are given in the notes; however, to avoid much +repetition in the notes, here it’s stated that all poem titles have been +standardized for consistent appearance. Investigation of spelling +involved Google’s Ngram Viewer. Where Mr. Flynn reused a title, the +version is indicated by the year in the title (e.g. title v1921). +Alternative text was created for illustrations. Appendix 1 was created +for this book and is ordered alphabetically by poem title. Appendix 2 +also was created for this book. Additional new material, and the +compilation, are granted to the public domain. This plain text version +of the book uses an underscore (_) to denote the start and end of +italicized text, a hyphen for en-dash, and two hyphens (--) for em-dash. + + + + +COLLECTED POEMS OF CLARENCE EDWIN FLYNN + +Second Edition, 1930 and Earlier + + + +First Edition, 1929 and Earlier +Second Edition, 1930 and Earlier + + + + +ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS +PREFACE +POEMS +APPENDIX 1: BYLINES, BIBLIOGRAPHY, NOTES +APPENDIX 2: INDEX +APPENDIX 3: UPDATES & REVISIONS WITH 2ND EDITION +APPENDIX 4: INACCESSIBLE POEMS + + + + +ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS + + +I would like to thank several librarians. Geoffrey Ross (History, +Philosophy, and Newspaper Library at the University of Illinois +Urbana-Champaign) scanned the necessary documents allowing “The Measure +of Life” to appear in the first edition. Terese DeSimio (Greene County +[OH] Public Library) saved resources in the intercity transfer of an +extract about Clarence Edward Flynn. Lauren Day (University of Michigan +Library) verified the bottom of their physical publication containing +“The Age of a Heart” had been cut off, making the last line of the +poem unrecoverable. + + + + +PREFACE TO 1ST EDITION WITH ADDENDUM + + +Clarence Edwin Flynn (1886-1970) was an American Methodist Episcopal +clergyman, writer, hymnist and lecturer. He’s described as a “writer of +stories, articles and verse appearing in periodicals and anthologies” +and is “represented in anthologies of verse. General character writing, +religious, educational.” [1] [2] His poetry alone appeared in more than +300 different domestic and international publications. A book of Flynn’s +other writings, _Collected Writings of Clarence Edwin Flynn_, is +available on the website Project Gutenberg. His biography is available +on the website Prabook. + +Mr. Flynn’s bylines have varied over his career. Specifically, the +variation in middle name/initial in the first edition amounted to +E (186), Edwin (4), none (3), and F (1). To put those numbers in a +wider context, the variation associated with poetry published in 1930 +and later shows the following preliminary results: Edwin (415), E (98), +Edward (15), none (3), and conflicts within the same publication (2). +“Edward” appears in bylines between 1931-1954. There was an educator +named Clarence Edward Flynn (1890-1956), but one description of his +authorship published a year before his death is very specific and does +not mention verse: “A County Plan of Work for Elementary Schools; A +Workbook for Elementary and High Schools.” [3] It may be that bylines +with “Edward” are due to error and name interchangeability. This brief +analysis is limited by A) the absence of Clarence Edwin Flynn’s +personal papers (their status is unknown to me) and B) only rare +inclusions of his blurb in publications to which he contributed. + + [1] _Who’s Who in America: A Biographical Dictionary of Notable +Living Men and Women_. Vol. 24, 1946-1947, Two Years. Chicago: +The A. N. Marquis Co., 1946. p. 780 + [2] Lawrence, Alberta, ed. _Who’s Who Among North American Authors_. +Vol. 5, 1931-1932. Los Angeles: Golden Syndicate Publishing Co., 1931. +p. 1089 + [3] _Who’s Who in the East_. Vol. 5. Chicago: The A. N. Marquis Co., +1955. p. 268 + + + + +POEMS + + + Si Gidders (1902) + + There’s an old man named Si Gidders lives on Uncle Henry’s place, + Jest a common farmer feller, that is all; + Tall, an’ lean, an’ lank in figger, with an awful homely face, + But as much as you could estimate of gall. + Gidders has one wretched failin’, that of wonderin’ at things, + An’ it takes most all his time to humor that, + For it’s wonder, wonder, wonder till yer ear jest fairly rings, + With the how, an’ who, an’ which, an’ where, an’ what. + + He will wonder why the sun don’t shine by night as well as day, + An’ why all the leaves ain’t red instid o’ green; + Why them brindled kind o’ chickens air the ones that allers lay, + An’ why Johnny Smith ain’t fat instid o’ lean. + He will wonder why the sky is blue an’ why it isn’t brown, + An’ why twelve o’clock don’t come at early morn; + He will wonder why things don’t fall up instid o’ fallin’ down, + An’ why Seckel pears don’t grow on stalks of corn. + + He will wonder why Jim Perry’s hair ain’t black instid o’ red, + An’ why summer don’t start in at Christmas time; + Why it is that folks can’t never go to heaven till they’re dead, + An’ why three times three ain’t ten instid o’ nine; + Why don’t daisies bloom in winter, an’ why don’t we have no snow + When the temperature’s a hundred in the shade; + Why don’t tomcats never whistle, en why does a rooster crow + When his mate has just informed him that she’s laid. + + So Si Gidders’ tongue is runnin’ an’ each new thing he may see + Allers sets a wonder workin’ in his head, + He will wonder what it is an’ how it ever came to be, + An’ why it ain’t painted black instid o’ red. + An’ I ’spect that when he dies an’ comes to heaven’s pearly gates + That he won’t find time to step inside at all, + For he’ll want to stop an’ wonder why they hain’t all made of tin, + An’ nailed up with old shoeleather to the wall. + + + + + Hagar’s Song (1906) + + Thou God of mercy, Thou who art + To Abraham a sword and shield, + Must I myself, an infant, yield + Unto the desert’s burning heart? + + Have I been so undutiful + That this death be my recompense, + That Ishmael in his innocence + Should die so young and beautiful? + + Is he so worthless in Thy sight, + Is all that he might do and be + So insignificant to Thee + Who lovest justice, truth, and right? + + But though I crave Thy tenderness, + No longer will I plead with Thee + Whate’er Thy will so let it be. + For even death can bring but rest. + + So not unto the burning sands + Do I commend my dearest joy, + My innocent, my precious boy, + But into Thy most gracious hands. + + But I am like a wreck at sea; + My throat is parched, my heart is sore; + I sigh for rest, not that of yore. + Do to me, Lord, as pleaseth Thee. + + + + + The Cry of a Human (1906) + + When the cares of life are heavy and the world looks dark to me, + When board is high and funds are running low, + I can look back at the faces that I used to love to see-- + The faces of the balmy long ago. + I can wander back along the brooks I loved when but a boy, + When I didn’t have to mend my shirts and sew + The buttons on I busted off, ah! those were days of Joy, + When I lived, a careless laddie, in the happy long ago. + + Somehow, when my dinner’s heavy, then my heart gets heavy, too. + And I long to see the cooky jar again. + It isn’t any wonder that the world looks black and blue, + When you owe at least a half dozen men. + I am longing for the good old days when I could live care free, + And when I was hungry I could just tiptoe + Into the dark old pantry, and eat all that I could see, + And only get my britches fanned in the happy long ago. + + Give me back the nice hot biscuit, give me back the fresh clean clothes, + Give me back the swimmin’ hole and all its joys, + Give me back the tenderness that a mother only knows + Makes the very life and soul of sturdy boys. + Give me back the apple-butter, and I’ll stir it till I die. + Give me back the places that I used to know. + Give me back the fresh fried sausage and the yellow pumpkin pie + That I used to do the chores for in the happy long ago. + + The joy of being grown up has lost all its charm for me, + Since my clothes are growing threadbare down the seams, + And my Sunday hat needs darning, and my necktie seems to be + Drawing near the murmur of Elysian streams. + I am longing for the good old days, when life was new to me, + And the parties where I used to love to go, + The old-time apple cuttin’ and the jolly huskin’ bee, + Where I used to swing the lassies in the happy long ago. + + + + + Child’s Prayer (1907) + + Now I lay me down to sleep + ’Mid the twilight’s gentle gloom, + Soothing me to slumbers deep + In my angel-guarded room, + While the stars look tenderly + Down upon the world and me. + + I pray the Lord my soul to keep + While the shadows hover near. + O, may angel pinions sweep + Where an evil would appear, + Angel footsteps softly press + ’Round my bed in watchfulness. + + If I should die before I wake, + And lightly leave my snowy bed, + And wander out, my way to take + Unto the side of Him who said + Beside the lake of Galilee: + “Forbid them not to come to me.” + + I pray the Lord my soul to take + To walk with him ‘neath clearer skies + Where only joyful souls awake, + Where grander, sweeter songs arise, + Through all the years to come, the same + I humbly pray in Jesus’ name. + + + + + My Father’s House (1908) + + Some times I see in quiet, thoughtful hours + Adown the winding journey of the years, + Beyond a valley full of faded flowers + Whose petals still are wet with human tears, + + An open door that looms beside the way, + And many weary pilgrims entering where + A glad face waits to welcome them alway, + And then I know my Father’s house is there. + + I care not whether it be built of gold, + With pearly gates and shining sapphire walls, + Or whether it be humble, low, and old, + With footworn thresholds and with homely halls. + + I only ask that when my feet have pressed + The journey through, and I have come alone + Unto my Father’s house, that I may rest + Among the loved and lost, and feel at home. + + + + + Hope (1909) + + When every flower has shed its bloom + Afar upon life’s changing ground, + And in the chilling autumn gloom + Their leaves are drifted all around. + One blossom still will lift its eyes + Unto the changeless summer skies. + + When life’s poor lyre has ceased to play, + When faith and love no longer sing, + Still through the shades of closing day + Will tremble one unbroken string + To make life’s music still ascend + In harmony unto the end. + + Oh, flower of hope with deathless hue, + Oh, song of hope, unsilenced still, + Beyond the vast, eternal blue + Ye shine and echo on until + The journey’s ended and the way + Leads into God’s eternal day. + + + + + The King (1909) + + When the King came + He was so like His own, they knew Him not; + And cast in ways of poverty His lot. + There was no blazoned heraldry of fame + When the King came. + + When the King died + Not many wept. The memory of His years + Did not bring many blossoms dewed with tears + Unto the new tomb in the mountainside, + When the King died. + + When the King rose + ’Twas not to go to some far distant land, + Nor yet to dwell within a palace grand, + ’Twas to the palace of the hearts of men + He rose again. + + + + + Battle Hymn (1914) + + The world has seen from age to age + Two marshaled hosts upon the plain + Each other in a war engage, + And strew the years with heroes slain; + And though they seem at times to fail, + The hosts of God shall still prevail. + + Between the hosts of right and wrong + The conflict long has raged afield. + It still must rage, however long, + Till one shall see the other yield. + But, though a countless horde assail, + The hosts of God shall still prevail. + + The days of blood are in the past, + And gone the conflict of the sword. + Unseen the lines of war are cast + Against the armies of the Lord. + But, though their words be fiery hail, + The hosts of God shall still prevail. + + By night and day the conflict goes, + Unheard, unseen, but great and real; + And back and forth God’s friends and foes + Contend for this world’s woe or weal. + Fear not their weapons nor their mail, + For we shall see God’s hosts prevail. + + Hearts, lose not courage. Brains, take fire, + And grow not listless in the fight. + The arms of God shall never tire, + And nothing can withstand His might. + What though at times our banners trail + In dust, our God shall still prevail. + + The world shall know the ways of God. + The nations all shall walk in peace. + Wherever human foot has trod, + The sway of selfishness shall cease. + No more shall horse and rider pale + Go forth, when God’s hosts shall prevail. + + Beneath serene and peaceful skies, + And from an earth without a stain, + Redemption’s anthem shall arise + Throughout the years, for God shall reign. + His cause shall not forever fail, + For, soon or late, He shall prevail. + + + + + Song of the Dove (1914) + + O DOVE, whom do you woo + With your soft and gentle coo + In the freshness of the morning ’mid the sunlight and the dew? + When the first Spring flow’rs are fair + And your voice floats everywhere + On the bosom of the palpitating air? + + O dove, how glad the note + That echoes from your throat + When the lazy clouds like castles of the sunny islands float + In the azure Summer sky, + Ah, let your joy run high, + For the dreary Winter’s coming by and by. + + O dove, how sad the tone + As you sit and grieve alone + In the gathering of the twilight, in your sad, sweet monotone, + With the Autumn hillsides gray + Stretching far--so far away, + But the joys of Spring and Summer gone for aye. + + + + + The Gateway of the Kingdom (1915) + + THE gateway of the Kingdom + It bendeth very low, + Within the reach of every place + Where common people go. + ’Tis grand, but grandly simple. + ’Tis great, yet very small, + Though wide enough that ever + There’s passage-way for all. + + The gateway of the Kingdom + Is not of common gold. + Its pearl is far more precious + Than earthly realm can hold. + It has no rusty hinges. + No marble steps are piled. + The gateway of the Kingdom + Is the spirit of a child. + + + + + Magi and Shepherd (1915) + + There’s a Babe within the manger. Humble men are on the hills. + Where the sheep are safely folded, there the silver moonlight spills. + There’s a rift across the heavens. There’s a light along the sky. + There’s a glory in the valley. There’s an angel song on high. + There’s a Babe within the manger. On the hills are humble men. + “Peace on earth,” rings forth the chorus, and their hearts respond, “Amen!” + + There’s a Babe within the manger. There’s a star that shines above. + ’Tis a star of age-long promise. ’Tis the morning star of love. + There are wise men. They are kneeling. They have brought their tribute there-- + Gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Behold the majesty they wear. + There are wise men. They are kneeling. Wisdom comes upon its knees. + In its simple recognition of the birth and reign of peace. + + Humble men are on the hillsides, men of wisdom in the stall + Where the new-born King of Glory deigns to find His earthly all. + High and low have met together. There before a common shrine + Rich and poor, unlearned and lettered, each has found the King Divine. + Christ is Lord of humble peasant. He is Lord of royal son. + At His feet all men are equal. In His way all men are one. + + + + + The Open Tomb (1915) + + A thousand gates + Lead to the grave; and through the weary years + The race of men, through bitter, blinding tears, + Have seen the forms they loved most enter there + Where ever waits + An open road on which all feet must fare. + + One only gate + Leads from the grave; one portal outward swings. + ’Tis one alike for peasants and for kings. + Beside it lies a stone that’s rolled away; + And, soon or late, + God’s people shall fare forth into the day. + + O, Mighty One, + We praise thee that when we have finished all + The day’s full hours will hold, and night shall fall + That we may see, although we die upon + A bed of stone, + One door that opens outward on the dawn. + + + + + A Price Unpaid (1915) + + Upon one battlefield is writ in blood + The story of more woe than all the years + Can wash away, e’en with the cleansing flood + Of centuries of peace. Blind, sickening tears + Are caused to flow that never mailed hand + Will seek to dry. There glassy grows the eye + Of him who looked with joy upon the land, + Rich now with death’s ripe harvest. One weak sigh, + Then fades the sky, the fields, and all--and then + The awful silence which alone will say + To those at home, he died, but how or when + Remains a secret of the bloody day. + What logic is there that can justify + The wasting harvest field, the empty home, + The blank despair that comes at last to lie + On faces left to fare their way alone, + Widowed and orphaned--and for naught but this-- + To keep a royal throne from tottering down, + To hold a mile of boundary where it is, + To save a scepter, or preserve a crown? + + + + + Two Princes (1915) + + The War Lord dwells within his palace walls + In all the bright insignia of power; + He gives the word by which a city falls, + Or ships go thundering through Death’s awful hour. + The Prince of Peace knew not an earthly throne, + Had not one resting place to call his own. + + The War Lord in the pomp of place doth ride + Across the borders of the blood-drenched land. + On splendid charger, strong and fiery-eyed + In every place he keeps a presence grand. + The Prince of Peace knew but a humble seat + And walked the earth with weary, dusty feet. + + The War Lord hears the plaudits of the crowd. + Unnumbered men would perish for his name. + To keep his royal robes they wear a shroud, + And bleed to save him from an hour of shame. + The Prince of Peace with thorns upon his head, + Unfriended, through the hard-eyed crowd was led. + + The while the War Lord speaks the myriad waits, + And at his word it cannot choose but die. + His armored hand is laid upon the gates + Of life and death. What matter reasons why? + In one dark hour of loving agony + The Prince of Peace expired upon a tree. + + + + + The Voices of God (1915) + + A THOUSAND voices speak of God. + The gayest flower, the meanest clod, + The highest hill, the deepest sea + Proclaim his messages to me. + I read his story in the Book. + I hear it in the babbling brook; + ’Tis written all across the sky, + And in the silent majesty + Of mountains, lifting from the land. + A note of his undying word + Is in the song of every bird, + And but to-day my Saviour smiled + From out the features of a child. + + + + + The Wealth of Cheer (1915) + + What’s the use of weeping + When the day goes wrong? + Better to be keeping + Pace with mirth and song. + December is December, + But May is always May, + And shine and shade, remember, + Will each come in its day. + + Gloom’s an old, old story, + As ancient as the earth. + And men with heads now hoary + Have measured out its worth. + They speak with one opinion + That, not in gloom and mists, + But in sunshine’s dominion + The wealth of men consists. + + + + + True Values (1916) + + One day an angel came and asked a king, + Sated with power, with love of pomp and gold, + Four things that God must dearly love, to bring + And set them in his presence, so ’tis told. + The king went forth and came again ere night, + And set before the angel in that hour + A jewelled crown, a scepter gleaming bright, + A battle weapon, and a throne of power. + + The angel’s face grew shaded as he gazed + Upon the king’s poor playthings gathered there. + At last again his countenance was raised. + He said: “These are the trappings pride may wear, + But God’s great kingdom knows a richer worth: + A truer value is its high concern.” + “Go”, pled the king, “and from the mighty earth + Bring me those things. I wait for thy return.” + + “Nay, come with me”, the angel said, “and I, + Though I may lead a long and weary way, + Will show you what is best beneath the sky.” + These are the things he showed the king that day: + A kindly life that served unselfishly, + A flower that grew in sweetness undefiled, + A fireside where were love and purity, + The unspoiled spirit of a little child. + + + + + Pictures (1918) + + _The days are pictures, and they pass + As comes and goes some mirage sheen, + As fireflies in the tangled grass, + Or shadows thrown upon the screen. + + Pictures they are of love and care; + Pictures of toil and happiness; + Of mighty men, of ladies fair-- + Incarnate strength and gentleness; + + Pictures of battle and the night + That touches woe with cooling breath; + Of calm years following the fight, + When blossoms deck the fields of death; + + Pictures of paths that wind, and meet + Where Fate’s decrees have willed it so, + Or where erstwhile companion feet + Are led in separate ways to go. + + The days are pictures, and they run + Their hastening course of smiles and tears. + As shadows flit ’twixt sun and sun, + So pass the ever-dying years_. + + + + + When the Curtain Falls (1918) + + When the end is reached, and the curtain falls, + And the echoes die from the voiceless walls, + This is the thing that alone will tell: + The actor’s part--has he played it well? + + A few swift scenes and the course is run; + A few brief facts and the play is done. + May it be well when the far voice calls, + And the lights go out, and the curtain falls. + + + + + The World’s Drama (1918) + + The world’s a screen. Across it flit the shadows + Of all the multitudes that come and go. + They move in dusty lanes, o’er sunny meadows, + And where the hand of toil moves to and fro. + + There is the mourner and the long procession; + There is the maid with joy of which to sing; + There is the warrior, with his blood-possession; + There is the shade of some forgotten king. + + Soon is each gone. Soon yonder in the distance + Each comes amid the mists to disappear, + Where dying light falls on his face or glistens + For one brief moment on his helm or spear. + + Yet as each goes another is approaching. + A multitude is shadowed on ahead; + So moves the line, forevermore encroaching + Upon the borders of the silent dead. + + Thus goes the drama, each his fond part playing, + For what he plays to him is all in all-- + Striving, pursuing, loving, toiling, praying, + Until the darkness overshadows all. + + + + + Jim (1919) + + A chicken-hearted boy was Jim, + A lad with a gentle face and eye. + The boys all joined in a laugh at him + Whenever he chanced to be passing by. + He wouldn’t set foot on a helpless thing. + For a crawling worm he’d turn aside. + He was always making a splint or sling + For some wounded creature that else had died. + + Well, Jim grew up, and the war came on. + Justice and right in the dust lay low. + One day they noticed that Jim was gone, + And wondered if he could face the foe. + It was said that no braver soldier fought + In all the marshaled ranks than Jim; + From many battles he finally brought + The name of a hero home with him. + + We looked to see a steely eye + And a hardened face from his soldier ways, + But the same old lad came marching by + With the gentle eyes of his boyhood days. + He had heard the voices of battle ring; + He had faced the peril from death’s grim shore; + But to-day he treads on no helpless thing, + Though they call him chicken-heart no more. + +[Two illustrations cover the time span of the poem. The first +illustration’s foreground has a boy facing the viewer, walking along a +neighborhood street, and approaching a small, sitting dog whose back +faces the viewer. The street bends right and into the background past +homes and a few neighbors looking in the boy’s direction. A church +steeple is prominent above the homes and trees. The second illustration +has the same viewpoint of the neighborhood. People line the side of the +street, their backs to the viewer, as a troop formation carrying an +American flag parades towards the viewer.] + + + + + Let Us Be Right (1919) + + Let us be right, though all the world may follow + The broken fabric of some failing dream. + As sounds upon our ears its outcry hollow, + And men lose all for some deceiving scheme, + Let us forsake the gold and tinsel masking, + And live for things enduring and secure. + Whate’er the prize the idle crowd is asking, + Let us be right. The path of truth is sure. + + Let us be right, whatever seem our losing, + Some day the tide will turn, and men will know + The thing abiding. Then the common choosing + Will be the substance, not the empty show. + Let us be right. When self’s poor plans are shattered + And all the castles lifted mountain high + By evil hand, are broken down and shattered, + The right shall stand beneath the mighty sky. + + + + + Light and Shadow (1919) + + A BIT of sunshine and a bit of shadow, + And each succeeds the other on the screen. + They chase each other over hill and meadow, + Alternate triumph through each act and scene. + The smile and tear has each in turn its season, + The right and wrong their coronation day, + And foolishness contends for place with reason + --such is a play. + + A bit of gladness and a bit of sighing, + A warm sun’s beaming and the cloudland’s chill + Each comes and goes the while the day is dying + From western hill to farther western hill. + So runs the tale as passing years grow hoary; + So will it be forever and for aye. + A bit of sorrow and a touch of glory + --such is a day. + + + + + The New Day (1919) + + Put up your guns, ye nations, and lay your swords away. + Forget the roar of battle ye heard but yesterday. + Forget the vanished era of autocrats and kings + And turn to face a future of better, finer things. + + We strung our rows of crosses on Flanders’ flow’ry plains. + We touched the fields of Europe with our hearts’ reddest stains. + We walked the shadowed valley: we felt its deadly chill. + Some lingered on its bosom with voice forever still. + + Among the wreck of empires, the dreams of yesterday. + Built on self’s foundations (the dreamers: where are they?). + We face a dawning future upon a shattered earth. + ’Twill be as we shall make it--a thing of threat or worth. + + O ye returning manhood, baptized in battle flame, + Ye who have fought for honor and saved the world from shame, + Ye who have stood for justice beyond the mighty seas, + Come to the task awaiting on battlefields of peace. + + Put up your guns, ye nations, and lay your swords away. + ’Twas yours to live beholding the world’s redemption day. + Let now the earth, forgetting its reign of strife and blood, + Welcome the dawning era--the day of brotherhood. + +[Poem is on cover page with the following additional text: The Sunday +School Journal, March 1919, Volume Fifty-One, Number Three. The poem +overlays an illustration of the Statue of Liberty.] + + + + + The New Year (1919) + + _Each New Year day Time cuts the thread + That binds us to the vanished past. + Its tears, and cares, and pangs are fled. + Its woes are gone, its troubles dead, + And we are free at last. + + It is the road ahead we scan + Whene’er the year is new. + Again we gird our hearts, and plan + For better days. We hope again + In things secure and true. + + Thanks for the hand that steals away + The cares of moments sped. + Thanks for the years we leave today, + But more for all that seems to say: + “’Tis better on ahead_.” + + + + + God’s Garden (1920) + + There blooms a lovely garden + Beneath the smile of God, + Where fairest flow’rs are nodding + Above the smoothest sod. + From it has come the harvest + Of everlasting worth, + Enriching yonder heaven, + As well as hither earth. + + Kind friendships are the breezes + That come with soothing breath; + Love is the life stream, springing + Where else had been but death; + A teacher is its gard’ner; + Its sunlight is the truth; + And in its soil doth blossom + The flower of lovely youth. + +[Poem is framed by illustrated flowers. Outside the frame--from +middle-left to middle-top--is an illustration of two young, smiling +girls standing in the midst of flowers. The older girl is cradling +several picked flowers in one arm while her other are is extended and +selecting another.] + + + + + The Open Soul (1920) + + There is a way + That leads to some rich joy in every day, + To where through immemorial ages gone + Calm Peace has sat upon her regal throne. + There is a road to joy’s supremest goal, + But pilgrims say + It is discerned but by the open soul. + + There is a song + That has the power to scatter courage strong + Through all the moments of the busy day, + And blunt the thorns along the weary way. + Its music always lessens sorrow’s toll, + Though suffered long. + It is no secret to the open soul. + + There is a gleam + That lights with loveliness the hill and stream, + Blesses the days with hours supremely rare, + And threads a line of gladness through each care. + Before it all the shadows swiftly roll + From fettered beam. + It breaks like morning on the open soul. + + + + + The Outcome (1920) + + Life’s always at its best upon the screen. + It is not perfect. Life is never so. + There runs a struggle thru each shifting scene, + And shadows often come, their pall to throw + Across the landscape. Things go wrong a while. + But always comes at last the shine’s glow, + And gloom is followed by the song and smile. + + In every drama wrong must have its reign, + In every tale the villain has his day; + Gladness we see, contrasting it with pain, + And truth is valued but by error’s sway. + The right and wrong are alternate in power, + The scene is now in sun, now shadow cast, + But tho the wrong may triumph for an hour, + The right is seated on the throne at last. + + + + + The Silent Drama (1920) + + Out of the silence often comes + A voice that breaks the stillness deep, + And with an eloquence unheard + Calls hidden mem’ries from their sleep. + It carries power unknown to speech; + It speaks directly to the heart, + Grown thoughtful in the silences. + Such is the screen’s appealing art. + + It calls the strong to lost resolve. + It thrills the weak to better things, + It touches sleeping hopes to life + And in the songless heart it sings. + It opens scenes of loveliness + For eyes long used to barren spot, + This sacred silence that is heard + Where thought is all and voice is not. + + + + + A Trouble Making World (1920) + + There’s a word that keeps us from the best of things, + Making some men peasants, making others kings, + Making all to sorrow, forcing some to die, + For uncounted sorrows the one reason why. + + There’s a word begetting bitterness and strife, + Evermore beclouding all the sky of life, + Driving men to battle when they ought to be + Linked in soul together by fraternity. + + There’s a word that enters in the holy place, + Writes its tale of trouble on the fairest face; + Makes of life a struggle, fraught with grasping greed, + When its years were given for high thought and deed. + + There’s a word that robs us of the happy song; + Makes the earth a treadmill, elevates the strong; + Drives the weak from justice; grinds the poor and worn; + Fills the years with hatred; seeds the world with scorn. + + There’s a word absorbing manhood’s fruitful hour, + Careless of life’s meaning, prodigal of power, + Making regal spirits satisfied with pelf, + It is short but powerful, and its name is self. + + + + + The Builders (1921) + + Each stone that goes into the wall + And lifts it higher from the clay + Is but a life that heeds the call + To serve its God from day to day. + No hammers on their anvils beat, + Yet in some wondrous time to be + The finished work will stand complete-- + The temple of humanity. + + The patient builders--who are they, + Whose hands have toiled and oft alone, + Through many a hard, discouraged day + To set e’er night another stone? + They are the teachers who have brought + The word of righteousness and truth, + The great ideal, the noble thought, + And dropped them in the heart of youth. + +[Poem is on cover page with the following additional text: The Sunday +School Journal, August 1921. Cover has an illustration of a path, lined +by bushes and trees, leading to a large church. The view of the church +is partially obscured by the trees, but its steeple rises above them. +The sky is dominated by tall, white, billowing clouds.] + + + + + The Children v1921 + + WHEN two gray-haired old parents meet + In quiet home or busy street, + The talk will run in formal style + On formal things a little while. + Then, following a silent spell: + “The children, are they doing well?” + + Then faded eyes grow quickly bright. + Worn features take a sudden light, + As they recount with pride and joy + The story of each girl and boy. + How these old parents love to tell + That every child is doing well! + + The great All-Father up above, + I often think, in words of love + Recounts each vict’ry and success, + Joys in His children’s happiness. + I think He, too, delights to tell + That all His own are doing well. + + + + + Climaxes v1921 + + One climax comes in every play, + And only one; + And after it has had its day + The struggle’s won. + Untangled is each vagrant thread; + Sad hearts to happiness are led; + And, with the days all fair ahead, + The play is done. + + One climax comes in every life, + And only one-- + The apex of our human strife, + The race we run. + Then woes are banished; tears are dried; + Our answered questions put aside; + Life’s dearest hope is satisfied; + Then life is done. + + + + + Home v1921 + + _The joy that some hearts treasure, the hope that others prize; + The wistful wish that, buried deep, sometimes in others lies; + A word so dear that men will die with gladness for its sake; + The forge at which are welded strong the ties that naught can break; + + A garden in the wildest waste of this world’s desert life; + A spot where dwell both peace and calm amid the fiercest strife; + A refuge from each storm that beats; the place in all the land + Where there are souls who sympathize and hearts that understand; + + The rock whereon the anchors hold that keep us safe and fast + When else would perish all we are and have amid the blast; + The shrine before whose holy light does fondest worship come; + The choicest ideal of the heart--its sacred name is HOME_. + + + + + The Magic Gateway (1921) + + I turned the cover of a book, + And found it was a gate + Into a field where one might look, + Unwearied, soon and late. + The dreams of every land and sea + Were all about me there. + Kind spirits came and talked with me, + And flowers bloomed everywhere. + + I saw the years that long had sped, + The wondrous scenes of yore. + The mighty past gave up its dead, + They lived and spoke once more. + The greatest minds that ever thought, + And hearts that ever beat, + Came, and their richest treasures brought + To lay them at my feet. + + + + + Shadows v1921 + + We are moving shadows cast + On the world’s great picture screen; + Shadows in a drama vast, + Filled with varied act and scene. + + Shadows flitting in the sun + Like the bees among the flowers; + Shadows hast’ning one by one + Down the course of passing hours. + + Shadows in the sunny space; + Shadows on the tangled grass; + Shadows on the river’s face; + Shadows in the winds that pass. + + Shadows playing in the lane; + Shadows fighting battles brave; + Shadows walking ways of pain; + Shadows falling in the grave. + + Shadows moving in the grove, + Falling on the summer lawn. + On and off the screen they move, + But the play goes ever on. + + + + + The Sunbeam and the Shadow (1921) + + The sunbeam and the shadow + Are met upon the screen. + Each mingles in the making + Of yonder lovely scene. + If all were only shadow, + A leaden cloud would pall. + If it were only sunshine, + ’Twould be no scene at all. + + In life are intermingled + The sunshine and the rain. + In each day strangely blended + Are happiness and pain. + Where’er is told life’s story, + However grave or fair, + The sunshine and the shadow + Succeed each other there. + + + + + The Teacher v1921 + + WHO shapes a mind doth shape the years + That are to be, the joys and tears + Of those unborn. He lays his hand + Upon the future of the land + And turns by thought’s resistless force + The stream of hist’ry in its course. + + Who shapes a life, its hopes, its worth, + Doth shape the future of the earth. + His is a sculptor hand, to mold + The periods as they unfold. + His hand is laid upon the rod + That speeds the purposes of God. + + + + + After-Images (1922) + + The lights go low, the organ swells, + And pours its rhythm everywhere-- + Now thunder, now the ring of bells, + Sounding at twilight o’er the dells, + Now but a whisper in the air. + The whisper and the thunder loud + Are both reflected on the crowd. + + The pictures come, and pass away, + As morn departs or evening stills. + Ambition fights its fevered fray. + The wrong and right have each their day. + Love walks with love upon the hills + Life’s long procession there appears. + And hurries onward thru the years. + + The music dies. The crowds depart. + Each goes his way, pursues his aim; + But something in the thing of art + Has left a mark upon his heart. + Somehow the world is not the same. + The music and the scenes so fair + Have left their after-imagine there. + + + + + Almost (1922) + + The fish we almost captured, + The race we almost won, + The task we almost finished + Before the day was done. + The plan almost accomplished, + The dream almost come true-- + These bring but little comfort + Or help to me and you. + + Near heroes win no laurels; + Near victories are cheap; + And near achievements bring us + No crowns we care to keep. + To come but near is failure. + A miss is like a mile. + The word “almost” can rob us + Of all that is worth while. + + + + + Along the Road (1922) + + The folks we meet along the road, + They are a varied throng-- + A pilgrim struggling with his load; + The singer of the song; + A youth with bright, expectant gaze, + His face with hope alight; + An old man bowed with many days, + And stumbling toward the night. + + The rich, the poor, the high, the low; + The faithless and the true; + The face of joy, the form of woe, + All pass in grand review + We meet, and see their forms no more; + But when the eve is gray + The sweetest thought we ponder o’er + Is whom we’ve helped today. + + + + + A Call for Substitutes (1922) + + There are substitutes for coffee; there are substitutes for tea; + But there’s none for right, or honor, love, or truth, or liberty. + There are substitutes for honey; there are substitutes for soap; + But there’s none for peace, or kindness, or the clinging ray of hope. + There are substitutes for paper; there are substitutes for wheat; + But there’s none for little children with their tiny, toddling feet. + There are substitutes for leather and materials of dress; + But there’s none for kindly service or a heart of happiness. + + There are substitutes for butter; there are substitutes for cream; + But there’s none for aspiration or the wonder of a dream. + There are substitutes for beefsteak; there are substitutes for bread; + But none for the vanished sweetness of a moment that has fled. + There are substitutes for jewels; there are substitutes for gold; + But there’s none for honest thinking or for friendship tried and old. + There are substitutes for rubber and the shining of the sun; + But there’s none for love-lit firesides or the sense of duty done. + + + + + Compensation (1922) + + For everything that happens wrong + A dozen things go right. + For every tear a flood of song + Rings out across the night. + For every dark and stormy day + A week of days are fair. + However chill the clouds and gray, + ’Tis always bright somewhere. + + For every heart of bitterness + A host of hearts are light. + For every hour of deep distress + A whole long day is bright. + For every faithless friend we find + That many friends are true. + So, after all, God’s mighty kind + To such as me and you. + + + + + A Creed (1922) + + I DO believe + That, while in this old world few things are sure, + Right, truth, and love forevermore endure; + That these are ’mongst the things most worth our while + --A song, a smile, + The wiping of a tear from eyes that grieve. + + I do believe + That in the day of famine or of feast + That one is richest who has sought the least; + That, spite of all earth’s woes, and tears, and pains, + Love is, and reigns; + And sunshine through the ages Time doth weave. + + I do believe + God plants some seeds of gladness in each day, + And smiles on children happy at their play; + That living men, though paupers, churls, or slaves, + Are more than graves + To which the grass and mosses damply cleave. + + + + + The Engineer (1922) + + I MUST not be a minute late, + Nor yet too hasty be. + I have a load of human freight + Depending upon me. + I know that loving eyes tonight + Are all along the line, + Waiting to see them each alight-- + These passengers of mine. + + When at the finish of my run + I reach the hour of rest + I want to think on what I’ve done, + And know it was my best. + Of hearts that never felt a fear + I want to dream tonight, + Hearts that were sure the engineer + Would bring them through all right. + +[Illustration of a head crowned with a wreath made from a plant. The +person is facing the viewer. A tree (perhaps the source for the wreath) +is shown next to the head.] + + + + + The Flag at Sea (1922) + + Have you ever felt a craving + On the vastness of the sea, + To behold the silken waving + Of the banner of the free? + Have you searched with tired precision, + Far from where the land unbars, + For a passing moment’s vision + Of the flag of stripes and stars? + + Does it thrill you to remember + When it stood against the sky, + How your heart was like an ember + And a tear was in your eye? + How the old flag thrilled your spirit, + How it made you feel at home, + When your ship that day sailed near it + On the wideness of the foam? + + + + + The Gift of the Farm (1922) + + We thank you, old farm, forever + For the gift you have freely made + To the world and its hard endeavor, + Of the boys and the girls who played + On your beautiful hills and meadows, + Who digged in your kindly soil + And who learned in your sun and shadows + The lesson of honest toil. + + We thank you for hands so ready + Their manifold tasks to do, + For minds that are keen and steady, + For hearts that are strong and true, + For people of lowly station, + For those who have won renown, + For the best who have served the nation + In the country and the town. + + + + + The Gifts of the Church (1922) + + _The dearest friends that life has known + In any time or place + Were made before the wondrous throne + Of mercy and of grace. + The bonds of brotherhood were wrought + In high communion there + Where we have walked with God in thought, + And bowed in common prayer. + + The sweetest mem’ries of the years, + The joys most keen and true, + The kindest words that blessed our ears + The sanctuary knew. + The highest peaks our hearts have scaled, + The fairest roads we trod, + The hours by which all others paled + Were in the house of God_. + + + + + God of To-Day (1922) + + OUR THANKS are thine, + O Mighty One, that thou has safely led + Our fathers through the grim and trying past + And made a way for us in days now dead. + Our gratitude before thy throne we cast, + That hands divine + Have kept our feet and ordered all our ways, + God of the yesterdays. + + We thank thee, too, + For that blest hope we treasure fond and deep-- + The hope our worn hearts lean so heavy on-- + That somewhere in time’s mighty onward sweep + The day of God and righteousness shall dawn + Serene and true. + For all of this we bring our thanks to thee, + God of the years to be. + + But most of all + We thank thee for the golden fruitfulness + Of fields now rich with grain or bright with flowers, + For grace and pardon, joy and blessedness, + And every good that even now is ours. + And so we call + In confidence that thou dost bless our way, + God of this present day. + + + + + The Heart of a Child Is a Scroll (1922) + + THE HEART of a child is a scroll, + A page that is lovely and white; + And to it, as fleeting years roll, + Come hands with a story to write-- + A story of laughter and mirth, + A story of sorrow and tears, + Of love that encircles the earth, + Or sin that embitters the years. + + Be ever so careful, O hand; + Write thou with a sanctified pen. + Thy story shall live in the land + For years in the doings of men. + It shall echo in circles of light, + Or lead to the death of a soul. + Grave here but a message of right, + For the heart of a child is a scroll. + +[Illustration of a mother looking at an infant cradled in her arms. +Backdrop is an unrolled scroll, feather pen, and inkwell. Infant’s +shadow is cast onto the blank scroll.] + + + + + His Epitaph (1922) + + _HE wasn’t rich; he wasn’t great, + His place was lowly and obscure. + His clothing was not up-to-date, + His house was tumble-down and poor. + No honor did he claim. + He never walked with lords and kings. + No glory has illumed his name, + But he was kind to helpless things. + + He won no victories to boast. + He made no conquests, waged no strife. + He never led a conquering host; + He lived an unpretentious life. + But, when is writ the judgment scroll, + And Time its final verdict brings, + This will be said of him: his soul + Was rich in love for helpless things_. + + + + + The Lens (1922) + + Here is a little piece of glass + Set in a tube of shining brass. + Through it had passed in grand review + All that the world’s heart ever knew + Of joy, hope, sorrow, love and fears, + The ceaseless struggle of the years, + The darkest schemes the evil know, + The noblest service men can show. + + Through it the risen dead have walked, + The spectres of the past have stalked. + Hope realized has lingered there, + Likewise the shape of dark despair. + This bit of glass is seasoned well, + For human tongue could never tell + The half it knows of peace and strife, + And all that makes the old world’s life. + + + + + The Magic of the Screen (1922) + + WE look down summer lanes on winter days, + We see the snow amid the summer’s heat. + Far lands are brought and laid before our gaze. + The woodland stream runs by the city street. + The light of noonday breaks the shades of night, + And then is softened to the starlight’s sheen. + The dawn and twilight mingle in our sight, + Such is the fairy magic of the screen. + + THE heavy-hearted slip away from tears + And find the gladness of a fleeting hour + In fairer spaces and more peaceful years, + Where is no dearth of laughter, sun, and flower. + Youth sees the future. Age with faded eye + Looks back in joy on many a vanished scene, + And walks again among the days gone by. + Such is the fairy magic of the Screen. + +[Photo of palm trees with the caption: Photography by Rice, Los +Angeles] + + + + + The Making of Heaven (1922) + + GOD took the paths we longed in vain to go, + And built a golden street beside a river. + He took the gates Time closed to us below, + And built a portal that shall stand forever. + + He took the longings that were vague and dim, + And hedged about by human limitation; + And built a world without a scar or rim + To be our everlasting habitation. + + He took the bitter pangs that life has cost; + Transformed them into joy, and song, and wonder. + He took the treasured blessings we have lost, + And planted them beside the waters yonder. + + He took our thoughts of hills, and woods, and streams; + And made them real, with added beauty given. + He took the shattered fragments of our dreams, + And built a city fair, and called it Heaven. + + + + + The Man Who Knows (1922) + + We owe our debt to the man who thinks, + For he leads our minds afar + Till they stand and tremble on the brinks + Of the strangest things that are. + We owe our debt to the man who hopes, + For he keeps our courage strong. + He speaks his cheer to the soul that gropes, + And it wakens into song. + + And here’s to the man whose soul believes, + In whose heart convictions burn + Through the day of life, and who dying leaves + Them to others in their turn. + But the old world’s mighty tasks are planned + And done, as it onward goes, + By the balanced mind and the steady hand + That belong to the man who knows. + + + + + The Marine (1922) + + He has made a hundred harbors. + He has sailed the seven seas. + He has trod the Arctic ice fields. + He has felt the tropic breeze. + He has dwelt in peaceful cities. + He has taken shade and sun-- + He has never hunted trouble + Nor from trouble ever run. + + Grim and rugged are his features, + Brown his arms and hard his hands; + Yet his eyes are frank and winsome, + With a boyish air he stands. + Readiest of all our fighters, + True his aim, and dread his gun-- + He has never hunted trouble + Nor from trouble ever run. + + + + + The Measure of Life (1922) + + Not what I get, but what I give + As days go fleeting past. + Not how I feel, but how I live + Must tell the tale at last. + Not what I have, but what I do, + The loads I bear, the paths I hew + Through forests no man ever knew, + The highways that I cast. + + Not the advantage that I take + But give amid the strife. + The service for some others’ sake + Where selfishness is rife. + The effort that I make to bless + My time and fellows with success, + And brotherhood, and happiness, + Measures this little life. + + + + + Monuments (1922) + + Sometimes the angels go searching + For the graves of the sons of God. + They traverse the reaching mountains, + The sea, and the rolling sod. + They never on earth would find them + By the marks we so long have known, + For they never stop to decipher + Our records in bronze and stone. + + They find the graves of God’s children + By the monuments builded fair + Through years of struggle and toiling + By the hands that are buried there + Or words that were fitly spoken, + Of service devoted, true. + We mortals may never see them, + But God’s messengers always do. + + + + + My Riches (1922) + + In no triumphal line I ride, + No praise falls on my ears; + But I’ve a flag that waves in pride, + Above me through the years. + A flag whose folds are dear to me, + Whose glory I confess-- + The symbol of my liberty, + And peace, and happiness. + + Little of riches have I known, + Little perhaps deserve; + But I’ve a land to call my own, + A people I can serve. + A country that’s as broad and fair, + As any on the ball; + With happy people everywhere-- + An equal chance for all. + + + + + A Parents’ Prayer v1922 + + God bless our little ones tonight, + Our little ones--and thine. + Protect their slumber by thy might. + Grant them thy peace divine. + Help us no duty to forget + We owe to them or thee, + And leave us nothing to regret + In years that are to be. + + God, bless our little ones tonight, + Our little ones--and thine. + Help us to rear them true, and right, + And clean, and strong, and fine. + Lead them in ways more beautiful + Than we have ever seen, + And make them each more dutiful + Than we have ever been. + + + + + Patchwork (1922) + + A bit of cloud and a bit of blue + Make the wide and mighty sky. + A touch of drought with the rain and dew + Make the seasons passing by. + A bit of black and a bit of white + On the canvas make the scene. + A bit of shade and a gleam of light + Make the drama on the screen. + + A bit of toil and a bit of rest + Make our winding human way. + The rosy East and the flaming West + Make the glory of a day. + A bit of hope and a bit of fear + Make the heart’s eternal strife. + A song of joy and a falling tear + Make the daily round of life. + + + + + A Perfect Day (1922) + + A PERFECT day is made of perfect hours, + And perfect hours of perfect moments run. + Of blessings realized and gathered flowers + Between the rising and the set of sun. + Soon they are gone. Swiftly the light that played + On crests of gladness all has passed away. + Dawn turns to Noon. Noon dies to Evening’s shade. + Each at its best helps make a perfect day. + + A perfect day is in the reach of all + Who will but fill each moment to the full + With joy, and meaning, thought, and dream, and all + That makes life deep, and rich, and wonderful. + It is within the reach of all who hold + The will to serve, and laugh, and sing, an play + Until the sunset covers all with gold, + And darkness falls upon a perfect day. + + + + + Picture Books (1922) + + THEY are long gone, those pleasant hours, + When we as girls and boys + Turned from our play among the flowers, + From all our painted toys, + To turn the leaves of picture books, + To live with lords, and kings, + Swineherds, and chimney sweeps, and cooks, + Soldiers, and such like things. + + How still they stood! From day to day + No figure ever stirred. + The armies never marched away, + Nor ever spoke a word. + Now soldiers march with fife and drum. + Men move in every scene. + The picture books of old have come + To life upon the screen. + + + + + Picture Writing (1922) + + Of old our fathers wrote in pictures. + ’Twas in an age of savage men. + The years have rolled a mighty cycle, + And we’ve got round to it again. + They carved their story on the mountain + Where it for ages might be seen. + We write ours on a filmy ribbon, + And throw it on a silver screen. + + If they who carved on cliff and hillside + Might but return today and see + The picture writing of the present, + Big with surprise their eyes would be. + We learned their message from the pictures, + Tho tiresome was the task and slow; + But we shall pass along a story + That all the world may read and know. + + + + + A Prayer for Thanksgiving (1922) + + _While we are seated at our board + In comfort here today, + With happy face, and kindly word, + Let us not fail to pray + For all who do not have their share + Of comfort and of gain, + For troubled people everywhere + In hunger or in pain. + + Where weary mothers toil unfed + In places foul and dim, + Where little children cry for bread + And none is given them, + Lord, let Thy mercy have its way. + Sow plenty in the land, + And teach us in our joy today + To lend a helping hand_. + + + + + A Psalm of the Movies (1922) + _(With all due apologies.)_ + + Tell me not in sturdy measure + What it says upon the screen. + It does damage to my pleasure, + And the words are plainly seen. + + I am really in earnest, + As the titles onward roll; + And so, when to me thou turnest, + Do not read aloud their scroll. + + Many peevish eyes remind us, + Tho each passage be sublime, + Folks before and folks behind us + All can read both prose and rhyme. + + In the scene of love and battle, + As the swift film pictures life, + If you do not cease your prattle, + There most surely will be strife. + + Let us watch and see what’s doing + Till the hast’ning drama ends, + And not work the play’s undoing, + Reading titles to our friends. + + + + + The Radio Neighborhood (1922) + + While we have struggled patiently + Toward the larger good, + Friendship on every land and sea, + A world-wide neighborhood, + Space set its limits everywhere, + Its hedging curtains swirled; + But now we speed o’er land, through air, + And talk around the world. + + Who is our neighbor? Yesterday + It was the man whose home + Was down the road or o’er the way + Where we might often come. + Today the golden tie that binds + Men’s souls in joy or care, + The word uniting hearts and minds, + Is vibrant everywhere. + + + + + The Section Foreman (1922) + + “I LIKE to have my section here + The cleanest on the line. + I tell the men to keep it clear + Of every weed and vine. + The ties are new. The rails are bright. + The ballast’s firm and strong. + The road’s a shining groove of light + The trains may slip along.” + + “And on the road we all must take, + The journey all pursue, + Though ’tis not marked by line or stake, + I have a section, too. + ’Twill be inspected some bright day + By the Great Judge divine, + And how I’d like to hear Him say: + ‛The cleanest on the line’!” + + + + + The Shadow World (1922) + + There is a world of shadows; + We see it on the screen + --A world of grassy meadows, + With sunlit streams between, + Streams flowing to the ocean. + They come from everywhere. + Love, hope, despair, devotion, + Joy, sorrow--all are there. + + This world of wondrous seeming + Is not a distant place. + ’Tis a new way of dreaming + To walk in it a space, + To tread its flow’ring meadows, + To sit beside its streams. + It is a world of shadows, + And yet how real it seems! + + + + + The Stars and Stripes for Me (1922) + + I bare my head to banners + That others know and love, + But one I hold the fairest + That decks the blue above. + Whatever be their emblems, + Wherever they may be, + Stand, if you will, beneath them-- + But the Stars and Stripes for me. + + It stands for all I covet, + It leads in all I seek; + Its folds afford protection + And succor to the weak; + It stands for right and justice, + And peace and liberty. + To others you are welcome-- + But the Stars and Stripes for me. + + No flag shall wave above it + On any purpose bent, + Nor snatch its honor from it-- + At least with my consent. + It speaks of proud traditions, + High hopes for years to be. + No other scheme or banner + But the Stars and Stripes for me. + + + + + The Station (1922) + + THIS is a place of endings and of startings, + Of journeys finished, journeys just begun. + It is a place of meetings and of partings, + Of heart-ties welded and of struggles done. + It is a place of laughter and of sighing, + And both commingled in some heart that swells; + A place of whispered questions, low replying, + Lost in the clanging din of engine bells. + + It is a place of partings and of meetings, + A place of hoping and a place of fear, + A place of farewells and a place of greetings. + The mountain crests of life are rounded here. + Here does the world pass by in long procession. + Here do the heart’s tides ebb, and flow, and surge. + Earth’s best and worst are mingled in the station. + Here do the paths of all the world converge. + +[Poem title in cursive font is above an illustration surrounding the +author’s name. Left side has city skyscrapers and a dollar sign. Middle +has a train station. Right side has a simpler home in the countryside +and a heart. White, billowing clouds form a prominent background for +the city and country settings. One double-line encircles all structures +and the author’s name.] + + + + + The Teacher v1922 + + The eyes of the ages are toward him. + The love of the race is his own. + The heart of the world will reward him + With a name that is more than a throne. + The life that he lives is unending, + For he is the servant of youth. + Earth is lit by the flame he is tending + --This priest at the altar of truth. + +[Poem is on cover page with the following additional text: The Sunday +School Journal, August 1922. The cover has an illustration of a +historical setting. A man wearing robes and headband, sitting in a +prominent stone chair on a raised platform, is looking at an unrolled +scroll in his hands. He faces the viewer while four nearby children +dressed in chitons and sandals look at him: one stands on each side of +the chair, the third sits in front, and the fourth stands in front. The +chair and people are left of center. A large column frames the right +side. The poem is between the people and column and prominently +displayed in a housing resembling the facade of a temple. A tiger +skin--head attached with gaping mouth--is in the foreground. +Immediately behind all this is a stone wall with an engraving of a +person whose activity is obscured by the publication’s title.] + + + + + The Temple (1922) + + _When each home is a temple, + Its every room a shrine, + Its hearth a sacred altar + Inscribed to things divine; + When each eye in the circle + Reflects that altar flame, + Each mealtime sacramental + Unto the Wondrous Name; + + When each morn is a prayer-time + Each evening hour is blessed + With all the grace of kindness + And all the peace of rest; + When each task is a service, + Each word a psalm of praise, + The world will swing in sunshine + Through all the golden days_. + + + + + Voices of the Dawn (1922) + + Soft breaths of wind that gently pass, + Sigh in the branches of a tree, + And whisper in the tangled grass; + The early droning of a bee, + Shaking the dew from dripping wings + Among the blossoms on the lawn; + The sprightly chirp of waking things. + These are the voices of the dawn. + + The falling of a loosened leaf, + That seems loud where all is so still; + A field-mouse rustling in a sheaf; + The low of kine around the hill; + A little tinkling waterfall, + Whose bubbles gurgle and are gone; + A skylark’s song; a robin’s call. + These are the voices of the dawn. + + + + + The Watchdog of the Sea (1922) + + Her silent body, slim and gray, + Hangs grimly off the bar, + Then, like a wraith, she slips away, + Through mist to ports afar. + She tells not where her course may lie, + Nor cares what perils be, + She goes, nor ever questions why-- + The watchdog of the sea. + + She plows alike through light and dark, + She scents the far wind’s breath; + Only at foemen does she bark, + And then her bark is death. + She keeps our coasts from every threat, + Guards home and liberty; + Her courage has not failed us yet-- + The watchdog of the sea. + + + + + Where Is Heaven? (1922) + + WHO has not heaven in his soul + May seek o’er land and main, + From East to West, from Pole to Pole; + But he will seek in vain. + He may traverse the mighty sky, + Ascend through spaces dim; + But heaven with all its ecstacy + Will not exist for him. + + Who carries heaven in his heart, + Its sunshine in his breast, + Need never seek a place apart, + For every place is blest + --The hill, the vale, the sea, the air, + The stream, the forest dim. + The light of God from portals fair + Shines everywhere for him. + + + + + Climaxes v1923 + + We live thru drab, prosaic days + That slowly come and go; + We tread a thousand weary ways, + And heavy burdens know; + We toil in patience thru the years, + Alike in sun and shower, + Paying the price of blood and tears + For one climactic hour. + + We tread the boards thru action long, + Face conflict grim and hard, + To gain one triumph over wrong, + One moment of reward. + We move upon the mighty screen + From dawn to set of sun + To make one little perfect scene + Before our part is done. + + + + + The Creator (1923) + + I looked in the face of a rose + As it nodded in springtime and smiled. + I saw where eternity glows + In the sweet, tender eyes of a child. + I looked in a sunbeam in air. + They each bore an image divine. + The Creator was everywhere. + + I looked at the set of the sun, + And the crag that reflected its light. + I thought on the day that was done, + And I pondered the stars of the night. + And I looked in the eyes of a man + Who had stumbled through sinning to prayer. + God’s fingerprints there I could scan. + He awaited me everywhere. + + + + + Electricity (1923) + + Mankind’s great servant I, + A servant long unknown + And still unseen, save in the sky + When I illume its zone. + I sweep around the stars, + Ascend through spaces dim. + I light my lamps where night unbars + Above the mountains grim. + + But still my chief delight + Is not to rock the deep, + And flash my fires across the night + Where angry tempests sweep. + It is to drive the keel, + Bear words from place to place, + To swing the beam, and turn the wheel, + And serve the human race. + +[Illustration of a stormy night. Foreground fills bottom third of the +frame with wind-swept grass. Pine tree fills the frame and is +illuminated by a single lightning bolt. Behind the tree whiteness fills +the middle third of the frame; its rounded top together with its +juxtaposition with the rounded foreground gives it a crescent shape +(the moon?). A few stars are visible.] + + + + + An Electric Personality (1923) + + A most _electric_ gentleman + He was his whole life through. + Down busy ways his _current_ ran, + As all his friends well knew. + He was _live wire_, so to say, + He liked to see things go, + _Magnetic_ in most every way + --_A human dynamo_. + + One day a blue coat collared him + When on some mischief bent, + And in a jail cell dark and dim + His next few days were spent. + What was the _charge_ against him? Yes + ’Twas natural, you see, + So much so you could really guess + --Assault and _Battery_. + + + + + The End of the Trail (1923) + + I must travel the miles till the journey is done, + Whatsoever the turn of the way. + I shall bring up at last at the set of the sun, + And shall rest at the close of the day. + Let me deal as I journey with foeman and friends + In a way that no man can assail, + And find nothing but peace at the roadway’s last bend, + When I come to the end of the trail. + + We are brothers who travel a great, common road, + And the journey is easy for none. + We must succor the weary and lift on the load + Of the pilgrim whose courage is done. + Let me deal with them each on my way to the West + With a mercy that never shall fail, + And lie down to my dreams with a conscience at rest + When I come to the end of the trail. + + + + + + If Christ Is Not Divine (1923) + + If Christ is not divine, + Then lay the Book away, + And every blessed faith resign + That has so long been yours and mine, + Through many a trying day; + Forget the place of bended knee; + And dream no more of worlds to be. + + If Christ is not divine, + Go seal again the tomb; + Take down the Cross, Redemption’s sign; + Quench all the stars of hope that shine; + Forget the upper room; + And let us turn and travel on + Across the night that knows no dawn. + + + + + It Might Be Worse (1923) + + The cost of living hits us here. + Taxes are climbing out of sight. + This hasn’t been a good crop year. + The season didn’t turn out right. + We had a drouth and then a flood. + Spring was too hot and fall too chill. + But we have shelter, clothes and food, + And all our dear ones with us still. + + We still have friends to share our way. + We have the glory of the day, + The freedom of the hill and plain. + We have the beauty of the sky, + God’s love through dawn and evenfall. + And so, though same things seem awry, + We’re pretty lucky after all. + + + + + The Making of Home (1923) + + God took a hearth-fire, warm and bright, + And planted love beside it; + Spun happy laughter through its light, + So gay no gloom could hide it. + He wove a golden thread of song + Among the flick’ring shadows, + Like that where days are bright and long + Upon the summer meadows. + + He made a sanctuary fair + With His own presence gifted. + He built a holy altar there + Where hearts should oft be lifted. + With His watch-care perennial + He wrapped it ’round and framed it. + He flung a roof above it all, + And Home was what He named it. + + + + + No Room in the Inn (1923) + + _The stars in the heavens were gleaming + On mountains, and meadows, and rills. + The song of the angels was streaming + While shepherds kept watch on the hills. + The wise men bent low by a manger, + Apart from Earth’s striving and din, + To welcome the Heavenly Stranger, + For there was no room in the inn. + + The years have not halted their sweeping, + It is Christmas again on the earth. + Again the glad season we’re keeping, + Recounting the tale of His birth. + Let not our hearts be, as He sees us, + So crowded with pleasure and sin + They can offer no welcome to Jesus. + Lord, let there be room in the inn_. + + + + + Our Hearts Forget (1923) + + _Our hearts forget, + Amid the daily round of toil and fret. + They are so weak, so prone to lose their hold + On dreams of yesterday, and treasures old. + The thoughts that thrilled them in a vanished day, + Forgotten now, are cold in ashes gray. + Life brings us wondrous days and hours, but yet + + Our hearts forget + The times of joy and vision we have met, + The binding vows we once so bravely made, + The fond petitions that we trembling laid + Before the Great, White, Shining Throne above, + The tender, wistful, clinging bonds of love, + Contrition’s anguished and tear-washed regret + Our hearts forget_. + + + + + A Prayer (1923) + + We thank Thee, Father, for the care + That did not come to try us, + The burden that we did not bear, + The trouble that passed by us, + The task we did not fail to do, + The hurt we did not cherish, + The friend who did not prove untrue, + The joy that did not perish. + + We thank Thee for the blinding storm + That did not loose its swelling, + And for the sudden blight of harm + That came not nigh our dwelling. + We thank Thee for the dart unsped, + The bitter word unspoken, + The grave unmade, the tear unshed, + The heart-tie still unbroken. + + + + + The Second Wind (1923) + + When “Lizzie” starts to climb a hill + Too hard to make “on high,” + She goes it very well until + Her power begins to die. + Then, shifting to another gear, + She leaves the slope behind, + And hustles on without a fear + Upon her second wind. + + I notice it is so with men. + They start out with a will, + They go it well awhile, and then, + Slow down midway the hill. + But, seeing that their strength is run, + They change their gear, and find + The world’s best work is often done + On people’s second wind. + + + + + The Serving Giant (1923) + + The mighty giant of the air, + More ancient than the sun + Whose power is vibrant everywhere + That restless force may run + Shakes the foundation of the hill, + Or rends the ground in twain, + Or blasts the forest at his will + And levels all again. + + And yet he stoops to hold the light + That aged eyes may see. + He warms the baby’s feet at night, + And cooks for company. + He does a thousand little things + To help the world along. + He who the most of service brings + Is strongest of the strong. + + + + + The Teacher v1923 + + HE NEVER wandered far from his own town, + The little hamlet where he lived and died, + And yet his pupils traveled up and down + The whole wide world of town and countryside. + He sought no honor to adorn his name + Nor dreamed of crowns that tarnish and grow dim; + But those he taught achieved undying fame + And in their triumph hour remembered him. + + He had no time to mold the wide world’s life + Or take a hand in the affairs of state; + But others did he send into the strife + And through them helped to shape his people’s fate. + He won no earthly riches for himself. + He had no time to waste in seeking gold + But every day bestowed on him a pelf + Of love whose value never could be told. + +[Poem is on cover page with the following additional text: The Sunday +School Journal, September 1923. The cover has an illustration of a +rural scene. Bottom third is landscape. A dirt road in the foreground +gradually descends into a town having a church on its outskirts. The +road is lined with bushes. Fields extend from the bushes. A large oak +tree in the foreground frames the scene’s left side and top half.] + + + + + Transforming Love (1923) + + _Love transforms all things. + Lone days are touched with light, + And trying moments lose their stings, + And vexing things come right. + Love’s ointment to our eyes applied, + We see with vision glorified. + + Love transforms all things-- + Worn faces, hardened hands. + To the poor hovel glory clings, + For Love’s heart understands. + Whatever it beholds is fair; + It sees each hidden beauty there_. + + + + + The Window of Dreams (1923) + + There is a little window. + ’Tis called, I think, a screen. + Thru it the strangest people + And fairest things are seen. + Calm valleys, silent woodlands, + Tall summits, shining streams, + Long roads and busy cities + Are in this world of dreams. + + There weary hearts may travel, + Each to its wonted place; + And lonely ones may revel + In pictured act and face. + There to our hidden longings + The waiting answer gleams + The while our thoughts inhabit + This pictured world of dreams. + + + + + Brotherhood (1924) + + _Let black be black and white be white, + As they were meant to be; + But let the hearts of men be right + On every land and sea. + Let brown and yellow boast their race, + Their blood no taint e’er tell; + But let them each possess the grace + To wish a neighbor well. + + Let us forget our foolish strife, + And all our groundless hate. + We needs must live a common life, + And share a common fate. + Whatever troubles we must stem, + Whate’er our place or name, + Beneath the crust that covers them + Our hearts are all the same_. + + + + + The Builder v1924 + + _The builder of the future + Is not the trader keen, + The driver of the turbine, + Nor any swift machine; + Not he who rides in triumph + Through the admiring town, + Fawning for public praises + And seeking for renown. + + The builder of the future + Sits not upon a throne. + He toils among the shadows, + His struggles oft unknown. + He is the one who kindles + And keeps the fires of truth, + The teacher who is molding + The plastic heart of youth_. + + + + + Childhood on the Farm (1924) + + In many a crowded city + Where moves the human tide, + Eyes look with eager longing + To some old countryside. + Hearts that have long been sated + With earth recall the charm + Of life’s morning splendor + In childhood on the farm. + + From many a path of glory + And many a throne of power + Is still recalled the wonder + Of some dear, distant hour. + Men look through years of toiling, + Of sorrow, strife, and harm, + And treasures unforgotten + Their childhood on the farm. + + + + + The Clock (1924) + + WHAT is the matter with our clock + I cannot understand. + It sounds its steady old tick-tock + With mien and manner grand. + To look at its great open face + You’d think it truthful quite. + I’m sorry such is not the case. + It’s hardly ever right. + + Just yesterday when I was blue + Because Tom didn’t call + To play with me when work was through, + Its hands scarce moved at all. + When I went to his house today + To spend an hour or so, + We’d scarce got started at our play + Till it was time to go. + + + + + The Dream (1924) + + I had a dream the other night, + Too sweet for word of tongue, + Of days when, beautiful and bright, + The children all were young. + I saw them playing on the floor + And ’mongst the dooryard flowers. + Soft baby voices came once more + From unforgotten hours. + + I came from work when eve was late + And all the sky was gold. + They ran to meet me at the gate + With greetings as of old. + I helped to tuck them in at night + With prayers of happiness, + But my arms ached when dawn was bright + With a great emptiness. + + + + + An Easter Vision (1924) + + Whene’er I hear the Easter Bells + Ring out their carols gay, + The graves from all the hills and dells + Dissolve from sight away. + I see the mighty planet left + Without a marble stone + To tell of death, or one bereft + Who comes to weep alone. + + Dear hands, long folded to their rest, + Return to touch my own, + And voices memory has blessed + In each familiar tone + Speak as in other days to me; + While on the springtime’s breath + Is borne to every land and sea + The news: “There is no death.” + + + + + The Electric Spark (1924) + + SEE this snappy little spark + Flashing pertly in the dark; + Coming with its sudden gleam + Out from nowhere, it would seem; + Glowing here against the shade, + Fire unkindled, light unmade, + Brother to the bolt’s fierce blow + And the driving dynamo. + + Here is hid the mystery, + Mayhap, of the land and sea. + All creation’s story may + Hide within this flashing ray. + Light, and heat, and force it holds; + Boundless energy unfolds; + Tells the secret, if we find it, + Of the God who stands behind it. + + + + + Fade-Outs (1924) + + Faces, like stars, rise on our little ken; + Shine on our souls with warm and cheering ray. + Then, like the stars, they pass from us again, + Leaving the dreary world of yesterday. + Friends slip into our little world awhile. + Joys come to thrill us with their rapture keen. + The friends go trudging on their winding mile + The joys fade as a picture on the screen. + + Altho unseen, they are not wholly gone. + A friendship once established cannot die. + A joy once tasted sweetly lingers on, + A perfumed presence never seen but nigh. + In the great drama of the fleeting years + They come upon the stage and play their part. + Then, tho each wondrous vision disappears, + It leaves its deathless image on the heart. + + + + + Film Judgment (1924) + + The man who reads the titles, + The man who tramps our toes, + The man who holds the end seat + Whatever comes and goes, + The man who laughs so loudly + That all the house can hear, + The man who with his snoring + Outrages every ear. + + All died, and took their journey + Where the unseen begins, + And stood before the judgment + To answer for their sins. + They got a common sentence. + Each one was ordered flat + To sit and fume forever + Behind a picture hat. + + + + + Finding God (1924) + + I found Him in the whisp’ring pines, + And in the beauty of the rose; + I found Him where the first star shines, + Above the Summer day’s soft close; + I found Him where the storms grew wild; + I found Him in the happy face + And manner of a little child, + Revealing loveliness and grace. + + I found Him in the swinging suns + That wheel their way through endless space, + And in the humblest path that runs + To love’s sequestered dwelling place; + I found Him where the violets dwell, + And where the bluebirds wheel and dart; + But never really knew Him well + Until I found Him in my heart. + + + + + The Firefly (1924) + + We’ve never gotten to it, + With all our learning keen. + We simply cannot do it + With any fine machine. + Old Nature’s lanterns greet us + When dusk succeeds the sun. + A thousand miles they beat us + On all we’ve ever done. + + In spite of shining crescent + And starbeam’s boasted light, + The firefly’s incandescent + Most glorifies the night. + Across the meadows flying + Cold light it generates. + We, too, have long been trying, + But Time still stands and waits. + + + + + The God of the Beginning (1924) + + IN the beginning was God. Beyond Time’s threshold he hovered, + Back of the earliest dawn or the flush of the first fair spring. + Farther than eye has disclosed or the keenest thought has discovered, + Moved in the silences vast the Maker of everything. + Back of the first heart-ties and the first warm heart-fires lighted, + Back of gleaming sky, the sea, and the shining sod, + Back of the first fond dream that a hopeful heart e’er sighted, + Lingered the Soul Divine and brooded the Love of God. + + IN the beginning was God. O’er struggle and strife diurnal, + The void, and the mist, and the darkness, the mire, and the slime, and the clay, + Through the long course of the ages has watched the Spirit Eternal + Seeking for men the dawn of a better and kindlier day. + Brooding, watching, and hoping--but, withal, ever beseeching, + Over the track of time a saving shade it has cast, + And into the distant future as far as the years are reaching. + In the beginning was God, and God shall be at the last. + + + + + Jove’s Plaint (1924) + + The good old days have vanished, + And I suppose forever. + My thunderbolt once quivered + O’er mountain, plain and river. + But now they have it captured, + These humans so audacious. + They dole it out through cables, + To serve their plans rapacious. + + They sell it through a meter, + Howe’er the gods may scoff it. + They send a monthly statement, + And make a profit off it. + Alas, my bolt of thunder + (And what worse could befall it?) + Is hopelessly commercialized. + “Juice” now I think they call it. + + + + + The Land of Heart’s Desire (1924) + + There is a land of wonder + With fields and towers agleam. + I often see it yonder + Beyond the Hills of Dream, + Touched by the glow of morning, + Lit by the sunset’s fire, + Or with starbeams adorning-- + The Land of Heart’s Desire. + + Along the road of duty + We daily struggle on; + But e’er we touch its beauty, + Eluding us, ’tis gone. + Yet through the clinging shadows, + The brambles, and the mire, + It lures us toward its meadows-- + The Land of Heart’s Desire. + + + + + Minds (1924) + + SOME minds are flaming rockets + That flit among the stars; + And some are gaily nickeled + And painted motor cars; + And some are lumbering wagons + That slowly make their way, + With nothing keen to offer + And nothing fine to say. + + THE swiftly flaming rocket + Loses its brilliancy. + The fine car is supplanted + By one more fair to see. + But the slow-moving wagon + That lumbers down the road + Is certain of arrival + And bears the heavy load. + + + + + Miracle (1924) + + Whoever saw a garden grow, + Or watched a robin build her nest, + Or lingered in the flaming glow + Of sunset blazing in the West; + Whoever walked the fruitful plain, + And saw the green stalks reach, and swell, + And ripen to a field of grain + Knows earth is full of miracle. + + Whoever wandered in the wood, + And rambled down its aisle of dreams, + Or sought the orchard path, or stood + Where falls the murmur of a stream; + Whoever watched a cloudland wild, + Or sensed the twilight’s gentle spell, + Or prattled with a little child + Knows life is full of miracle. + + + + + The Picture’s Lament (1924) + + They take great liberties with me, + Nor ever ask me yea or nay. + I’m just as weary as can be + From prancing on a screen all day. + I’ve dug, and climbed, and laughed, and wept, + Loitered, and danced to make a show; + And not a moment have I slept. + They keep me always on the go. + + No choice is mine. I needs must move, + Swiftly, obedient, silently. + No fields of freedom do I rove. + My course is parceled out for me. + But this I cannot quite forget + --If I can wake some old refrain + Or still a rush of wild regret, + I shall not then have toiled in vain. + + + + + Prayer for Normal Men (1924) + + For every poor, defective soul that wanders + In the dark shades of subjectivity, + For each deluded mind that glibly flounders + In the foul mire of abnormality, + Give us a host who cheerful laughter scatter, + Whose willing hands toil on in love’s sweet right, + Who plant the roses, guide the feet that patter + Around the hearth of happiness at night. + + Give us, O God, a race of normal people + Who walk no paths of morbidness apart; + Who dwell not in the bog, nor yet the steeple, + But in the dusty way, the busy mart; + Who like their work, care for the folks about them, + And make each day a thing of joy and song. + This world of our’s could never do without them. + They are the men who make it move along. + + + + + The Railroad (1924) + + WHERE do they go, these shining rails + That ramble so far away + That seem to reach where the twilight pales + At the beautiful gates of day?” + “They run to the wider world, my boy, + Of dreaming, and strife, and again, + With its mingling of weariness and joy, + To the city--and back again. + + Out of the valley and o’er the hill + Where childhood has had its day, + Out of the hamlet so small and still + And into the far away, + On, on to the world of toil, my lad, + With its struggle of brawn and brain, + Some of it good and some of it bad, + To the city--and back again. + + + + + Shadows on the Wall (1924) + + Coming, going, thru the play, + Flashing on the screen, + Do the actors take their way. + Briefly each is seen. + What are they--these shapes that move, + Forms that rise and fall, + Urged by hope, or fear, or love? + Shadows on the wall. + + In the daily strain and strife + Shift and change appear. + On the larger stage of life + Mingle smile and tear. + Here our little race we run, + Then are vanished all. + What are we when all is done? + Shadows on the wall. + + + + + Sorrow (1924) + + God sometimes drops the shadows o’er us, + And leaves them for a space, + That we may clearly see before us + The image of the love he bore us + Reflected on his face. + + He sometimes sends us hours of grieving, + That we may slip away + From sounds and voices so deceiving, + And once again in faith believing + Kneel at his throne and pray. + + He sometimes leaves us to our weeping, + Though bitter seem our tears, + That briny drops from we eyes creeping + May wake some happiness long sleeping + For gladder, sweeter years. + + + + + The Things That I Believe (1924) + + The things that I believe + --These things are life to me. + Some all the senses might deceive, + For some I cannot see; + But in the tempest fierce and old + I feel their strong truth grip and hold. + + The things that I believe + --I cannot let them go; + And empty-hearted grope and grieve + In darkness and in woe. + So, God, I thank my every star + They are no fewer than they are. + + + + + Today and Tomorrow (1924) + + Could something only make today + As lovely as tomorrow, + As free from care and shadows gray, + As void of tears and sorrow, + The world would be a perfect place, + Without a woe to blight it. + Earth would be rich in every grace, + With happiness to light it. + + Yet day is day, and life is life. + Time e’er repeats its story. + Each morning brings its toil and strife, + Likewise its gleam of glory. + Each brings its mingled shine and shade, + Its mingled joy and sorrow, + For each today God ever made + Was wrought from a tomorrow. + + + + + The Tree (1924) + + It stood upon a meadow fair, + A green and leafy tree. + Gaily it met the breezes there, + Lovely it was to see. + One night a storm of wind and rain + Rent it from earth apart. + The reason then was very plain. + Decay was at its heart. + + He was a youth of promise fine, + The strongest of the crowd. + His features wore the stamp divine, + His eye was clear and proud. + He could have lived to purpose high + And played a noble part. + But no, he fell. The reason why? + Decay was at his heart. + + + + + The Unknown Soldier (1924) + + The guns are silent in the valley now. + The river creeps serenely on its way. + Still clings the ivy to the rugged brow; + Of yonder hill, and roses grace the day. + No grave was heaped. No word of prayer was said. + No stone was reared against the pitying sky. + None ever knew where rests the silent dead + As unrevealing years go drifting by. + + And yet he is not lost. This quiet sod; + Can rest him quite as well as anywhere, + Beneath the gentle, sleepless eye of God, + Whose robins sing for him when Spring is fair. + His life is wrought into the victory. + Glory is his. He need not urge his claim. + He lives on in the better age to be, + Though sleeping in a grave without a name. + + + + + What Does It Matter? (1924) + + What does it matter if here or there + Is a strand of joy or a thread of care, + If when the web has been finished all + The final pattern is beautiful? + The One who weaves on the world’s great loom + Must make His fabric of shine and gloom. + It takes the gold and the somber hue + To make it lovely when He is through. + + What does it matter if there or here + Is a song of joy or a falling tear, + If at the hour of the setting sun + A lovely product is held forth done? + The One who orders the passing hours + With ceaseless cycle of sun and showers + Fashions the color and rare design + Of a growing tapestry divine. + + + + + Why We Are Here (1924) + + OUR minds were made to search the deeps + Of Truth’s clear-flowing stream; + Our feet to scale the rugged steeps + Of faith and hope and dream; + Our hands to toil and serve and lift, + To help and heal and bless; + Our hearts to bring the priceless gift + Of love and tenderness. + + Our lives were made to struggle on, + The upward path to plod; + Our souls to catch the glint of dawn + From the white throne of God; + Our lips the helpful word to speak, + The tender song to sing; + Our eyes to search the world and seek + The good in everything. + + + + + The Age of a Heart (1925) + + SO LONG as stars are bright and fair + And skies are blue and clear; + So long as joy is in the air + And Dreamland hovers near; + So long as roses blossom gay + And song is on the tongue-- + Tho brow be lined and hair be gray + That long the heart is young. + + But when the sky grows dull and sere + And roses fade and die; + When song no longer holds the ear + Nor Dreamland hovers nigh; + When passing days no wonder bring, + No great adventure hold-- + In spite of time or anything + [Transcriber’s note: Last line is missing from source.] + + + + + Blossoms (1925) + + Blossoms growing on the stem, + Blue and white and red and gold. + What a brush has painted them + With their colors manifold! + Planted by the garden way + Underneath a smiling sky, + Do they nod and smile all day + For the weary passer-by. + + Blossoms growing by the gate, + Dear and quaint, old-fashioned flowers. + They reck not of time or fate, + Seek no kingdoms, thrones, or powers. + They are well content to bloom + Far from mad ambition’s stress + And to give of their perfume + For a stranger’s happiness. + + + + + The Children v1925 + + The dear little children that climb on the knee, + The promise and hope of the morrows to be + --Their song is unfailing; their spirits are bright; + Their hearts are courageous from morning till night, + How helpless they are! On our mercy they wait. + The hands of their elders must fashion their fate. + They are frail little barks to be launched on the sea + --These dear little children that climb on the knee. + + Oh guide them with hands that are tender and true. + The voyage is long and the lighthouses few. + What struggles await them! What conflicts and fears! + What dream castles shattered! What heartaches and tears! + Their skies will have clouds, and the clouds will bring rain. + Then all will give way to the sunshine again. + Bound upon their souls are the ages to be + --These dear little children that climb on the knee. + + + + + Credo (1925) + + Lord, I believe + That thou hast made the earth, the sky, the sea, + And all the members of immensity, + The rose that blooms beside the traveled way; + That thou didst weave + The fabric of the dawn and close of day. + + Lord, I believe + That thou hast fashioned me to be thine own, + Hast made my human heart to be thy throne, + Hast made this voice of mine that it should sing + From morn till eve, + These hands the precious gift of love to bring. + + Lord, I believe + That yonder, past the valley’s shaded rim, + The lifting crest that seems so cold and dim + Is but the outlines of another shore + That doth receive + The loved and lost of earth forevermore. + + + + + The Easter Message (1925) + + She stood before the empty tomb, + Wond’ring and half afraid, + And peered into the clinging gloom + Where he was lately laid. + Only the linen cloths were there, + But something like a breath + Whispered across the morning air + And said: “There is no death.” + + Across the troubled centuries + That word has made its way, + And like a fragrant summer breeze + It comes to us to-day. + Where’er our hands have reared a stone, + Now as of old it saith + To those who come to grieve alone: + “Take heart. There is no death.” + + + + + The Fabulous City (1925) + + There rises in the distance + Across the Vale of Dreams + A fair and lovely city, + Built on get-rich-quick schemes. + Its towers are bright and shining. + Its streets are paved with gold, + Paid for by mine promotions + And stock sales bad and bold. + Wondrous that shining city + Before our vision stands, + But when we come to touch it + It crumbles ’neath our hands. + Ethereal its fabric, + Intangible its soil. + ’Twas builded with the fortunes + We never made in oil. + + + + + Home v1925 + + Standing beside a quiet path they found it. + A humble little house it was, and low. + With patient hands they planted flowers around it, + And flung its windows to the sun’s warm glow. + They laid an open book upon the table, + And hung a simple picture on the wall. + They trained a vining rose around the gable. + They built a throne and crowned love Lord of all. + + They kindled on the hearth a fair flame gleaming, + And set a row of chairs before its light + Where happy eyes should cast their cheerful beaming + With rest and song that come with falling night. + They reared with loving hands a fireside altar + Where hungry hearts in reverence might come, + Where trembling lips might their petitions falter + Before the Throne of Grace, and lo, ’twas HOME. + + + + + Palm Sunday v1925 + + Adown the ringing street he came, + The Lord of all the years. + A thousand voices of acclaim + Were ringing in his ears. + Silent was he who knew his way + Of mingled joy and loss + Began where Bartimaeus lay, + And ended at a cross. + + And ever it has been as then. + The path of triumph trod + Amid the loud acclaim of men, + Beneath the smile of God, + Begins where need holds forth its hands, + And pleads with weary eyes, + And ends where, grim and silent, stands + The Hill of Sacrifice. + + + + + Roads v1925 + + There is a road to happiness; + There is a road to pain; + A road to failure and success; + A road to loss and gain; + A road to meadows gay with flowers; + A road to evenfall; + A road to bright and shadowed hours-- + God lets me tread them all. + + There is a quiet road that finds + The little singing streams; + A road that reaches till it winds + Along the Hills of Dreams; + A road to hope, to duty done, + And to that last clear call + Across the gates of setting sun-- + God lets me tread them all. + + + + + The Teacher’s Reward (1925) + + Who dwells with everlasting truth + And lets that truth possess his soul; + Who has companionship with youth + To keep him young as swift years roll; + Who writes his story on the page + Of history by labor hard; + And builds his life into his age, + Has his reward. + + Who opens eyes that else were blind + Till they behold the earth and sky; + Who wakens interest in the mind + That else were barren, dead, and dry; + Who gently takes a weary hand + And lays it in the Palm that’s scarred; + Though others own the gold and land, + Has his reward. + + + + + Via Dolorosa (1925) + + Out the Damascus Gate it ran, + A weary, cheerless road + Along which stumbled once a Man, + A cross-tree for His load. + The street was teeming with the throng. + The air was chill and gray, + The hour when Jesus passed along + That Dolorosa Way. + + It wound a slope that flung its height + Against a sullen sky. + Upon a summit--tragic sight-- + Three crosses lifted high. + But lo, beyond them, manifold + The lifting glow of day. + It ended at the gates of gold, + That Dolorosa Way. + + + + + The Chameleon (1926) + + Upon a green leaf he is green, + Upon a red one ruddy. + He suits his color to the scene-- + Blue, brown, or grey, or muddy. + + Wherever he may chance to go + He meets the crowd’s demanding. + In Rome he does as Romans do, + And so he keeps his standing. + + I know not his philosophy-- + Platonic or Aurelian. + No matter. Who would want to be + Reputed a chameleon? + + + + + The City’s Nerves (1926) + + Somewhere is closed a circuit, + And miles and miles away + A filament is lighted; + A wheel goes into play; + A thought is carried quickly, + In clearest tones expressed, + Because an impulse flashes + North, South, or East, or West. + + And how? Beneath the pavement, + Away from human gaze, + Across the humid darkness + Wires run in countless ways. + In cables, ever-reaching + Through subterranean curves, + They carry thought and action. + They are the city’s nerves. + +[Illustration’s upper half depicts an above-ground daytime view of a +cityscape. The lower half depicts a below-ground view cast in darkness +except for two unclothed men; bolts of electricity extend from their +hands. The art is signed “Pancoast.”] + + + + + Doing It Well (1926) + + I SAW him do his act before a large and motley throng + That sought relief and laughter in the house of dreams and song. + Just who he was or whence he came of course I cannot tell. + He only played a banjo, but he played the banjo well. + + I saw her washing dishes in a simple little cot. + Her life was spent in toiling there upon the selfsame spot. + Her face was furrowed, and each line a story had to tell. + She only kept a household, but she kept the household well. + + I saw him fire an engine in a vast and grimy room, + Though it was hard to see him in the still and dusty gloom. + He watched each motion keenly as the pistons rose and fell. + He only fired an engine, but he fired the engine well. + + I saw him digging ditches with the mud upon his hands, + And with that steady motion that a digger understands. + He claimed no fame nor fortune; only brawn he had to sell. + He was but digging ditches, but he dug the ditches well. + + It matters rather little what task one may choose to do, + So long as it is honest and his purposes are true. + The years will ring his story far upon their golden bell, + If he will only do the thing he may be doing well. + + + + + Enslaved Lightning (1926) + + A nature worshipper, long dead, + Came back in ghostly form, + To visit where, in ages sped, + He bowed before the storm. + The city streets with radiance burned + Through every darkened hour, + And every busy wheel was turned + By harnessed lightning power. + + “Ah me,” he said, “The times do change. + This is a different ball. + So altered everything, so strange, + I’m not at home at all. + These moderns have audacious wills; + The gods we served aright, + They’ve put to work to turn their mills + And light their streets at night.” + +[Illustration of a window view of a city’s downtown on a stormy night. +A generator is in the foreground next to the window. The window frames +a skyscraper, other buildings, and street lights; they are all filled +with light. A bolt of lightning extends from the sky to the generator. +The art piece is signed “A Sturges” and below it the caption reads, +“Decoration by A Sturges.”] + + + + + Flowers Are Thoughts of God (1926) + + The flowers are the thoughts of God. + They bloom in sun and shadow, + By traveled path, or virgin sod, + In every lovely meadow; + In dooryards where the children play, + And hours are swiftly winging; + And Love comes at the close of day, + Its selfless tribute bringing. + + Silent they grow, each in its place, + With cheer for all who love them, + Breathing their perfume in the face + Of all who bend above them. + They blossom where the weary plod + Their ways of toil and duty. + The flowers are the thoughts of God; + His love speaks in their beauty. + + + + + A Grace for Meals (1926) + + _Thou who doest hold all things at Thy command + The blessing of the sunshine and the rain, + Thou never hast withheld Thy kindly hand + From giving us the fruitage of the plain. + Long hast Thou sheltered us from every storm. + Long hast Thou seen that we were duly fed. + Long hast Thou kept our fireside bright and warm. + And so we thank Thee for our daily bread. + + As we assemble at our simple board + In all the gladness that is ours today, + We thank Thee for Thy presence with us, Lord, + And ask that Thou wilt be our guest alway. + May all Thy children, wheresoe’er they be, + Share in Thy bounty, by Thy hand be led, + And lift their hearts from every land and sea, + With us, to thank Thee for their daily bread_. + + + + + The Grey Host (1926) + + From the silent Southern river, + From the reaching Western plain, + From the quaint New England hillside + Comes a host to march again. + From Manila and El Caney, + From the depths of many a sea, + From the flow’ring fields of Flanders, + Come the sons of Liberty. + + Who are these that tread the silence? + They are our departed brave, + Who, despite their years of dreaming, + Still are troubled in the grave. + See, they bear a flaming banner, + These who died for us of yore. + This the message that it flashes: + “Brothers, dream of war no more.” + + + + + Heart Gates (1926) + + There is a wondrous country, + A city built foursquare. + And each and all are welcome + To find a dwelling there. + The nations gather homeward, + Peoples from far and wide. + Directions do not matter + With gates on every side. + + And is not this the mission + That God to us has given-- + To make the world we live in + Seem more and more like heaven? + Shall we not seek the friendship + Of peoples far and wide, + And let the heart’s fair city + Have gates on every side? + + + + + The High Tension Line (1926) + + It has no boast to make at all. + Patient it holds unto its task + Summer and Winter, Spring and Fall, + With naught to tell and naught to ask. + + Humble and steady, sure and true, + Seeking no change of work or place, + It has its given work to do, + And does it with a changeless grace. + + In its deep channel underground + It serves its purpose day by day, + Without a stir, without a sound, + Though days be fair, though days be gray. + + And yet what power is carried down + The conduit through which it runs + To turn the factories of the town, + And flood its streets with blazing suns. + + I know some men who are the same. + They make no boast with foolish lips, + But all their spirits are aflame. + Power tingles to their finger tips. + + + + + “I am not eloquent” (1926) + + “I am not eloquent,” he said. + “I cannot spin of thought’s fine gold + A sentence lovely to be read, + A story wondrous to be told.” + Thus did he answer God one day + Upon a new Tiberian shore. + And God said, “No, but you can say + The word of love. I ask no more.” + And so across the hurried years, + Across the mighty land and sea, + Through calm and tempest, joy and tears, + He bore the message faithfully. + He bore it till the set of sun, + Until his time and strength were spent. + Today the service he has done, + Beyond all speech, is eloquent. + + + + + Knocking (1926) + + THERE’S a sign that always thrills me + When its pounding threat I hear, + One that always rudely thrills me + With the clutching grip of fear. + Though the thought of it be shocking, + And the homeward journey long, + When I hear the engine knocking + I am certain something’s wrong. + + I have known a lot of people, + High and low, and near and far, + On the street, beneath the steeple, + Who were like a motor car. + Though successes may come flocking, + And though he be going strong, + When I hear a person knocking + I am certain something’s wrong. + + + + + Life (1926) + + I said to God: “Life is a wine-cup, + A thing to be drained while we may; + And those who can drink it most deeply + And emptiest cast it away. + The ones who have claimed the full measure + Of all the joy it can give, + Are those who have learned most completely + What it means to be conscious and live.” + + But God said: “No, life is a picture, + A thing you may paint as you will. + Your colors are of your own choosing, + And yours is the measure of skill. + You may paint, and the curse or the blessing + With all of their burden or worth, + When your brush has been dropped will be treasured + As your gift to the children of earth.” + + + + + The Question v1926 + + THE women are cutting their tresses + To look just the same as the men. + They have thrown away skirts, and have taken to shirts, + And collars, and neckties; and then + The men have begun wearing knickers, + With hose of elaborate art. + They radiate bliss, but the problem is this: + How are we to tell them apart? + + One day when I saw a young lady + Drop a handkerchief, quickly I ran + And returned it to her with my heart all astir, + But lo, when I spoke, ’twas a man. + Then I slapped a young man on the shoulder, + And he turned with a manner most tart. + ’Twas a lady attired as the fashion required. + Say, how do you tell them apart? + + + + + The Rooster (1926) + + HE RISES at the break of day, + Sometimes a little bit before it, + To tell us that the dawn is gray + And he is proudly gloating o’er it. + He makes his boast that nothing’s wrong + About him or his constitution. + His voice proclaims with accent strong + That he’s a going institution. + + He has been whipped a hundred times, + A hundred times run helter-skelter, + But still his raucous challenge chimes + As though he’d never sought for shelter. + He has the courage to arise, + And sally forth, and be a booster, + Though gray or sunny be the skies. + Here’s to the spirit of the rooster. + + + + + The Rulers of the Earth (1926) + + Jim Jones with a will undivided + Toiled on with his reaper and plow. + He brought up his brood, and provided + For them by the sweat of his brow. + Whenever some plan was in question, + In kindly and old-fashioned way + He gave this unchanging suggestion: + “Whatever the women folks say.” + + The world with its strife and its glory + Goes seeking for treasure and charm. + The tale of its years is the story + Of Jim Jones who toiled on the farm. + The men wield the shovel and hammer, + But if we should ask them the way + The world should be run, they would stammer: + “Whatever the women folks say.” + + + + + Sing a Little Song (1926) + + When the heart is weary + And the road is long; + When the day is dreary, + Sing a little song. + Sing it in the spirit; + Let joy linger near it; + And your heart will hear it, + Hear it and be strong. + + When your hope is paling, + When your plans go wrong, + When your dreams are failing, + Sing a little song. + Send it thrilling, winging, + Sunshine with its bringing. + It will wake to singing + Others in the throng. + + + + + Team-work (1926) + + I take my horses out to plow, + Or sow, or run the mower. + One pulls away right down the row, + One goes a little slower. + They’ve often taught me in the past, + Pulling in double leather, + They only get along as fast + As both can go together. + + In every human progress we + Together do the striving. + And toward the better day to be + Together we are driving. + By team-work we must win at last, + Whatever be the weather. + We only get along as fast + As all can go together. + +[Illustration of a farming scene. Bottom third of frame is landscape. +The foreground features a farmer walking behind and controlling a plow +being pulled by two horses. Middle ground has gently rolling hills and +a group of trees. Background has mountains. Upper two-thirds of frame is +sky with white, billowing clouds. Art piece is signed “McV” (stands for +G. R. McVicker).] + + + + + Their First Meal (1926) + + The ham was cold. The milk was blue, + The biscuits all were hard. + The eggs and the potatoes, too, + Were strong with rancid lard. + Life leaned upon a slender staff + In that first offering, + But never banquet tasted half + So pleasant to a king. + + The years went by. They played the game, + And soon amassed a hoard. + The richest dainties skill could frame + Were found upon their board. + With choicest viands did they greet + The great who chose to come, + But never did they taste so sweet + As that first meal at home. + +[The first letter of the poem’s title overlays an illustration of a +house with a front porch.] + + + + + The Umbrella Mender (1926) + + “Have you any umbrellas to mend?” + He cries down the echoing street. + He travels the town to its end-- + The city of hurrying feet. + Why so, when the broad heavens wear + No cloud and no shadow of gray? + Because, when the weather is fair, + We must think of the rainy day. + + For the rainy season will come, + As it has since the world began. + And some will be ready, and some + Will have left it out of their plan. + When it comes, it is always too late + To appeal to our patient old friend. + We shall not hear his cry at the gate: + “Have you any umbrellas to mend?” + + + + + The Cross v1927 + Luke 22:42. “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” + + Upon some fateful hour and day + Each comes to roads that cross. + Blossoms and sunshine seems one way, + The other care and loss. + The spirit will be willing there + To take the road that’s best. + The flesh will weaken, and despair, + And falter in the test. + + Somewhere along the life we live + Each finds his Calvary. + There with himself each one must strive, + And win his victory. + How blessed is the pathway trod + When flesh ’neath spirit fails; + When cross the ways of self and God, + And God’s good way prevails. + + + + + Cupid’s Lament (1927) + + The coal oil lamp is now no more, + With flame to dimness fingered. + A gleaming chandelier is o’er + The spot where lovers lingered. + Where all is bright they will not go. + No one can change or doubt it. + They want to sit where lights are low. + What can I do about it? + + It was much easier for me + In days that now are olden, + When prying people could not see. + Then all love’s dreams were golden. + They sought a corner that the night + Had curtained--you have seen them; + But now the dusk-destroying light, + Alas, has come between them. + + + + + A Day at a Time (1927) + + A day at a time the world moves on; + A day at a time is our toiling done; + A day at a time do we have the dawn, + And come to the setting of the sun; + A day at a time our fate appears; + A day at a time do we build the years. + A day at a time is the only way; + Whatever we do must be done to-day. + + A day at a time is lifetime sent; + A day at a time we must be content. + However distant our dream may glow, + A day at a time is all we go. + A day at a time the stones are brought, + And life’s great mosaic grandly wrought. + A day at a time--but when all are past + We shall reach the goal of our dreams at last. + + + + + The Future (1927) + + A tyrant called, as tyrants used to do, + An artist, skilled in form, and tint, and line. + He bade him: “Paint for me a picture true + Of the tomorrow of this calm of mine. + Unfold for me the future’s portals wide. + Unlock the gateway of the years to be. + Whatever weal or woe they may betide + Return again and prophesy to me.” + + The painter went and sought the open street. + He lingered there through many a watchful day + Where sons of wealth and ragged urchins meet + To talk, and laugh, and sing, and dream, and play. + Then once again the tyrant’s room he sought, + Unveiled for him the finished task, and smiled. + Lo, on the canvas he had deftly wrought + The pictured features of a little child. + + + + + God’s Manners (1927) + + If you would learn God’s manners, + Fare forth some summer morn, + And see the roses cover + The sharpness of the thorn. + See the sun shining brightly, + Chasing the clouds away, + And hear the words of gladness + The little people say. + + Look at the green crops growing + Up through the dewy air, + And see the love and beauty + Around you everywhere. + No ugliness or evil + Appears in sky or clod. + Ask any summer morning, + If you would learn of God. + + + + + The Great Adventure (1927) + + The great adventure is not death, + ’Tis life. + It is to feel the pulsing round of breath, + To take a place and hold it in the strife. + To hope, and plan, and feel, and love, and dream, + To look and climb + To the far, rugged heights where visions gleam + Of things sublime. + Let us not live because we must, + But live + To feel the mighty challenge of a trust, + To have a work to do, a gift to give. + The pay may not be great in shining gold, + But may be had + Enough of satisfactions manifold + To make us glad. + + + + + The Heart of a Child (1927) + + Whatever you write on the heart of a child, + No waters can wash it away. + The sands may be shifted when billows are wild + And the efforts of time may decay. + Some stories may perish, some songs be forgot; + But this ingraven record, Time changes it not. + + Whatever you write on the heart of a child, + A story of gladness or care + That Heaven has blessed, or that Earth has defiled, + Will linger unchangeably there. + Who writes it has sealed it forever and aye. + He must answer to God on the Great Judgement Day. + + + + + How It Started (1927) + + WHEN Thales of Miletus + Went to the store one day + And bought a bit of amber, + In a real human way + He got a piece of woolen + To rub it up a bit, + And lo, the lint and dust grains + Were drawn at once to it. + + “Ha,” said old Thales, “’tis certain, + A man half blind could see, + This friction has begotten + Some unseen energy.” + To-day that power is doing + The labor of the earth. + How much were Thales’s amber + And piece of woolen worth? + + + + + In Conference (1927) + + JOHN JONES was head executive of a big city firm, + And countless times had set his heel on some poor human worm. + His office force was duly trained. Each knew just what to do + To turn the nonelect away, and let the chosen through. + + People with honest errands there, tired women, busy men, + Were told he was in conference, and couldn’t see them then. + “Come back a little later on,” the office girl would call, + And John would manage not to see the most of them at all. + + He passed away in course of time, as even rich men do, + And came up to the pearly gates as though to hurry through. + But lo, the way was firmly barred, and, sitting in a chair, + He saw a white-robed office girl who asked his errand there. + + “I hoped,” said he, “Saint Peter would be here and let me by.” + In standard office language she delivered this reply: + “Saint Peter is in conference. How long? I do not know. + Come back a little later--say a million years or so.” + + + + + Inventive Genius (1927) + + I’VE listed the inventions + Since ages far away, + And noted the discoveries + Down to the present day. + One little thing I’ve noticed, + Thus far, of every one. + It’s really very simple + --When you see how it is done. + + Somebody finds a secret + That no one else has seen, + Harnesses laws familiar, + And makes a new machine. + There’s not a task among them + Requiring so much wit, + But that I could have done it + --Had I but thought of it. + + + + + Morning Prayer (1927) + + Father, grant to keep and guide me + Through the moments of the day. + Let me know Thou art beside me, + That no evil can betide me + In my work or play. + + Teach my hands some good endeavor + While the golden hours shall run, + Something that will last forever + Let me bring to Thee, the Giver, + E’er the day is done. + + When at last the sun is wending + Down the sloping West, + And the evening shades descending + Tell the world the day is ending, + Watch above my rest. + + + + + Old-Fashioned Pictures (1927) + + The old plush-covered album + Upon the parlor stand + Is but a distant country, + A half-forgotten land + Inhabited by people + Strong as the sturdy oaks, + Firm as the hills they conquered, + --The dear old-fashioned folks. + + Look at the honest faces, + The quaint and homely dress, + The strained and studied postures + That once spelled loveliness. + Look at the solemn features. + They put away their jokes + To have their pictures taken + --The dear old-fashioned folks. + + They carved trails through the forests. + They seeded down the soil. + They built the busy cities + By unremitting toil. + They laid the firm foundations, + By honest, manly strokes, + On which we build the future. + --The dear old-fashioned folks. + + + + + The Problem (1927) + + THOU God of little children, + And Parent of us all, + Who knowest all our struggles, + And hearest every call, + Disclose to us the secret, + And tell us what to do + To keep our children little + And have them grow up, too. + + We treasure the devotion, + The little velvet hands, + The tender little greetings + Love always understands; + And yet we want them coming + To strength and prospects new. + How can we keep them little + And have them grow up, too? + +[Illustration of a young girl looking at a distant castle. She’s +standing next to a tree that frames the right and top. Her feet, in +heels, stand in the midst of scattered leaves. Her skirt and scarf wave +in the breeze coming from the castle’s direction. The middle ground is +rolling hills. The sky behind the castle has billowing clouds. Art +piece is signed “Harvey Fuller.”] + + + + + The Pupil (1927) + + A father’s highest vision, + A mother’s fondest prayer + Are centered in the future + Of that wee fellow there. + They roused him from his slumber, + And dressed him in his best. + They sent him out, and trusted + That you would do the rest. + + The weary planet needs him, + And patiently will wait + For him to bring his service + Down to the future’s gate. + He is the hope it treasures. + It wants him strong and true. + It sends him to your classroom, + And leaves the rest to you. + + + + + Requisition (1927) + + Give me a quiet road to take + Where roses deign to grow. + Where sunbeams fall, and robins wake, + And trees their shadows throw. + + Give me a little place to try + To do my human part, + And make my work as days go by + A picture of my heart. + + Give me a hearth where I may be + When twilight shrouds the West, + With dear ones there to sit with me, + And you may have the rest. + + + + + Sanctuary (1927) + + GOD has a place, and it is never far, + Where reach vast arches over golden gates, + Where quiet aisles and vaulted ceilings are, + And where a spacious altar always waits; + A place where weary souls may freely come, + Hearts torn by earth’s sharp thorns a refuge find, + Sad, lonely spirits feel again at home, + And all find rest and balm for heart and mind. + + It is a house of walls not made with hands. + None sees it save the broken child of care. + In every place of woe and need it stands, + Wherever sorrow dares to breathe a prayer. + The weakest, poorest, farthest spirit, tried + By grim pursuers of defeat and pain, + May claim its shelter. Then when tears are dried + It waits in silence till they fall again. + + + + + The Secret (1927) + + OLD Uncle John is a success, + And all his efforts have not hit it. + One day we asked him to confess, + To all of us just how he did it. + “I hardly know, myself,” said he, + “But my conviction still is growing, + That there’s no fancy recipe. + You just begin--and keep on going.” + + “Don’t wait for things to come just right, + For very seldom do they do it. + Select a road, then day and night, + Through storm and sunshine, still pursue it. + Don’t stand debating what is best. + The sands of life are swiftly flowing. + Most any worthy course is blest, + If you begin--and keep on going.” + + + + + Sight and Faith (1927) + + I WALKED by sight along the sunlit way, + Through pleasant fields and where the flow’rs were fair. + By quiet streams, through restful vales it lay, + And loveliness and joy were everywhere. + I walked by sight, so confident my soul, + Nor dreamed that it would ever diff’rent be, + As I moved onward to the shining goal + That through the distance seemed so clear to me. + + But lo, there came the hour when dusk increased, + And sunset slowly faded into night, + As hour by hour the strength of vision ceased, + And I no more could make my way by sight. + But when the day had failed to shadows dim, + Without a star to lend a flickering ray, + I took God’s hand and travelled on with Him, + And sudden glory flooded all my way. + + + + + Starting Things (1927) + + THE ghost of Father Gutenberg + Came back upon a visit. + He saw a modern printing press, + And cried, “Good sakes, what is it?” + He saw a linotype at work + On endless composition, + And said, “It must be that my mind + Is not in good condition.” + + He heard the newsboys hawk their wares, + And saw the bookstores busy, + Found magazines on every stand + Until it made him dizzy. + He said, “Whoever could have thought + All this I was imparting? + One never guesses, after all, + How much he may be starting.” + + + + + Success (1927) + + SUCCESS is not the garnering of gold + Wrung from the failing grasp of nerveless hands, + Nor grim advantage where are bought and sold + The cargoes of the fleets from distant lands. + It is not deafness to the anguished cry + Of blighting poverty or bitter need, + Nor a triumphal march to victory + Over pale lips and human hearts that bleed. + + Success is living to the full each hour, + Finding the richness of the joy it brings, + Leaving unheard no song, unseen no flower, + Unfelt no throbbing loveliness of things. + Success is soothing human hearts that ache + Breathing new hope into despairing ears, + Serving with willing hands for love’s dear sake, + And sowing happiness across the years. + + + + + Thanksgiving v1927 + + In all the pleasure, care, and stress + Of daily human living, + Preserve us from forgetfulness, + Blindness to heaven’s faithfulness, + And failure in thanksgiving; + Deliver us from every mood + That savors of ingratitude. + It is so easy to forget + The tempests that have swept us, + The barriers that we have met, + How much we are in heaven’s debt, + The goodness that has kept us. + However far we be from good, + Preserve us from ingratitude. + + + + + The Bantams (1928) + + We have got a bantam rooster with a funny little face, + And he tells us by his swagger that he thinks he owns the place. + He will lord it o’er the chickens with a mien and manner high, + And the strangest thing about it is he generally gets by. + We have Brahams, Rocks, and Cochins--big and strong and robust, all; + But they let this bantam run the place because he has the gall. + Big and lazy and good-natured, they seek out a shady spot, + Nor dispute the bold assumption of his right to rule the lot. + + And sometimes I think the whole world is a barnyard, wide and vast. + With the selfsame situation, as the ages hurry past. + People big and strong and able take the smooth and easy way, + While the fussy little fellows feather in and win the day. + Singular, at least, I call it that so oft the crown is worn. + By some self-elected demagogue, so oft the scepter borne, + Not by some one with the vision a commanding swath to cut, + But some cocky little bantam who was born to preen and strut. + + + + + Charge Account (1928) + + YOU may think you are getting by. You may get by awhile. + But do not snap your fingers in the face of Fate and smile. + Although she may not now demand of you the full amount, + Some day you will discover that she keeps a charge account. + + She never quarrels with us nor bestows unseemly looks, + But no one ever yet has found an error in her books. + She writes down every item very quietly, but still + There certainly will come a day when she presents her bill. + + She asks no more than is her due, for Fate is always square. + No tradesman yet in all the world has ever been more fair. + Good business methods, that is all. There is no other way. + You may get by awhile, my friend, but some day you will pay. + + + + + The Close-Up (1928) + + _There are many angel faces, + Viewed from places far away, + Which, upon a near vision, + Very quickly turn to clay. + There are many matchless heroes + Who can hold us in their spell, + But who fade away to weakness + When we really know them well. + + There are many hissing villians + Who, on closer view, are found + To possess a kindly spirit + And an honor quite profound. + So it runs throughout the picture, + As it probably is best, + That the close-up tells the story + Whether one can meet the test_. + + + + + Coming and Going (1928) + + I GO down when the train comes in, + No matter what the day, + Where some arrive amid the din, + And others go away. + + I see glad faces looking down + The track that rambles on + Far from the quiet little town, + Impatient to be gone. + + But oh, the eyes most full of mirth + I see upon the train + Have seen the wonders of the earth + And then come home again. + + Blest is the road that leads away + Where restless ones may roam; + But each loves best of all, one day, + The road that leads back home. + + Ambition makes us all to dare + The far, intriguing track; + But when we’ve had enough of care + The heart will bring us back. + + + + + The Day’s Success (1928) + + When sunset falls upon your day + And fades from out the West. + When business cares are put away + And you lie down to rest, + The measures of the day’s success + Or failure will be told + In terms of human happiness + And not in terms of gold. + + Is there beside some hearth tonight + More joy because you wrought? + Does someone face the bitter strife + With courage you have taught? + Is something added to the store + Of human happiness? + If so, the day that now is o’er + Has been a real success. + + + + + The Earth’s Plaint (1928) + + From ages immemorial they’ve scratched my patient face + With plow, and pick, and shovel, in all confidence and grace. + They’ve dug their springs, and sunk their wells, and made their post holes, too, + Wherever it has pleased their passing fancy so to do. + But here of late they seem to feel that more is wrong with me + Than to the specialists who came at first there seemed to be. + They’ve stopped the minor surgery--it seemed to be too light + --And started on a major scale to set my system right. + + They sink a shaft a solid mile through rock, and sand, and clay. + They go right into it with drills and bore the livelong day. + They cut a tunnel through a hill, and make the two ends fit. + They chop away as though they thought it didn’t hurt a bit. + They change the course of rivers and the shape of waterfalls. + They dig deep excavations for their bridges and their walls. + A major operation of some kind has come to be + A kind of daily diet, in these latter days, with me. + +[Poem is surrounded by photos of earth-working equipment in action +around the world (clockwise from top-right corner): Egypt, New Zealand, +Formosa, Chile, Rhodesia, Sicily, Dutch East Indies, Honduras, Ireland, +Nigeria, India, and U.S.A.] + + + + + Evolution (1928) + + A shining automobile + Was standing at the curb. + A glib and crafty salesman + Was handing out his blurb. + A bicycle was leaning + Its well-worn handle bar + Against a post--the early + Ancestor of the car. + + Then, snorting down the pavement, + A motorcycle flew, + Pausing between the cycle + And car so bright and new. + “Aha,” the auto whispered, + “I have evolved, I think, + From that bicycle yonder, + And here’s the missing link.” + + + + + Faith v1928 + + If you cast out + Into the outer darkness of your mind + All about which you can conceive a doubt, + Or find some strange and vain excuse to flout, + Or charge to ages credulous and blind, + All about which the whole world is not sure, + My friend, you will be pitifully poor. + + If your faith clings + To all the good, and beautiful, and right, + That the experience of ages brings, + And offers as the necessary things + That stand forever by truth’s simple might, + Believing each till it is found untrue, + The heart’s unmeasured riches are for you. + + + + + Freedom v1928 + + Freedom to make the sturdy climb + From sodden depths to heights sublime; + Freedom to seek Truth’s ready aid + In mastering a chosen trade; + Freedom to play an honest part, + And make some worthy work an art; + Freedom to struggle with a smile-- + That is the freedom worth the while. + + Freedom to keep a heart that sings + Amid the fret and drive of things; + Freedom to serve with heart, and mind, + And hand, the races of mankind; + Freedom to meet the fiercest test + Knowing that one has done his best; + Freedom to trudge the upward mile-- + That is the freedom worth the while. + + + + + The Harness (1928) + + “What means all this mass of wiring?” + Asked the visitor from Mars. + “We have nothing that is like it + In our section of the stars. + All these conduits and cables, + This machinery that sings + With its whirring wheels and motors + --What have they to do with things?” + + “Very much,” the earth-child answered. + “We’ve a giant, all unseen, + Who serves every little household, + Every factory and machine, + Does our work, transports our people, + Friendship’s kindly message bears. + All this wiring you have noted + Is the harness that he wears.” + + + + + His Great Hour (1928) + + He headed the procession + On many a parade. + He heard the ringing echoes + Where loud applause was made. + But naught has ever equalled + The time in early youth + When first his folks discovered + That he had cut a tooth. + + He published learned volumes + And speeches made galore. + He traveled and was feted + The land and ocean o’er. + But never was the hero + So praised and sung, forsooth, + As on that vanished midnight + When first he cut a tooth. + +[Illustration of a heart overlaid with a young child. The child sits +with legs straight out in front, right hand near mouth, and left hand +holding what appears to be a rattle.] + + + + + “I held a sea shell to my ears” (1928) + + I held a sea shell to my ears + A little while today, + And heard the echo of the years + Sounding from far away. + I heard ten thousand soft good-byes + To hearts that needs must roam, + Ten thousand weekly muffled cries + For ships that came not home. + + I heard the story of the dreams + Of those who journeyed far, + But brought not back Wealth’s shining gleams + To the home harbor bar. + I heard the story of the brave + Who Freedom’s burdens bore, + Who fought their battles on the wave + But struggle now no more. + + + + + Imminence (1928) + + Like to the circuit of a bright day’s glory, + Like to a shadow moving on the grass, + Like to the telling of an evening story, + God’s purposes all shortly come to pass. + + Like to the nearness of a dewdrop’s brushing, + Like to the nearness of a breath of May, + Like to the nearness of a wind uprushing, + God’s promised kingdom is not far away. + + Like to the vastness of the stars’ swift motion, + Like to the vastness of the course they swing, + Like to the vastness of a shoreless ocean, + God’s love is here enfolding everything. + + + + + Iron (1928) + + A piece of iron was refined + By highest skill of hand and mind, + To steel that formed the keenest blade, + Or instruments of wonder made, + Or strings awaking symphonies + From far across the centuries. + + Another piece lay dull and dead + As days of hope and wonder sped. + It felt no prompting of desire + For the refiner’s purging fire. + Passive it lay, nor ever wist + The thrill and gladness it had missed. + + I speak no word of praise or blame. + I only say it is a shame + That metal, made for wondrous things, + Keen instruments, responsive strings, + Should be, its aspiration spent, + Arrested in development. + + + + + I Want (1928) + + I WANT a deep mine where the gold knows no measure, + A house with the widest and rarest of rooms, + Replete with the objects of beauty and pleasure, + With tapestries done on the finest of looms. + I want a great fleet that will compass the ocean, + And bring me the choicest of all the world’s store. + I want a cortege, with the deepest devotion + Performing my bidding, my wishes--and more. + + I want a position of pow’r and of splendor, + An empire to rule with the will of a king. + I want the rich tribute that vassals can render, + The praise that the lips of the loyal can bring. + I want earth’s delights without limit or curbing, + The richest that skill can conceive or design. + One question alone is a little disturbing-- + Just what shall I do with them when they are mine? + + + + + The Lucky Man (1928) + + He struggled on and upward, + Impelled by high ambition. + He bent his strongest efforts + To better his condition. + He paid the price of labor, + As others had before him. + A rich and bounteous harvest + His earnest efforts bore him. + + Two loafers were exchanging + Their shallow talk one morning, + Their conversation ranging + From filthiness to scorning. + He passed. One said: “There’s Sweezy. + My way was always rocky. + But some folks have it easy. + That fellow sure is lucky.” + + + + + The Pioneer v1928 + + _HE marked a trail across the plains + In days now long ago. + He spared no labor and no pains, + Although the work was slow. + Today a highway broad is laid + To places far and near + Along the path he slowly made + --Thanks to the pioneer. + + HE found a green and smiling plot, + And built a cabin there. + He reared a family on that spot + Hallowed by toil and care. + Today a broad, smooth roadway lies + Where, in a vanished year, + He wrought an empire with his hands + --Thanks to the pioneer_. + + + + + The Recruit (1928) + + _Well, Bill has joined the navy, + His vessel sailed today. + He heard a ship’s band playing + One night across the bay. + He hurried to the office + And entered the command. + He had to take the navy, + You see, to get the band. + + He was that way in childhood. + When the town band would play, + Bill would just start out with it + And follow it all day. + He’ll have to peel potatoes + And scrub the decks by hand; + But he will think it’s worth it + If he can hear the band_. + + + + + Success and Failure (1928) + + Whoever builds a mighty name + And fills the country with his fame, + Who seeks and uses earthly power + To make a stately triumph hour, + Who rears a mansion rich and high + To frown against the kindly sky, + If he has not found happiness + Is still a failure none the less. + + Whoever dwells in humble walls + Where only toilsome care befalls, + Who plans when dear ones are in bed + Where shall be found to-morrow’s bread, + To cheer whose heart Life only brings + The humble joy of simple things, + If happiness has crowned his name, + He is successful just the same. + + + + + Sunshine and Shade (1928) + + The rarest picture Art has ever given, + On which the studied light has ever played, + Is made of these two simple gifts from heaven + A little sunshine and a little shade. + + The grandest day that ever lent its story + To the long scroll the hand of Time has made; + What is the fair effulgence of its glory? + A little sunshine and a little shade. + + The greatest life the world has ever cherished, + The memory that lives while others fade, + Is only this when its brief day has perished + A little sunshine and a little shade! + + + + + The Trouble with the Movies (1928) + + _The trouble with the movies, + As it appears to me, + Is not what the wise people + About me seem to see. + But I do raise objection + In accents bold and high + To one outstanding evil + The waste of custard pie. + + If all that precious pastry + Thrown with such ready grace, + Such technique and precision, + At some poor fellow’s face, + Were gathered all together + For my convenience, I + Would just retire from labor + And live on custard pie_. + + + + + Walking with God (1928) + + WHO walks with God must take his way + Across far distances and gray + To goals that others do not see, + Where others do not care to be. + Who walks with God must have no fear + When danger and defeat appear, + Nor stop when every hope seems gone, + For God, our God, moves ever on. + + Who walks with God must press ahead + When sun or cloud is overhead, + When all the waiting thousands cheer, + Or when they only stop to sneer; + When all the challenge leaves the hours + And naught is left but jaded powers. + But he will some day reach the dawn, + For God, our God, moves ever on. + + + + + Wander Lust (1928) + + “I want to go away somewhere,” + Cries every human heart of care. + “I want to go across the sea, + And find a place where hearts are free. + I want to look at bluer skies, + And stand where higher mountains rise. + To tropic scene, to arctic snow, + I want to go, I want to go.” + + And so we take our varied ways + Across the miles and through the days. + We see the wonders of the earth. + We share its sorrow and its mirth. + Time sends its snows upon our hair. + We stumble with our loads of care. + Then one day sounds a broken cry: + “Please, won’t you take me home to die?” + + + + + The Divine Image (1929) + + Something within me makes me love the roses; + Something within me makes me search the sky; + Something within me makes me roam the meadows; + The woodlands where the trees are still and high. + Something within me makes me sit at twilight + Enraptured with the starlight on the sod; + Something within me thrills at lovely music, + That something in me makes me kin to God. + + Something within me makes me like the brothers + Who share with me the path that I must tread; + Something within me wakens hope and longing + To struggle on to summits far ahead. + Something within me keeps me ever dreaming + Of heavenly things amid the thorn and clod; + Something within me speaks of light and beauty, + That something in me makes me kin to God. + + + + + Domsie (1929) + + Simple his habit, plain his wonted ration, + Humble the roof that sheltered him at night. + He sought no preferment of rank or station, + Save but to be a bearer of the light. + He dreamed out futures for the boys before him, + And led them ever onward toward the goal. + The heights they won the choicest gladness bore him + Whose faces were enshrined within his soul. + + In many a countryside and distant city + Were lived strong lives to which the light he gave. + Strong hearts beat and strong hands were reached in pity + He taught to bless, to brighten, and to save. + Upon a quiet hillside he is sleeping, + Content to rest, the final school day o’er, + But everywhere his boys the faith are keeping. + They hold his torch aloft forevermore. + + + + + The Happy Ending (1929) + + I LIKE to read a stirring tale of peril and of action. + I follow every character with heartfelt satisfaction. + If, truth and error, right and wrong, defeat and triumph blending, + The story rambles steadily toward a happy ending. + + No matter what vicissitudes the hero strong engages, + No matter how the conflict runs across the crowded pages, + If at the close all comes out right, with every wrong defeated, + Each happy dream at last come true, each worthy task completed. + + They tell me it is not the style in these days so to write it. + The proper thing, they say, is with a smirch of wrong to blight it, + To leave the tears unwiped, the wrong unrighted, and the error + Unbanished in the general reign of trouble and of terror. + + But I still have the faith to cling to childhood’s deep conviction + That somehow justice does get done in life as well as fiction, + That there is more of right than wrong, of pleasure than of weeping, + And that a kindly Providence still has us in its keeping. + + I think when all the years are through the world’s heart will be singing, + That bells of bounding happiness will everywhere be ringing, + And the great Author of the tale of life, His mercy lending, + Will bring the story of the world down to a happy ending. + +[Illustration of an armored knight riding a galloping horse and holding +a woman seated in front of him. The knight’s right hand holds a long +staff tipped with a small flag, while his left hand secures the woman. +His cape flaps in the wind. The horse is dressed with coverings from +head to hind quarters. They are centered in the frame with a billowing +cloud rising behind them. The lower-right part of the frame has nearby +vegetation. The upper-left part has a castle on a hill a small distance +away. The artwork has a printed signature, but the stylized last letter +of the last name is uncertain; an “R” would complete the name “Stanley +Hunter.”] + + + + + Have You Tried? (1929) + + Are you sure you cannot do it? + Are you really satisfied + That you never can go through it? + Have you tried? + + Do a thousand doubts assail you + With their darts from every side + Till your hope and courage fail you? + Have you tried? + + Have you ceased to dream of winning? + Have your expectations died? + Have you really had your inning? + Have you tried? + + + + + Memorial Day v1929 + Exodus 12:14. “And this day shall be unto you for a memorial.” + + Their drums are still. Their banners all are furled. + They feel no more the battle’s fiery breath. + Theirs is the vastest army in the world, + Encamped upon the silent fields of death. + + Of peace and happiness they paid the price. + Their Via Dolorosa did they tread. + They climbed the Calvary of sacrifice, + And found a place among the mighty dead. + + The years roll on, but as they pass away + Let not this tender memory grow old. + By the sweet, smiling blossoms of the May + Let their fair story be forever told. + + + + + The Modern Pupil (1929) + + I’ve had a new school teacher + Now for a week or two. + She seems to be quite clever, + And knows her subject, too. + She’s pleasant and attractive, + As far as I can tell. + There’s just one trouble with her. + She doesn’t mind me well. + + In fact, she has a notion, + Saved from a former day, + That things about the schoolroom + Should go the other way. + And so the one objection + That any one could find + Is insubordination. + I cannot make her mind. + + + + + My Little Fire (1929) + + My little fire is cheerful, + Unchanging in its grace. + Whatever be the weather, + It keeps a shining face. + + It always has a welcome + For such as seek its hearth, + Afar from all the struggles + And strivings of the earth. + + It seems so understanding. + When ill has gone the day + And I recount my troubles, + It laughs them all away. + + So I forget the fever + Of false and vain desire, + And find that life is blessed + Beside my little fire. + +[Illustration of a man seated in front of hearth. He’s dressed in suit +and tie, smiling, and bent forward resting his elbows on his thighs. +The left hand holds long tongs pointed at the fire, and his chin rests +in his right hand. The hearth’s grate has two owl-shaped decorations, +and a log carrier with extra logs sits nearby. A plant is on the +mantle. The background has a window--drape open--decorated with a +wreath. A candelabrum with five lit candles is in front of the window, +and both ends are flanked by a candlestick with a lit candle. The +artist’s cursive signature makes the name uncertain.] + + + + + The Red Bird (1929) + + I heard a redbird singing + Beside my door to-day. + Bright his coat of scarlet, + And happy was his lay. + He trilled and chirped and twittered + In varied note and key. + It was a great example + Of birdland minstrelsy. + + Then I beheld before me + That vast, unnumbered throng + Whose weary, sodden voices + Have never learned a song; + And while I heard the redbird + Stand forth and greet the spring, + I wished that all earth’s children + Were glad enough to sing. + + + + + The Road to Tomorrow (1929) + + THERE is a road that stretches + Through sunny yesterdays, + Adown remembered vistas, + And over long lost ways. + My feet would tread it always, + If they could have their will, + But Wonder comes to call me + Across the future’s hill. + + THE road to the tomorrows + --Its challenge is supreme. + I do not know its windings, + Its hidden wood and stream, + Its distances alluring, + Its vales of mystery. + But I shall drive and find them. + It is the road for me. + +Photo of car on country road. Landscape occupies bottom quarter of +frame. Flat road extends from foreground straight into background and +towards foothills. One tall, narrow tree is on each side of road, +framing the sides and extending to the top of the frame. Car is on right +side of road. A part of a building is shown to the right of the car, +about five yards off the road, and is partially obscured by the tree. +Photo is copyrighted by “Tod Powell.” + + + + + Thankfulness (1929) + + I HEARD a tiny sound to-day. + The flowers all had stopped to pray. + Lily, and rose, and goldenrod + And violet were thanking God. + For what? The sun, and rain, and dew, + That had not failed the season through, + The soil, the winds with their caress; + And simple daily happiness. + + I blushed, whose thought had found no wings + To thank God for the simple things. + No sudden fortune had bestowed + On me a rich and golden load. + But I had known the rain, the sun, + Shelter and rest when day was done, + Raiment, and food, and happy hours. + I was less thankful than the flowers. + + + + + “Whatever he may wish or plan” (1929) + + Whatever he may wish or plan, + Three things will make or break a man: + The work to which he gives his hand, + To make a living in the land. + The friends to whom his heart gives toll, + Whose shadows fall across his soul. + The goal by which through toil and strife + He gives direction to his life. + + + + + God and Spring (1930) + + Though there were no hint of glory + In a pebble or in clod, + Though the circling of the planets + Gave no evidence of God, + Though the wisdom of the ages + Not a word of faith could bring, + How could one be unbelieving + Who had ever seen the Spring? + + In the Spring God spreads the verdure + On a thousand hills and leas. + In the Spring he paints the roses, + Hangs the clouds, and builds the trees. + In the Spring he weaves the wonder + Of a flitting redbird’s wing. + How could one be unbelieving + Who had ever seen the Spring? + +Illustration of a girl sitting under a tree that has a spiderweb +hanging from its foliage; all elements are silhouetted. The girl’s hair +is kept up with a bow, and she is slightly looking up at a spider +hanging from the web. At her feet is a basket containing flora; its +handle also has a bow. The tree foliage occupies the top of the +portrait frame, the large web occupies the top half, and the girl +occupies the bottom half. The artwork has the printed signature, +“Nelson White.” + + + + + The Handicap (1930) + + Whatever foe may meet me, + Whatever game I play, + I’d rather he’d defeat me + Than win a walkaway. + I do not want an inning + With never a mishap. + No game is worth the winning + Without a handicap. + + So in the mighty contest + That runs across the years, + I’d rather wage my conquest + In toil and sweat and tears, + Than have success’s measure + Tossed lightly in my lap, + And win life’s golden treasure + Without a handicap. + + + + + The Mixture (1930) + + A little bit of Saxon + And a little bit of Gaul, + A little bit of Latin + And a touch of Celtic small; + A little bit of Norman + And a dash of Scottish clan, + Mixed with a bit of Teuton, + Makes a good American. + + The best of all the races-- + Let us hope, without the worst-- + Is mingled in his making + By the whole earth he was nursed. + So who is there beneath us? + Who is there we should ban, + When all the world is living + In a good American? + + + + + Sunsets For Sale (1930) + + I heard a man in Paradise + Say this to God: “Let’s advertise! + You’ve got a proposition here + On which you’d make a billion clear + If I could manage things my way. + My plan is this: Make earth-folks pay + For what you give them, night and day. + For instance, take the Milky Way; + To see that glittering display + I’d charge them fifty cents a night; + To purchase tickets folks would fight. + We’ll charge for flowers, and song of bird-- + Why give them free? Why, it’s absurd! + One dollar for each sunset view, + The same for every sunrise, too. + Fall landscapes will be costly sights, + We’ll reap a sum from mountain heights. + Green curving breakers will come high, + And men will pay to hear winds sigh.” + Then God replied, when he had done, + “I charge for all these things, my son. + And costly--costly is my fee: + A heart of childlike purity!” + + + + + Thanksgiving v1930 + + _I thank Thee, Lord of earth and heaven, + For all the blessings Thou hast given. + + Some marched in such a shining line + I knew their banner and their sign. + + Some came to my bewildered eyes + Dressed in a fanciful disguise. + + Some came attired as Bitterness, + But stayed to strengthen and to bless. + + Some nameless came, and passed away, + Unknown till after many a day. + + Some came so silently that I + Did not suspect that they were nigh. + + Some were the blessings, strong and sure, + Of things that I did not endure. + + And so, however they befall, + Dear Lord, I thank Thee for them all_. + +[Illustration of a church. People, in three groups of three, are +approaching the entry. Trees are leafless. The writing at the bottom of +the illustration states, “Come Ye Thankful People, Come.”] + + + + + Two Teachers + + One peddled facts with learned air, + Intoned with most impressive sound, + His pupils timidly would bear + Witness to scholarship most profound. + In him. Time passed. They older grew. + Still passed, and one day he was not. + Then what became of all he knew + So glibly once? It was forgot. + + Another dreamed of life supreme, + Sun-crowned and strong, for those he taught. + The larger manhood was his scheme, + Armed with the power of honest thought. + He builded souls for service true, + Wrought them of fabric real and sure. + He also passed, as teachers do. + But through the years his works endure. + + + + + Two Youths (1930) + + One said, “Youth cometh but once to me, + So I shall play, and laugh, and sing; + I own no chains. I will be free, + None shall deny me anything.” + He had his fling, then worn and gray, + With weary soul and eyelids wet, + He tried to wash the tears away, + And stem the tide of vain regret. + + One said, “My youth comes not again, + I must not spoil it as it goes. + I must not live a day in vain, + Nor stain a page, nor mar a rose.” + The future found him glad and strong, + Unbound by weariness and fears, + Treading his journey with a song, + Heir to the gladness of the years. + + + + + What Do You Know? (1930) + + I DO not care a single wink + To hear, my friend, what you may think. + I’ve heard opinion till I’m sore + Please do not give me any more. + Your syllogisms all are weak. + You slip the track whene’er you speak. + Too many people think, of late, + And not enough of them think straight. + + What do you know? I wait to hear + A tale of knowledge ringing clear. + If you have anything to say + That puts a new light in the day, + That makes me feel because of it + The world is changed a little bit, + Then speak. I hark with eyes aglow, + If you will tell me what you know. + + + + +APPENDIX 1: BYLINES, BIBLIOGRAPHY, NOTES + + +After-Images. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Motion Picture + Magazine_. Vol. 23 No. 6. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., + Jul 1922. p. 7 + +The Age of a Heart. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Personal + Efficiency_. Vol. 15 No. 1. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, + Jan 1925. p. 37. Note: Illustrated dropped initial in first verse + normalized for e-readers. + +Almost. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Princeton, Ind. Source: _The + Christian Advocate_. Vol. 97 No. 39. New York: The Methodist Book + Concern, Sep 28, 1922. p. 1211 + +Along the Road. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Miami Daily + Metropolis_. Vol. 27 No. 161. Miami, FL: Metropolis Publishing Co., + Jun 17, 1922. p. 6 + +The Bantams. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Northwest Poultry + Journal_. Vol. 33 No. 6. Salem, OR: Northwest Poultry Journal + Publishing Co., Jun 1928. p. 15 + +Battle Hymn. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Western Christian + Advocate_. Vol. 80 No. 17. Cincinnati: Methodist Book Concern, + Apr 29, 1914. p. 524 + +Blossoms. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Christian Advocate_. + Vol. 86 No. 21. Nashville: Lamar & Barton, May 22, 1925. p. 751 + +Brotherhood. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Boys’ World_. + Vol. 23 No. 12. Elgin, IL: David C. Cook Publishing Co., Mar 22, + 1924. p. 4 + +The Builder v1924. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Juvenile + Instructor_. Vol. 59 No. 8. Salt Lake City: Deseret Sunday School + Union, Aug 1924. p. 411. Note: Stanzas’ original layout of + side-by-side is presented in this compilation as follows: left + stanza as first stanza, right as second. + +The Builders. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Sunday School + Journal_. Vol. 53 No. 8. Cincinnati: The Methodist Book Concern, + Aug 1921. Cover page + +A Call for Substitutes. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Epworth + Herald_. Vol. 33 No. 3. Chicago: The Methodist Book Concern, Jan 14, + 1922. p. 56 + +The Chameleon. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Commonweal_. + Vol. 5 No. 4. New York: Calvert Publishing Corp., Dec 1, 1926. + p. 105 + +Charge Account. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Personal + Efficiency_. Vol. 18 No. 1. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, + Jan 1928. p. 7. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized + for e-readers. + +Childhood on the Farm. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Hoard’s + Dairyman_. Vol. 67 No. 9. Fort Atkinson, WI: W. D. Hoard & Sons Co., + Mar 14, 1924. p. 332 + +The Children v1921. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Christian + Herald_. Vol. 44 No. 32. New York: Christian Herald, Aug 6, 1921. + p. 546. Notes: 1) Dropped initial in first verse normalized for + e-readers, 2) Extra spaces in body of poem were deleted. + +The Children v1925. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The + Pathfinder_. Vol. 32 No. 1668. Washington D.C.: Pathfinder + Publishing Co., Dec 19, 1925. p. 21 + +Child’s Prayer. Byline: Clarence Edwin Flynn. Richmond, Ind. Source: + _The Epworth Era. _Vol. 17 No. 32. Chicago: Jennings & Graham, + Jan 5, 1907. p. 830. Note: Stanzas’ original layout of 2x2 is + presented in this compilation as follows: top-left stanza as first + stanza, bottom-left as second, top-right as third and bottom-right + as fourth. + +The City’s Nerves. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Edison + Monthly_. Vol. 18 No. 6. New York: The New York Edison Co., + Jun 1926. p. 143 + +Climaxes v1921. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Motion Picture + Magazine_. Vol. 22 No. 11. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., + Dec 1921. p. 93 + +Climaxes v1923. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Motion Picture + Magazine_. Vol. 26 No. 1. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., + Aug 1923. pp. 41, 86 + +The Clock. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Beacon_. Vol. 14 + No. 26. Boston: The Beacon Press, Inc., Mar 30, 1924. p. 111. Note: + Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. + +The Close-Up. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Movie Makers_. Vol. 3 + No. 6. New York: Amateur Cinema League, Inc., Jun 1928. p. 397 + +Coming and Going. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _New York Central + Lines Magazine_. Vol. 9 No. 3. New York: New York Central Lines, + Jun 1928. p. 14. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized + for e-readers. + +Compensation. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Princeton, Ind. Source: + _The Christian Advocate_. Vol. 97 No. 41. New York: The Methodist + Book Concern, Oct 12, 1922. p. 1273 + +The Creator. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Sedalia Democrat_. + Vol. 17 No. 40. Sedalia, MO: Sedalia Democrat Co., Feb 15, 1923. + p. 2 + +Credo. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _North Carolina Christian + Advocate_. Vol. 70 No. 46. Greensboro, NC: Nov 12, 1925. p. 8 + +A Creed. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Christian Century_. + Vol. 39 No. 7. Chicago: Disciples Publication Society, Feb 16 1922. + p.200 + +The Cross v1927. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Expositor_. + Vol. 28 No. 6. Cleveland: F. M. Barton Co., Mar 1927. p. 710 + +The Cry of a Human. Byline: Clarence Flynn. Source: _Richmond Daily + Palladium_. Richmond, IN: Palladium Printing Co., Mar 5, 1906. p. 3 + +Cupid’s Lament. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Edison + Monthly_. Vol. 19 No. 5. New York: The New York Edison Co., + May 1927. p. 105. Note: Stanzas’ original layout of side-by-side is + presented in this compilation as follows: left stanza as first + stanza, right as second. + +A Day at a Time. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Sanford + Herald_. Vol. 17 No. 20. Sanford, FL: Apr 7, 1927. p. 4. Note: + Duplicate “at” (A day at at time) in second verse replaced + with “a”. + +The Day’s Success. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Carp + Review_. Vol. 24 No. 30. Carp, Ontario: James A. Evoy, Aug 16, 1928. + p. 8. Notes: 1) Apostrophe removed from “measure’s” in fifth verse, + 2) Comma removed after “failure” in sixth verse. + +The Divine Image. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Grade + Teacher_. Vol. 46 No. 9. Boston: Educational Publishing Corp., + May 1929. p. 745 + +Doing It Well. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Child Welfare + Magazine_. Vol. 20 No. 7. Philadelphia: The Child Welfare Co., Inc., + Mar 1926. p. 438. Notes: 1) Dropped initial in first verse + normalized for e-readers, 2) E-readers might not correctly present + “saw” in first verse with small caps, which is used for emphasis. + +Domsie. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The American School Board + Journal_. Vol. 78 No. 2. Milwaukee: Bruce Publishing Co., Feb 1929. + p. 174. Note: The poem might be referring to a character in Ian + Maclaren’s _Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush_ (1894). + +The Dream. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Bloomington, Ind. Source: + _Christian Advocate_. Vol. 85 No. 44. Nashville: Lamar & Barton, + Oct 31, 1924. p. 1388 + +The Earth’s Plaint. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Excavating + Engineer_. Vol. 22 No. 6. Milwaukee: The Excavating Engineer + Publishing Co., Jun 1928. p. 212 + +The Easter Message. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Christian + Advocate_. Vol. 86 No. 15. Nashville: Lamar & Barton, Apr 10, 1925. + p. 462 + +An Easter Vision. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Sedalia + Democrat_. Vol. 17 No. 98. Sedalia, MO: Sedalia Democrat Co., + Apr 23, 1924. p. 2. Note: Two-space indentation of second stanza’s + first verse was deleted. + +Electricity. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Edison Monthly_. + Vol. 15 No. 5. New York: The New York Edison Co., May 1923. p. 107 + +An Electric Personality. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Edison + Monthly_. Vol. 15 No. 7. New York: The New York Edison Co., + Jul 1923. p. 148 + +The Electric Spark. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Beacon_. + Vol. 14 No. 23. Boston: The Beacon Press, Inc., Mar 9, 1924. p. 99. + Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. + +The End of the Trail. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Liahona: The + Elders’ Journal_. Vol. 21 No. 3. Independence, MO: Zion’s Printing + and Publishing Co., Jul 31, 1923. p. 49. [Published earlier in + _Oakland Tribune_ (May 31, 1923) but without a title and partly + illegible.] + +The Engineer. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _New York Central + Lines Magazine_. Vol. 3 No. 9. New York: New York Central Lines Co., + Dec 1922. p. 55. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized + for e-readers. + +Enslaved Lightning. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Edison + Monthly_. Vol. 18 No. 7. New York: The New York Edison Co., + Jul 1926. p. 167 + +Evolution. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _American Motorcyclist + and Bicyclist_. Vol. 24 No. 11. New York City: The Cycling Press + Inc., Nov 1928. p. 27 + +The Fabulous City. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Commercial Law + League Journal_. Vol. 30 No. 1. Chicago: Commercial Law League of + America, Jan 1925. p. 29. Note: Editor prefaces the poem under + the section title, “FORTUNES MADE IN OIL”: “The arrest, trial, + conviction and commitment to the penitentiary of the super oil + swindler, Leo Koretz, calls to our mind the following poem:”. + +Fade-Outs. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Motion Picture + Magazine_. Vol. 26 No. 6. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., + Jan 1924. p. 84 + +Faith v1928. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Congregationalist_. + Vol. 113 No. 5. Boston: Congregational Publishing Society, Feb 2, + 1928. p. 142 + +Film Judgment. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Motion Picture + Magazine_. Vol. 27 No. 5. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., + Jun 1924. p. 109 + +Finding God. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Freeman’s Journal_. + Vol. 74. Sydney, Australia: Herbert Daniel Polin, Oct 2, 1924. p. 3 + +The Firefly. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Boys’ World_. + Vol. 23 No. 23. Elgin, IL: David C. Cook Publishing Co., Jun 7, + 1924. p. 8 + +The Flag at Sea. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Our Navy_. Vol. 16 + No. 13. Washington D. C.: Men o’ Warsmen Inc., Oct 14, 1922. p. 2 + +Flowers Are Thoughts of God. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The + Progressive Farmer_. Raleigh, NC: The Progressive Farmer Co., + Jul 3, 1926. p. 733 + +Freedom v1928. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Personal + Efficiency_. Vol. 18 No. 10. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, + Oct 1928. p. 230 + +The Future. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The + Kindergarten-Primary Magazine_. Vol. 39 No. 3. Manistee, MI: + J. H. Shults Co., Jan-Feb 1927. p. 69 + +The Gateway of the Kingdom. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The + Sunday School Times_. Vol. 57 No. 29. Philadelphia: The Sunday + School Times Co., Jul 17, 1915. p. 1. Note: Dropped initial in + first verse normalized for e-readers. + +The Gift of the Farm. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Farm Life_. + Vol. 41 No. 5. Spencer, IN: Farm Life Publishing Co., May 1922. + p. 25 + +The Gifts of the Church. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Princeton, India. + Source: _The Congregationalist_. Vol. 107 No. 49. Boston: + Congregational Publishing Society, Dec 7, 1922. p. 736. Note: + Stanzas’ original layout of side-by-side is presented in this + compilation as follows: left stanza as first stanza, + right as second. + +God and Spring. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Stepping Stones_. + Vol. 18 No. 18. Independence, MO: Herald Publishing House, May 4, + 1930. p. 139. Note: Replaced comma with period after “trees.” + +The God of the Beginning. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The + Church School_. Vol. 5 No. 11. New York: The Church School Press, + Aug 1924. p. 491. Notes: 1) Stanzas’ original layout of + side-by-side is presented in this compilation as follows: left + stanza as first stanza, right as second, 2) Dropped initial in + first verse of both stanzas normalized for e-readers. + +God of To-Day. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Sunday School + Journal_. Vol. 54 No. 11. Cincinnati: The Methodist Book Concern, + Nov 1922. p. 656. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized + for e-readers. + +God’s Garden. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Sunday School + Journal_. Vol. 52 No. 7. Cincinnati: Methodist Book Concern, + Jul 1920. p. 407 + +God’s Manners. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Baptist Record_. + Vol. 49 (old series) 29 (new series) No. 9. Jackson, MS: Mississippi + Baptist Convention Board, Mar 3, 1927. p. 11 + +A Grace for Meals. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Girls’ + Companion_. Vol. 25 No. 28. Elgin, IL: David C. Cook Publishing Co., + Jul 10, 1926. p. 7 + +The Great Adventure. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Uplift_. + Vol. 15 No. 4. Concord, NC: Stonewall Jackson Manual Training and + Industrial School, Jan 8, 1927. p. 17 + +The Grey Host. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The + Congregationalist_. Vol. 111 No. 44. Boston: Congregational + Publishing Society, Nov 4, 1926. p. 589 + +Hagar’s Song. Byline: Clarence Flynn. Bloomfield, Ind. Source: _Western + Christian Advocate_. Vol. 72 No. 11. Cincinnati: Western Methodist + Book Concern, Mar 14, 1906. p. 13. Note: For context see + Genesis 16, 21:1-20. + +The Handicap. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Instructor_. + Vol. 65 No. 9. Salt Lake City: Deseret Sunday School Union, Sep + 1930. p. 564. Note: Stanzas’ original layout of side-by-side is + presented in this compilation as follows: left stanza as first + stanza, right as second. + +The Happy Ending. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Youth_. Vol. 3 + No. 8. Kansas City, MO: Unity School of Christianity, Aug 1929. + pp. 14-15. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized + for e-readers. + +The Harness. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Edison Monthly_. + Vol. 20 No. 11. New York: The New York Edison Co., Nov 1928. p. 260 + +Have You Tried? Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Personal + Efficiency_. Vol. 19 No. 11. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, + Nov 1929. p. 251 + +Heart Gates. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Herald of Gospel + Liberty_. Vol. 118 No. 43. Dayton, OH: The Christian Publishing + Association, Oct 28, 1926. p. 1018. Note: For context of first + stanza consider Revelation 21:9-27. + +The Heart of a Child. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The + Kindergarten-Primary Magazine_. Vol. 39 No. 3. Manistee, MI: J. H. + Shults Co., Jan-Feb 1927. p. 72 + +The Heart of a Child Is a Scroll. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: + _The Sunday School Journal_. Vol. 54 No. 8. Cincinnati: The + Methodist Book Concern, Aug 1922. p. 473. Note: Dropped initial in + first verse normalized for e-readers. + +The High Tension Line. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Edison + Monthly_. Vol. 18 No. 4. New York: The New York Edison Co., + Apr 1926. p. 92. Note: For examples of context of last stanza + consider Mark 16:14-18 and Acts 3:1-10. + +His Epitaph. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Our Dumb Animals_. + Vol. 55 No. 3. Norwood, MA: Massachusetts Society for the Prevention + of Cruelty to Animals, Aug 1922. p. 45. Note: Dropped initial in + first verse normalized for e-readers. + +His Great Hour. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Oral Hygiene_. + Vol. 18 No. 11. Pittsburgh: Nov 1928. p. 2122 + +Home v1921. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _American Messenger_. + Vol. 79 No. 9. New York: American Tract Society, Oct 1921. p. 172 + +Home v1925. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _South Florida + Developer_. Vol. 5 No. 33. Stuart, FL: South Florida Developer, + Inc., May 12, 1925. p. 6 + +Hope. Byline: Clarence Edwin Flynn. Greencastle, Ind. Source: _The + Christian Advocate_. Vol. 84 No. 43. New York: Eaton & Mains, + Oct 28, 1909. p. 1706 + +How It Started. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Personal + Efficiency_. Vol. 17 No. 12. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, + Dec 1927. p. 277. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized + for e-readers. + +“I am not eloquent”. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The + Expositor_. Vol. 28 No. 3. Cleveland: F. M. Barton Co., Dec 1926. + p. 360. Note: For context see Moses in Exodus 4:10. + +If Christ Is Not Divine. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _America_. + Vol. 29 No. 13. New York: The America Press, Jul 14, 1923. p. 306. + Note: For context see 1 Corinthians 15:12-19. + +“I held a sea shell to my ears”. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: + _North Carolina Christian Advocate_. Vol. 73 No. 36. Greensboro, NC: + Sep 6, 1928. p. 20. + +Imminence. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _New Orleans Christian + Advocate_. Vol. 75 No. 40. New Orleans: Publishing Committee for the + Louisiana, Mississippi, and North Mississippi Conferences, + Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Oct 4, 1928. p. 11 + +In Conference. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Personal + Efficiency_. Vol. 17 No. 9. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, + Sep 1927. p.214. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized + for e-readers. + +Inventive Genius. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Personal + Efficiency_. Vol. 17 No. 2. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, + Feb 1927. p. 34. Notes: 1) Dropped initial in first verse + normalized for e-readers, 2) Stanzas’ original layout of + side-by-side is presented in this compilation as follows: + left stanza as first stanza, right as second. + +Iron. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Personal Efficiency_. Vol. 18 + No. 12. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Dec 1928. p. 286 + +It Might Be Worse. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Farm Bureau + Monthly_. Vol. 4 No. 7. Riverside, CA: Riverside County Farm Bureau, + Jul 1923. p. 5. Note: Comma changed to period after “way.” + +I Want. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Youth_. Vol. 2 No. 1. Kansas + City: Unity School of Christianity, Jan 1928. p. 22. Note: Dropped + initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. + +Jim. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Youth’s Companion_. Vol. 93 + No. 44. Boston: Perry Mason Co., Oct 30, 1919. p. 612. Note: + Stanzas’ original layout of 1-over-2 is presented in this + compilation as follows: top stanza as first stanza, bottom-left as + second and bottom-right as third. + +Jove’s Plaint. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Edison + Monthly_. Vol. 16 No. 6. New York: The New York Edison Co., + Jun 1924. p. 129 + +The King. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. De Pauw, ’10. Source: _The Phi + Gamma Delta_. Vol. 31 No. 4. Indianapolis: Phi Gamma Delta + Fraternity, Feb 1909. p. 362. Note: He ended up graduating from + DePauw in 1911. + +Knocking. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Personal Efficiency_. + Vol. 16 No. 7. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Jul 1926. + p. 436. Note: Illustrated dropped initial in first verse normalized + for e-readers. + +The Land of Heart’s Desire. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Santa + Ana Register_. Vol. 19 No. 153. Santa Ana, CA: Register Publishing + Co., May 26, 1924. p. 18 + +The Lens. Byline: C. E. Flynn. Source: _Photoplay Magazine_. Vol. 22 + No. 4. Chicago: Photoplay Publishing Co., Sep 1922. p. 109 + +Let Us Be Right. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Christian + Sun_. Vol. 71 No. 38. Burlington, NC: Sep 17, 1919. Cover page + +Life. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Congregationalist_. + Vol. 111 No. 41. Boston: Congregational Publishing Society, Oct 14, + 1926. p. 504. Notes: 1) Removed comma at end of third verse, + 2) Replaced comma with period at end of fourth verse. + +Light and Shadow. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Photoplay + Magazine_. Vol. 16 No. 2. Chicago: Photoplay Publishing Co., + Jul 1919. p. 104. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized + for e-readers. + +The Lucky Man. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Personal + Efficiency_. Vol. 18 No. 11. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, + Nov 1928. p. 248 + +Magi and Shepherd. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Indianapolis, Ind. + Source: _The Christian Advocate_. Vol. 90 No. 51. New York: + Methodist Book Concern, Dec 23, 1915. p. 1734 + +The Magic Gateway. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Princeton, Ind. Source: + _The Christian Advocate_. Vol. 96 No. 48. New York: The Methodist + Book Concern, Dec 1, 1921. p. 1506 + +The Magic of the Screen. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Photoplay + Magazine_. Vol. 21 No. 2. Chicago: Photoplay Publishing Co., + Jan 1922. p. 62. Note: Dropped initial in first verse of both + stanzas normalized for e-readers. + +The Making of Heaven. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Christian + Century_. Vol. 39 No. 24. Chicago: Disciples Publication Society, + Jun 15, 1922. p. 745 + +The Making of Home. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Box 97, Bloomington, + Ind. Source: _The Railway Maintenance of Way Employes Journal_. + Vol. 32 No. 10. Detroit: Oct 1923. p. 11. Note: “Employes” in + publication title is as printed. + +The Man Who Knows. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Princeton, Ind. Source: + _The Christian Advocate_. Vol. 97 No. 36. New York: The Methodist + Book Concern, Sep 7, 1922. p. 1110 + +The Marine. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Our Navy_. Vol. 16 + No. 17. Washington D. C.: Men o’ Warsmen Inc., Dec 15, 1922. p. 2 + +The Measure of Life. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Indiana + Farmer’s Guide_. Vol. 34 No. 25. Huntington, IN: The Guide + Publishing Co., Jun 24, 1922. p. 658. Note: Liberty was taken + with several end-of-line punctuation marks due to source’s + poor legibility. + +Memorial Day v1929. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Expositor_. + Cleveland: F. M. Barton Co. Inc., May 1929. p. 924 + +Minds. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Personal Efficiency_. Vol. 14 + No. 2. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Feb 1924. p. 73. + Note: Illustrated dropped initial in each stanza’s first verse + normalized for e-readers. + +Miracle. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Los Angeles Times_. + Vol. 43. Los Angeles: The Times-Mirror Co., Jul 13, 1924. p. 37. + Note: Changes made to punctuation in second stanza for consistency + with first stanza: comma added to end of first verse, and period + changed to comma at end of sixth verse. + +The Mixture. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Railway Clerk_. + Vol. 29 No. 10. Cincinnati: Brotherhood of Railway and Steamship + Clerks, Oct 1930. p. 452. Note: A. M. Jackson included the poem in + a letter to the editor writing, “The following verse . . . explains + how and why [Northern Pacific Railway] Lodge No. 1124 is able to get + along so nicely.” + +The Modern Pupil. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The American + School Board Journal_. Vol. 78 No. 1. Milwaukee: Bruce Publishing + Co., Jan 1929. p. 198 + +Monuments. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Textile Worker_. + Vol. 10 No. 9. New York: United Textile Workers of America, + Dec 1922. p. 559 + +Morning Prayer. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The + Kindergarten-Primary Magazine_. Vol. 39 No. 3. Manistee, MI: + J. H. Shults Co., Jan-Feb 1927. p. 80 + +My Father’s House. Byline: Clarence Edwin Flynn. Source: _Western + Christian Advocate_. Vol. 74 No. 17. Cincinnati: Western Methodist + Book Concern, Apr 22, 1908. p. 12 + +My Little Fire. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _American Mutual + Magazine_. Vol. 9 No. 4. Boston: American Mutual Liability Insurance + Co., Dec 1929. Back cover + +My Riches. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Our Navy_. Vol. 16 + No. 18. Washington D. C.: Men o’ Warsmen Inc., Dec 30, 1922. p. 2 + +The New Day. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Sunday School + Journal_. Vol. 51 No. 3. Cincinnati: The Methodist Book Concern, + Mar 23, 1919. Cover page + +The New Year. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _American Messenger_. + Vol. 77 No. 1. New York: American Tract Society, Jan 1919. p. 6 + +No Room in the Inn. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Beacon_. + Vol. 14 No. 12. Boston: The Beacon Press, Inc., Dec 23, 1923. p. 56 + +Old-Fashioned Pictures. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Farm Life_. + Vol. 46 No. 3. Spencer, IN: Farm Life Publishing Co., Mar 1927. + p. 62 + +The Open Soul. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _American Messenger_. + Vol. 78 No. 6. New York: American Tract Society, Jun 1920. p. 86 + +The Open Tomb. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Sunday School + Journal_. Vol. 47 No. 4. Cincinnati: Methodist Book Concern, + Apr 1915. title page. Note: Stanzas’ original layout of 2-over-1 + is presented in this compilation as follows: top-left stanza as + first stanza, top-right as second and bottom as third. + +Our Hearts Forget. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _American + Messenger_. Vol. 81 No. 3. New York: The American Tract Society, + Mar 1923. p. 40 + +The Outcome. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Motion Picture + Classic_. Vol. 9 No. 5. Bayshore, NY: M. P. Publishing Co., + Jan 1920. p. 90 + +Palm Sunday v1925. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The + Congregationalist_. Vol. 110 No. 13. Boston: Congregational + Publishing Society, Mar 26, 1925. p. 398. Notes: 1) Stanzas’ + original layout of side-by-side is presented in this compilation as + follows: left stanza as first stanza, right as second, 2) Jesus + healed Bartimaeus of blindness (Mark 10:46-52). + +A Parents’ Prayer v1922. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Herald + of Gospel Liberty_. Vol. 114 No. 16. Dayton, OH: The Christian + Publishing Association, Apr 20, 1922. p. 372. Note: The sixth + verse’s lack of indentation (half a space) was not replicated. + +Patchwork. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Motion Picture + Magazine_. Vol. 24 No. 7. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., + Aug 1922. p. 121 + +A Perfect Day. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Princeton, Ind. Source: _The + Epworth Era_. Vol. 29 No. 2. Nashville: Lamar & Barton, Oct 1922. + p. 63. Notes: 1) Stanzas’ original layout of side-by-side is + presented in this compilation as follows: left stanza as first + stanza, right as second, 3) E-readers might not correctly present + “perfect” in first verse with small caps, which is used + for emphasis. + +Picture Books. Byline: C. E. Flynn. Source: _Photoplay Magazine_. + Vol. 22 No. 2. Chicago: Photoplay Publishing Co., Jul 1922. p. 101. + Notes: 1) Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers, + 2) Stanzas’ original layout of side-by-side is presented in this + compilation as follows: left stanza as first stanza, right as + second. + +Pictures. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Photoplay Magazine_. + Vol. 15 No. 1. Chicago: Photoplay Publishing Co., Dec 1918. p. 40. + Notes: 1) Stanzas’ original layout of 2-over-2-over-1 is presented + in this compilation as follows: top-left stanza as first stanza, + middle-left as second, top-right as third, middle-right as fourth + and bottom as fifth, 2) The fourth stanza’s second verse’s + indentation by one space was deleted. + +The Picture’s Lament. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Motion + Picture Magazine_. Vol. 27 No. 3. Jamaica, NY: Brewster + Publications, Inc., Apr 1924. p. 102 + +Picture Writing. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Motion Picture + Magazine_. Vol. 24 No. 8. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., + Sep 1922. p. 109 + +The Pioneer v1928. Byline: Clarence C. Flynn. Source: _Motor Land_. + Vol. 22 No. 5. San Mateo, CA: California State Automobile + Association Inc., May 1928. p. 9. Note: It’s assumed the source made + a typographical error with Flynn’s middle initial. _Motor Land_ got + it right in Flynn’s byline for “The Road to Tomorrow.” + +A Prayer. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Warsaw Daily Times_. + Warsaw, IN: Reub. Williams & Sons, Nov 29, 1923. p. 6 + +Prayer for Normal Men. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Princeton, Ind. + Source: _The Congregationalist_. Vol. 109 No. 4. Boston: + Congregational Publishing Society, Jan 24, 1924. p. 118 + +A Prayer for Thanksgiving. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _American + Messenger_. Vol. 80 No. 11. New York: The American Tract Society, + Nov 1922. p. 179 + +A Price Unpaid. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Northwestern + Christian Advocate_. Vol. 63 No. 41. Chicago: Methodist Book + Concern, Oct 6, 1915. p. 969 + +The Problem. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The American + Tyler-Keystone_. Vol. 41 No. 9. Mount Morris, IL: Tyler + Publishing Co., Sep 1927. p. 194. Note: Dropped initial in first + verse normalized for e-readers. + +A Psalm of the Movies. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Motion + Picture Magazine_. Vol. 23 No. 5. Jamaica, NY: Brewster + Publications, Inc., Jun 1922. p. 105 + +The Pupil. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Kindergarten-Primary + Magazine_. Vol. 39 No. 3. Manistee, MI: J. H. Shults Co., + Jan-Feb 1927. p. 87 + +The Question. v1926 Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Personal + Efficiency_. Vol. 16 No. 12. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, + Dec 1926. p. 715. Notes: 1) Stanzas’ original layout of side-by-side + is presented in this compilation as follows: left stanza as + first stanza, right as second, 2) Dropped initial in first verse + normalized for e-readers. + +The Radio Neighborhood. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The + Wireless Age_. Vol. 9 No. 11. New York: Wireless Press Inc., + Aug 1922. p. 90 + +The Railroad. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _New York Central + Lines Magazine_. Vol. 4 No. 11. New York: New York Central Lines, + Feb 1924. p. 25. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized + for e-readers. + +The Recruit. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Our Navy_. Vol. 22 + No. 10. Brooklyn, NY: Our Navy, Inc., Mid-Sept, 1928. p. 10 + +The Red Bird. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Woman’s Home + Missions_. Vol. 46 No. 4. Cincinnati: Woman’s Home Missionary + Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Apr 1929. p. 18 + +Requisition. Byline: Clarence F. Flynn. Source: _The Summary_. Vol. 45 + No. 46. Elmira, NY: New York State Reformatory, Nov 12, 1927. p. 3. + Note: Byline’s middle initial is as printed. + +Roads v1925. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Presbyterian + Standard_. Vol. 66 No. 9. Charlotte: Presbyterian Standard + Publishing Co., Mar 4, 1925. p. 9. Note: Indentation given to sixth + verse of second stanza. + +The Road to Tomorrow. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Motor Land_. + Vol. 25 No. 5. San Mateo, CA: California State Automobile + Association Inc., Nov 1929. p. 4. Note: Stanzas’ original layout of + side-by-side is presented in this compilation as follows: left + stanza as first stanza, right as second. + +The Rooster. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Personal Efficiency_. + Vol. 16 No. 7. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Jul 1926. + p. 436. Note: Illustrated dropped initial in each stanza’s first + verse normalized for e-readers. + +The Rulers of the Earth. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Pacific + Rural Press_. Vol. 111 No. 9. San Francisco: Pacific Rural Press + Co., Feb 27, 1926. p. 289 + +Sanctuary. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Ave Maria_. Vol. 26 + No. 21. Notre Dame, IN: Nov 19, 1927. p. 648. Note: Illustrated + dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. + +The Second Wind. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Railway + Maintenance of Way Employes Journal_. Vol. 32 No. 7. Detroit: + Jul 1923. p. 39. Notes: 1) For context of first stanza consider + Jennifer Rosenberg’s article, “Why the Model T Is Called the Tin + Lizzie,” on the website ThoughtCo (accessed + May 25, 2025), 2) “Employes” in publication title is as printed. + +The Secret. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Personal Efficiency_. + Vol. 17 No. 1. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Jan 1927. + p.21. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized + for e-readers. + +The Section Foreman. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _New York + Central Lines Magazine_. Vol. 2 No. 12. New York: New York Central + Railroad Co., Mar 1922. p. 44. Notes: 1) First stanza’s opening + quotation mark was corrected from being upside down, 2) Closing + quotation mark added to end of first stanza for consistency with + second stanza, 3) Dropped initial in first verse normalized + for e-readers. + +The Serving Giant. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Edison + Monthly_. Vol. 15 No. 2. New York: The New York Edison Co., + Feb 1923. p. 34 + +Shadows v1921. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Motion Picture + Magazine_. Vol. 22 No. 11. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., + Dec 1921. p. 114 + +Shadows on the Wall. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Motion Picture + Magazine_. Vol. 27 No. 2. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., + Mar 1924. p. 98 + +The Shadow World. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Motion Picture + Magazine_. Vol. 22 No. 12. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., + Jan 1922. p. 108 + +Sight and Faith. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Catholic + World_. Vol. 126 No. 751. New York: The Paulist Fathers, Oct 1927. + p. 84. Note: E-readers might not correctly present “walked” in first + verse with small caps, which is used for emphasis. + +Si Gidders. Byline: Clarence Flynn. Bloomfield, Ind. Source: _The + Indianapolis Journal: The Sunday Journal_, morning ed. Vol. 52 + No. 306. Indianapolis: Journal Newspaper Co., Nov 2, 1902. + p. 10 of Part 2. Note: In response to an editor’s request for + biographical information, Mr. Flynn responded, “My first work was + published in a little farm paper in 1901. By 1902 I got into the old + _Indianapolis Journal_. . . .” (_American Astrology Magazine_. + Vol. 13 No. 6. New York: Clancy Publications, Inc., Aug 1945. + p. 16). + +The Silent Drama. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Motion Picture + Classic_. Vol. 9 No. 5. Bayshore, NY: M. P. Publishing Co., + Jan 1920. p. 79 + +Sing a Little Song. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Stepping + Stones_. Vol. 14 No. 3. Independence, MO: Herald Publishing House, + Jan 17, 1926. p. 20 + +Song of the Dove. Byline: Clarence Edwin Flynn, ’09. Source: _Earlham + Verse_. Richmond, IN: John Dougan Rea, 1914. p. 38. Notes: 1) He + attended Earlham during 1905-1907 (_The Earlham College Bulletin: + The Directory_. Vol. 13 No. 5. Richmond, IN: Earlham College, + Aug 1916. p. 58), 2) Dropped initial in first verse normalized + for e-readers. + +Sorrow. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Continent_. Vol. 55 + No. 44. Chicago: McCormick Publishing Co., Oct 30, 1924. p. 1331 + +The Stars and Stripes for Me. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: + _Education_. Vol. 43 No. 3. Boston: The Palmer Co., Nov 1922. + p. 147. Note: Commas preceding em dashes were removed. + +Starting Things. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Personal + Efficiency_. Vol. 17 No. 8. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, + Aug 1927. p. 175. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized + for e-readers. + +The Station. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _New York Central Lines + Magazine_. Vol. 2 No. 12. New York: New York Central Railroad Co., + Mar 1922. p. 46. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized + for e-readers. + +Success. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Personal Efficiency_. + Vol. 17 No. 2. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Feb 1927. + p. 47. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized + for e-readers. + +Success and Failure. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Personal + Efficiency_. Vol. 18 No. 8. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, + Aug 1928. p. 176 + +The Sunbeam and the Shadow. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Motion + Picture Magazine_. Vol. 22 No. 9. Jamaica, NY: Brewster + Publications, Inc., Oct 1921. p. 107 + +Sunsets For Sale. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The American + Herdsman_. Vol. 5 No. 11. Peoria, IL: American Livestock Publishers, + Inc., Nov 1930. p. 23 + +Sunshine and Shade. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Sabbath + Recorder_. Vol. 104 No. 7. Plainfield, NJ: American Sabbath Tract + Society, Feb 13, 1928. p. 206. Note: Comma removed after “long.” + +The Teacher v1921. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Sunday + School Journal_. Vol. 53 No. 11. Cincinnati: The Methodist Book + Concern, Nov 1921. p. 651. Note: Dropped initial in first verse + normalized for e-readers. + +The Teacher v1922. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Sunday + School Journal_. Vol. 54 No. 8. Cincinnati: The Methodist Book + Concern, Aug 1922. Cover page + +The Teacher v1923. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Sunday + School Journal_. Vol. 55 No. 9. Cincinnati: The Methodist Book + Concern, Sep 1923. Cover page. Note: Dropped initial in first verse + normalized for e-readers. + +The Teacher’s Reward. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Juvenile + Instructor_. Vol. 60 No. 4. Salt Lake City: Deseret Sunday School + Union, Apr 1925. p. 188 + +Team-work. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Personal Efficiency_. + Vol. 16 No. 9. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Sep 1926. + p. 567. Note: Art piece signature of “McV” stands for + G. R. McVicker. + +The Temple. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Congregationalist_. + Vol. 107 No. 35. Boston: Congregational Publishing Society, Aug 31, + 1922. p. 269 + +Thankfulness. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Ave Maria_. + Vol. 29 No. 25. Notre Dame, IN: Jun 22, 1929. p. 779. Note: + Illustrated dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. + +Thanksgiving v1927. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Twentieth + Century Progress_. Vol. 27 No. 6. Washington, D.C.: International + Reform Federation, Inc., Nov 1927. p. 16 + +Thanksgiving v1930. Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Pilot_. Vol. 11 + No. 2. Minneapolis: Northwestern Bible and Missionary Training + School, Nov 1930. Cover page + +Their First Meal. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Own Your Own + Home_. Vol. 2 No. 4. Jamaica, NY: The Constructive Publishing Corp., + Aug 1926. p. 7 + +The Things That I Believe. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: + _America_. Vol. 32 No. 11. New York: The America Press, Dec 27, + 1924. p. 258 + +Today and Tomorrow. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _American + Cookery_. Vol. 29 No. 1. Boston: The Boston Cooking School Magazine + Co., Jun-Jul 1924. p. 21. Note: Stanzas’ original layout of + side-by-side is presented in this compilation as follows: left + stanza as first stanza, right as second. + +Transforming Love. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _American + Messenger_. Vol. 81 No. 2. New York: The American Tract Society, + Feb 1923. p. 23 + +The Tree. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Personal Efficiency_. + Vol. 14 No. 6. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Jun 1924. + p. 424 + +A Trouble Making World. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The + American Friend_. Vol. 27 (old series), Vol. 8 (new series) No. 17. + Richmond, IN: The Friends Publication Board, Fourth Month (Apr) 22, + 1920. p. 385 + +The Trouble with the Movies. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: + _Amateur Movie Makers_. Vol. 3 No. 5. New York: Amateur Cinema + League, Inc., May 1928. p. 355. Note: Stanzas’ original layout of + side-by-side is presented in this compilation as follows: left + stanza as first stanza, right as second. + +True Values. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Sunday School + Journal_. Vol. 48 No. 5. Cincinnati: The Methodist Book Concern, + May 1916. p. 337 + +Two Princes. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Northwestern Christian + Advocate_. Vol. 63 No. 34. Chicago: Methodist Book Concern, Aug 18, + 1915. p. 800 + +Two Teachers. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Georgia Education + Journal_. Vol. 23 No. 2. Mason: Georgia Education Association, + Oct 1930. p. 26 + +Two Youths. Byline: Clarence Flynn. Source: _The Sabbath Recorder_. + Vol. 109 No. 18. Plainfield, NJ: American Sabbath Tract Society, + Nov 3, 1930. p. 575. Notes: 1) Source did not provide a poem title. + A later publication provided a poem title (used here), author’s + middle initial “E,” and cited _Young People_, which has not been + found (_The Parish Broadcaster_. Vol. 5 No. 7. Philadelphia: Church + of St. John the Evangelist, Jul 1931. p. 5), 2) Comma replaced with + period after “rose.” + +The Umbrella Mender. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Christian + Register_. Vol. 105 No. 52. Boston: The Christian Register Inc., + Dec 30, 1926. p. 1186 + +The Unknown Soldier. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Daughters of + the American Revolution Magazine_. Vol. 58 No. 3. Albany, NY: The + National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, + Mar 1924. p. 148 + +Via Dolorosa. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _America_. Vol. 32 + No. 24. New York: The America Press, Mar 28, 1925. p. 570 + +The Voices of God. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Sunday + School Journal_. Vol. 47 No. 6. Cincinnati: Methodist Book Concern, + Jun 1915. p. 420. Note: E-readers might not correctly present + “thousand” in first verse with small caps, which is used + for emphasis. + +Voices of the Dawn. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _American + Cookery_. Vol. 27 No. 2. Boston: The Boston Cooking School Magazine + Co., Aug-Sep 1922. No page number + +The Watchdog of the Sea. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Our Navy_. + Vol. 16 No. 17. Washington D. C.: Men o’ Warsmen Inc., Dec 15, 1922. + p. 2 + +Walking with God. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Herald of + Gospel Liberty_. Vol. 120 No. 35. Dayton, OH: The Christian + Publishing Association, Aug 30, 1928. p. 807. Note: Dropped initial + in first verse normalized for e-readers. + +Wander Lust. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Farm Life_. Vol. 47 + No. 5. Spencer, IN: Farm Life Publishing Co., May 1928. p. 34 + +The Wealth of Cheer. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Indianapolis, Ind. + Source: _Southwestern Christian Advocate_. Vol. 44 No. 27. + New Orleans: The Methodist Book Concern, Jul 8, 1915. p. 5 + +What Does It Matter? Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Bloomington, Ind. + Source: _Christian Advocate_. Vol. 85 No. 44. Nashville: Lamar & + Barton, Oct 31, 1924. p. 1387 + +What Do You Know? Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Psychology_. + Vol. 15 No. 3. Jamaica, NY: Psychology Publishing Co., Inc., Sep + 1930. p. 14. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for + e-readers. + +“Whatever he may wish or plan”. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The + Progressive Farmer_. Vol. 44 No. 8. Birmingham: The Progressive + Farmer Co., Feb 23, 1929. p. 19. Note: The poem appears in four + parts interspersed in a third-party sermon. Transcriber is + uncertain if they constitute the entire poem. + +When the Curtain Falls. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Motion + Picture Magazine_. Vol. 16 No. 9. Bayshore, NY: The M.P. Publishing + Co., Oct 1918. p. 123 + +Where Is Heaven? Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _The Beacon_. + Vol. 13 No. 7. Boston: The Beacon Press, Inc., Nov 12, 1922. p. 26. + Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. + +Why We Are Here. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Princeton, Ind. Source: + _The Epworth Era_. Vol. 31 No. 3. Nashville: Lamar & Barton, + Nov 1924. p. 118. Notes: 1) Stanzas’ original layout of side-by-side + is presented in this compilation as follows: left stanza as first + stanza, right as second, 2) E-readers might not correctly present + the “ur” of “Our” in first verse with small caps, which is used + for emphasis. + +The Window of Dreams. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Motion + Picture Magazine_. Vol. 26 No. 5. Jamaica, NY: Brewster + Publications, Inc., Dec 1923. p. 126 + +The World’s Drama. Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: _Motion Picture + Magazine_. Vol. 15 No. 5. Bayshore, NY: The M.P. Publishing Co., + Jun 1918. p. 99. Notes: 1) Stanzas’ original layout of + 1-over-2-over-2 is presented in this compilation as follows: top + stanza as first stanza, middle-left as second, bottom-left as + third, middle-right as fourth and bottom-right as fifth, + 2) Illustrated dropped initial in first verse normalized for + e-readers. + + + + +APPENDIX 2: INDEX + + +Categories are not mutually exclusive. Some poems are followed by +bracketed text indicating humor and/or other descriptions. + + accountability + ancestors + attitude + behavior + character + community + consolation + duty + electricity + entertainment + evolution + faith + fashion + fellowship + fortitude + God + grace + gratitude + heart + heaven + home + hope + legacy + life + love + military + mortality + nature + parenting + patriotism + people + prayer + sorrow + special occasions + success + talent + teaching + thought + time + values + war + +accountability + Charge Account [fate] + The Section Foreman [train] + +ancestors + The Flag at Sea [patriotism; immigration; ship] + Old-Fashioned Pictures + +attitude + A Perfect Day + Sing a Little Song + The Wealth of Cheer + +behavior + The Fabulous City [speculation] + Film Judgment [humor; theater] + Knocking [humor; car] + The Modern Pupil [humor; insubordination] + A Psalm of the Movies [humor; theater] + The Umbrella Mender [procrastination] + +character + Almost + The Bantams [humor; fauna; confidence] + The Chameleon [fauna; integrity] + The Close-Up [duplicity] + The End of the Trail [service] + The Handicap [adversity] + His Epitaph [compassion] + In Conference [humor; haughtiness] + Iron [potential] + I Want [greed] + Jim [honor] + Prayer for Normal Men + The Tree [corruption, flora] + A Trouble Making World [self] + Two Princes [self; sacrifice] + +community + Along the Road [service] + Magi and Shepherd [equality] + The Radio Neighborhood [connection] + Team-work [farm, teamwork] + +consolation + It Might Be Worse + My Little Fire + +duty + Doing It Well + The Engineer [train] + The Lucky Man + +electricity + The City’s Nerves + Cupid’s Lament [humor] + Electricity [lightning; anthropomorphic] + An Electric Personality [humor; pun] + Enslaved Lightning [humor] + The Harness [humor] + The High Tension Line [anthropomorphic; miracle] + Jove’s Plaint [humor; anthropomorphic] + The Serving Giant + +entertainment + After-Images [theater] + The Magic of the Screen [theater] + Picture Books [theater] + The Picture’s Lament [humor; theater; anthropomorphic] + The Shadow World [theater] + The Trouble with the Movies [humor; theater] + The Window of Dreams [theater] + +evolution + The Electric Spark [creation] + Evolution [humor; technology] + The Firefly [fauna] + Picture Writing [theater] + +faith + Credo + Faith v1928 + The Gateway of the Kingdom + The Happy Ending + The Man Who Knows + Sight and Faith + The Things That I Believe + +fashion + The Question v1926 [humor] + +fellowship + Brotherhood [equality] + Fade-Outs [memory] + The Gifts of the Church + Heart Gates + The Mixture [diversity] + +fortitude + Climaxes v1923 + The Cross v1927 + Have You Tried? + The Rooster [humor; fauna] + The Second Wind [car] + Walking with God + +God + The Creator [omnipresence] + Flowers Are Thoughts of God [flora] + The God of the Beginning [Providence] + God’s Garden + Imminence + The Voices of God + What Does It Matter? [Providence] + +grace + The Divine Image + Freedom v1928 + The Open Soul + +gratitude + Childhood on the Farm + Compensation + The Cry of a Human + The Gift of the Farm + God of To-Day + A Grace for Meals + A Prayer + Thankfulness [flora] + Thanksgiving v1927 + Thanksgiving v1930 + +heart + The Age of a Heart + Finding God [nature] + The King [Jesus Christ] + No Room in the Inn + Our Hearts Forget + Sunsets for Sale [humor] + +heaven + The Land of Heart’s Desire + The Making of Heaven + My Father’s House + Where Is Heaven? + +home + Coming and Going [train] + Home v1921 + Home v1925 + The Making of Home + The Temple [reverence] + Their First Meal + Wander Lust + +hope + Climaxes v1921 [theater] + A Day at a Time + The Easter Message [resurrection] + An Easter Vision [resurrection] + Hope + The New Year + The Open Tomb [resurrection] + The Outcome [theater] + Roads v1925 + The Unknown Soldier [war] + Via Dolorosa + +legacy + Domsie + Life + Monuments [angel] + The Pioneer v1928 + +life + The Great Adventure + The Lens [theater] + Light and Shadow [theater] + Patchwork + Pictures + The Railroad [train] + Shadows v1921 [theater] + Shadows on the Wall [theater] + The Station [train] + The Sunbeam and the Shadow [theater] + Sunshine and Shade + Today and Tomorrow + Why We Are Here + +love + Palm Sunday v1925 + Transforming Love + +military + The Marine + The Recruit [humor; navy] + The Watchdog of the Sea [navy; ship] + +mortality + When the Curtain Falls [theater] + The World’s Drama [theater] + +nature + Blossoms [flora] + The Earth’s Plaint [anthropomorphic; technology] + God and Spring + God’s Manners + Miracle + Song of the Dove [fauna] + Sunsets for Sale [humor] + Voices of the Dawn + +parenting + The Children v1921 + The Children v1925 + The Heart of a Child + The Heart of a Child Is a Scroll + His Great Hour + A Parents’ Prayer v1922 + The Problem + +patriotism + The Flag at Sea [ancestors; immigration; ship] + My Riches + The Stars and Stripes for Me + +people + Gutenberg, Johannes + Starting Things [humor] + Jesus Christ + The Easter Message [hope] + An Easter Vision [hope] + If Christ Is Not Divine + The King [heart] + Magi and Shepherd [community] + No Room in the Inn [heart] + The Open Tomb [hope] + The Outcome [hope] + Palm Sunday v1925 [love] + Two Princes [character] + Via Dolorosa + Moses + “I am not eloquent” [talent] + Thales of Miletus + How It Started [thought] + +prayer + Child’s Prayer [nighttime] + Credo [faith] + God of To-Day [gratitude] + A Grace for Meals [gratitude] + Hagar’s Song [trust] + Morning Prayer [petition] + A Parents’ Prayer v1922 [parenting; nighttime] + A Prayer [gratitude] + Prayer for Normal Men [character] + A Prayer for Thanksgiving [mercy] + The Problem [parenting] + Sanctuary + +sorrow + The Dream + “I held a sea shell to my ears” + The Red Bird + Sorrow + +special occasions + birth of a child + The Children v1925 [parenting] + The Future [time] + The Heart of a Child [parenting] + The Heart of a Child Is a Scroll [parenting] + Christmas + No Room in the Inn [heart] + Earth Day + The Earth’s Plaint [nature] + The Firefly [evolution] + God and Spring [nature] + God’s Manners [nature] + Miracle [nature] + Song of the Dove [nature] + Voices of the Dawn [nature] + Easter (see Hope) + Flag Day (see Patriotism) + funeral + The Making of Heaven [heaven] + Monuments [legacy] + Roads v1925 [hope] + Sorrow + When the Curtain Falls [mortality] + Independence Day (see Patriotism) + Labor Day (see Duty) + Martin Luther King Day + Team-work [teamwork] + Memorial Day + The Grey Host [war] + Memorial Day v1929 + The Unknown Soldier [hope] + National Inventors’ Day (Feb 11) + Inventive Genius [thought] + Starting Things [thought] + National Static Electricity Day (Jan 9) + How It Started [thought] + Naturalization + The Flag at Sea [ancestors; patriotism] + The Mixture [fellowship] + New Year’s Day + The New Year [hope] + Thanksgiving (see Gratitude) + Valentine’s Day + Cupid’s Lament [electricity] + Veterans Day (see also Military) + Jim [character] + The New Day [war] + +success + The Day’s Success [positive impact] + The Secret [initiative and perseverance] + Success [joy and love] + Success and Failure [happiness] + +talent + “I am not eloquent” + The Rulers of the Earth [women; farm] + +teaching + The Builder v1924 + The Builders + The Pupil + The Teacher v1921 + The Teacher v1922 + The Teacher v1923 + The Teacher’s Reward + Two Teachers + +thought + How It Started [discovery] + Inventive Genius [humor] + The Magic Gateway [books] + Minds + Si Gidders [humor] + The Silent Drama [theater] + Starting Things [humor] + What Do You Know? [humor] + +time + The Clock [humor] + A Day at a Time [hope] + The Future [children] + The Road to Tomorrow + +values + A Call for Substitutes + A Creed + Let Us Be Right + The Measure of Life + Requisition + True Values + Two Youths + “Whatever he may wish or plan” + +war + Battle Hymn + The Grey Host [peace] + The New Day [peace] + A Price Unpaid + + + + +APPENDIX 3: UPDATES & REVISIONS WITH 2ND EDITION + + +Eighteen poems were added to the second edition: + + A Call for Substitutes (1922) + It Might Be Worse (1923) + Blossoms (1925) + The Easter Message (1925) + Thanksgiving v1927 + The Pioneer v1928 + The Recruit (1928) + Sunshine and Shade (1928) + The Red Bird (1929) + The Road to Tomorrow (1929) + God and Spring (1930) + The Handicap (1930) + The Mixture (1930) + Sunsets for Sale (1930) + Thanksgiving v1930 + Two Teachers (1930) + Two Youths (1930) + What Do You Know? (1930) + +Here are the other changes. The named edition has been moved from the +front cover to the interior front matter and to a new list of editions. +The index incorporates three changes. First, the categories have been +collected at the beginning of the index and linked to their respective +locations within the index. Second, Naturalization is a new subcategory +under special occasions. Third, some bracketed descriptors have been +added and others revised. The appendix of inaccessible poems now +includes the poems. + + + + +APPENDIX 4: INACCESSIBLE POEMS + + +This collection of poetry is incomplete for a couple of reasons. First, +there may be poems unknown to the transcriber. Second, some publications +for known poems within the date range of this edition are inaccessible. +Here are the inaccessible poems published in 1930 or earlier: + +“The Age of the Heart.” _Personal Efficiency_. Vol. 15 No. 1. Chicago: + LaSalle Extension University, Jan 1925. p. 37. This poem’s last line + is cutoff. HathiTrust’s scans are stamped with “University of + Michigan” (UM). A UM librarian confirmed for me that the bottom of + their physical copy is cutoff. + +“Maker of the Country.” This poem allegedly appeared in promotional + literature for Mattituck and Eastern Long Island realty circa + 1920. + +“Nothing Like the West.” _Western Story Magazine_. Vol. 48 No. 2. + Street & Smith Corp., Dec 6, 1924. p. 42 + +“An Outdoor Prayer.” _Western Story Magazine_. Vol. 76 No. 4. + Street & Smith Corp., Mar 10, 1928. p. 94 + +“When Bill Went West.” _Far West Illustrated_. Vol. 4 No. 6. + Street & Smith Corp., Jul 1927. p. 129 + +“The Yes Man.” _Columbia_. Vol. 9 No. 2. 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Poems appear as printed in source unless changes are given in the notes; however, to avoid much repetition in the notes, here it’s stated that all poem titles have been standardized for consistent appearance. Investigation of spelling involved Google’s Ngram Viewer. Where Mr. Flynn reused a title, the version is indicated by the year in the title (e.g. title v1921). Alternative text was created for illustrations. Poem titles are linked to Appendix 1, which was created for this book and is ordered alphabetically by poem title. Appendix 2 also was created for this book. Additional new material, and the compilation, are granted to the public domain.</p> +<!-- END transcriber's note --> +<hr class="chap"> +<h1>COLLECTED POEMS <br> OF <br> CLARENCE EDWIN FLYNN</h1> +<p class="subtitle">Second Edition, 1930 and Earlier</p> +<hr class="chap"> +<p class="subtitle">First Edition, 1929 and Earlier</p> +<p class="subtitle">Second Edition, 1930 and Earlier</p> +<hr class="chap"> +<!-- Internal links from TOC to chapters' titles --> + <p><a href="#ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS"> ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS </a></p> + <p><a href="#PREFACE"> PREFACE </a></p> + <p><a href="#POEMS"> POEMS </a></p> + <p><a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHY"> APPENDIX 1: BYLINES, BIBLIOGRAPHY, NOTES </a></p> + <p><a href="#INDEX"> APPENDIX 2: INDEX </a></p> + <p><a href="#UPDATES"> APPENDIX 3: UPDATES & REVISIONS WITH THE 2ND EDITION </a></p> + <p><a href="#INACCESSIBLE"> APPENDIX 4: INACCESSIBLE POEMS </a></p> +<hr class="chap"> +<!-- START acknowledgements --> +<div class="chapter"> +<h2 class="no-break" id="ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS">ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS</h2> +</div> +<p>I would like to thank several librarians. Geoffrey Ross (History, Philosophy, and Newspaper Library at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) scanned the necessary documents allowing “The Measure of Life” to appear in the first edition. Terese DeSimio (Greene County [OH] Public Library) saved resources in the intercity transfer of an extract about Clarence Edward Flynn. Lauren Day (University of Michigan Library) verified the bottom of their physical publication containing “The Age of a Heart” had been cut off, making the last line of the poem unrecoverable.</p> +<!-- END acknowledgements --> +<hr class="chap"> +<!-- START preface --> +<div class="chapter"> +<h2 class="no-break" id="PREFACE">PREFACE</h2> +</div> +<p>Clarence Edwin Flynn (1886–1970) was an American Methodist Episcopal clergyman, writer, hymnist and lecturer. He’s described as a “writer of stories, articles and verse appearing in periodicals and anthologies” and is “represented in anthologies of verse. General character writing, religious, educational.” <a href="#foot1_REF" id="foot1_NUM"> [1]</a> <a href="#foot2_REF" id="foot2_NUM"> [2]</a> His poetry alone appeared in more than 300 different domestic and international publications. A book of Flynn’s other writings, <cite>Collected Writings of Clarence Edwin Flynn</cite>, is available on the website Project Gutenberg. His biography is available on the website Prabook.</p> +<p>Mr. Flynn’s bylines have varied over his career. Specifically, the variation in middle name/initial in the first edition amounted to E (186), Edwin (4), none (3), and F (1). To put those numbers in a wider context, the variation associated with poetry published in 1930 and later shows the following preliminary results: Edwin (415), E (98), Edward (15), none (3), and conflicts within the same publication (2). “Edward” appears in bylines between 1931–1954. There was an educator named Clarence Edward Flynn (1890–1956), but one description of his authorship published a year before his death is very specific and does not mention verse: “A County Plan of Work for Elementary Schools; A Workbook for Elementary and High Schools.”<a href="#foot3_REF" id="foot3_NUM">[3]</a> It may be that bylines with “Edward” are due to error and name interchangeability. This brief analysis is limited by A) the absence of Clarence Edwin Flynn’s personal papers (their status is unknown to me) and B) only rare inclusions of his blurb in publications to which he contributed.</p> +<!-- preface's footnotes --> + <p id="foot1_REF">[1] <cite>Who’s Who in America: A Biographical Dictionary of Notable Living Men and Women</cite>. Vol. 24, 1946–1947, Two Years. Chicago: The A. N. Marquis Co., 1946. p. 780 <a href="#foot1_NUM">Back to text</a></p> + <p id="foot2_REF">[2] Lawrence, Alberta, ed. <cite>Who’s Who Among North American Authors</cite>. Vol. 5, 1931–1932. Los Angeles: Golden Syndicate Publishing Co., 1931. p. 1089 <a href="#foot2_NUM">Back to text</a></p> + <p id="foot3_REF">[3] <cite>Who’s Who in the East</cite>. Vol. 5. Chicago: The A. N. Marquis Co., 1955. p. 268 <a href="#foot3_NUM">Back to text</a></p> +<!-- END preface --> +<hr class="chap"> +<!-- START poems --> +<div class="chapter"> +<h2 class="no-break" id="POEMS">POEMS</h2> +</div> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Si_Gidders_BIB" id="Si_Gidders_POEM">Si Gidders</a> (1902)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">There’s an old man named Si Gidders lives on Uncle Henry’s place,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Jest a common farmer feller, that is all;</div> + <div class="verse">Tall, an’ lean, an’ lank in figger, with an awful homely face,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">But as much as you could estimate of gall.</div> + <div class="verse">Gidders has one wretched failin’, that of wonderin’ at things,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">An’ it takes most all his time to humor that,</div> + <div class="verse">For it’s wonder, wonder, wonder till yer ear jest fairly rings,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With the how, an’ who, an’ which, an’ where, an’ what.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">He will wonder why the sun don’t shine by night as well as day,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">An’ why all the leaves ain’t red instid o’ green;</div> + <div class="verse">Why them brindled kind o’ chickens air the ones that allers lay,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">An’ why Johnny Smith ain’t fat instid o’ lean.</div> + <div class="verse">He will wonder why the sky is blue an’ why it isn’t brown,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">An’ why twelve o’clock don’t come at early morn;</div> + <div class="verse">He will wonder why things don’t fall up instid o’ fallin’ down,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">An’ why Seckel pears don’t grow on stalks of corn.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">He will wonder why Jim Perry’s hair ain’t black instid o’ red,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">An’ why summer don’t start in at Christmas time;</div> + <div class="verse">Why it is that folks can’t never go to heaven till they’re dead,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">An’ why three times three ain’t ten instid o’ nine;</div> + <div class="verse">Why don’t daisies bloom in winter, an’ why don’t we have no snow</div> + <div class="verse indent1">When the temperature’s a hundred in the shade;</div> + <div class="verse">Why don’t tomcats never whistle, en why does a rooster crow</div> + <div class="verse indent1">When his mate has just informed him that she’s laid.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">So Si Gidders’ tongue is runnin’ an’ each new thing he may see</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Allers sets a wonder workin’ in his head,</div> + <div class="verse">He will wonder what it is an’ how it ever came to be,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">An’ why it ain’t painted black instid o’ red.</div> + <div class="verse">An’ I ’spect that when he dies an’ comes to heaven’s pearly gates</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That he won’t find time to step inside at all,</div> + <div class="verse">For he’ll want to stop an’ wonder why they hain’t all made of tin,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">An’ nailed up with old shoeleather to the wall.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Hagar's_Song_BIB" id="Hagar's_Song_POEM">Hagar’s Song</a> (1906)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Thou God of mercy, Thou who art</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To Abraham a sword and shield,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Must I myself, an infant, yield</div> + <div class="verse">Unto the desert’s burning heart?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Have I been so undutiful</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That this death be my recompense,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That Ishmael in his innocence</div> + <div class="verse">Should die so young and beautiful?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Is he so worthless in Thy sight,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Is all that he might do and be</div> + <div class="verse indent1">So insignificant to Thee</div> + <div class="verse">Who lovest justice, truth, and right?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">But though I crave Thy tenderness,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">No longer will I plead with Thee</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Whate’er Thy will so let it be.</div> + <div class="verse">For even death can bring but rest.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">So not unto the burning sands</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Do I commend my dearest joy,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">My innocent, my precious boy,</div> + <div class="verse">But into Thy most gracious hands.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">But I am like a wreck at sea;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">My throat is parched, my heart is sore;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">I sigh for rest, not that of yore.</div> + <div class="verse">Do to me, Lord, as pleaseth Thee.</div> + </div> <!-- close class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- close class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- close class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Cry_of_a_Human_BIB" id="The_Cry_of_a_Human_POEM">The Cry of a Human</a> (1906)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">When the cares of life are heavy and the world looks dark to me,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">When board is high and funds are running low,</div> + <div class="verse">I can look back at the faces that I used to love to see—</div> + <div class="verse">The faces of the balmy long ago.</div> + <div class="verse">I can wander back along the brooks I loved when but a boy,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">When I didn’t have to mend my shirts and sew</div> + <div class="verse">The buttons on I busted off, ah! those were days of Joy,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">When I lived, a careless laddie, in the happy long ago.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Somehow, when my dinner’s heavy, then my heart gets heavy, too.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And I long to see the cooky jar again.</div> + <div class="verse">It isn’t any wonder that the world looks black and blue,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">When you owe at least a half dozen men.</div> + <div class="verse">I am longing for the good old days when I could live care free,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And when I was hungry I could just tiptoe</div> + <div class="verse">Into the dark old pantry, and eat all that I could see,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And only get my britches fanned in the happy long ago.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Give me back the nice hot biscuit, give me back the fresh clean clothes,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Give me back the swimmin’ hole and all its joys,</div> + <div class="verse">Give me back the tenderness that a mother only knows</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Makes the very life and soul of sturdy boys.</div> + <div class="verse">Give me back the apple-butter, and I’ll stir it till I die.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Give me back the places that I used to know.</div> + <div class="verse">Give me back the fresh fried sausage and the yellow pumpkin pie</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That I used to do the chores for in the happy long ago.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The joy of being grown up has lost all its charm for me,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Since my clothes are growing threadbare down the seams,</div> + <div class="verse">And my Sunday hat needs darning, and my necktie seems to be</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Drawing near the murmur of Elysian streams.</div> + <div class="verse">I am longing for the good old days, when life was new to me,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And the parties where I used to love to go,</div> + <div class="verse">The old-time apple cuttin’ and the jolly huskin’ bee,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Where I used to swing the lassies in the happy long ago.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Child's_Prayer_BIB" id="Child's_Prayer_POEM">Child’s Prayer</a> (1907)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Now I lay me down to sleep</div> + <div class="verse indent1">’Mid the twilight’s gentle gloom,</div> + <div class="verse">Soothing me to slumbers deep</div> + <div class="verse indent1">In my angel-guarded room,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">While the stars look tenderly</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Down upon the world and me.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I pray the Lord my soul to keep</div> + <div class="verse indent1">While the shadows hover near.</div> + <div class="verse">O, may angel pinions sweep</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Where an evil would appear,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Angel footsteps softly press</div> + <div class="verse indent2">’Round my bed in watchfulness.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">If I should die before I wake,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And lightly leave my snowy bed,</div> + <div class="verse">And wander out, my way to take</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Unto the side of Him who said</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Beside the lake of Galilee:</div> + <div class="verse indent2">“Forbid them not to come to me.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I pray the Lord my soul to take</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To walk with him ‘neath clearer skies</div> + <div class="verse">Where only joyful souls awake,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Where grander, sweeter songs arise,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Through all the years to come, the same</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I humbly pray in Jesus’ name.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#My_Father's_House_BIB" id="My_Father's_House_POEM">My Father’s House</a> (1908)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Some times I see in quiet, thoughtful hours</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Adown the winding journey of the years,</div> + <div class="verse">Beyond a valley full of faded flowers</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Whose petals still are wet with human tears,</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">An open door that looms beside the way,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And many weary pilgrims entering where</div> + <div class="verse">A glad face waits to welcome them alway,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And then I know my Father’s house is there.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I care not whether it be built of gold,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With pearly gates and shining sapphire walls,</div> + <div class="verse">Or whether it be humble, low, and old,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With footworn thresholds and with homely halls.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I only ask that when my feet have pressed</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The journey through, and I have come alone</div> + <div class="verse">Unto my Father’s house, that I may rest</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Among the loved and lost, and feel at home.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Hope_BIB" id="Hope_POEM">Hope</a> (1909)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">When every flower has shed its bloom</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Afar upon life’s changing ground,</div> + <div class="verse">And in the chilling autumn gloom</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Their leaves are drifted all around.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">One blossom still will lift its eyes</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Unto the changeless summer skies.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">When life’s poor lyre has ceased to play,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">When faith and love no longer sing,</div> + <div class="verse">Still through the shades of closing day</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Will tremble one unbroken string</div> + <div class="verse indent2">To make life’s music still ascend</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In harmony unto the end.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Oh, flower of hope with deathless hue,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Oh, song of hope, unsilenced still,</div> + <div class="verse">Beyond the vast, eternal blue</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Ye shine and echo on until</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The journey’s ended and the way</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Leads into God’s eternal day.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_King_BIB" id="The_King_POEM">The King</a> (1909)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent_2_5em">When the King came</div> + <div class="verse">He was so like His own, they knew Him not;</div> + <div class="verse">And cast in ways of poverty His lot.</div> + <div class="verse">There was no blazoned heraldry of fame</div> + <div class="verse indent_2_5em">When the King came.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent_2_5em">When the King died</div> + <div class="verse">Not many wept. The memory of His years</div> + <div class="verse">Did not bring many blossoms dewed with tears</div> + <div class="verse">Unto the new tomb in the mountainside,</div> + <div class="verse indent_2_5em">When the King died.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent_2_5em">When the King rose</div> + <div class="verse">’Twas not to go to some far distant land,</div> + <div class="verse">Nor yet to dwell within a palace grand,</div> + <div class="verse">’Twas to the palace of the hearts of men</div> + <div class="verse indent_2_5em">He rose again.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Battle_Hymn_BIB" id="Battle_Hymn_POEM">Battle Hymn</a> (1914)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The world has seen from age to age</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Two marshaled hosts upon the plain</div> + <div class="verse">Each other in a war engage,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And strew the years with heroes slain;</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And though they seem at times to fail,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The hosts of God shall still prevail.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Between the hosts of right and wrong</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The conflict long has raged afield.</div> + <div class="verse">It still must rage, however long,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Till one shall see the other yield.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">But, though a countless horde assail,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The hosts of God shall still prevail.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The days of blood are in the past,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And gone the conflict of the sword.</div> + <div class="verse">Unseen the lines of war are cast</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Against the armies of the Lord.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">But, though their words be fiery hail,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The hosts of God shall still prevail.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">By night and day the conflict goes,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Unheard, unseen, but great and real;</div> + <div class="verse">And back and forth God’s friends and foes</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Contend for this world’s woe or weal.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Fear not their weapons nor their mail,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">For we shall see God’s hosts prevail.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Hearts, lose not courage. Brains, take fire,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And grow not listless in the fight.</div> + <div class="verse">The arms of God shall never tire,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And nothing can withstand His might.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">What though at times our banners trail</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In dust, our God shall still prevail.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The world shall know the ways of God.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The nations all shall walk in peace.</div> + <div class="verse">Wherever human foot has trod,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The sway of selfishness shall cease.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">No more shall horse and rider pale</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Go forth, when God’s hosts shall prevail.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Beneath serene and peaceful skies,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And from an earth without a stain,</div> + <div class="verse">Redemption’s anthem shall arise</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Throughout the years, for God shall reign.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">His cause shall not forever fail,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">For, soon or late, He shall prevail.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Song_of_the_Dove_BIB" id="Song_of_the_Dove_POEM">Song of the Dove</a> (1914)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_200pct"><strong>O</strong></span>DOVE, whom do you woo</div> + <div class="verse">With your soft and gentle coo</div> + <div class="verse">In the freshness of the morning ’mid the sunlight and the dew?</div> + <div class="verse">When the first Spring flow’rs are fair</div> + <div class="verse">And your voice floats everywhere</div> + <div class="verse">On the bosom of the palpitating air?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">O dove, how glad the note</div> + <div class="verse">That echoes from your throat</div> + <div class="verse">When the lazy clouds like castles of the sunny islands float</div> + <div class="verse">In the azure Summer sky,</div> + <div class="verse">Ah, let your joy run high,</div> + <div class="verse">For the dreary Winter’s coming by and by.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">O dove, how sad the tone</div> + <div class="verse">As you sit and grieve alone</div> + <div class="verse">In the gathering of the twilight, in your sad, sweet monotone,</div> + <div class="verse">With the Autumn hillsides gray</div> + <div class="verse">Stretching far—so far away,</div> + <div class="verse">But the joys of Spring and Summer gone for aye.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Gateway_of_the_Kingdom_BIB" id="The_Gateway_of_the_Kingdom_POEM">The Gateway of the Kingdom</a> (1915)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse width-12em"><span class="drop-initial_300pct">T</span>HE gateway of the Kingdom </div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-1_5em">It bendeth very low,</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_5em">Within the reach of every place</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Where common people go.</div> + <div class="verse">’Tis grand, but grandly simple.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">’Tis great, yet very small,</div> + <div class="verse">Though wide enough that ever</div> + <div class="verse indent1">There’s passage-way for all.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The gateway of the Kingdom</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Is not of common gold.</div> + <div class="verse">Its pearl is far more precious</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Than earthly realm can hold.</div> + <div class="verse">It has no rusty hinges.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">No marble steps are piled.</div> + <div class="verse">The gateway of the Kingdom</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Is the spirit of a child.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Magi_and_Shepherd_BIB" id="Magi_and_Shepherd_POEM">Magi and Shepherd</a> (1915)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">There’s a Babe within the manger. Humble men are on the hills.</div> + <div class="verse">Where the sheep are safely folded, there the silver moonlight spills.</div> + <div class="verse">There’s a rift across the heavens. There’s a light along the sky.</div> + <div class="verse">There’s a glory in the valley. There’s an angel song on high.</div> + <div class="verse">There’s a Babe within the manger. On the hills are humble men.</div> + <div class="verse">“Peace on earth,” rings forth the chorus, and their hearts respond, “Amen!”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">There’s a Babe within the manger. There’s a star that shines above.</div> + <div class="verse">’Tis a star of age-long promise. ’Tis the morning star of love.</div> + <div class="verse">There are wise men. They are kneeling. They have brought their tribute there—</div> + <div class="verse">Gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Behold the majesty they wear.</div> + <div class="verse">There are wise men. They are kneeling. Wisdom comes upon its knees.</div> + <div class="verse">In its simple recognition of the birth and reign of peace.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Humble men are on the hillsides, men of wisdom in the stall</div> + <div class="verse">Where the new-born King of Glory deigns to find His earthly all.</div> + <div class="verse">High and low have met together. There before a common shrine</div> + <div class="verse">Rich and poor, unlearned and lettered, each has found the King Divine.</div> + <div class="verse">Christ is Lord of humble peasant. He is Lord of royal son.</div> + <div class="verse">At His feet all men are equal. In His way all men are one.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3> <a href="#The_Open_Tomb_BIB" id="The_Open_Tomb_POEM">The Open Tomb</a> (1915)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent_1_1em">A thousand gates</div> + <div class="verse">Lead to the grave; and through the weary years</div> + <div class="verse">The race of men, through bitter, blinding tears,</div> + <div class="verse">Have seen the forms they loved most enter there</div> + <div class="verse indent_1_1em">Where ever waits</div> + <div class="verse">An open road on which all feet must fare.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent_1_1em">One only gate</div> + <div class="verse">Leads from the grave; one portal outward swings.</div> + <div class="verse">’Tis one alike for peasants and for kings.</div> + <div class="verse">Beside it lies a stone that’s rolled away;</div> + <div class="verse indent_1_1em">And, soon or late,</div> + <div class="verse">God’s people shall fare forth into the day.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent_1_1em">O, Mighty One,</div> + <div class="verse">We praise thee that when we have finished all</div> + <div class="verse">The day’s full hours will hold, and night shall fall</div> + <div class="verse">That we may see, although we die upon</div> + <div class="verse indent_1_1em">A bed of stone,</div> + <div class="verse">One door that opens outward on the dawn.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#A_Price_Unpaid_BIB" id="A_Price_Unpaid_POEM">A Price Unpaid</a> (1915)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Upon one battlefield is writ in blood</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The story of more woe than all the years</div> + <div class="verse">Can wash away, e’en with the cleansing flood</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of centuries of peace. Blind, sickening tears</div> + <div class="verse">Are caused to flow that never mailed hand</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Will seek to dry. There glassy grows the eye</div> + <div class="verse">Of him who looked with joy upon the land,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Rich now with death’s ripe harvest. One weak sigh,</div> + <div class="verse">Then fades the sky, the fields, and all—and then</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The awful silence which alone will say</div> + <div class="verse">To those at home, he died, but how or when</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Remains a secret of the bloody day.</div> + <div class="verse">What logic is there that can justify</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The wasting harvest field, the empty home,</div> + <div class="verse">The blank despair that comes at last to lie</div> + <div class="verse indent1">On faces left to fare their way alone,</div> + <div class="verse">Widowed and orphaned—and for naught but this—</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To keep a royal throne from tottering down,</div> + <div class="verse">To hold a mile of boundary where it is,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To save a scepter, or preserve a crown?</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Two_Princes_BIB" id="Two_Princes_POEM">Two Princes</a> (1915)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The War Lord dwells within his palace walls</div> + <div class="verse indent1">In all the bright insignia of power;</div> + <div class="verse">He gives the word by which a city falls,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Or ships go thundering through Death’s awful hour.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The Prince of Peace knew not an earthly throne,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Had not one resting place to call his own.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The War Lord in the pomp of place doth ride</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Across the borders of the blood-drenched land.</div> + <div class="verse">On splendid charger, strong and fiery-eyed</div> + <div class="verse indent1">In every place he keeps a presence grand.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The Prince of Peace knew but a humble seat</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And walked the earth with weary, dusty feet.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The War Lord hears the plaudits of the crowd.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Unnumbered men would perish for his name.</div> + <div class="verse">To keep his royal robes they wear a shroud,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And bleed to save him from an hour of shame.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The Prince of Peace with thorns upon his head,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Unfriended, through the hard-eyed crowd was led.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The while the War Lord speaks the myriad waits,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And at his word it cannot choose but die.</div> + <div class="verse">His armored hand is laid upon the gates</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of life and death. What matter reasons why?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In one dark hour of loving agony</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The Prince of Peace expired upon a tree.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Voices_of_God_BIB" id="The_Voices_of_God_POEM">The Voices of God</a> (1915)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">A <strong class="small-caps">thousand</strong> voices speak of God.</div> + <div class="verse">The gayest flower, the meanest clod,</div> + <div class="verse">The highest hill, the deepest sea</div> + <div class="verse">Proclaim his messages to me.</div> + <div class="verse">I read his story in the Book.</div> + <div class="verse">I hear it in the babbling brook;</div> + <div class="verse">’Tis written all across the sky,</div> + <div class="verse">And in the silent majesty</div> + <div class="verse">Of mountains, lifting from the land.</div> + <div class="verse">A note of his undying word</div> + <div class="verse">Is in the song of every bird,</div> + <div class="verse">And but to-day my Saviour smiled</div> + <div class="verse">From out the features of a child.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Wealth_of_Cheer_BIB" id="The_Wealth_of_Cheer_POEM">The Wealth of Cheer</a> (1915)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">What’s the use of weeping</div> + <div class="verse indent1">When the day goes wrong?</div> + <div class="verse">Better to be keeping</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Pace with mirth and song.</div> + <div class="verse">December is December,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">But May is always May,</div> + <div class="verse">And shine and shade, remember,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Will each come in its day.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Gloom’s an old, old story,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">As ancient as the earth.</div> + <div class="verse">And men with heads now hoary</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Have measured out its worth.</div> + <div class="verse">They speak with one opinion</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That, not in gloom and mists,</div> + <div class="verse">But in sunshine’s dominion</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The wealth of men consists.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#True_Values_BIB" id="True_Values_POEM">True Values</a> (1916)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">One day an angel came and asked a king,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Sated with power, with love of pomp and gold,</div> + <div class="verse">Four things that God must dearly love, to bring</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And set them in his presence, so ’tis told.</div> + <div class="verse">The king went forth and came again ere night,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And set before the angel in that hour</div> + <div class="verse">A jewelled crown, a scepter gleaming bright,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A battle weapon, and a throne of power.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The angel’s face grew shaded as he gazed</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Upon the king’s poor playthings gathered there.</div> + <div class="verse">At last again his countenance was raised.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">He said: “These are the trappings pride may wear,</div> + <div class="verse">But God’s great kingdom knows a richer worth:</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A truer value is its high concern.”</div> + <div class="verse">“Go”, pled the king, “and from the mighty earth</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Bring me those things. I wait for thy return.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">“Nay, come with me”, the angel said, “and I,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Though I may lead a long and weary way,</div> + <div class="verse">Will show you what is best beneath the sky.”</div> + <div class="verse indent1">These are the things he showed the king that day:</div> + <div class="verse">A kindly life that served unselfishly,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A flower that grew in sweetness undefiled,</div> + <div class="verse">A fireside where were love and purity,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The unspoiled spirit of a little child.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Pictures_BIB" id="Pictures_POEM">Pictures</a> (1918)</h3> + <div class="poetry italic"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The days are pictures, and they pass</div> + <div class="verse">As comes and goes some mirage sheen,</div> + <div class="verse">As fireflies in the tangled grass,</div> + <div class="verse">Or shadows thrown upon the screen.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Pictures they are of love and care;</div> + <div class="verse">Pictures of toil and happiness;</div> + <div class="verse">Of mighty men, of ladies fair—</div> + <div class="verse">Incarnate strength and gentleness;</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Pictures of battle and the night</div> + <div class="verse">That touches woe with cooling breath;</div> + <div class="verse">Of calm years following the fight,</div> + <div class="verse">When blossoms deck the fields of death;</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Pictures of paths that wind, and meet</div> + <div class="verse">Where Fate’s decrees have willed it so,</div> + <div class="verse">Or where erstwhile companion feet</div> + <div class="verse">Are led in separate ways to go.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The days are pictures, and they run</div> + <div class="verse">Their hastening course of smiles and tears.</div> + <div class="verse">As shadows flit ’twixt sun and sun,</div> + <div class="verse">So pass the ever-dying years.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#When_the_Curtain_Falls_BIB" id="When_the_Curtain_Falls_POEM">When the Curtain Falls</a> (1918)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">When the end is reached, and the curtain falls,</div> + <div class="verse">And the echoes die from the voiceless walls,</div> + <div class="verse">This is the thing that alone will tell:</div> + <div class="verse">The actor’s part—has he played it well?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">A few swift scenes and the course is run;</div> + <div class="verse">A few brief facts and the play is done.</div> + <div class="verse">May it be well when the far voice calls,</div> + <div class="verse">And the lights go out, and the curtain falls.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_World's_Drama_BIB" id="The_World's_Drama_POEM">The World’s Drama</a> (1918)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <img class="drop-initial" src="images/worlds_drama.png" alt=""> + <div class="verse width-21em drop-initial">The world’s a screen. Across it flit the shadows</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of all the multitudes that come and go.</div> + <div class="verse">They move in dusty lanes, o’er sunny meadows,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And where the hand of toil moves to and fro.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">There is the mourner and the long procession;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">There is the maid with joy of which to sing;</div> + <div class="verse">There is the warrior, with his blood-possession;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">There is the shade of some forgotten king.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Soon is each gone. Soon yonder in the distance</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Each comes amid the mists to disappear,</div> + <div class="verse">Where dying light falls on his face or glistens</div> + <div class="verse indent1">For one brief moment on his helm or spear.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Yet as each goes another is approaching.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A multitude is shadowed on ahead;</div> + <div class="verse">So moves the line, forevermore encroaching</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Upon the borders of the silent dead.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Thus goes the drama, each his fond part playing,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">For what he plays to him is all in all—</div> + <div class="verse">Striving, pursuing, loving, toiling, praying,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Until the darkness overshadows all.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Jim_BIB" id="Jim_POEM">Jim</a> (1919)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">A chicken-hearted boy was Jim,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A lad with a gentle face and eye.</div> + <div class="verse">The boys all joined in a laugh at him</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Whenever he chanced to be passing by.</div> + <div class="verse">He wouldn’t set foot on a helpless thing.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">For a crawling worm he’d turn aside.</div> + <div class="verse">He was always making a splint or sling</div> + <div class="verse indent1">For some wounded creature that else had died.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Well, Jim grew up, and the war came on.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Justice and right in the dust lay low.</div> + <div class="verse">One day they noticed that Jim was gone,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And wondered if he could face the foe.</div> + <div class="verse">It was said that no braver soldier fought</div> + <div class="verse indent1">In all the marshaled ranks than Jim;</div> + <div class="verse">From many battles he finally brought</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The name of a hero home with him.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">We looked to see a steely eye</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And a hardened face from his soldier ways,</div> + <div class="verse">But the same old lad came marching by</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With the gentle eyes of his boyhood days.</div> + <div class="verse">He had heard the voices of battle ring;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">He had faced the peril from death’s grim shore;</div> + <div class="verse">But to-day he treads on no helpless thing,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Though they call him chicken-heart no more.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="portrait_height-25em" src="images/jim.png" alt="[Two illustrations cover the time span of the poem. The first illustration’s foreground has a boy facing the viewer, walking along a neighborhood street, and approaching a small, sitting dog whose back faces the viewer. The street bends right and into the background past homes and a few neighbors looking in the boy’s direction. A church steeple is prominent above the homes and trees. The second illustration has the same viewpoint of the neighborhood. People line the side of the street, their backs to the viewer, as a troop formation carrying an American flag parades towards the viewer.]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Let_Us_Be_Right_BIB" id="Let_Us_Be_Right_POEM">Let Us Be Right</a> (1919)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Let us be right, though all the world may follow</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The broken fabric of some failing dream.</div> + <div class="verse">As sounds upon our ears its outcry hollow,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And men lose all for some deceiving scheme,</div> + <div class="verse">Let us forsake the gold and tinsel masking,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And live for things enduring and secure.</div> + <div class="verse">Whate’er the prize the idle crowd is asking,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Let us be right. The path of truth is sure.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Let us be right, whatever seem our losing,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Some day the tide will turn, and men will know</div> + <div class="verse">The thing abiding. Then the common choosing</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Will be the substance, not the empty show.</div> + <div class="verse">Let us be right. When self’s poor plans are shattered</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And all the castles lifted mountain high</div> + <div class="verse">By evil hand, are broken down and shattered,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The right shall stand beneath the mighty sky.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Light_and_Shadow_BIB" id="Light_and_Shadow_POEM">Light and Shadow</a> (1919)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse width-19em"><span class="drop-initial_400pct">A</span>BIT of sunshine and a bit of shadow,</div> + <div class="verse">And each succeeds the other on the screen.</div> + <div class="verse">They chase each other over hill and meadow,</div> + <div class="verse">Alternate triumph through each act and scene.</div> + <div class="verse">The smile and tear has each in turn its season,</div> + <div class="verse">The right and wrong their coronation day,</div> + <div class="verse">And foolishness contends for place with reason</div> + <div class="verse">—such is a play.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">A bit of gladness and a bit of sighing,</div> + <div class="verse">A warm sun’s beaming and the cloudland’s chill</div> + <div class="verse">Each comes and goes the while the day is dying</div> + <div class="verse">From western hill to farther western hill.</div> + <div class="verse">So runs the tale as passing years grow hoary;</div> + <div class="verse">So will it be forever and for aye.</div> + <div class="verse">A bit of sorrow and a touch of glory</div> + <div class="verse">—such is a day.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_New_Day_BIB" id="The_New_Day_POEM">The New Day</a> (1919)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Put up your guns, ye nations, and lay your swords away.</div> + <div class="verse">Forget the roar of battle ye heard but yesterday.</div> + <div class="verse">Forget the vanished era of autocrats and kings</div> + <div class="verse">And turn to face a future of better, finer things.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">We strung our rows of crosses on Flanders’ flow’ry plains.</div> + <div class="verse">We touched the fields of Europe with our hearts’ reddest stains.</div> + <div class="verse">We walked the shadowed valley: we felt its deadly chill.</div> + <div class="verse">Some lingered on its bosom with voice forever still.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Among the wreck of empires, the dreams of yesterday.</div> + <div class="verse">Built on self’s foundations (the dreamers: where are they?).</div> + <div class="verse">We face a dawning future upon a shattered earth.</div> + <div class="verse">’Twill be as we shall make it—a thing of threat or worth.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">O ye returning manhood, baptized in battle flame,</div> + <div class="verse">Ye who have fought for honor and saved the world from shame,</div> + <div class="verse">Ye who have stood for justice beyond the mighty seas,</div> + <div class="verse">Come to the task awaiting on battlefields of peace.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Put up your guns, ye nations, and lay your swords away.</div> + <div class="verse">’Twas yours to live beholding the world’s redemption day.</div> + <div class="verse">Let now the earth, forgetting its reign of strife and blood,</div> + <div class="verse">Welcome the dawning era—the day of brotherhood.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="portrait_height-25em" src="images/new_day.png" alt="[Poem is on cover page with the following additional text: The Sunday School Journal, March 1919, Volume Fifty-One, Number Three. The poem overlays an illustration of the Statue of Liberty.]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_New_Year_BIB" id="The_New_Year_POEM">The New Year</a> (1919)</h3> + <div class="poetry italic"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Each New Year day Time cuts the thread</div> + <div class="verse">That binds us to the vanished past.</div> + <div class="verse">Its tears, and cares, and pangs are fled.</div> + <div class="verse">Its woes are gone, its troubles dead,</div> + <div class="verse">And we are free at last.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">It is the road ahead we scan</div> + <div class="verse">Whene’er the year is new.</div> + <div class="verse">Again we gird our hearts, and plan</div> + <div class="verse">For better days. We hope again</div> + <div class="verse">In things secure and true.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Thanks for the hand that steals away</div> + <div class="verse">The cares of moments sped.</div> + <div class="verse">Thanks for the years we leave today,</div> + <div class="verse">But more for all that seems to say:</div> + <div class="verse">“’Tis better on ahead.”</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#God's_Garden_BIB" id="God's_Garden_POEM">God’s Garden</a> (1920)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">There blooms a lovely garden</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Beneath the smile of God,</div> + <div class="verse">Where fairest flow’rs are nodding</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Above the smoothest sod.</div> + <div class="verse">From it has come the harvest</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of everlasting worth,</div> + <div class="verse">Enriching yonder heaven,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">As well as hither earth.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Kind friendships are the breezes</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That come with soothing breath;</div> + <div class="verse">Love is the life stream, springing</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Where else had been but death;</div> + <div class="verse">A teacher is its gard’ner;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Its sunlight is the truth;</div> + <div class="verse">And in its soil doth blossom</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The flower of lovely youth.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="portrait_height-25em" src="images/gods_garden.png" alt="[Poem is framed by illustrated flowers. Outside the frame—from middle-left to middle-top—is an illustration of two young, smiling girls standing in the midst of flowers. The older girl is cradling several picked flowers in one arm while her other arm is extended and selecting another.]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Open_Soul_BIB" id="The_Open_Soul_POEM">The Open Soul</a> (1920)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent_4_1em">There is a way</div> + <div class="verse">That leads to some rich joy in every day,</div> + <div class="verse">To where through immemorial ages gone</div> + <div class="verse">Calm Peace has sat upon her regal throne.</div> + <div class="verse">There is a road to joy’s supremest goal,</div> + <div class="verse indent_4_1em">But pilgrims say</div> + <div class="verse">It is discerned but by the open soul.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent_4_1em">There is a song</div> + <div class="verse">That has the power to scatter courage strong</div> + <div class="verse">Through all the moments of the busy day,</div> + <div class="verse">And blunt the thorns along the weary way.</div> + <div class="verse">Its music always lessens sorrow’s toll,</div> + <div class="verse indent_4_1em">Though suffered long.</div> + <div class="verse">It is no secret to the open soul.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent_4_1em">There is a gleam</div> + <div class="verse">That lights with loveliness the hill and stream,</div> + <div class="verse">Blesses the days with hours supremely rare,</div> + <div class="verse">And threads a line of gladness through each care.</div> + <div class="verse">Before it all the shadows swiftly roll</div> + <div class="verse indent_4_1em">From fettered beam.</div> + <div class="verse">It breaks like morning on the open soul.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Outcome_BIB" id="The_Outcome_POEM">The Outcome</a> (1920)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Life’s always at its best upon the screen.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">It is not perfect. Life is never so.</div> + <div class="verse">There runs a struggle thru each shifting scene,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And shadows often come, their pall to throw</div> + <div class="verse">Across the landscape. Things go wrong a while.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">But always comes at last the shine’s glow,</div> + <div class="verse">And gloom is followed by the song and smile.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">In every drama wrong must have its reign,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">In every tale the villain has his day;</div> + <div class="verse">Gladness we see, contrasting it with pain,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And truth is valued but by error’s sway.</div> + <div class="verse">The right and wrong are alternate in power,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The scene is now in sun, now shadow cast,</div> + <div class="verse">But tho the wrong may triumph for an hour,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The right is seated on the throne at last.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Silent_Drama_BIB" id="The_Silent_Drama_POEM">The Silent Drama</a> (1920)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Out of the silence often comes</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A voice that breaks the stillness deep,</div> + <div class="verse">And with an eloquence unheard</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Calls hidden mem’ries from their sleep.</div> + <div class="verse">It carries power unknown to speech;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">It speaks directly to the heart,</div> + <div class="verse">Grown thoughtful in the silences.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Such is the screen’s appealing art.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">It calls the strong to lost resolve.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">It thrills the weak to better things,</div> + <div class="verse">It touches sleeping hopes to life</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And in the songless heart it sings.</div> + <div class="verse">It opens scenes of loveliness</div> + <div class="verse indent1">For eyes long used to barren spot,</div> + <div class="verse">This sacred silence that is heard</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Where thought is all and voice is not.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#A_Trouble_Making_World_BIB" id="A_Trouble_Making_World_POEM">A Trouble Making World</a> (1920)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">There’s a word that keeps us from the best of things,</div> + <div class="verse">Making some men peasants, making others kings,</div> + <div class="verse">Making all to sorrow, forcing some to die,</div> + <div class="verse">For uncounted sorrows the one reason why.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">There’s a word begetting bitterness and strife,</div> + <div class="verse">Evermore beclouding all the sky of life,</div> + <div class="verse">Driving men to battle when they ought to be</div> + <div class="verse">Linked in soul together by fraternity.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">There’s a word that enters in the holy place,</div> + <div class="verse">Writes its tale of trouble on the fairest face;</div> + <div class="verse">Makes of life a struggle, fraught with grasping greed,</div> + <div class="verse">When its years were given for high thought and deed.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">There’s a word that robs us of the happy song;</div> + <div class="verse">Makes the earth a treadmill, elevates the strong;</div> + <div class="verse">Drives the weak from justice; grinds the poor and worn;</div> + <div class="verse">Fills the years with hatred; seeds the world with scorn.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">There’s a word absorbing manhood’s fruitful hour,</div> + <div class="verse">Careless of life’s meaning, prodigal of power,</div> + <div class="verse">Making regal spirits satisfied with pelf,</div> + <div class="verse">It is short but powerful, and its name is self.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Builders_BIB" id="The_Builders_POEM">The Builders</a> (1921)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Each stone that goes into the wall</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And lifts it higher from the clay</div> + <div class="verse">Is but a life that heeds the call</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To serve its God from day to day.</div> + <div class="verse">No hammers on their anvils beat,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Yet in some wondrous time to be</div> + <div class="verse">The finished work will stand complete—</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The temple of humanity.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The patient builders—who are they,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Whose hands have toiled and oft alone,</div> + <div class="verse">Through many a hard, discouraged day</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To set e’er night another stone?</div> + <div class="verse">They are the teachers who have brought</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The word of righteousness and truth,</div> + <div class="verse">The great ideal, the noble thought,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And dropped them in the heart of youth.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="portrait_height-25em" src="images/builders.png" alt="[Poem is on cover page with the following additional text: The Sunday School Journal, August 1921. Cover has an illustration of a path, lined by bushes and trees, leading to a large church. The view of the church is partially obscured by the trees, but its steeple rises above them. The sky is dominated by tall, white, billowing clouds.]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Children_v1921_BIB" id="The_Children_v1921_POEM">The Children v1921</a></h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_300pct_v2">W</span>HEN two gray-haired old parents meet</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_5em">In quiet home or busy street,</div> + <div class="verse">The talk will run in formal style</div> + <div class="verse">On formal things a little while.</div> + <div class="verse">Then, following a silent spell:</div> + <div class="verse">“The children, are they doing well?”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Then faded eyes grow quickly bright.</div> + <div class="verse">Worn features take a sudden light,</div> + <div class="verse">As they recount with pride and joy</div> + <div class="verse">The story of each girl and boy.</div> + <div class="verse">How these old parents love to tell</div> + <div class="verse">That every child is doing well!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The great All-Father up above,</div> + <div class="verse">I often think, in words of love</div> + <div class="verse">Recounts each vict’ry and success,</div> + <div class="verse">Joys in His children’s happiness.</div> + <div class="verse">I think He, too, delights to tell</div> + <div class="verse">That all His own are doing well.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Climaxes_v1921_BIB" id="Climaxes_v1921_POEM">Climaxes v1921</a></h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">One climax comes in every play,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And only one;</div> + <div class="verse">And after it has had its day</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The struggle’s won.</div> + <div class="verse">Untangled is each vagrant thread;</div> + <div class="verse">Sad hearts to happiness are led;</div> + <div class="verse">And, with the days all fair ahead,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The play is done.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">One climax comes in every life,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And only one—</div> + <div class="verse">The apex of our human strife,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The race we run.</div> + <div class="verse">Then woes are banished; tears are dried;</div> + <div class="verse">Our answered questions put aside;</div> + <div class="verse">Life’s dearest hope is satisfied;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Then life is done.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Home_v1921_BIB" id="Home_v1921_POEM">Home v1921</a></h3> + <div class="poetry italic"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The joy that some hearts treasure, the hope that others prize;</div> + <div class="verse">The wistful wish that, buried deep, sometimes in others lies;</div> + <div class="verse">A word so dear that men will die with gladness for its sake;</div> + <div class="verse">The forge at which are welded strong the ties that naught can break;</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">A garden in the wildest waste of this world’s desert life;</div> + <div class="verse">A spot where dwell both peace and calm amid the fiercest strife;</div> + <div class="verse">A refuge from each storm that beats; the place in all the land</div> + <div class="verse">Where there are souls who sympathize and hearts that understand;</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The rock whereon the anchors hold that keep us safe and fast</div> + <div class="verse">When else would perish all we are and have amid the blast;</div> + <div class="verse">The shrine before whose holy light does fondest worship come;</div> + <div class="verse">The choicest ideal of the heart—its sacred name is HOME.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Magic_Gateway_BIB" id="The_Magic_Gateway_POEM">The Magic Gateway</a> (1921)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I turned the cover of a book,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And found it was a gate</div> + <div class="verse">Into a field where one might look,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Unwearied, soon and late.</div> + <div class="verse">The dreams of every land and sea</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Were all about me there.</div> + <div class="verse">Kind spirits came and talked with me,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And flowers bloomed everywhere.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I saw the years that long had sped,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The wondrous scenes of yore.</div> + <div class="verse">The mighty past gave up its dead,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">They lived and spoke once more.</div> + <div class="verse">The greatest minds that ever thought,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And hearts that ever beat,</div> + <div class="verse">Came, and their richest treasures brought</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To lay them at my feet.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Shadows_v1921_BIB" id="Shadows_v1921_POEM">Shadows v1921</a></h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">We are moving shadows cast</div> + <div class="verse indent1">On the world’s great picture screen;</div> + <div class="verse">Shadows in a drama vast,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Filled with varied act and scene.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Shadows flitting in the sun</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Like the bees among the flowers;</div> + <div class="verse">Shadows hast’ning one by one</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Down the course of passing hours.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Shadows in the sunny space;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Shadows on the tangled grass;</div> + <div class="verse">Shadows on the river’s face;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Shadows in the winds that pass.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Shadows playing in the lane;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Shadows fighting battles brave;</div> + <div class="verse">Shadows walking ways of pain;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Shadows falling in the grave.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Shadows moving in the grove,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Falling on the summer lawn.</div> + <div class="verse">On and off the screen they move,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">But the play goes ever on.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Sunbeam_and_the_Shadow_BIB" id="The_Sunbeam_and_the_Shadow_POEM">The Sunbeam and the Shadow</a> (1921)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The sunbeam and the shadow</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Are met upon the screen.</div> + <div class="verse">Each mingles in the making</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of yonder lovely scene.</div> + <div class="verse">If all were only shadow,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A leaden cloud would pall.</div> + <div class="verse">If it were only sunshine,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">’Twould be no scene at all.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">In life are intermingled</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The sunshine and the rain.</div> + <div class="verse">In each day strangely blended</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Are happiness and pain.</div> + <div class="verse">Where’er is told life’s story,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">However grave or fair,</div> + <div class="verse">The sunshine and the shadow</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Succeed each other there.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Teacher_v1921_BIB" id="The_Teacher_v1921_POEM">The Teacher v1921</a></h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_230pct">W</span>HO shapes a mind doth shape the years</div> + <div class="verse">That are to be, the joys and tears</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_3em">Of those unborn. He lays his hand</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_3em">Upon the future of the land</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_3em">And turns by thought’s resistless force</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_3em">The stream of hist’ry in its course.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent_-1_3em">Who shapes a life, its hopes, its worth,</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_3em">Doth shape the future of the earth.</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_3em">His is a sculptor hand, to mold</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_3em">The periods as they unfold.</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_3em">His hand is laid upon the rod</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_3em">That speeds the purposes of God.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#After-Images_BIB" id="After-Images_POEM">After-Images</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The lights go low, the organ swells,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And pours its rhythm everywhere—</div> + <div class="verse">Now thunder, now the ring of bells,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Sounding at twilight o’er the dells,</div> + <div class="verse">Now but a whisper in the air.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The whisper and the thunder loud</div> + <div class="verse">Are both reflected on the crowd.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The pictures come, and pass away,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">As morn departs or evening stills.</div> + <div class="verse">Ambition fights its fevered fray.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The wrong and right have each their day.</div> + <div class="verse">Love walks with love upon the hills</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Life’s long procession there appears.</div> + <div class="verse">And hurries onward thru the years.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The music dies. The crowds depart.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Each goes his way, pursues his aim;</div> + <div class="verse">But something in the thing of art</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Has left a mark upon his heart.</div> + <div class="verse">Somehow the world is not the same.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The music and the scenes so fair</div> + <div class="verse">Have left their after-imagine there.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Almost_BIB" id="Almost_POEM">Almost</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The fish we almost captured,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The race we almost won,</div> + <div class="verse">The task we almost finished</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Before the day was done.</div> + <div class="verse">The plan almost accomplished,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The dream almost come true—</div> + <div class="verse">These bring but little comfort</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Or help to me and you.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Near heroes win no laurels;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Near victories are cheap;</div> + <div class="verse">And near achievements bring us</div> + <div class="verse indent1">No crowns we care to keep.</div> + <div class="verse">To come but near is failure.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A miss is like a mile.</div> + <div class="verse">The word “almost” can rob us</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of all that is worth while.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Along_the_Road_BIB" id="Along_the_Road_POEM">Along the Road</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The folks we meet along the road,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">They are a varied throng—</div> + <div class="verse">A pilgrim struggling with his load;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The singer of the song;</div> + <div class="verse">A youth with bright, expectant gaze,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">His face with hope alight;</div> + <div class="verse">An old man bowed with many days,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And stumbling toward the night.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The rich, the poor, the high, the low;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The faithless and the true;</div> + <div class="verse">The face of joy, the form of woe,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">All pass in grand review</div> + <div class="verse">We meet, and see their forms no more;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">But when the eve is gray</div> + <div class="verse">The sweetest thought we ponder o’er</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Is whom we’ve helped today.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Call_Substitutes_BIB" id="Call_Substitutes_POEM">A Call for Substitutes</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">There are substitutes for coffee; there are substitutes for tea;</div> + <div class="verse">But there’s none for right, or honor, love, or truth, or liberty.</div> + <div class="verse">There are substitutes for honey; there are substitutes for soap;</div> + <div class="verse">But there’s none for peace, or kindness, or the clinging ray of hope.</div> + <div class="verse">There are substitutes for paper; there are substitutes for wheat;</div> + <div class="verse">But there’s none for little children with their tiny, toddling feet.</div> + <div class="verse">There are substitutes for leather and materials of dress;</div> + <div class="verse">But there’s none for kindly service or a heart of happiness.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">There are substitutes for butter; there are substitutes for cream;</div> + <div class="verse">But there’s none for aspiration or the wonder of a dream.</div> + <div class="verse">There are substitutes for beefsteak; there are substitutes for bread;</div> + <div class="verse">But none for the vanished sweetness of a moment that has fled.</div> + <div class="verse">There are substitutes for jewels; there are substitutes for gold;</div> + <div class="verse">But there’s none for honest thinking or for friendship tried and old.</div> + <div class="verse">There are substitutes for rubber and the shining of the sun;</div> + <div class="verse">But there’s none for love-lit firesides or the sense of duty done.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Compensation_BIB" id="Compensation_POEM">Compensation</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">For everything that happens wrong</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A dozen things go right.</div> + <div class="verse">For every tear a flood of song</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Rings out across the night.</div> + <div class="verse">For every dark and stormy day</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A week of days are fair.</div> + <div class="verse">However chill the clouds and gray,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">’Tis always bright somewhere.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">For every heart of bitterness</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A host of hearts are light.</div> + <div class="verse">For every hour of deep distress</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A whole long day is bright.</div> + <div class="verse">For every faithless friend we find</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That many friends are true.</div> + <div class="verse">So, after all, God’s mighty kind</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To such as me and you.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#A_Creed_BIB" id="A_Creed_POEM">A Creed</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_270pct">I</span>DO believe</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_5em">That, while in this old world few things are sure,</div> + <div class="verse">Right, truth, and love forevermore endure;</div> + <div class="verse">That these are ’mongst the things most worth our while</div> + <div class="verse">—A song, a smile,</div> + <div class="verse">The wiping of a tear from eyes that grieve.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I do believe</div> + <div class="verse">That in the day of famine or of feast</div> + <div class="verse">That one is richest who has sought the least;</div> + <div class="verse">That, spite of all earth’s woes, and tears, and pains,</div> + <div class="verse">Love is, and reigns;</div> + <div class="verse">And sunshine through the ages Time doth weave.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I do believe</div> + <div class="verse">God plants some seeds of gladness in each day,</div> + <div class="verse">And smiles on children happy at their play;</div> + <div class="verse">That living men, though paupers, churls, or slaves,</div> + <div class="verse">Are more than graves</div> + <div class="verse">To which the grass and mosses damply cleave.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Engineer_BIB" id="The_Engineer_POEM">The Engineer</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_270pct">I</span>MUST not be a minute late,</div> + <div class="verse">Nor yet too hasty be.</div> + <div class="verse">I have a load of human freight</div> + <div class="verse">Depending upon me.</div> + <div class="verse">I know that loving eyes tonight</div> + <div class="verse">Are all along the line,</div> + <div class="verse">Waiting to see them each alight—</div> + <div class="verse">These passengers of mine.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">When at the finish of my run</div> + <div class="verse">I reach the hour of rest</div> + <div class="verse">I want to think on what I’ve done,</div> + <div class="verse">And know it was my best.</div> + <div class="verse">Of hearts that never felt a fear</div> + <div class="verse">I want to dream tonight,</div> + <div class="verse">Hearts that were sure the engineer</div> + <div class="verse">Would bring them through all right.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="landscape_height-15em" src="images/engineer.png" alt="[Illustration of a head crowned with a wreath made from a plant. The person is facing the viewer. A tree (perhaps the source for the wreath) is shown next to the head.]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Flag_at_Sea_BIB" id="The_Flag_at_Sea_POEM">The Flag at Sea</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Have you ever felt a craving</div> + <div class="verse indent1">On the vastness of the sea,</div> + <div class="verse">To behold the silken waving</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of the banner of the free?</div> + <div class="verse">Have you searched with tired precision,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Far from where the land unbars,</div> + <div class="verse">For a passing moment’s vision</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of the flag of stripes and stars?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Does it thrill you to remember</div> + <div class="verse indent1">When it stood against the sky,</div> + <div class="verse">How your heart was like an ember</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And a tear was in your eye?</div> + <div class="verse">How the old flag thrilled your spirit,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">How it made you feel at home,</div> + <div class="verse">When your ship that day sailed near it</div> + <div class="verse indent1">On the wideness of the foam?</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Gift_of_the_Farm_BIB" id="The_Gift_of_the_Farm_POEM">The Gift of the Farm</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">We thank you, old farm, forever</div> + <div class="verse">For the gift you have freely made</div> + <div class="verse">To the world and its hard endeavor,</div> + <div class="verse">Of the boys and the girls who played</div> + <div class="verse">On your beautiful hills and meadows,</div> + <div class="verse">Who digged in your kindly soil</div> + <div class="verse">And who learned in your sun and shadows</div> + <div class="verse">The lesson of honest toil.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">We thank you for hands so ready</div> + <div class="verse">Their manifold tasks to do,</div> + <div class="verse">For minds that are keen and steady,</div> + <div class="verse">For hearts that are strong and true,</div> + <div class="verse">For people of lowly station,</div> + <div class="verse">For those who have won renown,</div> + <div class="verse">For the best who have served the nation</div> + <div class="verse">In the country and the town.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Gifts_of_the_Church_BIB" id="The_Gifts_of_the_Church_POEM">The Gifts of the Church</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry italic"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The dearest friends that life has known</div> + <div class="verse">In any time or place</div> + <div class="verse">Were made before the wondrous throne</div> + <div class="verse">Of mercy and of grace.</div> + <div class="verse">The bonds of brotherhood were wrought</div> + <div class="verse">In high communion there</div> + <div class="verse">Where we have walked with God in thought,</div> + <div class="verse">And bowed in common prayer.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The sweetest mem’ries of the years,</div> + <div class="verse">The joys most keen and true,</div> + <div class="verse">The kindest words that blessed our ears</div> + <div class="verse">The sanctuary knew.</div> + <div class="verse">The highest peaks our hearts have scaled,</div> + <div class="verse">The fairest roads we trod,</div> + <div class="verse">The hours by which all others paled</div> + <div class="verse">Were in the house of God.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#God_of_Today_BIB" id="God_of_Today_POEM">God of To-Day</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_225pct">O</span>UR THANKS are thine,</div> + <div class="verse">O Mighty One, that thou has safely led</div> + <div class="verse">Our fathers through the grim and trying past</div> + <div class="verse">And made a way for us in days now dead.</div> + <div class="verse">Our gratitude before thy throne we cast,</div> + <div class="verse">That hands divine</div> + <div class="verse">Have kept our feet and ordered all our ways,</div> + <div class="verse">God of the yesterdays.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">We thank thee, too,</div> + <div class="verse">For that blest hope we treasure fond and deep—</div> + <div class="verse">The hope our worn hearts lean so heavy on—</div> + <div class="verse">That somewhere in time’s mighty onward sweep</div> + <div class="verse">The day of God and righteousness shall dawn</div> + <div class="verse">Serene and true.</div> + <div class="verse">For all of this we bring our thanks to thee,</div> + <div class="verse">God of the years to be.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">But most of all</div> + <div class="verse">We thank thee for the golden fruitfulness</div> + <div class="verse">Of fields now rich with grain or bright with flowers,</div> + <div class="verse">For grace and pardon, joy and blessedness,</div> + <div class="verse">And every good that even now is ours.</div> + <div class="verse">And so we call</div> + <div class="verse">In confidence that thou dost bless our way,</div> + <div class="verse">God of this present day.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Heart_of_a_Child_Is_a_Scroll_BIB" id="The_Heart_of_a_Child_Is_a_Scroll_POEM">The Heart of a Child Is a Scroll</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_225pct">T</span>HE HEART of a child is a scroll,</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_5em">A page that is lovely and white;</div> + <div class="verse">And to it, as fleeting years roll,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Come hands with a story to write—</div> + <div class="verse">A story of laughter and mirth,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A story of sorrow and tears,</div> + <div class="verse">Of love that encircles the earth,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Or sin that embitters the years.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Be ever so careful, O hand;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Write thou with a sanctified pen.</div> + <div class="verse">Thy story shall live in the land</div> + <div class="verse indent1">For years in the doings of men.</div> + <div class="verse">It shall echo in circles of light,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Or lead to the death of a soul.</div> + <div class="verse">Grave here but a message of right,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">For the heart of a child is a scroll.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="landscape_height-15em" src="images/heart_scroll.png" alt="[Illustration of a mother looking at an infant cradled in her arms. Backdrop is an unrolled scroll, feather pen, and inkwell. Infant’s shadow is cast onto the blank scroll.]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#His_Epitaph_BIB" id="His_Epitaph_POEM">His Epitaph</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry italic"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="normal_font"><strong><span class="drop-initial_150pct">H</span>E</strong></span> wasn’t rich; he wasn’t great,</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-1em">His place was lowly and obscure.</div> + <div class="verse">His clothing was not up-to-date,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">His house was tumble-down and poor.</div> + <div class="verse">No honor did he claim.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">He never walked with lords and kings.</div> + <div class="verse">No glory has illumed his name,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">But he was kind to helpless things.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">He won no victories to boast.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">He made no conquests, waged no strife.</div> + <div class="verse">He never led a conquering host;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">He lived an unpretentious life.</div> + <div class="verse">But, when is writ the judgment scroll,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And Time its final verdict brings,</div> + <div class="verse">This will be said of him: his soul</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Was rich in love for helpless things.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Lens_BIB" id="The_Lens_POEM">The Lens</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Here is a little piece of glass</div> + <div class="verse">Set in a tube of shining brass.</div> + <div class="verse">Through it had passed in grand review</div> + <div class="verse">All that the world’s heart ever knew</div> + <div class="verse">Of joy, hope, sorrow, love and fears,</div> + <div class="verse">The ceaseless struggle of the years,</div> + <div class="verse">The darkest schemes the evil know,</div> + <div class="verse">The noblest service men can show.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Through it the risen dead have walked,</div> + <div class="verse">The spectres of the past have stalked.</div> + <div class="verse">Hope realized has lingered there,</div> + <div class="verse">Likewise the shape of dark despair.</div> + <div class="verse">This bit of glass is seasoned well,</div> + <div class="verse">For human tongue could never tell</div> + <div class="verse">The half it knows of peace and strife,</div> + <div class="verse">And all that makes the old world’s life.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Magic_of_the_Screen_BIB" id="The_Magic_of_the_Screen_POEM">The Magic of the Screen</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_230pct_v3">W</span>E look down summer lanes on winter days,</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_5em">We see the snow amid the summer’s heat.</div> + <div class="verse">Far lands are brought and laid before our gaze.</div> + <div class="verse">The woodland stream runs by the city street.</div> + <div class="verse">The light of noonday breaks the shades of night,</div> + <div class="verse">And then is softened to the starlight’s sheen.</div> + <div class="verse">The dawn and twilight mingle in our sight,</div> + <div class="verse">Such is the fairy magic of the screen.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_230pct_v4">T</span>HE heavy-hearted slip away from tears</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_5em">And find the gladness of a fleeting hour</div> + <div class="verse">In fairer spaces and more peaceful years,</div> + <div class="verse">Where is no dearth of laughter, sun, and flower.</div> + <div class="verse">Youth sees the future. Age with faded eye</div> + <div class="verse">Looks back in joy on many a vanished scene,</div> + <div class="verse">And walks again among the days gone by.</div> + <div class="verse">Such is the fairy magic of the Screen.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="portrait_height-25em" src="images/magic_screen.png" alt="[Photo of palm trees.]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Making_of_Heaven_BIB" id="The_Making_of_Heaven_POEM">The Making of Heaven</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_290pct">G</span>OD took the paths we longed in vain to go,</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_5em">And built a golden street beside a river.</div> + <div class="verse">He took the gates Time closed to us below,</div> + <div class="verse">And built a portal that shall stand forever.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">He took the longings that were vague and dim,</div> + <div class="verse">And hedged about by human limitation;</div> + <div class="verse">And built a world without a scar or rim</div> + <div class="verse">To be our everlasting habitation.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">He took the bitter pangs that life has cost;</div> + <div class="verse">Transformed them into joy, and song, and wonder.</div> + <div class="verse">He took the treasured blessings we have lost,</div> + <div class="verse">And planted them beside the waters yonder.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">He took our thoughts of hills, and woods, and streams;</div> + <div class="verse">And made them real, with added beauty given.</div> + <div class="verse">He took the shattered fragments of our dreams,</div> + <div class="verse">And built a city fair, and called it Heaven.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Man_Who_Knows_BIB" id="The_Man_Who_Knows_POEM">The Man Who Knows</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">We owe our debt to the man who thinks,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">For he leads our minds afar</div> + <div class="verse">Till they stand and tremble on the brinks</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of the strangest things that are.</div> + <div class="verse">We owe our debt to the man who hopes,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">For he keeps our courage strong.</div> + <div class="verse">He speaks his cheer to the soul that gropes,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And it wakens into song.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">And here’s to the man whose soul believes,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">In whose heart convictions burn</div> + <div class="verse">Through the day of life, and who dying leaves</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Them to others in their turn.</div> + <div class="verse">But the old world’s mighty tasks are planned</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And done, as it onward goes,</div> + <div class="verse">By the balanced mind and the steady hand</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That belong to the man who knows.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Marine_BIB" id="The_Marine_POEM">The Marine</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">He has made a hundred harbors.</div> + <div class="verse">He has sailed the seven seas.</div> + <div class="verse">He has trod the Arctic ice fields.</div> + <div class="verse">He has felt the tropic breeze.</div> + <div class="verse">He has dwelt in peaceful cities.</div> + <div class="verse">He has taken shade and sun—</div> + <div class="verse">He has never hunted trouble</div> + <div class="verse">Nor from trouble ever run.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Grim and rugged are his features,</div> + <div class="verse">Brown his arms and hard his hands;</div> + <div class="verse">Yet his eyes are frank and winsome,</div> + <div class="verse">With a boyish air he stands.</div> + <div class="verse">Readiest of all our fighters,</div> + <div class="verse">True his aim, and dread his gun—</div> + <div class="verse">He has never hunted trouble</div> + <div class="verse">Nor from trouble ever run.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Measure_of_Life_BIB" id="The_Measure_of_Life_POEM">The Measure of Life</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Not what I get, but what I give</div> + <div class="verse indent1">As days go fleeting past.</div> + <div class="verse">Not how I feel, but how I live</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Must tell the tale at last.</div> + <div class="verse">Not what I have, but what I do,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The loads I bear, the paths I hew</div> + <div class="verse">Through forests no man ever knew,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The highways that I cast.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Not the advantage that I take</div> + <div class="verse indent1">But give amid the strife.</div> + <div class="verse">The service for some others’ sake</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Where selfishness is rife.</div> + <div class="verse">The effort that I make to bless</div> + <div class="verse indent1">My time and fellows with success,</div> + <div class="verse">And brotherhood, and happiness,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Measures this little life.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Monuments_BIB" id="Monuments_POEM">Monuments</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Sometimes the angels go searching</div> + <div class="verse">For the graves of the sons of God.</div> + <div class="verse">They traverse the reaching mountains,</div> + <div class="verse">The sea, and the rolling sod.</div> + <div class="verse">They never on earth would find them</div> + <div class="verse">By the marks we so long have known,</div> + <div class="verse">For they never stop to decipher</div> + <div class="verse">Our records in bronze and stone.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">They find the graves of God’s children</div> + <div class="verse">By the monuments builded fair</div> + <div class="verse">Through years of struggle and toiling</div> + <div class="verse">By the hands that are buried there</div> + <div class="verse">Or words that were fitly spoken,</div> + <div class="verse">Of service devoted, true.</div> + <div class="verse">We mortals may never see them,</div> + <div class="verse">But God’s messengers always do.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#My_Riches_BIB" id="My_Riches_POEM">My Riches</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">In no triumphal line I ride,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">No praise falls on my ears;</div> + <div class="verse">But I’ve a flag that waves in pride,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Above me through the years.</div> + <div class="verse">A flag whose folds are dear to me,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Whose glory I confess—</div> + <div class="verse">The symbol of my liberty,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And peace, and happiness.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Little of riches have I known,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Little perhaps deserve;</div> + <div class="verse">But I’ve a land to call my own,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A people I can serve.</div> + <div class="verse">A country that’s as broad and fair,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">As any on the ball;</div> + <div class="verse">With happy people everywhere—</div> + <div class="verse indent1">An equal chance for all.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#A_Parents'_Prayer_v1922_BIB" id="A_Parents'_Prayer_v1922_POEM">A Parents’ Prayer v1922</a></h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">God bless our little ones tonight,</div> + <div class="verse">Our little ones—and thine.</div> + <div class="verse">Protect their slumber by thy might.</div> + <div class="verse">Grant them thy peace divine.</div> + <div class="verse">Help us no duty to forget</div> + <div class="verse">We owe to them or thee,</div> + <div class="verse">And leave us nothing to regret</div> + <div class="verse">In years that are to be.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">God, bless our little ones tonight,</div> + <div class="verse">Our little ones—and thine.</div> + <div class="verse">Help us to rear them true, and right,</div> + <div class="verse">And clean, and strong, and fine.</div> + <div class="verse">Lead them in ways more beautiful</div> + <div class="verse">Than we have ever seen,</div> + <div class="verse">And make them each more dutiful</div> + <div class="verse">Than we have ever been.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Patchwork_BIB" id="Patchwork_POEM">Patchwork</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">A bit of cloud and a bit of blue</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Make the wide and mighty sky.</div> + <div class="verse">A touch of drought with the rain and dew</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Make the seasons passing by.</div> + <div class="verse">A bit of black and a bit of white</div> + <div class="verse indent1">On the canvas make the scene.</div> + <div class="verse">A bit of shade and a gleam of light</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Make the drama on the screen.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">A bit of toil and a bit of rest</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Make our winding human way.</div> + <div class="verse">The rosy East and the flaming West</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Make the glory of a day.</div> + <div class="verse">A bit of hope and a bit of fear</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Make the heart’s eternal strife.</div> + <div class="verse">A song of joy and a falling tear</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Make the daily round of life.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#A_Perfect_Day_BIB" id="A_Perfect_Day_POEM">A Perfect Day</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">A <strong class="small-caps">perfect</strong> day is made of perfect hours,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And perfect hours of perfect moments run.</div> + <div class="verse">Of blessings realized and gathered flowers</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Between the rising and the set of sun.</div> + <div class="verse">Soon they are gone. Swiftly the light that played</div> + <div class="verse indent1">On crests of gladness all has passed away.</div> + <div class="verse">Dawn turns to Noon. Noon dies to Evening’s shade.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Each at its best helps make a perfect day.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">A perfect day is in the reach of all</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Who will but fill each moment to the full</div> + <div class="verse">With joy, and meaning, thought, and dream, and all</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That makes life deep, and rich, and wonderful.</div> + <div class="verse">It is within the reach of all who hold</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The will to serve, and laugh, and sing, an play</div> + <div class="verse">Until the sunset covers all with gold,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And darkness falls upon a perfect day.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Picture_Books_BIB" id="Picture_Books_POEM">Picture Books</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><strong><span class="drop-initial_230pct_v2">T</span>HEY</strong> are long gone, those pleasant hours,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">When we as girls and boys</div> + <div class="verse">Turned from our play among the flowers,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">From all our painted toys,</div> + <div class="verse">To turn the leaves of picture books,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To live with lords, and kings,</div> + <div class="verse">Swineherds, and chimney sweeps, and cooks,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Soldiers, and such like things.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">How still they stood! From day to day</div> + <div class="verse indent1">No figure ever stirred.</div> + <div class="verse">The armies never marched away,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Nor ever spoke a word.</div> + <div class="verse">Now soldiers march with fife and drum.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Men move in every scene.</div> + <div class="verse">The picture books of old have come</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To life upon the screen.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Picture_Writing_BIB" id="Picture_Writing_POEM">Picture Writing</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Of old our fathers wrote in pictures.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">’Twas in an age of savage men.</div> + <div class="verse">The years have rolled a mighty cycle,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And we’ve got round to it again.</div> + <div class="verse">They carved their story on the mountain</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Where it for ages might be seen.</div> + <div class="verse">We write ours on a filmy ribbon,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And throw it on a silver screen.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">If they who carved on cliff and hillside</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Might but return today and see</div> + <div class="verse">The picture writing of the present,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Big with surprise their eyes would be.</div> + <div class="verse">We learned their message from the pictures,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Tho tiresome was the task and slow;</div> + <div class="verse">But we shall pass along a story</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That all the world may read and know.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#A_Prayer_for_Thanksgiving_BIB" id="A_Prayer_for_Thanksgiving_POEM">A Prayer for Thanksgiving</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry italic"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">While we are seated at our board</div> + <div class="verse">In comfort here today,</div> + <div class="verse">With happy face, and kindly word,</div> + <div class="verse">Let us not fail to pray</div> + <div class="verse">For all who do not have their share</div> + <div class="verse">Of comfort and of gain,</div> + <div class="verse">For troubled people everywhere</div> + <div class="verse">In hunger or in pain.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Where weary mothers toil unfed</div> + <div class="verse">In places foul and dim,</div> + <div class="verse">Where little children cry for bread</div> + <div class="verse">And none is given them,</div> + <div class="verse">Lord, let Thy mercy have its way.</div> + <div class="verse">Sow plenty in the land,</div> + <div class="verse">And teach us in our joy today</div> + <div class="verse">To lend a helping hand.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#A_Psalm_of_the_Movies_BIB" id="A_Psalm_of_the_Movies_POEM">A Psalm of the Movies</a> (1922)</h3> + <p class="subtitle italic">(With all due apologies.)</p> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Tell me not in sturdy measure</div> + <div class="verse indent1">What it says upon the screen.</div> + <div class="verse">It does damage to my pleasure,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And the words are plainly seen.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I am really in earnest,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">As the titles onward roll;</div> + <div class="verse">And so, when to me thou turnest,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Do not read aloud their scroll.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Many peevish eyes remind us,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Tho each passage be sublime,</div> + <div class="verse">Folks before and folks behind us</div> + <div class="verse indent1">All can read both prose and rhyme.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">In the scene of love and battle,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">As the swift film pictures life,</div> + <div class="verse">If you do not cease your prattle,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">There most surely will be strife.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Let us watch and see what’s doing</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Till the hast’ning drama ends,</div> + <div class="verse">And not work the play’s undoing,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Reading titles to our friends.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Radio_Neighborhood_BIB" id="The_Radio_Neighborhood_POEM">The Radio Neighborhood</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">While we have struggled patiently</div> + <div class="verse">Toward the larger good,</div> + <div class="verse">Friendship on every land and sea,</div> + <div class="verse">A world-wide neighborhood,</div> + <div class="verse">Space set its limits everywhere,</div> + <div class="verse">Its hedging curtains swirled;</div> + <div class="verse">But now we speed o’er land, through air,</div> + <div class="verse">And talk around the world.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Who is our neighbor? Yesterday</div> + <div class="verse">It was the man whose home</div> + <div class="verse">Was down the road or o’er the way</div> + <div class="verse">Where we might often come.</div> + <div class="verse">Today the golden tie that binds</div> + <div class="verse">Men’s souls in joy or care,</div> + <div class="verse">The word uniting hearts and minds,</div> + <div class="verse">Is vibrant everywhere.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Section_Foreman_BIB" id="The_Section_Foreman_POEM">The Section Foreman</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_230pct_v5">“I</span> LIKE to have my section here</div> + <div class="verse">The cleanest on the line.</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2em">I tell the men to keep it clear</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2em">Of every weed and vine.</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2em">The ties are new. The rails are bright.</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2em">The ballast’s firm and strong.</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2em">The road’s a shining groove of light</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2em">The trains may slip along.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent_-2em">“And on the road we all must take,</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2em">The journey all pursue,</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2em">Though ’tis not marked by line or stake,</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2em">I have a section, too.</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2em">’Twill be inspected some bright day</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2em">By the Great Judge divine,</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2em">And how I’d like to hear Him say:</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2em">‛The cleanest on the line’!”</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Shadow_World_BIB" id="The_Shadow_World_POEM">The Shadow World</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">There is a world of shadows;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">We see it on the screen</div> + <div class="verse">—A world of grassy meadows,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With sunlit streams between,</div> + <div class="verse">Streams flowing to the ocean.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">They come from everywhere.</div> + <div class="verse">Love, hope, despair, devotion,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Joy, sorrow—all are there.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">This world of wondrous seeming</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Is not a distant place.</div> + <div class="verse">’Tis a new way of dreaming</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To walk in it a space,</div> + <div class="verse">To tread its flow’ring meadows,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To sit beside its streams.</div> + <div class="verse">It is a world of shadows,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And yet how real it seems!</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Stars_and_Stripes_for_Me_BIB" id="The_Stars_and_Stripes_for_Me_POEM">The Stars and Stripes for Me</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I bare my head to banners</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That others know and love,</div> + <div class="verse">But one I hold the fairest</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That decks the blue above.</div> + <div class="verse">Whatever be their emblems,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Wherever they may be,</div> + <div class="verse">Stand, if you will, beneath them—</div> + <div class="verse indent1">But the Stars and Stripes for me.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">It stands for all I covet,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">It leads in all I seek;</div> + <div class="verse">Its folds afford protection</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And succor to the weak;</div> + <div class="verse">It stands for right and justice,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And peace and liberty.</div> + <div class="verse">To others you are welcome—</div> + <div class="verse indent1">But the Stars and Stripes for me.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">No flag shall wave above it</div> + <div class="verse indent1">On any purpose bent,</div> + <div class="verse">Nor snatch its honor from it—</div> + <div class="verse indent1">At least with my consent.</div> + <div class="verse">It speaks of proud traditions,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">High hopes for years to be.</div> + <div class="verse">No other scheme or banner</div> + <div class="verse indent1">But the Stars and Stripes for me.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Station_BIB" id="The_Station_POEM">The Station</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_270pct_v2">T</span>HIS is a place of endings and of startings,</div> + <div class="verse">Of journeys finished, journeys just begun.</div> + <div class="verse">It is a place of meetings and of partings,</div> + <div class="verse">Of heart-ties welded and of struggles done.</div> + <div class="verse">It is a place of laughter and of sighing,</div> + <div class="verse">And both commingled in some heart that swells;</div> + <div class="verse">A place of whispered questions, low replying,</div> + <div class="verse">Lost in the clanging din of engine bells.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">It is a place of partings and of meetings,</div> + <div class="verse">A place of hoping and a place of fear,</div> + <div class="verse">A place of farewells and a place of greetings.</div> + <div class="verse">The mountain crests of life are rounded here.</div> + <div class="verse">Here does the world pass by in long procession.</div> + <div class="verse">Here do the heart’s tides ebb, and flow, and surge.</div> + <div class="verse">Earth’s best and worst are mingled in the station.</div> + <div class="verse">Here do the paths of all the world converge.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="landscape_height-15em" src="images/station.png" alt="[Poem title in cursive font is above an illustration surrounding the author’s name. Left side has city skyscrapers and a dollar sign. Middle has a train station. Right side has a simpler home in the countryside and a heart. White, billowing clouds form a prominent background for the city and country settings. One double-line encircles all structures and the author’s name.]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Teacher_v1922_BIB" id="The_Teacher_v1922_POEM">The Teacher v1922</a></h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The eyes of the ages are toward him.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The love of the race is his own.</div> + <div class="verse">The heart of the world will reward him</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With a name that is more than a throne.</div> + <div class="verse">The life that he lives is unending,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">For he is the servant of youth.</div> + <div class="verse">Earth is lit by the flame he is tending</div> + <div class="verse indent1">—This priest at the altar of truth.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="portrait_height-25em" src="images/teacher_1922.png" alt="[Poem is on cover page with the following additional text: The Sunday School Journal, August 1922. The cover has an illustration of a historical setting. A man wearing robes and headband, sitting in a prominent stone chair on a raised platform, is looking at an unrolled scroll in his hands. He faces the viewer while four nearby children dressed in chitons and sandals look at him: one stands on each side of the chair, the third sits in front, and the fourth stands in front. The chair and people are left of center. A large column frames the right side. The poem is between the people and column and prominently displayed in a housing resembling the facade of a temple. A tiger skin—head attached with gaping mouth—is in the foreground. Immediately behind all this is a stone wall with an engraving of a person whose activity is obscured by the publication’s title.]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Temple_BIB" id="The_Temple_POEM">The Temple</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry italic"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">When each home is a temple,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Its every room a shrine,</div> + <div class="verse">Its hearth a sacred altar</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Inscribed to things divine;</div> + <div class="verse">When each eye in the circle</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Reflects that altar flame,</div> + <div class="verse">Each mealtime sacramental</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Unto the Wondrous Name;</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">When each morn is a prayer-time</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Each evening hour is blessed</div> + <div class="verse">With all the grace of kindness</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And all the peace of rest;</div> + <div class="verse">When each task is a service,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Each word a psalm of praise,</div> + <div class="verse">The world will swing in sunshine</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Through all the golden days.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Voices_of_the_Dawn_BIB" id="Voices_of_the_Dawn_POEM">Voices of the Dawn</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Soft breaths of wind that gently pass,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Sigh in the branches of a tree,</div> + <div class="verse">And whisper in the tangled grass;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The early droning of a bee,</div> + <div class="verse">Shaking the dew from dripping wings</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Among the blossoms on the lawn;</div> + <div class="verse">The sprightly chirp of waking things.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">These are the voices of the dawn.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The falling of a loosened leaf,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That seems loud where all is so still;</div> + <div class="verse">A field-mouse rustling in a sheaf;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The low of kine around the hill;</div> + <div class="verse">A little tinkling waterfall,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Whose bubbles gurgle and are gone;</div> + <div class="verse">A skylark’s song; a robin’s call.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">These are the voices of the dawn.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Watchdog_of_the_Sea_BIB" id="The_Watchdog_of_the_Sea_POEM">The Watchdog of the Sea</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Her silent body, slim and gray,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Hangs grimly off the bar,</div> + <div class="verse">Then, like a wraith, she slips away,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Through mist to ports afar.</div> + <div class="verse">She tells not where her course may lie,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Nor cares what perils be,</div> + <div class="verse">She goes, nor ever questions why—</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The watchdog of the sea.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">She plows alike through light and dark,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">She scents the far wind’s breath;</div> + <div class="verse">Only at foemen does she bark,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And then her bark is death.</div> + <div class="verse">She keeps our coasts from every threat,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Guards home and liberty;</div> + <div class="verse">Her courage has not failed us yet—</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The watchdog of the sea.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Where_Is_Heaven?_BIB" id="Where_Is_Heaven?_POEM">Where Is Heaven?</a> (1922)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_230pct">W</span>HO has not heaven in his soul</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_5em">May seek o’er land and main,</div> + <div class="verse">From East to West, from Pole to Pole;</div> + <div class="verse">But he will seek in vain.</div> + <div class="verse">He may traverse the mighty sky,</div> + <div class="verse">Ascend through spaces dim;</div> + <div class="verse">But heaven with all its ecstacy</div> + <div class="verse">Will not exist for him.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Who carries heaven in his heart,</div> + <div class="verse">Its sunshine in his breast,</div> + <div class="verse">Need never seek a place apart,</div> + <div class="verse">For every place is blest</div> + <div class="verse">—The hill, the vale, the sea, the air,</div> + <div class="verse">The stream, the forest dim.</div> + <div class="verse">The light of God from portals fair</div> + <div class="verse">Shines everywhere for him.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Climaxes_v1923_BIB" id="Climaxes_v1923_POEM">Climaxes v1923</a></h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">We live thru drab, prosaic days</div> + <div class="verse">That slowly come and go;</div> + <div class="verse">We tread a thousand weary ways,</div> + <div class="verse">And heavy burdens know;</div> + <div class="verse">We toil in patience thru the years,</div> + <div class="verse">Alike in sun and shower,</div> + <div class="verse">Paying the price of blood and tears</div> + <div class="verse">For one climactic hour.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">We tread the boards thru action long,</div> + <div class="verse">Face conflict grim and hard,</div> + <div class="verse">To gain one triumph over wrong,</div> + <div class="verse">One moment of reward.</div> + <div class="verse">We move upon the mighty screen</div> + <div class="verse">From dawn to set of sun</div> + <div class="verse">To make one little perfect scene</div> + <div class="verse">Before our part is done.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Creator_BIB" id="The_Creator_POEM">The Creator</a> (1923)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I looked in the face of a rose</div> + <div class="verse">As it nodded in springtime and smiled.</div> + <div class="verse">I saw where eternity glows</div> + <div class="verse">In the sweet, tender eyes of a child.</div> + <div class="verse">I looked in a sunbeam in air.</div> + <div class="verse">They each bore an image divine.</div> + <div class="verse">The Creator was everywhere.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I looked at the set of the sun,</div> + <div class="verse">And the crag that reflected its light.</div> + <div class="verse">I thought on the day that was done,</div> + <div class="verse">And I pondered the stars of the night.</div> + <div class="verse">And I looked in the eyes of a man</div> + <div class="verse">Who had stumbled through sinning to prayer.</div> + <div class="verse">God’s fingerprints there I could scan.</div> + <div class="verse">He awaited me everywhere.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Electricity_BIB" id="Electricity_POEM">Electricity</a> (1923)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Mankind’s great servant I,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A servant long unknown</div> + <div class="verse">And still unseen, save in the sky</div> + <div class="verse indent1">When I illume its zone.</div> + <div class="verse">I sweep around the stars,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Ascend through spaces dim.</div> + <div class="verse">I light my lamps where night unbars</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Above the mountains grim.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">But still my chief delight</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Is not to rock the deep,</div> + <div class="verse">And flash my fires across the night</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Where angry tempests sweep.</div> + <div class="verse">It is to drive the keel,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Bear words from place to place,</div> + <div class="verse">To swing the beam, and turn the wheel,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And serve the human race.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="portrait_height-25em" src="images/electricity.png" alt="[Illustration of a stormy night. Foreground fills bottom third of the frame with wind-swept grass. Pine tree fills the frame and is illuminated by a single lightning bolt. Behind the tree whiteness fills the middle third of the frame; its rounded top together with its juxtaposition with the rounded foreground gives it a crescent shape (the moon?). A few stars are visible.]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#An_Electric_Personality_BIB" id="An_Electric_Personality_POEM">An Electric Personality</a> (1923)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">A most <em>electric</em> gentleman</div> + <div class="verse">He was his whole life through.</div> + <div class="verse">Down busy ways his <em>current</em> ran,</div> + <div class="verse">As all his friends well knew.</div> + <div class="verse">He was <em>live wire</em>, so to say,</div> + <div class="verse">He liked to see things go,</div> + <div class="verse"><em>Magnetic</em> in most every way</div> + <div class="verse">—<em>A human dynamo</em>.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">One day a blue coat collared him</div> + <div class="verse">When on some mischief bent,</div> + <div class="verse">And in a jail cell dark and dim</div> + <div class="verse">His next few days were spent.</div> + <div class="verse">What was the <em>charge</em> against him? Yes</div> + <div class="verse">’Twas natural, you see,</div> + <div class="verse">So much so you could really guess</div> + <div class="verse">—Assault and <em>Battery</em>.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_End_of_the_Trail_BIB" id="The_End_of_the_Trail_POEM">The End of the Trail</a> (1923)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I must travel the miles till the journey is done,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Whatsoever the turn of the way.</div> + <div class="verse">I shall bring up at last at the set of the sun,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And shall rest at the close of the day.</div> + <div class="verse">Let me deal as I journey with foeman and friends</div> + <div class="verse indent1">In a way that no man can assail,</div> + <div class="verse">And find nothing but peace at the roadway’s last bend,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">When I come to the end of the trail.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">We are brothers who travel a great, common road,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And the journey is easy for none.</div> + <div class="verse">We must succor the weary and lift on the load</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of the pilgrim whose courage is done.</div> + <div class="verse">Let me deal with them each on my way to the West</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With a mercy that never shall fail,</div> + <div class="verse">And lie down to my dreams with a conscience at rest</div> + <div class="verse indent1">When I come to the end of the trail.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#If_Christ_Is_Not_Divine_BIB" id="If_Christ_Is_Not_Divine_POEM">If Christ Is Not Divine</a> (1923)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">If Christ is not divine,</div> + <div class="verse">Then lay the Book away,</div> + <div class="verse">And every blessed faith resign</div> + <div class="verse">That has so long been yours and mine,</div> + <div class="verse">Through many a trying day;</div> + <div class="verse">Forget the place of bended knee;</div> + <div class="verse">And dream no more of worlds to be.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">If Christ is not divine,</div> + <div class="verse">Go seal again the tomb;</div> + <div class="verse">Take down the Cross, Redemption’s sign;</div> + <div class="verse">Quench all the stars of hope that shine;</div> + <div class="verse">Forget the upper room;</div> + <div class="verse">And let us turn and travel on</div> + <div class="verse">Across the night that knows no dawn.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Might_Be_Worse_BIB" id="Might_Be_Worse_POEM">It Might Be Worse</a> (1923)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The cost of living hits us here.</div> + <div class="verse">Taxes are climbing out of sight.</div> + <div class="verse">This hasn’t been a good crop year.</div> + <div class="verse">The season didn’t turn out right.</div> + <div class="verse">We had a drouth and then a flood.</div> + <div class="verse">Spring was too hot and fall too chill.</div> + <div class="verse">But we have shelter, clothes and food,</div> + <div class="verse">And all our dear ones with us still.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">We still have friends to share our way.</div> + <div class="verse">We have the glory of the day,</div> + <div class="verse">The freedom of the hill and plain.</div> + <div class="verse">We have the beauty of the sky,</div> + <div class="verse">God’s love through dawn and evenfall.</div> + <div class="verse">And so, though same things seem awry,</div> + <div class="verse">We’re pretty lucky after all.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Making_of_Home_BIB" id="The_Making_of_Home_POEM">The Making of Home</a> (1923)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">God took a hearth-fire, warm and bright,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And planted love beside it;</div> + <div class="verse">Spun happy laughter through its light,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">So gay no gloom could hide it.</div> + <div class="verse">He wove a golden thread of song</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Among the flick’ring shadows,</div> + <div class="verse">Like that where days are bright and long</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Upon the summer meadows.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">He made a sanctuary fair</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With His own presence gifted.</div> + <div class="verse">He built a holy altar there</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Where hearts should oft be lifted.</div> + <div class="verse">With His watch-care perennial</div> + <div class="verse indent1">He wrapped it ’round and framed it.</div> + <div class="verse">He flung a roof above it all,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And Home was what He named it.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#No_Room_in_the_Inn_BIB" id="No_Room_in_the_Inn_POEM">No Room in the Inn</a> (1923)</h3> + <div class="poetry italic"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The stars in the heavens were gleaming</div> + <div class="verse">On mountains, and meadows, and rills.</div> + <div class="verse">The song of the angels was streaming</div> + <div class="verse">While shepherds kept watch on the hills.</div> + <div class="verse">The wise men bent low by a manger,</div> + <div class="verse">Apart from Earth’s striving and din,</div> + <div class="verse">To welcome the Heavenly Stranger,</div> + <div class="verse">For there was no room in the inn.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The years have not halted their sweeping,</div> + <div class="verse">It is Christmas again on the earth.</div> + <div class="verse">Again the glad season we’re keeping,</div> + <div class="verse">Recounting the tale of His birth.</div> + <div class="verse">Let not our hearts be, as He sees us,</div> + <div class="verse">So crowded with pleasure and sin</div> + <div class="verse">They can offer no welcome to Jesus.</div> + <div class="verse">Lord, let there be room in the inn.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Our_Hearts_Forget_BIB" id="Our_Hearts_Forget_POEM">Our Hearts Forget</a> (1923)</h3> + <div class="poetry italic"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Our hearts forget,</div> + <div class="verse">Amid the daily round of toil and fret.</div> + <div class="verse">They are so weak, so prone to lose their hold</div> + <div class="verse">On dreams of yesterday, and treasures old.</div> + <div class="verse">The thoughts that thrilled them in a vanished day,</div> + <div class="verse">Forgotten now, are cold in ashes gray.</div> + <div class="verse">Life brings us wondrous days and hours, but yet</div> + <div class="verse">Our hearts forget.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Our hearts forget</div> + <div class="verse">The times of joy and vision we have met,</div> + <div class="verse">The binding vows we once so bravely made,</div> + <div class="verse">The fond petitions that we trembling laid</div> + <div class="verse">Before the Great, White, Shining Throne above,</div> + <div class="verse">The tender, wistful, clinging bonds of love,</div> + <div class="verse">Contrition’s anguished and tear-washed regret</div> + <div class="verse">Our hearts forget.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#A_Prayer_BIB" id="A_Prayer_POEM">A Prayer</a> (1923)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">We thank Thee, Father, for the care</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That did not come to try us,</div> + <div class="verse">The burden that we did not bear,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The trouble that passed by us,</div> + <div class="verse">The task we did not fail to do,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The hurt we did not cherish,</div> + <div class="verse">The friend who did not prove untrue,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The joy that did not perish.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">We thank Thee for the blinding storm</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That did not loose its swelling,</div> + <div class="verse">And for the sudden blight of harm</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That came not nigh our dwelling.</div> + <div class="verse">We thank Thee for the dart unsped,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The bitter word unspoken,</div> + <div class="verse">The grave unmade, the tear unshed,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The heart-tie still unbroken.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Second_Wind_BIB" id="The_Second_Wind_POEM">The Second Wind</a> (1923)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">When “Lizzie” starts to climb a hill</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Too hard to make “on high,”</div> + <div class="verse">She goes it very well until</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Her power begins to die.</div> + <div class="verse">Then, shifting to another gear,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">She leaves the slope behind,</div> + <div class="verse">And hustles on without a fear</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Upon her second wind.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I notice it is so with men.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">They start out with a will,</div> + <div class="verse">They go it well awhile, and then,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Slow down midway the hill.</div> + <div class="verse">But, seeing that their strength is run,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">They change their gear, and find</div> + <div class="verse">The world’s best work is often done</div> + <div class="verse indent1">On people’s second wind.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Serving_Giant_BIB" id="The_Serving_Giant_POEM">The Serving Giant</a> (1923)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The mighty giant of the air,</div> + <div class="verse">More ancient than the sun</div> + <div class="verse">Whose power is vibrant everywhere</div> + <div class="verse">That restless force may run</div> + <div class="verse">Shakes the foundation of the hill,</div> + <div class="verse">Or rends the ground in twain,</div> + <div class="verse">Or blasts the forest at his will</div> + <div class="verse">And levels all again.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">And yet he stoops to hold the light</div> + <div class="verse">That aged eyes may see.</div> + <div class="verse">He warms the baby’s feet at night,</div> + <div class="verse">And cooks for company.</div> + <div class="verse">He does a thousand little things</div> + <div class="verse">To help the world along.</div> + <div class="verse">He who the most of service brings</div> + <div class="verse">Is strongest of the strong.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Teacher_v1923_BIB" id="The_Teacher_v1923_POEM">The Teacher v1923</a></h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_230pct_v4">H</span>E NEVER wandered far from his own town,</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_5em_v2">The little hamlet where he lived and died,</div> + <div class="verse">And yet his pupils traveled up and down</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The whole wide world of town and countryside.</div> + <div class="verse">He sought no honor to adorn his name</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Nor dreamed of crowns that tarnish and grow dim;</div> + <div class="verse">But those he taught achieved undying fame</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And in their triumph hour remembered him.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">He had no time to mold the wide world’s life</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Or take a hand in the affairs of state;</div> + <div class="verse">But others did he send into the strife</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And through them helped to shape his people’s fate.</div> + <div class="verse">He won no earthly riches for himself.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">He had no time to waste in seeking gold</div> + <div class="verse">But every day bestowed on him a pelf</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of love whose value never could be told.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="portrait_height-25em" src="images/teacher_1923.png" alt="[Poem is on cover page with the following additional text: The Sunday School Journal, September 1923. The cover has an illustration of a rural scene. Bottom third is landscape. A dirt road in the foreground gradually descends into a town having a church on its outskirts. The road is lined with bushes. Fields extend from the bushes. A large oak tree in the foreground frames the scene’s left side and top half.]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Transforming_Love_BIB" id="Transforming_Love_POEM">Transforming Love</a> (1923)</h3> + <div class="poetry italic"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Love transforms all things.</div> + <div class="verse">Lone days are touched with light,</div> + <div class="verse">And trying moments lose their stings,</div> + <div class="verse">And vexing things come right.</div> + <div class="verse">Love’s ointment to our eyes applied,</div> + <div class="verse">We see with vision glorified.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Love transforms all things—</div> + <div class="verse">Worn faces, hardened hands.</div> + <div class="verse">To the poor hovel glory clings,</div> + <div class="verse">For Love’s heart understands.</div> + <div class="verse">Whatever it beholds is fair;</div> + <div class="verse">It sees each hidden beauty there.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Window_of_Dreams_BIB" id="The_Window_of_Dreams_POEM">The Window of Dreams</a> (1923)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">There is a little window.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">’Tis called, I think, a screen.</div> + <div class="verse">Thru it the strangest people</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And fairest things are seen.</div> + <div class="verse">Calm valleys, silent woodlands,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Tall summits, shining streams,</div> + <div class="verse">Long roads and busy cities</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Are in this world of dreams.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">There weary hearts may travel,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Each to its wonted place;</div> + <div class="verse">And lonely ones may revel</div> + <div class="verse indent1">In pictured act and face.</div> + <div class="verse">There to our hidden longings</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The waiting answer gleams</div> + <div class="verse">The while our thoughts inhabit</div> + <div class="verse indent1">This pictured world of dreams.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Brotherhood_BIB" id="Brotherhood_POEM">Brotherhood</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry italic"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Let black be black and white be white,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">As they were meant to be;</div> + <div class="verse">But let the hearts of men be right</div> + <div class="verse indent1">On every land and sea.</div> + <div class="verse">Let brown and yellow boast their race,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Their blood no taint e’er tell;</div> + <div class="verse">But let them each possess the grace</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To wish a neighbor well.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Let us forget our foolish strife,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And all our groundless hate.</div> + <div class="verse">We needs must live a common life,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And share a common fate.</div> + <div class="verse">Whatever troubles we must stem,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Whate’er our place or name,</div> + <div class="verse">Beneath the crust that covers them</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Our hearts are all the same.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Builder_v1924_BIB" id="The_Builder_v1924_POEM">The Builder v1924</a></h3> + <div class="poetry italic"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The builder of the future</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Is not the trader keen,</div> + <div class="verse">The driver of the turbine,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Nor any swift machine;</div> + <div class="verse">Not he who rides in triumph</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Through the admiring town,</div> + <div class="verse">Fawning for public praises</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And seeking for renown.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The builder of the future</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Sits not upon a throne.</div> + <div class="verse">He toils among the shadows,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">His struggles oft unknown.</div> + <div class="verse">He is the one who kindles</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And keeps the fires of truth,</div> + <div class="verse">The teacher who is molding</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The plastic heart of youth.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Childhood_on_the_Farm_BIB" id="Childhood_on_the_Farm_POEM">Childhood on the Farm</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">In many a crowded city</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Where moves the human tide,</div> + <div class="verse">Eyes look with eager longing</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To some old countryside.</div> + <div class="verse">Hearts that have long been sated</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With earth recall the charm</div> + <div class="verse">Of life’s morning splendor</div> + <div class="verse indent1">In childhood on the farm.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">From many a path of glory</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And many a throne of power</div> + <div class="verse">Is still recalled the wonder</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of some dear, distant hour.</div> + <div class="verse">Men look through years of toiling,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of sorrow, strife, and harm,</div> + <div class="verse">And treasures unforgotten</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Their childhood on the farm.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Clock_BIB" id="The_Clock_POEM">The Clock</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_230pct_v5">W</span>HAT is the matter with our clock</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_5em">I cannot understand.</div> + <div class="verse">It sounds its steady old tick-tock</div> + <div class="verse">With mien and manner grand.</div> + <div class="verse">To look at its great open face</div> + <div class="verse">You’d think it truthful quite.</div> + <div class="verse">I’m sorry such is not the case.</div> + <div class="verse">It’s hardly ever right.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Just yesterday when I was blue</div> + <div class="verse">Because Tom didn’t call</div> + <div class="verse">To play with me when work was through,</div> + <div class="verse">Its hands scarce moved at all.</div> + <div class="verse">When I went to his house today</div> + <div class="verse">To spend an hour or so,</div> + <div class="verse">We’d scarce got started at our play</div> + <div class="verse">Till it was time to go.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Dream_BIB" id="The_Dream_POEM">The Dream</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I had a dream the other night,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Too sweet for word of tongue,</div> + <div class="verse">Of days when, beautiful and bright,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The children all were young.</div> + <div class="verse">I saw them playing on the floor</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And ’mongst the dooryard flowers.</div> + <div class="verse">Soft baby voices came once more</div> + <div class="verse indent1">From unforgotten hours.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I came from work when eve was late</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And all the sky was gold.</div> + <div class="verse">They ran to meet me at the gate</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With greetings as of old.</div> + <div class="verse">I helped to tuck them in at night</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With prayers of happiness,</div> + <div class="verse">But my arms ached when dawn was bright</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With a great emptiness.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#An_Easter_Vision_BIB" id="An_Easter_Vision_POEM">An Easter Vision</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Whene’er I hear the Easter Bells</div> + <div class="verse">Ring out their carols gay,</div> + <div class="verse">The graves from all the hills and dells</div> + <div class="verse">Dissolve from sight away.</div> + <div class="verse">I see the mighty planet left</div> + <div class="verse">Without a marble stone</div> + <div class="verse">To tell of death, or one bereft</div> + <div class="verse">Who comes to weep alone.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Dear hands, long folded to their rest,</div> + <div class="verse">Return to touch my own,</div> + <div class="verse">And voices memory has blessed</div> + <div class="verse">In each familiar tone</div> + <div class="verse">Speak as in other days to me;</div> + <div class="verse">While on the springtime’s breath</div> + <div class="verse">Is borne to every land and sea</div> + <div class="verse">The news: “There is no death.”</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Electric_Spark_BIB" id="The_Electric_Spark_POEM">The Electric Spark</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_225pct_v2">S</span>EE this snappy little spark</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_5em">Flashing pertly in the dark;</div> + <div class="verse">Coming with its sudden gleam</div> + <div class="verse">Out from nowhere, it would seem;</div> + <div class="verse">Glowing here against the shade,</div> + <div class="verse">Fire unkindled, light unmade,</div> + <div class="verse">Brother to the bolt’s fierce blow</div> + <div class="verse">And the driving dynamo.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Here is hid the mystery,</div> + <div class="verse">Mayhap, of the land and sea.</div> + <div class="verse">All creation’s story may</div> + <div class="verse">Hide within this flashing ray.</div> + <div class="verse">Light, and heat, and force it holds;</div> + <div class="verse">Boundless energy unfolds;</div> + <div class="verse">Tells the secret, if we find it,</div> + <div class="verse">Of the God who stands behind it.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Fade-Outs_BIB" id="Fade-Outs_POEM">Fade-Outs</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Faces, like stars, rise on our little ken;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Shine on our souls with warm and cheering ray.</div> + <div class="verse">Then, like the stars, they pass from us again,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Leaving the dreary world of yesterday.</div> + <div class="verse">Friends slip into our little world awhile.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Joys come to thrill us with their rapture keen.</div> + <div class="verse">The friends go trudging on their winding mile</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The joys fade as a picture on the screen.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Altho unseen, they are not wholly gone.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A friendship once established cannot die.</div> + <div class="verse">A joy once tasted sweetly lingers on,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A perfumed presence never seen but nigh.</div> + <div class="verse">In the great drama of the fleeting years</div> + <div class="verse indent1">They come upon the stage and play their part.</div> + <div class="verse">Then, tho each wondrous vision disappears,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">It leaves its deathless image on the heart.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Film_Judgment_BIB" id="Film_Judgment_POEM">Film Judgment</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The man who reads the titles,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The man who tramps our toes,</div> + <div class="verse">The man who holds the end seat</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Whatever comes and goes,</div> + <div class="verse">The man who laughs so loudly</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That all the house can hear,</div> + <div class="verse">The man who with his snoring</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Outrages every ear.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">All died, and took their journey</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Where the unseen begins,</div> + <div class="verse">And stood before the judgment</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To answer for their sins.</div> + <div class="verse">They got a common sentence.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Each one was ordered flat</div> + <div class="verse">To sit and fume forever</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Behind a picture hat.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Finding_God_BIB" id="Finding_God_POEM">Finding God</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I found Him in the whisp’ring pines,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And in the beauty of the rose;</div> + <div class="verse">I found Him where the first star shines,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Above the Summer day’s soft close;</div> + <div class="verse">I found Him where the storms grew wild;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">I found Him in the happy face</div> + <div class="verse">And manner of a little child,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Revealing loveliness and grace.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I found Him in the swinging suns</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That wheel their way through endless space,</div> + <div class="verse">And in the humblest path that runs</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To love’s sequestered dwelling place;</div> + <div class="verse">I found Him where the violets dwell,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And where the bluebirds wheel and dart;</div> + <div class="verse">But never really knew Him well</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Until I found Him in my heart.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Firefly_BIB" id="The_Firefly_POEM">The Firefly</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">We’ve never gotten to it,</div> + <div class="verse">With all our learning keen.</div> + <div class="verse">We simply cannot do it</div> + <div class="verse">With any fine machine.</div> + <div class="verse">Old Nature’s lanterns greet us</div> + <div class="verse">When dusk succeeds the sun.</div> + <div class="verse">A thousand miles they beat us</div> + <div class="verse">On all we’ve ever done.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">In spite of shining crescent</div> + <div class="verse">And starbeam’s boasted light,</div> + <div class="verse">The firefly’s incandescent</div> + <div class="verse">Most glorifies the night.</div> + <div class="verse">Across the meadows flying</div> + <div class="verse">Cold light it generates.</div> + <div class="verse">We, too, have long been trying,</div> + <div class="verse">But Time still stands and waits.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_God_of_the_Beginning_BIB" id="The_God_of_the_Beginning_POEM">The God of the Beginning</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_435pct">I</span>N the beginning was God. Beyond Time’s threshold he hovered,</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2em">Back of the earliest dawn or the flush of the first fair spring.</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2em">Farther than eye has disclosed or the keenest thought has discovered,</div> + <div class="verse">Moved in the silences vast the Maker of everything.</div> + <div class="verse">Back of the first heart-ties and the first warm heart-fires lighted,</div> + <div class="verse">Back of gleaming sky, the sea, and the shining sod,</div> + <div class="verse">Back of the first fond dream that a hopeful heart e’er sighted,</div> + <div class="verse">Lingered the Soul Divine and brooded the Love of God.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_435pct">I</span>N the beginning was God. O’er struggle and strife diurnal,</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2em width-31em">The void, and the mist, and the darkness, the mire, and the slime, and the clay,</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2em">Through the long course of the ages has watched the Spirit Eternal</div> + <div class="verse">Seeking for men the dawn of a better and kindlier day.</div> + <div class="verse">Brooding, watching, and hoping—but, withal, ever beseeching,</div> + <div class="verse">Over the track of time a saving shade it has cast,</div> + <div class="verse">And into the distant future as far as the years are reaching.</div> + <div class="verse">In the beginning was God, and God shall be at the last.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Jove's_Plaint_BIB" id="Jove's_Plaint_POEM">Jove’s Plaint</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The good old days have vanished,</div> + <div class="verse">And I suppose forever.</div> + <div class="verse">My thunderbolt once quivered</div> + <div class="verse">O’er mountain, plain and river.</div> + <div class="verse">But now they have it captured,</div> + <div class="verse">These humans so audacious.</div> + <div class="verse">They dole it out through cables,</div> + <div class="verse">To serve their plans rapacious.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">They sell it through a meter,</div> + <div class="verse">Howe’er the gods may scoff it.</div> + <div class="verse">They send a monthly statement,</div> + <div class="verse">And make a profit off it.</div> + <div class="verse">Alas, my bolt of thunder</div> + <div class="verse">(And what worse could befall it?)</div> + <div class="verse">Is hopelessly commercialized.</div> + <div class="verse">“Juice” now I think they call it.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Land_of_Heart's_Desire_BIB" id="The_Land_of_Heart's_Desire_POEM">The Land of Heart’s Desire</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">There is a land of wonder</div> + <div class="verse">With fields and towers agleam.</div> + <div class="verse">I often see it yonder</div> + <div class="verse">Beyond the Hills of Dream,</div> + <div class="verse">Touched by the glow of morning,</div> + <div class="verse">Lit by the sunset’s fire,</div> + <div class="verse">Or with starbeams adorning—</div> + <div class="verse">The Land of Heart’s Desire.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Along the road of duty</div> + <div class="verse">We daily struggle on;</div> + <div class="verse">But e’er we touch its beauty,</div> + <div class="verse">Eluding us, ’tis gone.</div> + <div class="verse">Yet through the clinging shadows,</div> + <div class="verse">The brambles, and the mire,</div> + <div class="verse">It lures us toward its meadows—</div> + <div class="verse">The Land of Heart’s Desire.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Minds_BIB" id="Minds_POEM">Minds</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <img class="drop-initial_v2_1" src="images/minds_s.png" alt=""> + <div class="verse width-12em drop-initial">SOME minds are flaming rockets</div> + <div class="verse">That flit among the stars;</div> + <div class="verse">And some are gaily nickeled</div> + <div class="verse">And painted motor cars;</div> + <div class="verse">And some are lumbering wagons</div> + <div class="verse">That slowly make their way,</div> + <div class="verse">With nothing keen to offer</div> + <div class="verse">And nothing fine to say.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <img class="drop-initial_v2_2" src="images/minds_t.png" alt=""> + <div class="verse drop-initial">THE swiftly flaming rocket</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-3_3em">Loses its brilliancy.</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-3_3em">The fine car is supplanted</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-3_3em">By one more fair to see.</div> + <div class="verse">But the slow-moving wagon</div> + <div class="verse">That lumbers down the road</div> + <div class="verse">Is certain of arrival</div> + <div class="verse">And bears the heavy load.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Miracle_BIB" id="Miracle_POEM">Miracle</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Whoever saw a garden grow,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Or watched a robin build her nest,</div> + <div class="verse">Or lingered in the flaming glow</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of sunset blazing in the West;</div> + <div class="verse">Whoever walked the fruitful plain,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And saw the green stalks reach, and swell,</div> + <div class="verse">And ripen to a field of grain</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Knows earth is full of miracle.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Whoever wandered in the wood,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And rambled down its aisle of dreams,</div> + <div class="verse">Or sought the orchard path, or stood</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Where falls the murmur of a stream;</div> + <div class="verse">Whoever watched a cloudland wild,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Or sensed the twilight’s gentle spell,</div> + <div class="verse">Or prattled with a little child</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Knows life is full of miracle.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Picture's_Lament_BIB" id="The_Picture's_Lament_POEM">The Picture’s Lament</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">They take great liberties with me,</div> + <div class="verse">Nor ever ask me yea or nay.</div> + <div class="verse">I’m just as weary as can be</div> + <div class="verse">From prancing on a screen all day.</div> + <div class="verse">I’ve dug, and climbed, and laughed, and wept,</div> + <div class="verse">Loitered, and danced to make a show;</div> + <div class="verse">And not a moment have I slept.</div> + <div class="verse">They keep me always on the go.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">No choice is mine. I needs must move,</div> + <div class="verse">Swiftly, obedient, silently.</div> + <div class="verse">No fields of freedom do I rove.</div> + <div class="verse">My course is parceled out for me.</div> + <div class="verse">But this I cannot quite forget</div> + <div class="verse">—If I can wake some old refrain</div> + <div class="verse">Or still a rush of wild regret,</div> + <div class="verse">I shall not then have toiled in vain.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Prayer_for_Normal_Men_BIB" id="Prayer_for_Normal_Men_POEM">Prayer for Normal Men</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">For every poor, defective soul that wanders</div> + <div class="verse">In the dark shades of subjectivity,</div> + <div class="verse">For each deluded mind that glibly flounders</div> + <div class="verse">In the foul mire of abnormality,</div> + <div class="verse">Give us a host who cheerful laughter scatter,</div> + <div class="verse">Whose willing hands toil on in love’s sweet right,</div> + <div class="verse">Who plant the roses, guide the feet that patter</div> + <div class="verse">Around the hearth of happiness at night.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Give us, O God, a race of normal people</div> + <div class="verse">Who walk no paths of morbidness apart;</div> + <div class="verse">Who dwell not in the bog, nor yet the steeple,</div> + <div class="verse">But in the dusty way, the busy mart;</div> + <div class="verse">Who like their work, care for the folks about them,</div> + <div class="verse">And make each day a thing of joy and song.</div> + <div class="verse">This world of our’s could never do without them.</div> + <div class="verse">They are the men who make it move along.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Railroad_BIB" id="The_Railroad_POEM">The Railroad</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_230pct_v5">W</span>HERE do they go, these shining rails</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_25em">That ramble so far away</div> + <div class="verse">That seem to reach where the twilight pales</div> + <div class="verse">At the beautiful gates of day?”</div> + <div class="verse">“They run to the wider world, my boy,</div> + <div class="verse">Of dreaming, and strife, and again,</div> + <div class="verse">With its mingling of weariness and joy,</div> + <div class="verse">To the city—and back again.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Out of the valley and o’er the hill</div> + <div class="verse">Where childhood has had its day,</div> + <div class="verse">Out of the hamlet so small and still</div> + <div class="verse">And into the far away,</div> + <div class="verse">On, on to the world of toil, my lad,</div> + <div class="verse">With its struggle of brawn and brain,</div> + <div class="verse">Some of it good and some of it bad,</div> + <div class="verse">To the city—and back again.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Shadows_on_the_Wall_BIB" id="Shadows_on_the_Wall_POEM">Shadows on the Wall</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Coming, going, thru the play,</div> + <div class="verse">Flashing on the screen,</div> + <div class="verse">Do the actors take their way.</div> + <div class="verse">Briefly each is seen.</div> + <div class="verse">What are they—these shapes that move,</div> + <div class="verse">Forms that rise and fall,</div> + <div class="verse">Urged by hope, or fear, or love?</div> + <div class="verse">Shadows on the wall.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">In the daily strain and strife</div> + <div class="verse">Shift and change appear.</div> + <div class="verse">On the larger stage of life</div> + <div class="verse">Mingle smile and tear.</div> + <div class="verse">Here our little race we run,</div> + <div class="verse">Then are vanished all.</div> + <div class="verse">What are we when all is done?</div> + <div class="verse">Shadows on the wall.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Sorrow_BIB" id="Sorrow_POEM">Sorrow</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">God sometimes drops the shadows o’er us,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And leaves them for a space,</div> + <div class="verse">That we may clearly see before us</div> + <div class="verse">The image of the love he bore us</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Reflected on his face.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">He sometimes sends us hours of grieving,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That we may slip away</div> + <div class="verse">From sounds and voices so deceiving,</div> + <div class="verse">And once again in faith believing</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Kneel at his throne and pray.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">He sometimes leaves us to our weeping,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Though bitter seem our tears,</div> + <div class="verse">That briny drops from we eyes creeping</div> + <div class="verse">May wake some happiness long sleeping</div> + <div class="verse indent1">For gladder, sweeter years.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Things_That_I_Believe_BIB" id="The_Things_That_I_Believe_POEM">The Things That I Believe</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The things that I believe</div> + <div class="verse indent1">—These things are life to me.</div> + <div class="verse">Some all the senses might deceive,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">For some I cannot see;</div> + <div class="verse">But in the tempest fierce and old</div> + <div class="verse indent1">I feel their strong truth grip and hold.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The things that I believe</div> + <div class="verse indent1">—I cannot let them go;</div> + <div class="verse">And empty-hearted grope and grieve</div> + <div class="verse indent1">In darkness and in woe.</div> + <div class="verse">So, God, I thank my every star</div> + <div class="verse indent1">They are no fewer than they are.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Today_and_Tomorrow_BIB" id="Today_and_Tomorrow_POEM">Today and Tomorrow</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Could something only make today</div> + <div class="verse indent1">As lovely as tomorrow,</div> + <div class="verse">As free from care and shadows gray,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">As void of tears and sorrow,</div> + <div class="verse">The world would be a perfect place,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Without a woe to blight it.</div> + <div class="verse">Earth would be rich in every grace,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With happiness to light it.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Yet day is day, and life is life.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Time e’er repeats its story.</div> + <div class="verse">Each morning brings its toil and strife,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Likewise its gleam of glory.</div> + <div class="verse">Each brings its mingled shine and shade,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Its mingled joy and sorrow,</div> + <div class="verse">For each today God ever made</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Was wrought from a tomorrow.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Tree_BIB" id="The_Tree_POEM">The Tree</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">It stood upon a meadow fair,</div> + <div class="verse">A green and leafy tree.</div> + <div class="verse">Gaily it met the breezes there,</div> + <div class="verse">Lovely it was to see.</div> + <div class="verse">One night a storm of wind and rain</div> + <div class="verse">Rent it from earth apart.</div> + <div class="verse">The reason then was very plain.</div> + <div class="verse">Decay was at its heart.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">He was a youth of promise fine,</div> + <div class="verse">The strongest of the crowd.</div> + <div class="verse">His features wore the stamp divine,</div> + <div class="verse">His eye was clear and proud.</div> + <div class="verse">He could have lived to purpose high</div> + <div class="verse">And played a noble part.</div> + <div class="verse">But no, he fell. The reason why?</div> + <div class="verse">Decay was at his heart.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Unknown_Soldier_BIB" id="The_Unknown_Soldier_POEM">The Unknown Soldier</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The guns are silent in the valley now.</div> + <div class="verse">The river creeps serenely on its way.</div> + <div class="verse">Still clings the ivy to the rugged brow;</div> + <div class="verse">Of yonder hill, and roses grace the day.</div> + <div class="verse">No grave was heaped. No word of prayer was said.</div> + <div class="verse">No stone was reared against the pitying sky.</div> + <div class="verse">None ever knew where rests the silent dead</div> + <div class="verse">As unrevealing years go drifting by.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">And yet he is not lost. This quiet sod;</div> + <div class="verse">Can rest him quite as well as anywhere,</div> + <div class="verse">Beneath the gentle, sleepless eye of God,</div> + <div class="verse">Whose robins sing for him when Spring is fair.</div> + <div class="verse">His life is wrought into the victory.</div> + <div class="verse">Glory is his. He need not urge his claim.</div> + <div class="verse">He lives on in the better age to be,</div> + <div class="verse">Though sleeping in a grave without a name.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#What_Does_It_Matter?_BIB" id="What_Does_It_Matter?_POEM">What Does It Matter?</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">What does it matter if here or there</div> + <div class="verse">Is a strand of joy or a thread of care,</div> + <div class="verse">If when the web has been finished all</div> + <div class="verse">The final pattern is beautiful?</div> + <div class="verse">The One who weaves on the world’s great loom</div> + <div class="verse">Must make His fabric of shine and gloom.</div> + <div class="verse">It takes the gold and the somber hue</div> + <div class="verse">To make it lovely when He is through.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">What does it matter if there or here</div> + <div class="verse">Is a song of joy or a falling tear,</div> + <div class="verse">If at the hour of the setting sun</div> + <div class="verse">A lovely product is held forth done?</div> + <div class="verse">The One who orders the passing hours</div> + <div class="verse">With ceaseless cycle of sun and showers</div> + <div class="verse">Fashions the color and rare design</div> + <div class="verse">Of a growing tapestry divine.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Why_We_Are_Here_BIB" id="Why_We_Are_Here_POEM">Why We Are Here</a> (1924)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">O<strong class="small-caps">ur</strong> minds were made to search the deeps</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of Truth’s clear-flowing stream;</div> + <div class="verse">Our feet to scale the rugged steeps</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of faith and hope and dream;</div> + <div class="verse">Our hands to toil and serve and lift,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To help and heal and bless;</div> + <div class="verse">Our hearts to bring the priceless gift</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of love and tenderness.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Our lives were made to struggle on,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The upward path to plod;</div> + <div class="verse">Our souls to catch the glint of dawn</div> + <div class="verse indent1">From the white throne of God;</div> + <div class="verse">Our lips the helpful word to speak,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The tender song to sing;</div> + <div class="verse">Our eyes to search the world and seek</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The good in everything.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Age_of_a_Heart_BIB" id="The_Age_of_a_Heart_POEM">The Age of a Heart</a> (1925)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <img class="drop-initial_v3" src="images/minds_s.png" alt=""> + <div class="verse width-14em drop-initial">SO LONG as stars are bright and fair</div> + <div class="verse">And skies are blue and clear;</div> + <div class="verse">So long as joy is in the air</div> + <div class="verse">And Dreamland hovers near;</div> + <div class="verse">So long as roses blossom gay</div> + <div class="verse">And song is on the tongue—</div> + <div class="verse">Tho brow be lined and hair be gray</div> + <div class="verse">That long the heart is young.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">But when the sky grows dull and sere</div> + <div class="verse">And roses fade and die;</div> + <div class="verse">When song no longer holds the ear</div> + <div class="verse">Nor Dreamland hovers nigh;</div> + <div class="verse">When passing days no wonder bring,</div> + <div class="verse">No great adventure hold—</div> + <div class="verse">In spite of time or anything</div> + <div class="verse">[Transcriber’s note: Last line is missing from source.]</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Blossoms_BIB" id="Blossoms_POEM">Blossoms</a> (1925)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Blossoms growing on the stem,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Blue and white and red and gold.</div> + <div class="verse">What a brush has painted them</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With their colors manifold!</div> + <div class="verse">Planted by the garden way</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Underneath a smiling sky,</div> + <div class="verse">Do they nod and smile all day</div> + <div class="verse indent1">For the weary passer-by.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Blossoms growing by the gate,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Dear and quaint, old-fashioned flowers.</div> + <div class="verse">They reck not of time or fate,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Seek no kingdoms, thrones, or powers.</div> + <div class="verse">They are well content to bloom</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Far from mad ambition’s stress</div> + <div class="verse">And to give of their perfume</div> + <div class="verse indent1">For a stranger’s happiness.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Children_v1925_BIB" id="The_Children_v1925_POEM">The Children v1925</a></h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The dear little children that climb on the knee,</div> + <div class="verse">The promise and hope of the morrows to be</div> + <div class="verse">—Their song is unfailing; their spirits are bright;</div> + <div class="verse">Their hearts are courageous from morning till night,</div> + <div class="verse">How helpless they are! On our mercy they wait.</div> + <div class="verse">The hands of their elders must fashion their fate.</div> + <div class="verse">They are frail little barks to be launched on the sea</div> + <div class="verse">—These dear little children that climb on the knee.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Oh guide them with hands that are tender and true.</div> + <div class="verse">The voyage is long and the lighthouses few.</div> + <div class="verse">What struggles await them! What conflicts and fears!</div> + <div class="verse">What dream castles shattered! What heartaches and tears!</div> + <div class="verse">Their skies will have clouds, and the clouds will bring rain.</div> + <div class="verse">Then all will give way to the sunshine again.</div> + <div class="verse">Bound upon their souls are the ages to be</div> + <div class="verse">—These dear little children that climb on the knee.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Credo_BIB" id="Credo_POEM">Credo</a> (1925)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Lord, I believe</div> + <div class="verse">That thou hast made the earth, the sky, the sea,</div> + <div class="verse">And all the members of immensity,</div> + <div class="verse">The rose that blooms beside the traveled way;</div> + <div class="verse">That thou didst weave</div> + <div class="verse">The fabric of the dawn and close of day.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Lord, I believe</div> + <div class="verse">That thou hast fashioned me to be thine own,</div> + <div class="verse">Hast made my human heart to be thy throne,</div> + <div class="verse">Hast made this voice of mine that it should sing</div> + <div class="verse">From morn till eve,</div> + <div class="verse">These hands the precious gift of love to bring.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Lord, I believe</div> + <div class="verse">That yonder, past the valley’s shaded rim,</div> + <div class="verse">The lifting crest that seems so cold and dim</div> + <div class="verse">Is but the outlines of another shore</div> + <div class="verse">That doth receive</div> + <div class="verse">The loved and lost of earth forevermore.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Easter_Message_BIB" id="Easter_Message_POEM">The Easter Message</a> (1925)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">She stood before the empty tomb,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Wond’ring and half afraid,</div> + <div class="verse">And peered into the clinging gloom</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Where he was lately laid.</div> + <div class="verse">Only the linen cloths were there,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">But something like a breath</div> + <div class="verse">Whispered across the morning air</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And said: “There is no death.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Across the troubled centuries</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That word has made its way,</div> + <div class="verse">And like a fragrant summer breeze</div> + <div class="verse indent1">It comes to us to-day.</div> + <div class="verse">Where’er our hands have reared a stone,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Now as of old it saith</div> + <div class="verse">To those who come to grieve alone:</div> + <div class="verse indent1">“Take heart. There is no death.”</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Fabulous_City_BIB" id="The_Fabulous_City_POEM">The Fabulous City</a> (1925)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">There rises in the distance</div> + <div class="verse">Across the Vale of Dreams</div> + <div class="verse">A fair and lovely city,</div> + <div class="verse">Built on get-rich-quick schemes.</div> + <div class="verse">Its towers are bright and shining.</div> + <div class="verse">Its streets are paved with gold,</div> + <div class="verse">Paid for by mine promotions</div> + <div class="verse">And stock sales bad and bold.</div> + <div class="verse">Wondrous that shining city</div> + <div class="verse">Before our vision stands,</div> + <div class="verse">But when we come to touch it</div> + <div class="verse">It crumbles ’neath our hands.</div> + <div class="verse">Ethereal its fabric,</div> + <div class="verse">Intangible its soil.</div> + <div class="verse">’Twas builded with the fortunes</div> + <div class="verse">We never made in oil.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Home_v1925_BIB" id="Home_v1925_POEM">Home v1925</a></h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Standing beside a quiet path they found it.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A humble little house it was, and low.</div> + <div class="verse">With patient hands they planted flowers around it,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And flung its windows to the sun’s warm glow.</div> + <div class="verse">They laid an open book upon the table,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And hung a simple picture on the wall.</div> + <div class="verse">They trained a vining rose around the gable.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">They built a throne and crowned love Lord of all.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">They kindled on the hearth a fair flame gleaming,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And set a row of chairs before its light</div> + <div class="verse">Where happy eyes should cast their cheerful beaming</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With rest and song that come with falling night.</div> + <div class="verse">They reared with loving hands a fireside altar</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Where hungry hearts in reverence might come,</div> + <div class="verse">Where trembling lips might their petitions falter</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Before the Throne of Grace, and lo, ’twas HOME.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Palm_Sunday_v1925_BIB" id="Palm_Sunday_v1925_POEM">Palm Sunday v1925</a></h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Adown the ringing street he came,</div> + <div class="verse">The Lord of all the years.</div> + <div class="verse">A thousand voices of acclaim</div> + <div class="verse">Were ringing in his ears.</div> + <div class="verse">Silent was he who knew his way</div> + <div class="verse">Of mingled joy and loss</div> + <div class="verse">Began where Bartimaeus lay,</div> + <div class="verse">And ended at a cross.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">And ever it has been as then.</div> + <div class="verse">The path of triumph trod</div> + <div class="verse">Amid the loud acclaim of men,</div> + <div class="verse">Beneath the smile of God,</div> + <div class="verse">Begins where need holds forth its hands,</div> + <div class="verse">And pleads with weary eyes,</div> + <div class="verse">And ends where, grim and silent, stands</div> + <div class="verse">The Hill of Sacrifice.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Roads_v1925_BIB" id="Roads_v1925_POEM">Roads v1925</a></h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">There is a road to happiness;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">There is a road to pain;</div> + <div class="verse">A road to failure and success;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A road to loss and gain;</div> + <div class="verse">A road to meadows gay with flowers;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A road to evenfall;</div> + <div class="verse">A road to bright and shadowed hours—</div> + <div class="verse indent1">God lets me tread them all.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">There is a quiet road that finds</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The little singing streams;</div> + <div class="verse">A road that reaches till it winds</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Along the Hills of Dreams;</div> + <div class="verse">A road to hope, to duty done,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And to that last clear call</div> + <div class="verse">Across the gates of setting sun—</div> + <div class="verse indent1">God lets me tread them all.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Teacher's_Reward_BIB" id="The_Teacher's_Reward_POEM">The Teacher’s Reward</a> (1925)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Who dwells with everlasting truth</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And lets that truth possess his soul;</div> + <div class="verse">Who has companionship with youth</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To keep him young as swift years roll;</div> + <div class="verse">Who writes his story on the page</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of history by labor hard;</div> + <div class="verse">And builds his life into his age,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Has his reward.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Who opens eyes that else were blind</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Till they behold the earth and sky;</div> + <div class="verse">Who wakens interest in the mind</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That else were barren, dead, and dry;</div> + <div class="verse">Who gently takes a weary hand</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And lays it in the Palm that’s scarred;</div> + <div class="verse">Though others own the gold and land,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Has his reward.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Via_Dolorosa_BIB" id="Via_Dolorosa_POEM">Via Dolorosa</a> (1925)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Out the Damascus Gate it ran,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A weary, cheerless road</div> + <div class="verse">Along which stumbled once a Man,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A cross-tree for His load.</div> + <div class="verse">The street was teeming with the throng.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The air was chill and gray,</div> + <div class="verse">The hour when Jesus passed along</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That Dolorosa Way.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">It wound a slope that flung its height</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Against a sullen sky.</div> + <div class="verse">Upon a summit—tragic sight—</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Three crosses lifted high.</div> + <div class="verse">But lo, beyond them, manifold</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The lifting glow of day.</div> + <div class="verse">It ended at the gates of gold,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That Dolorosa Way.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Chameleon_BIB" id="The_Chameleon_POEM">The Chameleon</a> (1926)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Upon a green leaf he is green,</div> + <div class="verse">Upon a red one ruddy.</div> + <div class="verse">He suits his color to the scene—</div> + <div class="verse">Blue, brown, or grey, or muddy.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Wherever he may chance to go</div> + <div class="verse">He meets the crowd’s demanding.</div> + <div class="verse">In Rome he does as Romans do,</div> + <div class="verse">And so he keeps his standing.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I know not his philosophy—</div> + <div class="verse">Platonic or Aurelian.</div> + <div class="verse">No matter. Who would want to be</div> + <div class="verse">Reputed a chameleon?</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_City's_Nerves_BIB" id="The_City's_Nerves_POEM">The City’s Nerves</a> (1926)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Somewhere is closed a circuit,</div> + <div class="verse">And miles and miles away</div> + <div class="verse">A filament is lighted;</div> + <div class="verse">A wheel goes into play;</div> + <div class="verse">A thought is carried quickly,</div> + <div class="verse">In clearest tones expressed,</div> + <div class="verse">Because an impulse flashes</div> + <div class="verse">North, South, or East, or West.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">And how? Beneath the pavement,</div> + <div class="verse">Away from human gaze,</div> + <div class="verse">Across the humid darkness</div> + <div class="verse">Wires run in countless ways.</div> + <div class="verse">In cables, ever-reaching</div> + <div class="verse">Through subterranean curves,</div> + <div class="verse">They carry thought and action.</div> + <div class="verse">They are the city’s nerves.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="portrait_height-25em" src="images/citys_nerves.png" alt="[Illustration’s upper half depicts an above-ground daytime view of a cityscape. The lower half depicts a below-ground view cast in darkness except for two unclothed men; bolts of electricity extend from their hands. The art is signed “Pancoast.”]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Doing_It_Well_BIB" id="Doing_It_Well_POEM">Doing It Well</a> (1926)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_390pct">I</span><strong class="small-caps"> saw</strong> him do his act before a large and motley throng</div> + <div class="verse width-25em">That sought relief and laughter in the house of dreams and song.</div> + <div class="verse">Just who he was or whence he came of course I cannot tell.</div> + <div class="verse">He only played a banjo, but he played the banjo well.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I saw her washing dishes in a simple little cot.</div> + <div class="verse">Her life was spent in toiling there upon the selfsame spot.</div> + <div class="verse">Her face was furrowed, and each line a story had to tell.</div> + <div class="verse">She only kept a household, but she kept the household well.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I saw him fire an engine in a vast and grimy room,</div> + <div class="verse">Though it was hard to see him in the still and dusty gloom.</div> + <div class="verse">He watched each motion keenly as the pistons rose and fell.</div> + <div class="verse">He only fired an engine, but he fired the engine well.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I saw him digging ditches with the mud upon his hands,</div> + <div class="verse">And with that steady motion that a digger understands.</div> + <div class="verse">He claimed no fame nor fortune; only brawn he had to sell.</div> + <div class="verse">He was but digging ditches, but he dug the ditches well.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">It matters rather little what task one may choose to do,</div> + <div class="verse">So long as it is honest and his purposes are true.</div> + <div class="verse">The years will ring his story far upon their golden bell,</div> + <div class="verse">If he will only do the thing he may be doing well.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Enslaved_Lightning_BIB" id="Enslaved_Lightning_POEM">Enslaved Lightning</a> (1926)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">A nature worshipper, long dead,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Came back in ghostly form,</div> + <div class="verse">To visit where, in ages sped,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">He bowed before the storm.</div> + <div class="verse">The city streets with radiance burned</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Through every darkened hour,</div> + <div class="verse">And every busy wheel was turned</div> + <div class="verse indent1">By harnessed lightning power.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">“Ah me,” he said, “The times do change.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">This is a different ball.</div> + <div class="verse">So altered everything, so strange,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">I’m not at home at all.</div> + <div class="verse">These moderns have audacious wills;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The gods we served aright,</div> + <div class="verse">They’ve put to work to turn their mills</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And light their streets at night.”</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="portrait_height-25em" src="images/enslaved_lig.png" alt="[Illustration of a window view of a city’s downtown on a stormy night. A generator is in the foreground next to the window. The window frames a skyscraper, other buildings, and street lights; they are all filled with light. A bolt of lightning extends from the sky to the generator. The art piece is signed “A Sturges” and below it the caption reads, “Decoration by A Sturges.”]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Flowers_Are_Thoughts_of_God_BIB" id="Flowers_Are_Thoughts_of_God_POEM">Flowers Are Thoughts of God</a> (1926)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The flowers are the thoughts of God.</div> + <div class="verse">They bloom in sun and shadow,</div> + <div class="verse">By traveled path, or virgin sod,</div> + <div class="verse">In every lovely meadow;</div> + <div class="verse">In dooryards where the children play,</div> + <div class="verse">And hours are swiftly winging;</div> + <div class="verse">And Love comes at the close of day,</div> + <div class="verse">Its selfless tribute bringing.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Silent they grow, each in its place,</div> + <div class="verse">With cheer for all who love them,</div> + <div class="verse">Breathing their perfume in the face</div> + <div class="verse">Of all who bend above them.</div> + <div class="verse">They blossom where the weary plod</div> + <div class="verse">Their ways of toil and duty.</div> + <div class="verse">The flowers are the thoughts of God;</div> + <div class="verse">His love speaks in their beauty.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#A_Grace_for_Meals_BIB" id="A_Grace_for_Meals_POEM">A Grace for Meals</a> (1926)</h3> + <div class="poetry italic"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Thou who doest hold all things at Thy command</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The blessing of the sunshine and the rain,</div> + <div class="verse">Thou never hast withheld Thy kindly hand</div> + <div class="verse indent1">From giving us the fruitage of the plain.</div> + <div class="verse">Long hast Thou sheltered us from every storm.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Long hast Thou seen that we were duly fed.</div> + <div class="verse">Long hast Thou kept our fireside bright and warm.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And so we thank Thee for our daily bread.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">As we assemble at our simple board</div> + <div class="verse indent1">In all the gladness that is ours today,</div> + <div class="verse">We thank Thee for Thy presence with us, Lord,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And ask that Thou wilt be our guest alway.</div> + <div class="verse">May all Thy children, wheresoe’er they be,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Share in Thy bounty, by Thy hand be led,</div> + <div class="verse">And lift their hearts from every land and sea,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With us, to thank Thee for their daily bread.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Grey_Host_BIB" id="The_Grey_Host_POEM">The Grey Host</a> (1926)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">From the silent Southern river,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">From the reaching Western plain,</div> + <div class="verse">From the quaint New England hillside</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Comes a host to march again.</div> + <div class="verse">From Manila and El Caney,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">From the depths of many a sea,</div> + <div class="verse">From the flow’ring fields of Flanders,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Come the sons of Liberty.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Who are these that tread the silence?</div> + <div class="verse indent1">They are our departed brave,</div> + <div class="verse">Who, despite their years of dreaming,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Still are troubled in the grave.</div> + <div class="verse">See, they bear a flaming banner,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">These who died for us of yore.</div> + <div class="verse">This the message that it flashes:</div> + <div class="verse indent1">“Brothers, dream of war no more.”</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Heart_Gates_BIB" id="Heart_Gates_POEM">Heart Gates</a> (1926)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">There is a wondrous country,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A city built foursquare.</div> + <div class="verse">And each and all are welcome</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To find a dwelling there.</div> + <div class="verse">The nations gather homeward,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Peoples from far and wide.</div> + <div class="verse">Directions do not matter</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With gates on every side.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">And is not this the mission</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That God to us has given—</div> + <div class="verse">To make the world we live in</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Seem more and more like heaven?</div> + <div class="verse">Shall we not seek the friendship</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of peoples far and wide,</div> + <div class="verse">And let the heart’s fair city</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Have gates on every side?</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_High_Tension_Line_BIB" id="The_High_Tension_Line_POEM">The High Tension Line</a> (1926)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">It has no boast to make at all.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Patient it holds unto its task</div> + <div class="verse">Summer and Winter, Spring and Fall,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With naught to tell and naught to ask.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Humble and steady, sure and true,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Seeking no change of work or place,</div> + <div class="verse">It has its given work to do,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And does it with a changeless grace.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">In its deep channel underground</div> + <div class="verse indent1">It serves its purpose day by day,</div> + <div class="verse">Without a stir, without a sound,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Though days be fair, though days be gray.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">And yet what power is carried down</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The conduit through which it runs</div> + <div class="verse">To turn the factories of the town,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And flood its streets with blazing suns.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I know some men who are the same.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">They make no boast with foolish lips,</div> + <div class="verse">But all their spirits are aflame.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Power tingles to their finger tips.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#I_am_not_eloquent_BIB" id="I_am_not_eloquent_POEM">“I am not eloquent”</a> (1926)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">“I am not eloquent,” he said.</div> + <div class="verse">“I cannot spin of thought’s fine gold</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2_5em">A sentence lovely to be read,</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2_5em">A story wondrous to be told.”</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2_5em">Thus did he answer God one day</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2_5em">Upon a new Tiberian shore.</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2_5em">And God said, “No, but you can say</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2_5em">The word of love. I ask no more.”</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2_5em">And so across the hurried years,</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2_5em">Across the mighty land and sea,</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2_5em">Through calm and tempest, joy and tears,</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2_5em">He bore the message faithfully.</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2_5em">He bore it till the set of sun,</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2_5em">Until his time and strength were spent.</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2_5em">Today the service he has done,</div> + <div class="verse indent_-2_5em">Beyond all speech, is eloquent.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Knocking_BIB" id="Knocking_POEM">Knocking</a> (1926)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <img class="drop-initial_v4" src="images/knocking_t.png" alt=""> + <div class="verse width-17em drop-initial">THERE’S a sign that always thrills me</div> + <div class="verse">When its pounding threat I hear,</div> + <div class="verse">One that always rudely thrills me</div> + <div class="verse">With the clutching grip of fear.</div> + <div class="verse">Though the thought of it be shocking,</div> + <div class="verse">And the homeward journey long,</div> + <div class="verse">When I hear the engine knocking</div> + <div class="verse">I am certain something’s wrong.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I have known a lot of people,</div> + <div class="verse">High and low, and near and far,</div> + <div class="verse">On the street, beneath the steeple,</div> + <div class="verse">Who were like a motor car.</div> + <div class="verse">Though successes may come flocking,</div> + <div class="verse">And though he be going strong,</div> + <div class="verse">When I hear a person knocking</div> + <div class="verse">I am certain something’s wrong.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Life_BIB" id="Life_POEM">Life</a> (1926)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I said to God: “Life is a wine-cup,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A thing to be drained while we may;</div> + <div class="verse">And those who can drink it most deeply</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And emptiest cast it away.</div> + <div class="verse">The ones who have claimed the full measure</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of all the joy it can give,</div> + <div class="verse">Are those who have learned most completely</div> + <div class="verse indent1">What it means to be conscious and live.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">But God said: “No, life is a picture,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A thing you may paint as you will.</div> + <div class="verse">Your colors are of your own choosing,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And yours is the measure of skill.</div> + <div class="verse">You may paint, and the curse or the blessing</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With all of their burden or worth,</div> + <div class="verse">When your brush has been dropped will be treasured</div> + <div class="verse indent1">As your gift to the children of earth.”</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Question_v1926_BIB" id="The_Question_v1926_POEM">The Question v1926</a></h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_230pct_v4">T</span>HE women are cutting their tresses</div> + <div class="verse">To look just the same as the men.</div> + <div class="verse">They have thrown away skirts, and have taken to shirts,</div> + <div class="verse">And collars, and neckties; and then</div> + <div class="verse">The men have begun wearing knickers,</div> + <div class="verse">With hose of elaborate art.</div> + <div class="verse">They radiate bliss, but the problem is this:</div> + <div class="verse">How are we to tell them apart?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">One day when I saw a young lady</div> + <div class="verse">Drop a handkerchief, quickly I ran</div> + <div class="verse">And returned it to her with my heart all astir,</div> + <div class="verse">But lo, when I spoke, ’twas a man.</div> + <div class="verse">Then I slapped a young man on the shoulder,</div> + <div class="verse">And he turned with a manner most tart.</div> + <div class="verse">’Twas a lady attired as the fashion required.</div> + <div class="verse">Say, how do you tell them apart?</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Rooster_BIB" id="The_Rooster_POEM">The Rooster</a> (1926)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <img class="drop-initial_v5" src="images/rooster_h.png" alt=""> + <div class="verse drop-initial">HE RISES at the break of day,</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_75em">Sometimes a little bit before it,</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_75em">To tell us that the dawn is gray</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_75em width-15em">And he is proudly gloating o’er it.</div> + <div class="verse">He makes his boast that nothing’s wrong</div> + <div class="verse">About him or his constitution.</div> + <div class="verse">His voice proclaims with accent strong</div> + <div class="verse">That he’s a going institution.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">He has been whipped a hundred times,</div> + <div class="verse">A hundred times run helter-skelter,</div> + <div class="verse">But still his raucous challenge chimes</div> + <div class="verse">As though he’d never sought for shelter.</div> + <div class="verse">He has the courage to arise,</div> + <div class="verse">And sally forth, and be a booster,</div> + <div class="verse">Though gray or sunny be the skies.</div> + <div class="verse">Here’s to the spirit of the rooster.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Rulers_of_the_Earth_BIB" id="The_Rulers_of_the_Earth_POEM">The Rulers of the Earth</a> (1926)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Jim Jones with a will undivided</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Toiled on with his reaper and plow.</div> + <div class="verse">He brought up his brood, and provided</div> + <div class="verse indent1">For them by the sweat of his brow.</div> + <div class="verse">Whenever some plan was in question,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">In kindly and old-fashioned way</div> + <div class="verse">He gave this unchanging suggestion:</div> + <div class="verse indent1">“Whatever the women folks say.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The world with its strife and its glory</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Goes seeking for treasure and charm.</div> + <div class="verse">The tale of its years is the story</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of Jim Jones who toiled on the farm.</div> + <div class="verse">The men wield the shovel and hammer,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">But if we should ask them the way</div> + <div class="verse">The world should be run, they would stammer:</div> + <div class="verse indent1">“Whatever the women folks say.”</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Sing_a_Little_Song_BIB" id="Sing_a_Little_Song_POEM">Sing a Little Song</a> (1926)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">When the heart is weary</div> + <div class="verse">And the road is long;</div> + <div class="verse">When the day is dreary,</div> + <div class="verse">Sing a little song.</div> + <div class="verse">Sing it in the spirit;</div> + <div class="verse">Let joy linger near it;</div> + <div class="verse">And your heart will hear it,</div> + <div class="verse">Hear it and be strong.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">When your hope is paling,</div> + <div class="verse">When your plans go wrong,</div> + <div class="verse">When your dreams are failing,</div> + <div class="verse">Sing a little song.</div> + <div class="verse">Send it thrilling, winging,</div> + <div class="verse">Sunshine with its bringing.</div> + <div class="verse">It will wake to singing</div> + <div class="verse">Others in the throng.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Team-work_BIB" id="Team-work_POEM">Team-work</a> (1926)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I take my horses out to plow,</div> + <div class="verse">Or sow, or run the mower.</div> + <div class="verse">One pulls away right down the row,</div> + <div class="verse">One goes a little slower.</div> + <div class="verse">They’ve often taught me in the past,</div> + <div class="verse">Pulling in double leather,</div> + <div class="verse">They only get along as fast</div> + <div class="verse">As both can go together.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">In every human progress we</div> + <div class="verse">Together do the striving.</div> + <div class="verse">And toward the better day to be</div> + <div class="verse">Together we are driving.</div> + <div class="verse">By team-work we must win at last,</div> + <div class="verse">Whatever be the weather.</div> + <div class="verse">We only get along as fast</div> + <div class="verse">As all can go together.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="portrait_height-25em" src="images/team_work.png" alt="[Illustration of a farming scene. Bottom third of frame is landscape. The foreground features a farmer walking behind and controlling a plow being pulled by two horses. Middle ground has gently rolling hills and a group of trees. Background has mountains. Upper two-thirds of frame is sky with white, billowing clouds. Art piece is signed “McV” (stands for G. R. McVicker).]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Their_First_Meal_BIB" id="Their_First_Meal_POEM">Their First Meal</a> (1926)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The ham was cold. The milk was blue,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The biscuits all were hard.</div> + <div class="verse">The eggs and the potatoes, too,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Were strong with rancid lard.</div> + <div class="verse">Life leaned upon a slender staff</div> + <div class="verse indent1">In that first offering,</div> + <div class="verse">But never banquet tasted half</div> + <div class="verse indent1">So pleasant to a king.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The years went by. They played the game,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And soon amassed a hoard.</div> + <div class="verse">The richest dainties skill could frame</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Were found upon their board.</div> + <div class="verse">With choicest viands did they greet</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The great who chose to come,</div> + <div class="verse">But never did they taste so sweet</div> + <div class="verse indent1">As that first meal at home.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="landscape_height-10em" src="images/first_meal.png" alt="[The first letter of the poem’s title overlays an illustration of a house with a front porch.]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Umbrella_Mender_BIB" id="The_Umbrella_Mender_POEM">The Umbrella Mender</a> (1926)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">“Have you any umbrellas to mend?”</div> + <div class="verse indent1">He cries down the echoing street.</div> + <div class="verse">He travels the town to its end—</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The city of hurrying feet.</div> + <div class="verse">Why so, when the broad heavens wear</div> + <div class="verse indent1">No cloud and no shadow of gray?</div> + <div class="verse">Because, when the weather is fair,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">We must think of the rainy day.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">For the rainy season will come,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">As it has since the world began.</div> + <div class="verse">And some will be ready, and some</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Will have left it out of their plan.</div> + <div class="verse">When it comes, it is always too late</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To appeal to our patient old friend.</div> + <div class="verse">We shall not hear his cry at the gate:</div> + <div class="verse indent1">“Have you any umbrellas to mend?”</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Cross_v1927_BIB" id="The_Cross_v1927_POEM">The Cross v1927</a></h3> + <p class="subtitle"><b>Luke 22:42</b>. “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”</p> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Upon some fateful hour and day</div> + <div class="verse">Each comes to roads that cross.</div> + <div class="verse">Blossoms and sunshine seems one way,</div> + <div class="verse">The other care and loss.</div> + <div class="verse">The spirit will be willing there</div> + <div class="verse">To take the road that’s best.</div> + <div class="verse">The flesh will weaken, and despair,</div> + <div class="verse">And falter in the test.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Somewhere along the life we live</div> + <div class="verse">Each finds his Calvary.</div> + <div class="verse">There with himself each one must strive,</div> + <div class="verse">And win his victory.</div> + <div class="verse">How blessed is the pathway trod</div> + <div class="verse">When flesh ’neath spirit fails;</div> + <div class="verse">When cross the ways of self and God,</div> + <div class="verse">And God’s good way prevails.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Cupid's_Lament_BIB" id="Cupid's_Lament_POEM">Cupid’s Lament</a> (1927)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The coal oil lamp is now no more,</div> + <div class="verse">With flame to dimness fingered.</div> + <div class="verse">A gleaming chandelier is o’er</div> + <div class="verse">The spot where lovers lingered.</div> + <div class="verse">Where all is bright they will not go.</div> + <div class="verse">No one can change or doubt it.</div> + <div class="verse">They want to sit where lights are low.</div> + <div class="verse">What can I do about it?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">It was much easier for me</div> + <div class="verse">In days that now are olden,</div> + <div class="verse">When prying people could not see.</div> + <div class="verse">Then all love’s dreams were golden.</div> + <div class="verse">They sought a corner that the night</div> + <div class="verse">Had curtained—you have seen them;</div> + <div class="verse">But now the dusk-destroying light,</div> + <div class="verse">Alas, has come between them.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#A_Day_at_a_Time_BIB" id="A_Day_at_a_Time_POEM">A Day at a Time</a> (1927)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">A day at a time the world moves on;</div> + <div class="verse">A day at a time is our toiling done;</div> + <div class="verse">A day at a time do we have the dawn,</div> + <div class="verse">And come to the setting of the sun;</div> + <div class="verse">A day at a time our fate appears;</div> + <div class="verse">A day at a time do we build the years.</div> + <div class="verse">A day at a time is the only way;</div> + <div class="verse">Whatever we do must be done to-day.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">A day at a time is lifetime sent;</div> + <div class="verse">A day at a time we must be content.</div> + <div class="verse">However distant our dream may glow,</div> + <div class="verse">A day at a time is all we go.</div> + <div class="verse">A day at a time the stones are brought,</div> + <div class="verse">And life’s great mosaic grandly wrought.</div> + <div class="verse">A day at a time—but when all are past</div> + <div class="verse">We shall reach the goal of our dreams at last.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Future_BIB" id="The_Future_POEM">The Future</a> (1927)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">A tyrant called, as tyrants used to do,</div> + <div class="verse">An artist, skilled in form, and tint, and line.</div> + <div class="verse">He bade him: “Paint for me a picture true</div> + <div class="verse">Of the tomorrow of this calm of mine.</div> + <div class="verse">Unfold for me the future’s portals wide.</div> + <div class="verse">Unlock the gateway of the years to be.</div> + <div class="verse">Whatever weal or woe they may betide</div> + <div class="verse">Return again and prophesy to me.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The painter went and sought the open street.</div> + <div class="verse">He lingered there through many a watchful day</div> + <div class="verse">Where sons of wealth and ragged urchins meet</div> + <div class="verse">To talk, and laugh, and sing, and dream, and play.</div> + <div class="verse">Then once again the tyrant’s room he sought,</div> + <div class="verse">Unveiled for him the finished task, and smiled.</div> + <div class="verse">Lo, on the canvas he had deftly wrought</div> + <div class="verse">The pictured features of a little child.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#God's_Manners_BIB" id="God's_Manners_POEM">God’s Manners</a> (1927)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">If you would learn God’s manners,</div> + <div class="verse">Fare forth some summer morn,</div> + <div class="verse">And see the roses cover</div> + <div class="verse">The sharpness of the thorn.</div> + <div class="verse">See the sun shining brightly,</div> + <div class="verse">Chasing the clouds away,</div> + <div class="verse">And hear the words of gladness</div> + <div class="verse">The little people say.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Look at the green crops growing</div> + <div class="verse">Up through the dewy air,</div> + <div class="verse">And see the love and beauty</div> + <div class="verse">Around you everywhere.</div> + <div class="verse">No ugliness or evil</div> + <div class="verse">Appears in sky or clod.</div> + <div class="verse">Ask any summer morning,</div> + <div class="verse">If you would learn of God.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Great_Adventure_BIB" id="The_Great_Adventure_POEM">The Great Adventure</a> (1927)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The great adventure is not death,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">’Tis life.</div> + <div class="verse">It is to feel the pulsing round of breath,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To take a place and hold it in the strife.</div> + <div class="verse">To hope, and plan, and feel, and love, and dream,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To look and climb</div> + <div class="verse">To the far, rugged heights where visions gleam</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of things sublime.</div> + <div class="verse">Let us not live because we must,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">But live</div> + <div class="verse">To feel the mighty challenge of a trust,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To have a work to do, a gift to give.</div> + <div class="verse">The pay may not be great in shining gold,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">But may be had</div> + <div class="verse">Enough of satisfactions manifold</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To make us glad.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Heart_of_a_Child_BIB" id="The_Heart_of_a_Child_POEM">The Heart of a Child</a> (1927)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Whatever you write on the heart of a child,</div> + <div class="verse">No waters can wash it away.</div> + <div class="verse">The sands may be shifted when billows are wild</div> + <div class="verse">And the efforts of time may decay.</div> + <div class="verse">Some stories may perish, some songs be forgot;</div> + <div class="verse">But this ingraven record, Time changes it not.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Whatever you write on the heart of a child,</div> + <div class="verse">A story of gladness or care</div> + <div class="verse">That Heaven has blessed, or that Earth has defiled,</div> + <div class="verse">Will linger unchangeably there.</div> + <div class="verse">Who writes it has sealed it forever and aye.</div> + <div class="verse">He must answer to God on the Great Judgement Day.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#How_It_Started_BIB" id="How_It_Started_POEM">How It Started</a> (1927)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_230pct_v3">W</span>HEN Thales of Miletus</div> + <div class="verse">Went to the store one day</div> + <div class="verse">And bought a bit of amber,</div> + <div class="verse">In a real human way</div> + <div class="verse">He got a piece of woolen</div> + <div class="verse">To rub it up a bit,</div> + <div class="verse">And lo, the lint and dust grains</div> + <div class="verse">Were drawn at once to it.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">“Ha,” said old Thales, “’tis certain,</div> + <div class="verse">A man half blind could see,</div> + <div class="verse">This friction has begotten</div> + <div class="verse">Some unseen energy.”</div> + <div class="verse">To-day that power is doing</div> + <div class="verse">The labor of the earth.</div> + <div class="verse">How much were Thales’s amber</div> + <div class="verse">And piece of woolen worth?</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#In_Conference_BIB" id="In_Conference_POEM">In Conference</a> (1927)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_220pct">J</span>OHN JONES was head executive of a big city firm,</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_75em width-25em">And countless times had set his heel on some poor human worm.</div> + <div class="verse">His office force was duly trained. Each knew just what to do</div> + <div class="verse">To turn the nonelect away, and let the chosen through.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">People with honest errands there, tired women, busy men,</div> + <div class="verse">Were told he was in conference, and couldn’t see them then.</div> + <div class="verse">“Come back a little later on,” the office girl would call,</div> + <div class="verse">And John would manage not to see the most of them at all.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">He passed away in course of time, as even rich men do,</div> + <div class="verse">And came up to the pearly gates as though to hurry through.</div> + <div class="verse">But lo, the way was firmly barred, and, sitting in a chair,</div> + <div class="verse">He saw a white-robed office girl who asked his errand there.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">“I hoped,” said he, “Saint Peter would be here and let me by.”</div> + <div class="verse">In standard office language she delivered this reply:</div> + <div class="verse">“Saint Peter is in conference. How long? I do not know.</div> + <div class="verse">Come back a little later—say a million years or so.”</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Inventive_Genius_BIB" id="Inventive_Genius_POEM">Inventive Genius</a> (1927)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_225pct_v3">I</span>’VE listed the inventions</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_5em">Since ages far away,</div> + <div class="verse">And noted the discoveries</div> + <div class="verse">Down to the present day.</div> + <div class="verse">One little thing I’ve noticed,</div> + <div class="verse">Thus far, of every one.</div> + <div class="verse">It’s really very simple</div> + <div class="verse">—When you see how it is done.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Somebody finds a secret</div> + <div class="verse">That no one else has seen,</div> + <div class="verse">Harnesses laws familiar,</div> + <div class="verse">And makes a new machine.</div> + <div class="verse">There’s not a task among them</div> + <div class="verse">Requiring so much wit,</div> + <div class="verse">But that I could have done it</div> + <div class="verse">—Had I but thought of it.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Morning_Prayer_BIB" id="Morning_Prayer_POEM">Morning Prayer</a> (1927)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Father, grant to keep and guide me</div> + <div class="verse">Through the moments of the day.</div> + <div class="verse">Let me know Thou art beside me,</div> + <div class="verse">That no evil can betide me</div> + <div class="verse">In my work or play.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Teach my hands some good endeavor</div> + <div class="verse">While the golden hours shall run,</div> + <div class="verse">Something that will last forever</div> + <div class="verse">Let me bring to Thee, the Giver,</div> + <div class="verse">E’er the day is done.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">When at last the sun is wending</div> + <div class="verse">Down the sloping West,</div> + <div class="verse">And the evening shades descending</div> + <div class="verse">Tell the world the day is ending,</div> + <div class="verse">Watch above my rest.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Old_Fashioned_Pictures_BIB" id="Old_Fashioned_Pictures_POEM">Old-Fashioned Pictures</a> (1927)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The old plush-covered album</div> + <div class="verse">Upon the parlor stand</div> + <div class="verse">Is but a distant country,</div> + <div class="verse">A half-forgotten land</div> + <div class="verse">Inhabited by people</div> + <div class="verse">Strong as the sturdy oaks,</div> + <div class="verse">Firm as the hills they conquered,</div> + <div class="verse">—The dear old-fashioned folks.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Look at the honest faces,</div> + <div class="verse">The quaint and homely dress,</div> + <div class="verse">The strained and studied postures</div> + <div class="verse">That once spelled loveliness.</div> + <div class="verse">Look at the solemn features.</div> + <div class="verse">They put away their jokes</div> + <div class="verse">To have their pictures taken</div> + <div class="verse">—The dear old-fashioned folks.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">They carved trails through the forests.</div> + <div class="verse">They seeded down the soil.</div> + <div class="verse">They built the busy cities</div> + <div class="verse">By unremitting toil.</div> + <div class="verse">They laid the firm foundations,</div> + <div class="verse">By honest, manly strokes,</div> + <div class="verse">On which we build the future.</div> + <div class="verse">—The dear old-fashioned folks.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Problem_BIB" id="The_Problem_POEM">The Problem</a> (1927)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_230pct_v4">T</span>HOU God of little children,</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_5em">And Parent of us all,</div> + <div class="verse">Who knowest all our struggles,</div> + <div class="verse">And hearest every call,</div> + <div class="verse">Disclose to us the secret,</div> + <div class="verse">And tell us what to do</div> + <div class="verse">To keep our children little</div> + <div class="verse">And have them grow up, too.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">We treasure the devotion,</div> + <div class="verse">The little velvet hands,</div> + <div class="verse">The tender little greetings</div> + <div class="verse">Love always understands;</div> + <div class="verse">And yet we want them coming</div> + <div class="verse">To strength and prospects new.</div> + <div class="verse">How can we keep them little</div> + <div class="verse">And have them grow up, too?</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="portrait_height-25em" src="images/problem.png" alt="[Illustration of a young girl looking at a distant castle. She’s standing next to a tree that frames the right and top. Her feet, in heels, stand in the midst of scattered leaves. Her skirt and scarf wave in the breeze coming from the castle’s direction. The middle ground is rolling hills. The sky behind the castle has billowing clouds. Art piece is signed “Harvey Fuller.”]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Pupil_BIB" id="The_Pupil_POEM">The Pupil</a> (1927)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">A father’s highest vision,</div> + <div class="verse">A mother’s fondest prayer</div> + <div class="verse">Are centered in the future</div> + <div class="verse">Of that wee fellow there.</div> + <div class="verse">They roused him from his slumber,</div> + <div class="verse">And dressed him in his best.</div> + <div class="verse">They sent him out, and trusted</div> + <div class="verse">That you would do the rest.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The weary planet needs him,</div> + <div class="verse">And patiently will wait</div> + <div class="verse">For him to bring his service</div> + <div class="verse">Down to the future’s gate.</div> + <div class="verse">He is the hope it treasures.</div> + <div class="verse">It wants him strong and true.</div> + <div class="verse">It sends him to your classroom,</div> + <div class="verse">And leaves the rest to you.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Requisition_BIB" id="Requisition_POEM">Requisition</a> (1927)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Give me a quiet road to take</div> + <div class="verse">Where roses deign to grow.</div> + <div class="verse">Where sunbeams fall, and robins wake,</div> + <div class="verse">And trees their shadows throw.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Give me a little place to try</div> + <div class="verse">To do my human part,</div> + <div class="verse">And make my work as days go by</div> + <div class="verse">A picture of my heart.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Give me a hearth where I may be</div> + <div class="verse">When twilight shrouds the West,</div> + <div class="verse">With dear ones there to sit with me,</div> + <div class="verse">And you may have the rest.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Sanctuary_BIB" id="Sanctuary_POEM">Sanctuary</a> (1927)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <img class="drop-initial_v6" src="images/sanctuary_g.png" alt=""> + <div class="verse drop-initial">GOD has a place, and it is never far,</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-3em">Where reach vast arches over golden gates,</div> + <div class="verse">Where quiet aisles and vaulted ceilings are,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And where a spacious altar always waits;</div> + <div class="verse">A place where weary souls may freely come,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Hearts torn by earth’s sharp thorns a refuge find,</div> + <div class="verse">Sad, lonely spirits feel again at home,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And all find rest and balm for heart and mind.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">It is a house of walls not made with hands.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">None sees it save the broken child of care.</div> + <div class="verse">In every place of woe and need it stands,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Wherever sorrow dares to breathe a prayer.</div> + <div class="verse">The weakest, poorest, farthest spirit, tried</div> + <div class="verse indent1">By grim pursuers of defeat and pain,</div> + <div class="verse">May claim its shelter. Then when tears are dried</div> + <div class="verse indent1">It waits in silence till they fall again.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Secret_BIB" id="The_Secret_POEM">The Secret</a> (1927)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_200pct_v2">O</span>LD Uncle John is a success,</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_5em">And all his efforts have not hit it.</div> + <div class="verse">One day we asked him to confess,</div> + <div class="verse">To all of us just how he did it.</div> + <div class="verse">“I hardly know, myself,” said he,</div> + <div class="verse">“But my conviction still is growing,</div> + <div class="verse">That there’s no fancy recipe.</div> + <div class="verse">You just begin—and keep on going.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">“Don’t wait for things to come just right,</div> + <div class="verse">For very seldom do they do it.</div> + <div class="verse">Select a road, then day and night,</div> + <div class="verse">Through storm and sunshine, still pursue it.</div> + <div class="verse">Don’t stand debating what is best.</div> + <div class="verse">The sands of life are swiftly flowing.</div> + <div class="verse">Most any worthy course is blest,</div> + <div class="verse">If you begin—and keep on going.”</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Sight_and_Faith_BIB" id="Sight_and_Faith_POEM">Sight and Faith</a> (1927)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I<strong class="small-caps"> walked</strong> by sight along the sunlit way,</div> + <div class="verse">Through pleasant fields and where the flow’rs were fair.</div> + <div class="verse">By quiet streams, through restful vales it lay,</div> + <div class="verse">And loveliness and joy were everywhere.</div> + <div class="verse">I walked by sight, so confident my soul,</div> + <div class="verse">Nor dreamed that it would ever diff’rent be,</div> + <div class="verse">As I moved onward to the shining goal</div> + <div class="verse">That through the distance seemed so clear to me.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">But lo, there came the hour when dusk increased,</div> + <div class="verse">And sunset slowly faded into night,</div> + <div class="verse">As hour by hour the strength of vision ceased,</div> + <div class="verse">And I no more could make my way by sight.</div> + <div class="verse">But when the day had failed to shadows dim,</div> + <div class="verse">Without a star to lend a flickering ray,</div> + <div class="verse">I took God’s hand and travelled on with Him,</div> + <div class="verse">And sudden glory flooded all my way.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Starting_Things_BIB" id="Starting_Things_POEM">Starting Things</a> (1927)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_230pct_v4">T</span>HE ghost of Father Gutenberg</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_25em">Came back upon a visit.</div> + <div class="verse">He saw a modern printing press,</div> + <div class="verse">And cried, “Good sakes, what is it?”</div> + <div class="verse">He saw a linotype at work</div> + <div class="verse">On endless composition,</div> + <div class="verse">And said, “It must be that my mind</div> + <div class="verse">Is not in good condition.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">He heard the newsboys hawk their wares,</div> + <div class="verse">And saw the bookstores busy,</div> + <div class="verse">Found magazines on every stand</div> + <div class="verse">Until it made him dizzy.</div> + <div class="verse">He said, “Whoever could have thought</div> + <div class="verse">All this I was imparting?</div> + <div class="verse">One never guesses, after all,</div> + <div class="verse">How much he may be starting.”</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Success_BIB" id="Success_POEM">Success</a> (1927)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_200pct_v3">S</span>UCCESS is not the garnering of gold</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-1_25em">Wrung from the failing grasp of nerveless hands,</div> + <div class="verse">Nor grim advantage where are bought and sold</div> + <div class="verse">The cargoes of the fleets from distant lands.</div> + <div class="verse">It is not deafness to the anguished cry</div> + <div class="verse">Of blighting poverty or bitter need,</div> + <div class="verse">Nor a triumphal march to victory</div> + <div class="verse">Over pale lips and human hearts that bleed.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Success is living to the full each hour,</div> + <div class="verse">Finding the richness of the joy it brings,</div> + <div class="verse">Leaving unheard no song, unseen no flower,</div> + <div class="verse">Unfelt no throbbing loveliness of things.</div> + <div class="verse">Success is soothing human hearts that ache</div> + <div class="verse">Breathing new hope into despairing ears,</div> + <div class="verse">Serving with willing hands for love’s dear sake,</div> + <div class="verse">And sowing happiness across the years.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Thanksgiving_v1927_BIB" id="Thanksgiving_v1927_POEM">Thanksgiving v1927</a></h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">In all the pleasure, care, and stress</div> + <div class="verse">Of daily human living,</div> + <div class="verse">Preserve us from forgetfulness,</div> + <div class="verse">Blindness to heaven’s faithfulness,</div> + <div class="verse">And failure in thanksgiving;</div> + <div class="verse">Deliver us from every mood</div> + <div class="verse">That savors of ingratitude.</div> + <div class="verse">It is so easy to forget</div> + <div class="verse">The tempests that have swept us,</div> + <div class="verse">The barriers that we have met,</div> + <div class="verse">How much we are in heaven’s debt,</div> + <div class="verse">The goodness that has kept us.</div> + <div class="verse">However far we be from good,</div> + <div class="verse">Preserve us from ingratitude.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Bantams_BIB" id="The_Bantams_POEM">The Bantams</a> (1928)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">We have got a bantam rooster with a funny little face,</div> + <div class="verse">And he tells us by his swagger that he thinks he owns the place.</div> + <div class="verse">He will lord it o’er the chickens with a mien and manner high,</div> + <div class="verse">And the strangest thing about it is he generally gets by.</div> + <div class="verse">We have Brahams, Rocks, and Cochins—big and strong and robust, all;</div> + <div class="verse">But they let this bantam run the place because he has the gall.</div> + <div class="verse">Big and lazy and good-natured, they seek out a shady spot,</div> + <div class="verse">Nor dispute the bold assumption of his right to rule the lot.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">And sometimes I think the whole world is a barnyard, wide and vast.</div> + <div class="verse">With the selfsame situation, as the ages hurry past.</div> + <div class="verse">People big and strong and able take the smooth and easy way,</div> + <div class="verse">While the fussy little fellows feather in and win the day.</div> + <div class="verse">Singular, at least, I call it that so oft the crown is worn.</div> + <div class="verse">By some self-elected demagogue, so oft the scepter borne,</div> + <div class="verse">Not by some one with the vision a commanding swath to cut,</div> + <div class="verse">But some cocky little bantam who was born to preen and strut.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Charge_Account_BIB" id="Charge_Account_POEM">Charge Account</a> (1928)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_230pct_v6">Y</span>OU may think you are getting by. You may get by awhile.</div> + <div class="verse width-22em">But do not snap your fingers in the face of Fate and smile.</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_6em">Although she may not now demand of you the full amount,</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_6em">Some day you will discover that she keeps a charge account.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_6em">She never quarrels with us nor bestows unseemly looks,</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_6em">But no one ever yet has found an error in her books.</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_6em">She writes down every item very quietly, but still</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_6em">There certainly will come a day when she presents her bill.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_6em">She asks no more than is her due, for Fate is always square.</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_6em">No tradesman yet in all the world has ever been more fair.</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_6em">Good business methods, that is all. There is no other way.</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_6em">You may get by awhile, my friend, but some day you will pay.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Close-Up_BIB" id="The_Close-Up_POEM">The Close-Up</a> (1928)</h3> + <div class="poetry italic"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">There are many angel faces,</div> + <div class="verse">Viewed from places far away,</div> + <div class="verse">Which, upon a near vision,</div> + <div class="verse">Very quickly turn to clay.</div> + <div class="verse">There are many matchless heroes</div> + <div class="verse">Who can hold us in their spell,</div> + <div class="verse">But who fade away to weakness</div> + <div class="verse">When we really know them well.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">There are many hissing villians</div> + <div class="verse">Who, on closer view, are found</div> + <div class="verse">To possess a kindly spirit</div> + <div class="verse">And an honor quite profound.</div> + <div class="verse">So it runs throughout the picture,</div> + <div class="verse">As it probably is best,</div> + <div class="verse">That the close-up tells the story</div> + <div class="verse">Whether one can meet the test.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Coming_and_Going_BIB" id="Coming_and_Going_POEM">Coming and Going</a> (1928)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_230pct_v2"><strong>I</strong></span> GO down when the train comes in,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">No matter what the day,</div> + <div class="verse">Where some arrive amid the din,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And others go away.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I see glad faces looking down</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The track that rambles on</div> + <div class="verse">Far from the quiet little town,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Impatient to be gone.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">But oh, the eyes most full of mirth</div> + <div class="verse indent1">I see upon the train</div> + <div class="verse">Have seen the wonders of the earth</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And then come home again.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Blest is the road that leads away</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Where restless ones may roam;</div> + <div class="verse">But each loves best of all, one day,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The road that leads back home.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Ambition makes us all to dare</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The far, intriguing track;</div> + <div class="verse">But when we’ve had enough of care</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The heart will bring us back.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Day's_Success_BIB" id="The_Day's_Success_POEM">The Day’s Success</a> (1928)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">When sunset falls upon your day</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And fades from out the West.</div> + <div class="verse">When business cares are put away</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And you lie down to rest,</div> + <div class="verse">The measures of the day’s success</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Or failure will be told</div> + <div class="verse">In terms of human happiness</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And not in terms of gold.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Is there beside some hearth tonight</div> + <div class="verse indent1">More joy because you wrought?</div> + <div class="verse">Does someone face the bitter strife</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With courage you have taught?</div> + <div class="verse">Is something added to the store</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of human happiness?</div> + <div class="verse">If so, the day that now is o’er</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Has been a real success.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Earth's_Plaint_BIB" id="The_Earth's_Plaint_POEM">The Earth’s Plaint</a> (1928)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">From ages immemorial they’ve scratched my patient face</div> + <div class="verse">With plow, and pick, and shovel, in all confidence and grace.</div> + <div class="verse">They’ve dug their springs, and sunk their wells, and made their post holes, too,</div> + <div class="verse">Wherever it has pleased their passing fancy so to do.</div> + <div class="verse">But here of late they seem to feel that more is wrong with me</div> + <div class="verse">Than to the specialists who came at first there seemed to be.</div> + <div class="verse">They’ve stopped the minor surgery—it seemed to be too light</div> + <div class="verse">—And started on a major scale to set my system right.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">They sink a shaft a solid mile through rock, and sand, and clay.</div> + <div class="verse">They go right into it with drills and bore the livelong day.</div> + <div class="verse">They cut a tunnel through a hill, and make the two ends fit.</div> + <div class="verse">They chop away as though they thought it didn’t hurt a bit.</div> + <div class="verse">They change the course of rivers and the shape of waterfalls.</div> + <div class="verse">They dig deep excavations for their bridges and their walls.</div> + <div class="verse">A major operation of some kind has come to be</div> + <div class="verse">A kind of daily diet, in these latter days, with me.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="portrait_height-25em" src="images/earth_plaint.png" alt="[Poem is surrounded by photos of earth-working equipment in action around the world (clockwise from top-right corner): Egypt, New Zealand, Formosa, Chile, Rhodesia, Sicily, Dutch East Indies, Honduras, Ireland, Nigeria, India, and U.S.A.]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Evolution_BIB" id="Evolution_POEM">Evolution</a> (1928)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">A shining automobile</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Was standing at the curb.</div> + <div class="verse">A glib and crafty salesman</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Was handing out his blurb.</div> + <div class="verse">A bicycle was leaning</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Its well-worn handle bar</div> + <div class="verse">Against a post—the early</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Ancestor of the car.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Then, snorting down the pavement,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A motorcycle flew,</div> + <div class="verse">Pausing between the cycle</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And car so bright and new.</div> + <div class="verse">“Aha,” the auto whispered,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">“I have evolved, I think,</div> + <div class="verse">From that bicycle yonder,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And here’s the missing link.”</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Faith_v1928_BIB" id="Faith_v1928_POEM">Faith v1928</a></h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">If you cast out</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Into the outer darkness of your mind</div> + <div class="verse">All about which you can conceive a doubt,</div> + <div class="verse">Or find some strange and vain excuse to flout,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Or charge to ages credulous and blind,</div> + <div class="verse">All about which the whole world is not sure,</div> + <div class="verse">My friend, you will be pitifully poor.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">If your faith clings</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To all the good, and beautiful, and right,</div> + <div class="verse">That the experience of ages brings,</div> + <div class="verse">And offers as the necessary things</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That stand forever by truth’s simple might,</div> + <div class="verse">Believing each till it is found untrue,</div> + <div class="verse">The heart’s unmeasured riches are for you.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Freedom_v1928_BIB" id="Freedom_v1928_POEM">Freedom v1928</a></h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Freedom to make the sturdy climb</div> + <div class="verse">From sodden depths to heights sublime;</div> + <div class="verse">Freedom to seek Truth’s ready aid</div> + <div class="verse">In mastering a chosen trade;</div> + <div class="verse">Freedom to play an honest part,</div> + <div class="verse">And make some worthy work an art;</div> + <div class="verse">Freedom to struggle with a smile—</div> + <div class="verse">That is the freedom worth the while.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Freedom to keep a heart that sings</div> + <div class="verse">Amid the fret and drive of things;</div> + <div class="verse">Freedom to serve with heart, and mind,</div> + <div class="verse">And hand, the races of mankind;</div> + <div class="verse">Freedom to meet the fiercest test</div> + <div class="verse">Knowing that one has done his best;</div> + <div class="verse">Freedom to trudge the upward mile—</div> + <div class="verse">That is the freedom worth the while.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Harness_BIB" id="The_Harness_POEM">The Harness</a> (1928)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">“What means all this mass of wiring?”</div> + <div class="verse">Asked the visitor from Mars.</div> + <div class="verse">“We have nothing that is like it</div> + <div class="verse">In our section of the stars.</div> + <div class="verse">All these conduits and cables,</div> + <div class="verse">This machinery that sings</div> + <div class="verse">With its whirring wheels and motors</div> + <div class="verse">—What have they to do with things?”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">“Very much,” the earth-child answered.</div> + <div class="verse">“We’ve a giant, all unseen,</div> + <div class="verse">Who serves every little household,</div> + <div class="verse">Every factory and machine,</div> + <div class="verse">Does our work, transports our people,</div> + <div class="verse">Friendship’s kindly message bears.</div> + <div class="verse">All this wiring you have noted</div> + <div class="verse">Is the harness that he wears.”</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#His_Great_Hour_BIB" id="His_Great_Hour_POEM">His Great Hour</a> (1928)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">He headed the procession</div> + <div class="verse">On many a parade.</div> + <div class="verse">He heard the ringing echoes</div> + <div class="verse">Where loud applause was made.</div> + <div class="verse">But naught has ever equalled</div> + <div class="verse">The time in early youth</div> + <div class="verse">When first his folks discovered</div> + <div class="verse">That he had cut a tooth.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">He published learned volumes</div> + <div class="verse">And speeches made galore.</div> + <div class="verse">He traveled and was feted</div> + <div class="verse">The land and ocean o’er.</div> + <div class="verse">But never was the hero</div> + <div class="verse">So praised and sung, forsooth,</div> + <div class="verse">As on that vanished midnight</div> + <div class="verse">When first he cut a tooth.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="landscape_height-15em" src="images/his_great_ho.png" alt="[Illustration of a heart overlaid with a young child. The child sits with legs straight out in front, right hand near mouth, and left hand holding what appears to be a rattle.]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#I_Held_a_Seashell_BIB" id="I_Held_a_Seashell_POEM">“I held a sea shell to my ears”</a> (1928)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I held a sea shell to my ears</div> + <div class="verse">A little while today,</div> + <div class="verse">And heard the echo of the years</div> + <div class="verse">Sounding from far away.</div> + <div class="verse">I heard ten thousand soft good-byes</div> + <div class="verse">To hearts that needs must roam,</div> + <div class="verse">Ten thousand weekly muffled cries</div> + <div class="verse">For ships that came not home.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I heard the story of the dreams</div> + <div class="verse">Of those who journeyed far,</div> + <div class="verse">But brought not back Wealth’s shining gleams</div> + <div class="verse">To the home harbor bar.</div> + <div class="verse">I heard the story of the brave</div> + <div class="verse">Who Freedom’s burdens bore,</div> + <div class="verse">Who fought their battles on the wave</div> + <div class="verse">But struggle now no more.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Imminence_BIB" id="Imminence_POEM">Imminence</a> (1928)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Like to the circuit of a bright day’s glory,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Like to a shadow moving on the grass,</div> + <div class="verse">Like to the telling of an evening story,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">God’s purposes all shortly come to pass.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Like to the nearness of a dewdrop’s brushing,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Like to the nearness of a breath of May,</div> + <div class="verse">Like to the nearness of a wind uprushing,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">God’s promised kingdom is not far away.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Like to the vastness of the stars’ swift motion,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Like to the vastness of the course they swing,</div> + <div class="verse">Like to the vastness of a shoreless ocean,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">God’s love is here enfolding everything.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Iron_BIB" id="Iron_POEM">Iron</a> (1928)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">A piece of iron was refined</div> + <div class="verse">By highest skill of hand and mind,</div> + <div class="verse">To steel that formed the keenest blade,</div> + <div class="verse">Or instruments of wonder made,</div> + <div class="verse">Or strings awaking symphonies</div> + <div class="verse">From far across the centuries.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Another piece lay dull and dead</div> + <div class="verse">As days of hope and wonder sped.</div> + <div class="verse">It felt no prompting of desire</div> + <div class="verse">For the refiner’s purging fire.</div> + <div class="verse">Passive it lay, nor ever wist</div> + <div class="verse">The thrill and gladness it had missed.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I speak no word of praise or blame.</div> + <div class="verse">I only say it is a shame</div> + <div class="verse">That metal, made for wondrous things,</div> + <div class="verse">Keen instruments, responsive strings,</div> + <div class="verse">Should be, its aspiration spent,</div> + <div class="verse">Arrested in development.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#I_Want_BIB" id="I_Want_POEM">I Want</a> (1928)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_270pct">I</span>WANT a deep mine where the gold knows no measure,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A house with the widest and rarest of rooms,</div> + <div class="verse">Replete with the objects of beauty and pleasure,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With tapestries done on the finest of looms.</div> + <div class="verse">I want a great fleet that will compass the ocean,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And bring me the choicest of all the world’s store.</div> + <div class="verse">I want a cortege, with the deepest devotion</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Performing my bidding, my wishes—and more.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I want a position of pow’r and of splendor,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">An empire to rule with the will of a king.</div> + <div class="verse">I want the rich tribute that vassals can render,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The praise that the lips of the loyal can bring.</div> + <div class="verse">I want earth’s delights without limit or curbing,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The richest that skill can conceive or design.</div> + <div class="verse">One question alone is a little disturbing—</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Just what shall I do with them when they are mine?</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Lucky_Man_BIB" id="The_Lucky_Man_POEM">The Lucky Man</a> (1928)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">He struggled on and upward,</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_5em">Impelled by high ambition.</div> + <div class="verse">He bent his strongest efforts</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_5em">To better his condition.</div> + <div class="verse">He paid the price of labor,</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_5em">As others had before him.</div> + <div class="verse">A rich and bounteous harvest</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_5em">His earnest efforts bore him.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Two loafers were exchanging</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_5em">Their shallow talk one morning,</div> + <div class="verse">Their conversation ranging</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_5em">From filthiness to scorning.</div> + <div class="verse">He passed. One said: “There’s Sweezy.</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_5em">My way was always rocky.</div> + <div class="verse">But some folks have it easy.</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_5em">That fellow sure is lucky.”</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Pioneer_v1928_BIB" id="Pioneer_v1928_POEM">The Pioneer v1928</a></h3> + <div class="poetry italic"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_200pct_v2">H</span>E marked a trail across the plains</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2em_v2">In days now long ago.</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_3em">He spared no labor and no pains,</div> + <div class="verse indent_-0_8em">Although the work was slow.</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_3em">Today a highway broad is laid</div> + <div class="verse indent_-0_8em">To places far and near</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_3em">Along the path he slowly made</div> + <div class="verse indent_-0_8em">—Thanks to the pioneer.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_200pct_v2">H</span>E found a green and smiling plot,</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2em_v2">And built a cabin there.</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_3em">He reared a family on that spot</div> + <div class="verse indent_-0_8em">Hallowed by toil and care.</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_3em">Today a broad, smooth roadway lies</div> + <div class="verse indent_-0_8em">Where, in a vanished year,</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_3em">He wrought an empire with his hands</div> + <div class="verse indent_-0_8em">—Thanks to the pioneer.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Recruit_BIB" id="The_Recruit_POEM">The Recruit</a> (1928)</h3> + <div class="poetry italic"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Well, Bill has joined the navy,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">His vessel sailed today.</div> + <div class="verse">He heard a ship’s band playing</div> + <div class="verse indent1">One night across the bay.</div> + <div class="verse">He hurried to the office</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And entered the command.</div> + <div class="verse">He had to take the navy,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">You see, to get the band.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">He was that way in childhood.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">When the town band would play,</div> + <div class="verse">Bill would just start out with it</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And follow it all day.</div> + <div class="verse">He’ll have to peel potatoes</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And scrub the decks by hand;</div> + <div class="verse">But he will think it’s worth it</div> + <div class="verse indent1">If he can hear the band.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Success_and_Failure_BIB" id="Success_and_Failure_POEM">Success and Failure</a> (1928)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Whoever builds a mighty name</div> + <div class="verse">And fills the country with his fame,</div> + <div class="verse">Who seeks and uses earthly power</div> + <div class="verse">To make a stately triumph hour,</div> + <div class="verse">Who rears a mansion rich and high</div> + <div class="verse">To frown against the kindly sky,</div> + <div class="verse">If he has not found happiness</div> + <div class="verse">Is still a failure none the less.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Whoever dwells in humble walls</div> + <div class="verse">Where only toilsome care befalls,</div> + <div class="verse">Who plans when dear ones are in bed</div> + <div class="verse">Where shall be found to-morrow’s bread,</div> + <div class="verse">To cheer whose heart Life only brings</div> + <div class="verse">The humble joy of simple things,</div> + <div class="verse">If happiness has crowned his name,</div> + <div class="verse">He is successful just the same.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Sunshine_Shade_BIB" id="Sunshine_Shade_POEM">Sunshine and Shade</a> (1928)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The rarest picture Art has ever given,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">On which the studied light has ever played,</div> + <div class="verse">Is made of these two simple gifts from heaven</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A little sunshine and a little shade.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The grandest day that ever lent its story</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To the long scroll the hand of Time has made;</div> + <div class="verse">What is the fair effulgence of its glory?</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A little sunshine and a little shade.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The greatest life the world has ever cherished,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The memory that lives while others fade,</div> + <div class="verse">Is only this when its brief day has perished</div> + <div class="verse indent1">A little sunshine and a little shade!</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Trouble_with_the_Movies_BIB" id="The_Trouble_with_the_Movies_POEM">The Trouble with the Movies</a> (1928)</h3> + <div class="poetry italic"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The trouble with the movies,</div> + <div class="verse">As it appears to me,</div> + <div class="verse">Is not what the wise people</div> + <div class="verse">About me seem to see.</div> + <div class="verse">But I do raise objection</div> + <div class="verse">In accents bold and high</div> + <div class="verse">To one outstanding evil</div> + <div class="verse">The waste of custard pie.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">If all that precious pastry</div> + <div class="verse">Thrown with such ready grace,</div> + <div class="verse">Such technique and precision,</div> + <div class="verse">At some poor fellow’s face,</div> + <div class="verse">Were gathered all together</div> + <div class="verse">For my convenience, I</div> + <div class="verse">Would just retire from labor</div> + <div class="verse">And live on custard pie.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Walking_with_God_BIB" id="Walking_with_God_POEM">Walking with God</a> (1928)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_230pct_v3">W</span>HO walks with God must take his way</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_6em">Across far distances and gray</div> + <div class="verse">To goals that others do not see,</div> + <div class="verse">Where others do not care to be.</div> + <div class="verse">Who walks with God must have no fear</div> + <div class="verse">When danger and defeat appear,</div> + <div class="verse">Nor stop when every hope seems gone,</div> + <div class="verse">For God, our God, moves ever on.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Who walks with God must press ahead</div> + <div class="verse">When sun or cloud is overhead,</div> + <div class="verse">When all the waiting thousands cheer,</div> + <div class="verse">Or when they only stop to sneer;</div> + <div class="verse">When all the challenge leaves the hours</div> + <div class="verse">And naught is left but jaded powers.</div> + <div class="verse">But he will some day reach the dawn,</div> + <div class="verse">For God, our God, moves ever on.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Wander_Lust_BIB" id="Wander_Lust_POEM">Wander Lust</a> (1928)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">“I want to go away somewhere,”</div> + <div class="verse">Cries every human heart of care.</div> + <div class="verse">“I want to go across the sea,</div> + <div class="verse">And find a place where hearts are free.</div> + <div class="verse">I want to look at bluer skies,</div> + <div class="verse">And stand where higher mountains rise.</div> + <div class="verse">To tropic scene, to arctic snow,</div> + <div class="verse">I want to go, I want to go.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">And so we take our varied ways</div> + <div class="verse">Across the miles and through the days.</div> + <div class="verse">We see the wonders of the earth.</div> + <div class="verse">We share its sorrow and its mirth.</div> + <div class="verse">Time sends its snows upon our hair.</div> + <div class="verse">We stumble with our loads of care.</div> + <div class="verse">Then one day sounds a broken cry:</div> + <div class="verse">“Please, won’t you take me home to die?”</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Divine_Image_BIB" id="The_Divine_Image_POEM">The Divine Image</a> (1929)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Something within me makes me love the roses;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Something within me makes me search the sky;</div> + <div class="verse">Something within me makes me roam the meadows;</div> + <div class="verse indent1">The woodlands where the trees are still and high.</div> + <div class="verse">Something within me makes me sit at twilight</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Enraptured with the starlight on the sod;</div> + <div class="verse">Something within me thrills at lovely music,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That something in me makes me kin to God.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Something within me makes me like the brothers</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Who share with me the path that I must tread;</div> + <div class="verse">Something within me wakens hope and longing</div> + <div class="verse indent1">To struggle on to summits far ahead.</div> + <div class="verse">Something within me keeps me ever dreaming</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of heavenly things amid the thorn and clod;</div> + <div class="verse">Something within me speaks of light and beauty,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That something in me makes me kin to God.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Domsie_BIB" id="Domsie_POEM">Domsie</a> (1929)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Simple his habit, plain his wonted ration,</div> + <div class="verse">Humble the roof that sheltered him at night.</div> + <div class="verse">He sought no preferment of rank or station,</div> + <div class="verse">Save but to be a bearer of the light.</div> + <div class="verse">He dreamed out futures for the boys before him,</div> + <div class="verse">And led them ever onward toward the goal.</div> + <div class="verse">The heights they won the choicest gladness bore him</div> + <div class="verse">Whose faces were enshrined within his soul.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">In many a countryside and distant city</div> + <div class="verse">Were lived strong lives to which the light he gave.</div> + <div class="verse">Strong hearts beat and strong hands were reached in pity</div> + <div class="verse">He taught to bless, to brighten, and to save.</div> + <div class="verse">Upon a quiet hillside he is sleeping,</div> + <div class="verse">Content to rest, the final school day o’er,</div> + <div class="verse">But everywhere his boys the faith are keeping.</div> + <div class="verse">They hold his torch aloft forevermore.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Happy_Ending_BIB" id="The_Happy_Ending_POEM">The Happy Ending</a> (1929)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_270pct">I</span>LIKE to read a stirring tale of peril and of action.</div> + <div class="verse">I follow every character with heartfelt satisfaction.</div> + <div class="verse">If, truth and error, right and wrong, defeat and triumph blending,</div> + <div class="verse">The story rambles steadily toward a happy ending.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">No matter what vicissitudes the hero strong engages,</div> + <div class="verse">No matter how the conflict runs across the crowded pages,</div> + <div class="verse">If at the close all comes out right, with every wrong defeated,</div> + <div class="verse">Each happy dream at last come true, each worthy task completed.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">They tell me it is not the style in these days so to write it.</div> + <div class="verse">The proper thing, they say, is with a smirch of wrong to blight it,</div> + <div class="verse">To leave the tears unwiped, the wrong unrighted, and the error</div> + <div class="verse">Unbanished in the general reign of trouble and of terror.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">But I still have the faith to cling to childhood’s deep conviction</div> + <div class="verse">That somehow justice does get done in life as well as fiction,</div> + <div class="verse">That there is more of right than wrong, of pleasure than of weeping,</div> + <div class="verse">And that a kindly Providence still has us in its keeping.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I think when all the years are through the world’s heart will be singing,</div> + <div class="verse">That bells of bounding happiness will everywhere be ringing,</div> + <div class="verse">And the great Author of the tale of life, His mercy lending,</div> + <div class="verse">Will bring the story of the world down to a happy ending.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="portrait_height-25em" src="images/happy_ending.png" alt="[Illustration of an armored knight riding a galloping horse and holding a woman seated in front of him. The knight’s right hand holds a long staff tipped with a small flag, while his left hand secures the woman. His cape flaps in the wind. The horse is dressed with coverings from head to hind quarters. They are centered in the frame with a billowing cloud rising behind them. The lower-right part of the frame has nearby vegetation. The upper-left part has a castle on a hill a small distance away. The artwork has a printed signature, but the stylized last letter of the last name is uncertain; an “R” would complete the name “Stanley Hunter.”]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Have_You_Tried_BIB" id="Have_You_Tried_POEM">Have You Tried?</a> (1929)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Are you sure you cannot do it?</div> + <div class="verse">Are you really satisfied</div> + <div class="verse">That you never can go through it?</div> + <div class="verse">Have you tried?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Do a thousand doubts assail you</div> + <div class="verse">With their darts from every side</div> + <div class="verse">Till your hope and courage fail you?</div> + <div class="verse">Have you tried?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Have you ceased to dream of winning?</div> + <div class="verse">Have your expectations died?</div> + <div class="verse">Have you really had your inning?</div> + <div class="verse">Have you tried?</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Memorial_Day_v1929_BIB" id="Memorial_Day_v1929_POEM">Memorial Day v1929</a></h3> + <p class="subtitle"><b>Exodus 12:14</b>. “And this day shall be unto you for a memorial.”</p> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Their drums are still. Their banners all are furled.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">They feel no more the battle’s fiery breath.</div> + <div class="verse">Theirs is the vastest army in the world,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Encamped upon the silent fields of death.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Of peace and happiness they paid the price.</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Their Via Dolorosa did they tread.</div> + <div class="verse">They climbed the Calvary of sacrifice,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And found a place among the mighty dead.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The years roll on, but as they pass away</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Let not this tender memory grow old.</div> + <div class="verse">By the sweet, smiling blossoms of the May</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Let their fair story be forever told.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Modern_Pupil_BIB" id="The_Modern_Pupil_POEM">The Modern Pupil</a> (1929)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I’ve had a new school teacher</div> + <div class="verse">Now for a week or two.</div> + <div class="verse">She seems to be quite clever,</div> + <div class="verse">And knows her subject, too.</div> + <div class="verse">She’s pleasant and attractive,</div> + <div class="verse">As far as I can tell.</div> + <div class="verse">There’s just one trouble with her.</div> + <div class="verse">She doesn’t mind me well.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">In fact, she has a notion,</div> + <div class="verse">Saved from a former day,</div> + <div class="verse">That things about the schoolroom</div> + <div class="verse">Should go the other way.</div> + <div class="verse">And so the one objection</div> + <div class="verse">That any one could find</div> + <div class="verse">Is insubordination.</div> + <div class="verse">I cannot make her mind.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#My_Little_Fire_BIB" id="My_Little_Fire_POEM">My Little Fire</a> (1929)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">My little fire is cheerful,</div> + <div class="verse">Unchanging in its grace.</div> + <div class="verse">Whatever be the weather,</div> + <div class="verse">It keeps a shining face.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">It always has a welcome</div> + <div class="verse">For such as seek its hearth,</div> + <div class="verse">Afar from all the struggles</div> + <div class="verse">And strivings of the earth.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">It seems so understanding.</div> + <div class="verse">When ill has gone the day</div> + <div class="verse">And I recount my troubles,</div> + <div class="verse">It laughs them all away.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">So I forget the fever</div> + <div class="verse">Of false and vain desire,</div> + <div class="verse">And find that life is blessed</div> + <div class="verse">Beside my little fire.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="portrait_height-25em" src="images/my_little_fi.png" alt="[Illustration of a man seated in front of hearth. He’s dressed in suit and tie, smiling, and bent forward resting his elbows on his thighs. The left hand holds long tongs pointed at the fire, and his chin rests in his right hand. The hearth’s grate has two owl-shaped decorations, and a log carrier with extra logs sits nearby. A plant is on the mantle. The background has a window—drape open—decorated with a wreath. A candelabrum with five lit candles is in front of the window, and both ends are flanked by a candlestick with a lit candle. The artist’s cursive signature makes the name uncertain.]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Red_Bird_BIB" id="Red_Bird_POEM">The Red Bird</a> (1929)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I heard a redbird singing</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Beside my door to-day.</div> + <div class="verse">Bright his coat of scarlet,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And happy was his lay.</div> + <div class="verse">He trilled and chirped and twittered</div> + <div class="verse indent1">In varied note and key.</div> + <div class="verse">It was a great example</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of birdland minstrelsy.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Then I beheld before me</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That vast, unnumbered throng</div> + <div class="verse">Whose weary, sodden voices</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Have never learned a song;</div> + <div class="verse">And while I heard the redbird</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Stand forth and greet the spring,</div> + <div class="verse">I wished that all earth’s children</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Were glad enough to sing.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Road_Tomorrow_BIB" id="Road_Tomorrow_POEM">The Road to Tomorrow</a> (1929)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_250pct">T</span>HERE is a road that stretches</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_5em_v2">Through sunny yesterdays,</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_3em">Adown remembered vistas,</div> + <div class="verse indent_-0_8em">And over long lost ways.</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_3em">My feet would tread it always,</div> + <div class="verse indent_-0_8em">If they could have their will,</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_3em">But Wonder comes to call me</div> + <div class="verse indent_-0_8em">Across the future’s hill.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_250pct">T</span>HE road to the tomorrows</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_5em_v2">—Its challenge is supreme.</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_3em">I do not know its windings,</div> + <div class="verse indent_-0_8em">Its hidden wood and stream,</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_3em">Its distances alluring,</div> + <div class="verse indent_-0_8em">Its vales of mystery.</div> + <div class="verse indent_-1_3em">But I shall drive and find them.</div> + <div class="verse indent_-0_8em">It is the road for me.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="portrait_height-25em" src="images/road_tomorrow.png" alt="[Photo of car on country road. Landscape occupies bottom quarter of frame. Flat road extends from foreground straight into background and towards foothills. One tall, narrow tree is on each side of road, framing the sides and extending to the top of the frame. Car is on right side of road. A part of a building is shown to the right of the car, about five yards off the road, and is partially obscured by the tree. Photo is copyrighted by “Tod Powell.”]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Thankfulness_BIB" id="Thankfulness_POEM">Thankfulness</a> (1929)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <img class="drop-initial_v7" src="images/thankful_i.png" alt=""> + <div class="verse drop-initial">I HEARD a tiny sound to-day.</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_75em">The flowers all had stopped to pray.</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_75em">Lily, and rose, and goldenrod</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_75em">And violet were thanking God.</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_75em">For what? The sun, and rain, and dew,</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_75em">That had not failed the season through,</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_75em">The soil, the winds with their caress;</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_75em">And simple daily happiness.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_75em">I blushed, whose thought had found no wings</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_75em">To thank God for the simple things.</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_75em">No sudden fortune had bestowed</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_75em">On me a rich and golden load.</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_75em">But I had known the rain, the sun,</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_75em">Shelter and rest when day was done,</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_75em">Raiment, and food, and happy hours.</div> + <div class="verse indent_line2_-2_75em">I was less thankful than the flowers.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Whatever_he_may_wish_or_plan_BIB" id="Whatever_he_may_wish_or_plan_POEM">“Whatever he may wish or plan”</a> (1929)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Whatever he may wish or plan,</div> + <div class="verse">Three things will make or break a man:</div> + <div class="verse">The work to which he gives his hand,</div> + <div class="verse">To make a living in the land.</div> + <div class="verse">The friends to whom his heart gives toll,</div> + <div class="verse">Whose shadows fall across his soul.</div> + <div class="verse">The goal by which through toil and strife</div> + <div class="verse">He gives direction to his life.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#God_and_Spring_BIB" id="God_and_Spring_POEM">God and Spring</a> (1930)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Though there were no hint of glory</div> + <div class="verse indent1">In a pebble or in clod,</div> + <div class="verse">Though the circling of the planets</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Gave no evidence of God,</div> + <div class="verse">Though the wisdom of the ages</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Not a word of faith could bring,</div> + <div class="verse">How could one be unbelieving</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Who had ever seen the Spring?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">In the Spring God spreads the verdure</div> + <div class="verse indent1">On a thousand hills and leas.</div> + <div class="verse">In the Spring he paints the roses,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Hangs the clouds, and builds the trees.</div> + <div class="verse">In the Spring he weaves the wonder</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Of a flitting redbird’s wing.</div> + <div class="verse">How could one be unbelieving</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Who had ever seen the Spring?</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="portrait_height-25em" src="images/god_spring.png" alt="[Illustration of a girl sitting under a tree that has a spiderweb hanging from its foliage; all elements are silhouetted. The girl’s hair is kept up with a bow, and she is slightly looking up at a spider hanging from the web. At her feet is a basket containing flora; its handle also has a bow. The tree foliage occupies the top of the portrait frame, the large web occupies the top half, and the girl occupies the bottom half. The artwork has the printed signature, “Nelson White.”]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Handicap_BIB" id="The_Handicap_POEM">The Handicap</a> (1930)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Whatever foe may meet me,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Whatever game I play,</div> + <div class="verse">I’d rather he’d defeat me</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Than win a walkaway.</div> + <div class="verse">I do not want an inning</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With never a mishap.</div> + <div class="verse">No game is worth the winning</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Without a handicap.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">So in the mighty contest</div> + <div class="verse indent1">That runs across the years,</div> + <div class="verse">I’d rather wage my conquest</div> + <div class="verse indent1">In toil and sweat and tears,</div> + <div class="verse">Than have success’s measure</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Tossed lightly in my lap,</div> + <div class="verse">And win life’s golden treasure</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Without a handicap.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#The_Mixture_BIB" id="The_Mixture_POEM">The Mixture</a> (1930)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">A little bit of Saxon</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And a little bit of Gaul,</div> + <div class="verse">A little bit of Latin</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And a touch of Celtic small;</div> + <div class="verse">A little bit of Norman</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And a dash of Scottish clan,</div> + <div class="verse">Mixed with a bit of Teuton,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Makes a good American.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">The best of all the races—</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Let us hope, without the worst—</div> + <div class="verse">Is mingled in his making</div> + <div class="verse indent1">By the whole earth he was nursed.</div> + <div class="verse">So who is there beneath us?</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Who is there we should ban,</div> + <div class="verse">When all the world is living</div> + <div class="verse indent1">In a good American?</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Sunsets_Sale_BIB" id="Sunsets_Sale_POEM">Sunsets For Sale</a> (1930)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I heard a man in Paradise</div> + <div class="verse">Say this to God: “Let’s advertise!</div> + <div class="verse">You’ve got a proposition here</div> + <div class="verse">On which you’d make a billion clear</div> + <div class="verse">If I could manage things my way.</div> + <div class="verse">My plan is this: Make earth-folks pay</div> + <div class="verse">For what you give them, night and day.</div> + <div class="verse">For instance, take the Milky Way;</div> + <div class="verse">To see that glittering display</div> + <div class="verse">I’d charge them fifty cents a night;</div> + <div class="verse">To purchase tickets folks would fight.</div> + <div class="verse">We’ll charge for flowers, and song of bird—</div> + <div class="verse">Why give them free? Why, it’s absurd!</div> + <div class="verse">One dollar for each sunset view,</div> + <div class="verse">The same for every sunrise, too.</div> + <div class="verse">Fall landscapes will be costly sights,</div> + <div class="verse">We’ll reap a sum from mountain heights.</div> + <div class="verse">Green curving breakers will come high,</div> + <div class="verse">And men will pay to hear winds sigh.”</div> + <div class="verse">Then God replied, when he had done,</div> + <div class="verse">“I charge for all these things, my son.</div> + <div class="verse">And costly—costly is my fee:</div> + <div class="verse">A heart of childlike purity!”</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Thanksgiving_v1930_BIB" id="Thanksgiving_v1930_POEM">Thanksgiving v1930</a></h3> + <div class="poetry italic"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">I thank Thee, Lord of earth and heaven,</div> + <div class="verse">For all the blessings Thou hast given.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Some marched in such a shining line</div> + <div class="verse">I knew their banner and their sign.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Some came to my bewildered eyes</div> + <div class="verse">Dressed in a fanciful disguise.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Some came attired as Bitterness,</div> + <div class="verse">But stayed to strengthen and to bless.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Some nameless came, and passed away,</div> + <div class="verse">Unknown till after many a day.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Some came so silently that I</div> + <div class="verse">Did not suspect that they were nigh.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Some were the blessings, strong and sure,</div> + <div class="verse">Of things that I did not endure.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">And so, however they befall,</div> + <div class="verse">Dear Lord, I thank Thee for them all.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<img class="portrait_height-25em" src="images/thanks_v1930.png" alt="[Illustration of a church. People, in three groups of three, are approaching the entry. Trees are leafless. The writing at the bottom of the illustration states, “Come Ye Thankful People, Come.”]"> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Two_Teachers_BIB" id="Two_Teachers_POEM">Two Teachers</a> (1930)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">One peddled facts with learned air,</div> + <div class="verse">Intoned with most impressive sound,</div> + <div class="verse">His pupils timidly would bear</div> + <div class="verse">Witness to scholarship most profound.</div> + <div class="verse">In him. Time passed. They older grew.</div> + <div class="verse">Still passed, and one day he was not.</div> + <div class="verse">Then what became of all he knew</div> + <div class="verse">So glibly once? It was forgot.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">Another dreamed of life supreme,</div> + <div class="verse">Sun-crowned and strong, for those he taught.</div> + <div class="verse">The larger manhood was his scheme,</div> + <div class="verse">Armed with the power of honest thought.</div> + <div class="verse">He builded souls for service true,</div> + <div class="verse">Wrought them of fabric real and sure.</div> + <div class="verse">He also passed, as teachers do.</div> + <div class="verse">But through the years his works endure.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#Two_Youths_BIB" id="Two_Youths_POEM">Two Youths</a> (1930)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">One said, “Youth cometh but once to me,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">So I shall play, and laugh, and sing;</div> + <div class="verse">I own no chains. I will be free,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">None shall deny me anything.”</div> + <div class="verse">He had his fling, then worn and gray,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">With weary soul and eyelids wet,</div> + <div class="verse">He tried to wash the tears away,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">And stem the tide of vain regret.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">One said, “My youth comes not again,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">I must not spoil it as it goes.</div> + <div class="verse">I must not live a day in vain,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Nor stain a page, nor mar a rose.”</div> + <div class="verse">The future found him glad and strong,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Unbound by weariness and fears,</div> + <div class="verse">Treading his journey with a song,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">Heir to the gladness of the years.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- ****************** transition between poems ******************* --> +<div class="poetry-container"> + <h3><a href="#What_Do_You_Know_BIB" id="What_Do_You_Know_POEM">What Do You Know?</a> (1930)</h3> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse"><span class="drop-initial_390pct_v2">I</span> DO not care a single wink</div> + <div class="verse width-15em">To hear, my friend, what you may think.</div> + <div class="verse">I’ve heard opinion till I’m sore</div> + <div class="verse">Please do not give me any more.</div> + <div class="verse">Your syllogisms all are weak.</div> + <div class="verse">You slip the track whene’er you speak.</div> + <div class="verse">Too many people think, of late,</div> + <div class="verse">And not enough of them think straight.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse">What do you know? I wait to hear</div> + <div class="verse">A tale of knowledge ringing clear.</div> + <div class="verse">If you have anything to say</div> + <div class="verse">That puts a new light in the day,</div> + <div class="verse">That makes me feel because of it</div> + <div class="verse">The world is changed a little bit,</div> + <div class="verse">Then speak. I hark with eyes aglow,</div> + <div class="verse">If you will tell me what you know.</div> + </div> <!-- for class="stanza" --> + </div> <!-- for class="poetry" --> +</div> <!-- for class="poetry-container" --> +<!-- END poems --> +<hr class="chap"> +<!-- START bibliography --> +<div class="chapter"> +<h2 class="no-break" id="BIBLIOGRAPHY">APPENDIX 1: BYLINES, BIBLIOGRAPHY, NOTES</h2> +</div> + +<div class="biblio" id="After-Images_BIB"><b>After-Images </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Motion Picture Magazine</cite>. Vol. 23 No. 6. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., Jul 1922. p. 7 <a href="#After-Images_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Age_of_a_Heart_BIB"><b>The Age of a Heart </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Personal Efficiency</cite>. Vol. 15 No. 1. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Jan 1925. p. 37. Note: Illustrated dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#The_Age_of_a_Heart_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Almost_BIB"><b>Almost </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Princeton, Ind. Source: <cite>The Christian Advocate</cite>. Vol. 97 No. 39. New York: The Methodist Book Concern, Sep 28, 1922. p. 1211 <a href="#Almost_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Along_the_Road_BIB"><b>Along the Road </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Miami Daily Metropolis</cite>. Vol. 27 No. 161. Miami, FL: Metropolis Publishing Co., Jun 17, 1922. p. 6 <a href="#Along_the_Road_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Bantams_BIB"><b>The Bantams </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Northwest Poultry Journal</cite>. Vol. 33 No. 6. Salem, OR: Northwest Poultry Journal Publishing Co., Jun 1928. p. 15 <a href="#The_Bantams_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Battle_Hymn_BIB"><b>Battle Hymn </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Western Christian Advocate</cite>. Vol. 80 No. 17. Cincinnati: Methodist Book Concern, Apr 29, 1914. p. 524 <a href="#Battle_Hymn_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Blossoms_BIB"><b>Blossoms </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Christian Advocate</cite>. Vol. 86 No. 21. Nashville: Lamar & Barton, May 22, 1925. p. 751 <a href="#Blossoms_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Brotherhood_BIB"><b>Brotherhood </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Boys’ World</cite>. Vol. 23 No. 12. Elgin, IL: David C. Cook Publishing Co., Mar 22, 1924. p. 4 <a href="#Brotherhood_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Builder_v1924_BIB"><b>The Builder v1924 </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Juvenile Instructor</cite>. Vol. 59 No. 8. Salt Lake City: Deseret Sunday School Union, Aug 1924. p. 411. Note: Stanzas’ original layout of side-by-side is presented in this compilation as follows: left stanza as first stanza, right as second. <a href="#The_Builder_v1924_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Builders_BIB"><b>The Builders </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Sunday School Journal</cite>. Vol. 53 No. 8. Cincinnati: The Methodist Book Concern, Aug 1921. Cover page <a href="#The_Builders_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Call_Substitutes_BIB"><b>A Call for Substitutes </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Epworth Herald</cite>. Vol. 33 No. 3. Chicago: The Methodist Book Concern, Jan 14, 1922. p. 56 <a href="#Call_Substitutes_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Chameleon_BIB"><b>The Chameleon </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Commonweal</cite>. Vol. 5 No. 4. New York: Calvert Publishing Corp., Dec 1, 1926. p. 105 <a href="#The_Chameleon_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Charge_Account_BIB"><b>Charge Account </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Personal Efficiency</cite>. Vol. 18 No. 1. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Jan 1928. p. 7. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#Charge_Account_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Childhood_on_the_Farm_BIB"><b>Childhood on the Farm </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Hoard’s Dairyman</cite>. Vol. 67 No. 9. Fort Atkinson, WI: W. D. Hoard & Sons Co., Mar 14, 1924. p. 332 <a href="#Childhood_on_the_Farm_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Children_v1921_BIB"><b>The Children v1921 </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Christian Herald</cite>. Vol. 44 No. 32. New York: Christian Herald, Aug 6, 1921. p. 546. Notes: 1) Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers, 2) Extra spaces in body of poem were deleted. <a href="#The_Children_v1921_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Children_v1925_BIB"><b>The Children v1925 </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Pathfinder</cite>. Vol. 32 No. 1668. Washington D.C.: Pathfinder Publishing Co., Dec 19, 1925. p. 21 <a href="#The_Children_v1925_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Child's_Prayer_BIB"><b>Child’s Prayer </b>Byline: Clarence Edwin Flynn. Richmond, Ind. Source: <cite>The Epworth Era. </cite>Vol. 17 No. 32. Chicago: Jennings & Graham, Jan 5, 1907. p. 830. Note: Stanzas’ original layout of 2x2 is presented in this compilation as follows: top-left stanza as first stanza, bottom-left as second, top-right as third and bottom-right as fourth. <a href="#Child's_Prayer_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_City's_Nerves_BIB"><b>The City’s Nerves </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Edison Monthly</cite>. Vol. 18 No. 6. New York: The New York Edison Co., Jun 1926. p. 143 <a href="#The_City's_Nerves_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Climaxes_v1921_BIB"><b>Climaxes v1921 </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Motion Picture Magazine</cite>. Vol. 22 No. 11. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., Dec 1921. p. 93 <a href="#Climaxes_v1921_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Climaxes_v1923_BIB"><b>Climaxes v1923 </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Motion Picture Magazine</cite>. Vol. 26 No. 1. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., Aug 1923. pp. 41, 86 <a href="#Climaxes_v1923_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Clock_BIB"><b>The Clock </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Beacon</cite>. Vol. 14 No. 26. Boston: The Beacon Press, Inc., Mar 30, 1924. p. 111. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#The_Clock_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Close-Up_BIB"><b>The Close-Up </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Movie Makers</cite>. Vol. 3 No. 6. New York: Amateur Cinema League, Inc., Jun 1928. p. 397 <a href="#The_Close-Up_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Coming_and_Going_BIB"><b>Coming and Going </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>New York Central Lines Magazine</cite>. Vol. 9 No. 3. New York: New York Central Lines, Jun 1928. p. 14. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#Coming_and_Going_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Compensation_BIB"><b>Compensation </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Princeton, Ind. Source: <cite>The Christian Advocate</cite>. Vol. 97 No. 41. New York: The Methodist Book Concern, Oct 12, 1922. p. 1273 <a href="#Compensation_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Creator_BIB"><b>The Creator </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Sedalia Democrat</cite>. Vol. 17 No. 40. Sedalia, MO: Sedalia Democrat Co., Feb 15, 1923. p. 2 <a href="#The_Creator_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Credo_BIB"><b>Credo </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>North Carolina Christian Advocate</cite>. Vol. 70 No. 46. Greensboro, NC: Nov 12, 1925. p. 8 <a href="#Credo_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="A_Creed_BIB"><b>A Creed </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Christian Century</cite>. Vol. 39 No. 7. Chicago: Disciples Publication Society, Feb 16 1922. p.200 <a href="#A_Creed_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Cross_v1927_BIB"><b>The Cross v1927 </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Expositor</cite>. Vol. 28 No. 6. Cleveland: F. M. Barton Co., Mar 1927. p. 710 <a href="#The_Cross_v1927_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Cry_of_a_Human_BIB"><b>The Cry of a Human </b>Byline: Clarence Flynn. Source: <cite>Richmond Daily Palladium</cite>. Richmond, IN: Palladium Printing Co., Mar 5, 1906. p. 3 <a href="#The_Cry_of_a_Human_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Cupid's_Lament_BIB"><b>Cupid’s Lament </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Edison Monthly</cite>. Vol. 19 No. 5. New York: The New York Edison Co., May 1927. p. 105. Note: Stanzas’ original layout of side-by-side is presented in this compilation as follows: left stanza as first stanza, right as second. <a href="#Cupid's_Lament_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="A_Day_at_a_Time_BIB"><b>A Day at a Time </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Sanford Herald</cite>. Vol. 17 No. 20. Sanford, FL: Apr 7, 1927. p. 4. Note: Duplicate “at” (A day at at time) in second verse replaced with “a”. <a href="#A_Day_at_a_Time_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Day's_Success_BIB"><b>The Day’s Success </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Carp Review</cite>. Vol. 24 No. 30. Carp, Ontario: James A. Evoy, Aug 16, 1928. p. 8. Notes: 1) Apostrophe removed from “measure’s” in fifth verse, 2) Comma removed after “failure” in sixth verse. <a href="#The_Day's_Success_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Divine_Image_BIB"><b>The Divine Image </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Grade Teacher</cite>. Vol. 46 No. 9. Boston: Educational Publishing Corp., May 1929. p. 745 <a href="#The_Divine_Image_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Doing_It_Well_BIB"><b>Doing It Well </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Child Welfare Magazine</cite>. Vol. 20 No. 7. Philadelphia: The Child Welfare Co., Inc., Mar 1926. p. 438. Notes: 1) Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers, 2) E-readers might not correctly present “saw” in first verse with small caps, which is used for emphasis. <a href="#Doing_It_Well_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Domsie_BIB"><b>Domsie </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The American School Board Journal</cite>. Vol. 78 No. 2. Milwaukee: Bruce Publishing Co., Feb 1929. p. 174. Note: The poem might be referring to a character in Ian Maclaren’s <cite>Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush</cite> (1894). <a href="#Domsie_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Dream_BIB"><b>The Dream </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Bloomington, Ind. Source: <cite>Christian Advocate</cite>. Vol. 85 No. 44. Nashville: Lamar & Barton, Oct 31, 1924. p. 1388 <a href="#The_Dream_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Earth's_Plaint_BIB"><b>The Earth’s Plaint </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Excavating Engineer</cite>. Vol. 22 No. 6. Milwaukee: The Excavating Engineer Publishing Co., Jun 1928. p. 212 <a href="#The_Earth's_Plaint_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Easter_Message_BIB"><b>The Easter Message </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Christian Advocate</cite>. Vol. 86 No. 15. Nashville: Lamar & Barton, Apr 10, 1925. p. 462 <a href="#Easter_Message_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="An_Easter_Vision_BIB"><b>An Easter Vision </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Sedalia Democrat</cite>. Vol. 17 No. 98. Sedalia, MO: Sedalia Democrat Co., Apr 23, 1924. p. 2. Note: Two-space indentation of second stanza’s first verse was deleted. <a href="#An_Easter_Vision_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Electricity_BIB"><b>Electricity </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Edison Monthly</cite>. Vol. 15 No. 5. New York: The New York Edison Co., May 1923. p. 107 <a href="#Electricity_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="An_Electric_Personality_BIB"><b>An Electric Personality </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Edison Monthly</cite>. Vol. 15 No. 7. New York: The New York Edison Co., Jul 1923. p. 148 <a href="#An_Electric_Personality_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Electric_Spark_BIB"><b>The Electric Spark </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Beacon</cite>. Vol. 14 No. 23. Boston: The Beacon Press, Inc., Mar 9, 1924. p. 99. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#The_Electric_Spark_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_End_of_the_Trail_BIB"><b>The End of the Trail </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Liahona: The Elders’ Journal</cite>. Vol. 21 No. 3. Independence, MO: Zion’s Printing and Publishing Co., Jul 31, 1923. p. 49. [Published earlier in <cite>Oakland Tribune</cite> (May 31, 1923) but without a title and partly illegible.] <a href="#The_End_of_the_Trail_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Engineer_BIB"><b>The Engineer </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>New York Central Lines Magazine</cite>. Vol. 3 No. 9. New York: New York Central Lines Co., Dec 1922. p. 55. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#The_Engineer_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Enslaved_Lightning_BIB"><b>Enslaved Lightning </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Edison Monthly</cite>. Vol. 18 No. 7. New York: The New York Edison Co., Jul 1926. p. 167 <a href="#Enslaved_Lightning_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Evolution_BIB"><b>Evolution </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>American Motorcyclist and Bicyclist</cite>. Vol. 24 No. 11. New York City: The Cycling Press Inc., Nov 1928. p. 27 <a href="#Evolution_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Fabulous_City_BIB"><b>The Fabulous City </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Commercial Law League Journal</cite>. Vol. 30 No. 1. Chicago: Commercial Law League of America, Jan 1925. p. 29. Note: Editor prefaces the poem under the section title, “FORTUNES MADE IN OIL”: “The arrest, trial, conviction and commitment to the penitentiary of the super oil swindler, Leo Koretz, calls to our mind the following poem:”. <a href="#The_Fabulous_City_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Fade-Outs_BIB"><b>Fade-Outs </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Motion Picture Magazine</cite>. Vol. 26 No. 6. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., Jan 1924. p. 84 <a href="#Fade-Outs_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Faith_v1928_BIB"><b>Faith v1928 </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Congregationalist</cite>. Vol. 113 No. 5. Boston: Congregational Publishing Society, Feb 2, 1928. p. 142 <a href="#Faith_v1928_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Film_Judgment_BIB"><b>Film Judgment </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Motion Picture Magazine</cite>. Vol. 27 No. 5. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., Jun 1924. p. 109 <a href="#Film_Judgment_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Finding_God_BIB"><b>Finding God </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Freeman’s Journal</cite>. Vol. 74. Sydney, Australia: Herbert Daniel Polin, Oct 2, 1924. p. 3 <a href="#Finding_God_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Firefly_BIB"><b>The Firefly </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Boys’ World</cite>. Vol. 23 No. 23. Elgin, IL: David C. Cook Publishing Co., Jun 7, 1924. p. 8 <a href="#The_Firefly_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Flag_at_Sea_BIB"><b>The Flag at Sea </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Our Navy</cite>. Vol. 16 No. 13. Washington D. C.: Men o’ Warsmen Inc., Oct 14, 1922. p. 2 <a href="#The_Flag_at_Sea_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Flowers_Are_Thoughts_of_God_BIB"><b>Flowers Are Thoughts of God </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Progressive Farmer</cite>. Raleigh, NC: The Progressive Farmer Co., Jul 3, 1926. p. 733 <a href="#Flowers_Are_Thoughts_of_God_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Freedom_v1928_BIB"><b>Freedom v1928 </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Personal Efficiency</cite>. Vol. 18 No. 10. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Oct 1928. p. 230 <a href="#Freedom_v1928_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Future_BIB"><b>The Future </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Kindergarten-Primary Magazine</cite>. Vol. 39 No. 3. Manistee, MI: J. H. Shults Co., Jan–Feb 1927. p. 69 <a href="#The_Future_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Gateway_of_the_Kingdom_BIB"><b>The Gateway of the Kingdom </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Sunday School Times</cite>. Vol. 57 No. 29. Philadelphia: The Sunday School Times Co., Jul 17, 1915. p. 1. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#The_Gateway_of_the_Kingdom_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Gift_of_the_Farm_BIB"><b>The Gift of the Farm </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Farm Life</cite>. Vol. 41 No. 5. Spencer, IN: Farm Life Publishing Co., May 1922. p. 25 <a href="#The_Gift_of_the_Farm_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Gifts_of_the_Church_BIB"><b>The Gifts of the Church </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Princeton, India. Source: <cite>The Congregationalist</cite>. Vol. 107 No. 49. Boston: Congregational Publishing Society, Dec 7, 1922. p. 736. Note: Stanzas’ original layout of side-by-side is presented in this compilation as follows: left stanza as first stanza, right as second. <a href="#The_Gifts_of_the_Church_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="God_and_Spring_BIB"><b>God and Spring </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Stepping Stones</cite>. Vol. 18 No. 18. Independence, MO: Herald Publishing House, May 4, 1930. p. 139. Note: Replaced comma with period after “trees.” <a href="#God_and_Spring_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_God_of_the_Beginning_BIB"><b>The God of the Beginning </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Church School</cite>. Vol. 5 No. 11. New York: The Church School Press, Aug 1924. p. 491. Notes: 1) Stanzas’ original layout of side-by-side is presented in this compilation as follows: left stanza as first stanza, right as second, 2) Dropped initial in first verse of both stanzas normalized for e-readers. <a href="#The_God_of_the_Beginning_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="God_of_Today_BIB"><b>God of To-Day </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Sunday School Journal</cite>. Vol. 54 No. 11. Cincinnati: The Methodist Book Concern, Nov 1922. p. 656. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#God_of_Today_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="God's_Garden_BIB"><b>God’s Garden </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Sunday School Journal</cite>. Vol. 52 No. 7. Cincinnati: Methodist Book Concern, Jul 1920. p. 407 <a href="#God's_Garden_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="God's_Manners_BIB"><b>God’s Manners </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Baptist Record</cite>. Vol. 49 (old series) 29 (new series) No. 9. Jackson, MS: Mississippi Baptist Convention Board, Mar 3, 1927. p. 11 <a href="#God's_Manners_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="A_Grace_for_Meals_BIB"><b>A Grace for Meals </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Girls’ Companion</cite>. Vol. 25 No. 28. Elgin, IL: David C. Cook Publishing Co., Jul 10, 1926. p. 7 <a href="#A_Grace_for_Meals_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Great_Adventure_BIB"><b>The Great Adventure </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Uplift</cite>. Vol. 15 No. 4. Concord, NC: Stonewall Jackson Manual Training and Industrial School, Jan 8, 1927. p. 17 <a href="#The_Great_Adventure_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Grey_Host_BIB"><b>The Grey Host </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Congregationalist</cite>. Vol. 111 No. 44. Boston: Congregational Publishing Society, Nov 4, 1926. p. 589 <a href="#The_Grey_Host_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Hagar's_Song_BIB"><b>Hagar’s Song </b>Byline: Clarence Flynn. Bloomfield, Ind. Source: <cite>Western Christian Advocate</cite>. Vol. 72 No. 11. Cincinnati: Western Methodist Book Concern, Mar 14, 1906. p. 13. Note: For context see Genesis 16, 21:1–20. <a href="#Hagar's_Song_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Handicap_BIB"><b>The Handicap </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Instructor</cite>. Vol. 65 No. 9. Salt Lake City: Deseret Sunday School Union, Sep 1930. p. 564. Note: Stanzas’ original layout of side-by-side is presented in this compilation as follows: left stanza as first stanza, right as second. <a href="#The_Handicap_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Happy_Ending_BIB"><b>The Happy Ending </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Youth</cite>. Vol. 3 No. 8. Kansas City, MO: Unity School of Christianity, Aug 1929. pp. 14–15. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#The_Happy_Ending_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Harness_BIB"><b>The Harness </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Edison Monthly</cite>. Vol. 20 No. 11. New York: The New York Edison Co., Nov 1928. p. 260 <a href="#The_Harness_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Have_You_Tried_BIB"><b>Have You Tried? </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Personal Efficiency</cite>. Vol. 19 No. 11. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Nov 1929. p. 251 <a href="#Have_You_Tried_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Heart_Gates_BIB"><b>Heart Gates </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Herald of Gospel Liberty</cite>. Vol. 118 No. 43. Dayton, OH: The Christian Publishing Association, Oct 28, 1926. p. 1018. Note: For context of first stanza consider Revelation 21:9–27. <a href="#Heart_Gates_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Heart_of_a_Child_BIB"><b>The Heart of a Child </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Kindergarten-Primary Magazine</cite>. Vol. 39 No. 3. Manistee, MI: J. H. Shults Co., Jan–Feb 1927. p. 72 <a href="#The_Heart_of_a_Child_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Heart_of_a_Child_Is_a_Scroll_BIB"><b>The Heart of a Child Is a Scroll </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Sunday School Journal</cite>. Vol. 54 No. 8. Cincinnati: The Methodist Book Concern, Aug 1922. p. 473. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#The_Heart_of_a_Child_Is_a_Scroll_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_High_Tension_Line_BIB"><b>The High Tension Line </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Edison Monthly</cite>. Vol. 18 No. 4. New York: The New York Edison Co., Apr 1926. p. 92. Note: For examples of context of last stanza consider Mark 16:14–18 and Acts 3:1–10. <a href="#The_High_Tension_Line_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="His_Epitaph_BIB"><b>His Epitaph </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Our Dumb Animals</cite>. Vol. 55 No. 3. Norwood, MA: Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Aug 1922. p. 45. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#His_Epitaph_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="His_Great_Hour_BIB"><b>His Great Hour </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Oral Hygiene</cite>. Vol. 18 No. 11. Pittsburgh: Nov 1928. p. 2122 <a href="#His_Great_Hour_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Home_v1921_BIB"><b>Home v1921 </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>American Messenger</cite>. Vol. 79 No. 9. New York: American Tract Society, Oct 1921. p. 172 <a href="#Home_v1921_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Home_v1925_BIB"><b>Home v1925 </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>South Florida Developer</cite>. Vol. 5 No. 33. Stuart, FL: South Florida Developer, Inc., May 12, 1925. p. 6 <a href="#Home_v1925_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Hope_BIB"><b>Hope </b>Byline: Clarence Edwin Flynn. Greencastle, Ind. Source: <cite>The Christian Advocate</cite>. Vol. 84 No. 43. New York: Eaton & Mains, Oct 28, 1909. p. 1706 <a href="#Hope_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="How_It_Started_BIB"><b>How It Started </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Personal Efficiency</cite>. Vol. 17 No. 12. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Dec 1927. p. 277. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#How_It_Started_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="I_am_not_eloquent_BIB"><b>“I am not eloquent” </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Expositor</cite>. Vol. 28 No. 3. Cleveland: F. M. Barton Co., Dec 1926. p. 360. Note: For context see Moses in Exodus 4:10. <a href="#I_am_not_eloquent_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="If_Christ_Is_Not_Divine_BIB"><b>If Christ Is Not Divine </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>America</cite>. Vol. 29 No. 13. New York: The America Press, Jul 14, 1923. p. 306. Note: For context see 1 Corinthians 15:12–19. <a href="#If_Christ_Is_Not_Divine_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="I_Held_a_Seashell_BIB"><b>“I held a sea shell to my ears” </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>North Carolina Christian Advocate</cite>. Vol. 73 No. 36. Greensboro, NC: Sep 6, 1928. p. 20. <a href="#I_Held_a_Seashell_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Imminence_BIB"><b>Imminence </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>New Orleans Christian Advocate</cite>. Vol. 75 No. 40. New Orleans: Publishing Committee for the Louisiana, Mississippi, and North Mississippi Conferences, Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Oct 4, 1928. p. 11 <a href="#Imminence_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="In_Conference_BIB"><b>In Conference </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Personal Efficiency</cite>. Vol. 17 No. 9. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Sep 1927. p.214. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#In_Conference_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Inventive_Genius_BIB"><b>Inventive Genius </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Personal Efficiency</cite>. Vol. 17 No. 2. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Feb 1927. p. 34. Notes: 1) Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers, 2) Stanzas’ original layout of side-by-side is presented in this compilation as follows: left stanza as first stanza, right as second. <a href="#Inventive_Genius_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Iron_BIB"><b>Iron </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Personal Efficiency</cite>. Vol. 18 No. 12. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Dec 1928. p. 286 <a href="#Iron_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Might_Be_Worse_BIB"><b>It Might Be Worse </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Farm Bureau Monthly</cite>. Vol. 4 No. 7. Riverside, CA: Riverside County Farm Bureau, Jul 1923. p. 5. Note: Comma changed to period after “way.” <a href="#Might_Be_Worse_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="I_Want_BIB"><b>I Want </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Youth</cite>. Vol. 2 No. 1. Kansas City: Unity School of Christianity, Jan 1928. p. 22. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#I_Want_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Jim_BIB"><b>Jim </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Youth’s Companion</cite>. Vol. 93 No. 44. Boston: Perry Mason Co., Oct 30, 1919. p. 612. Note: Stanzas’ original layout of 1-over-2 is presented in this compilation as follows: top stanza as first stanza, bottom-left as second and bottom-right as third. <a href="#Jim_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Jove's_Plaint_BIB"><b>Jove’s Plaint </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Edison Monthly</cite>. Vol. 16 No. 6. New York: The New York Edison Co., Jun 1924. p. 129 <a href="#Jove's_Plaint_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_King_BIB"><b>The King </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. De Pauw, ’10. Source: <cite>The Phi Gamma Delta</cite>. Vol. 31 No. 4. Indianapolis: Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, Feb 1909. p. 362. Note: He ended up graduating from DePauw in 1911. <a href="#The_King_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Knocking_BIB"><b>Knocking </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Personal Efficiency</cite>. Vol. 16 No. 7. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Jul 1926. p. 436. Note: Illustrated dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#Knocking_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Land_of_Heart's_Desire_BIB"><b>The Land of Heart’s Desire </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Santa Ana Register</cite>. Vol. 19 No. 153. Santa Ana, CA: Register Publishing Co., May 26, 1924. p. 18 <a href="#The_Land_of_Heart's_Desire_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Lens_BIB"><b>The Lens </b>Byline: C. E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Photoplay Magazine</cite>. Vol. 22 No. 4. Chicago: Photoplay Publishing Co., Sep 1922. p. 109 <a href="#The_Lens_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Let_Us_Be_Right_BIB"><b>Let Us Be Right </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Christian Sun</cite>. Vol. 71 No. 38. Burlington, NC: Sep 17, 1919. Cover page <a href="#Let_Us_Be_Right_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Life_BIB"><b>Life </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Congregationalist</cite>. Vol. 111 No. 41. Boston: Congregational Publishing Society, Oct 14, 1926. p. 504. Notes: 1) Removed comma at end of third verse, 2) Replaced comma with period at end of fourth verse. <a href="#Life_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Light_and_Shadow_BIB"><b>Light and Shadow </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Photoplay Magazine</cite>. Vol. 16 No. 2. Chicago: Photoplay Publishing Co., Jul 1919. p. 104. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#Light_and_Shadow_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Lucky_Man_BIB"><b>The Lucky Man </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Personal Efficiency</cite>. Vol. 18 No. 11. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Nov 1928. p. 248 <a href="#The_Lucky_Man_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Magi_and_Shepherd_BIB"><b>Magi and Shepherd </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Indianapolis, Ind. Source: <cite>The Christian Advocate</cite>. Vol. 90 No. 51. New York: Methodist Book Concern, Dec 23, 1915. p. 1734 <a href="#Magi_and_Shepherd_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Magic_Gateway_BIB"><b>The Magic Gateway </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Princeton, Ind. Source: <cite>The Christian Advocate</cite>. Vol. 96 No. 48. New York: The Methodist Book Concern, Dec 1, 1921. p. 1506 <a href="#The_Magic_Gateway_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Magic_of_the_Screen_BIB"><b>The Magic of the Screen </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Photoplay Magazine</cite>. Vol. 21 No. 2. Chicago: Photoplay Publishing Co., Jan 1922. p. 62. Note: Dropped initial in first verse of both stanzas normalized for e-readers. <a href="#The_Magic_of_the_Screen_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Making_of_Heaven_BIB"><b>The Making of Heaven </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Christian Century</cite>. Vol. 39 No. 24. Chicago: Disciples Publication Society, Jun 15, 1922. p. 745 <a href="#The_Making_of_Heaven_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Making_of_Home_BIB"><b>The Making of Home </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Box 97, Bloomington, Ind. Source: <cite>The Railway Maintenance of Way Employes Journal</cite>. Vol. 32 No. 10. Detroit: Oct 1923. p. 11. Note: “Employes” in publication title is as printed. <a href="#The_Making_of_Home_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Man_Who_Knows_BIB"><b>The Man Who Knows </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Princeton, Ind. Source: <cite>The Christian Advocate</cite>. Vol. 97 No. 36. New York: The Methodist Book Concern, Sep 7, 1922. p. 1110 <a href="#The_Man_Who_Knows_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Marine_BIB"><b>The Marine </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Our Navy</cite>. Vol. 16 No. 17. Washington D. C.: Men o’ Warsmen Inc., Dec 15, 1922. p. 2 <a href="#The_Marine_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Measure_of_Life_BIB"><b>The Measure of Life </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Indiana Farmer’s Guide</cite>. Vol. 34 No. 25. Huntington, IN: The Guide Publishing Co., Jun 24, 1922. p. 658. Note: Liberty was taken with several end-of-line punctuation marks due to source’s poor legibility. <a href="#The_Measure_of_Life_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Memorial_Day_v1929_BIB"><b>Memorial Day v1929 </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Expositor</cite>. Cleveland: F. M. Barton Co. Inc., May 1929. p. 924 <a href="#Memorial_Day_v1929_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Minds_BIB"><b>Minds </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Personal Efficiency</cite>. Vol. 14 No. 2. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Feb 1924. p. 73. Note: Illustrated dropped initial in each stanza’s first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#Minds_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Miracle_BIB"><b>Miracle </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Los Angeles Times</cite>. Vol. 43. Los Angeles: The Times-Mirror Co., Jul 13, 1924. p. 37. Note: Changes made to punctuation in second stanza for consistency with first stanza: comma added to end of first verse, and period changed to comma at end of sixth verse. <a href="#Miracle_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Mixture_BIB"><b>The Mixture </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Railway Clerk</cite>. Vol. 29 No. 10. Cincinnati: Brotherhood of Railway and Steamship Clerks, Oct 1930. p. 452. Note: A. M. Jackson included the poem in a letter to the editor writing, “The following verse...explains how and why [Northern Pacific Railway] Lodge No. 1124 is able to get along so nicely.” <a href="#The_Mixture_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Modern_Pupil_BIB"><b>The Modern Pupil </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The American School Board Journal</cite>. Vol. 78 No. 1. Milwaukee: Bruce Publishing Co., Jan 1929. p. 198 <a href="#The_Modern_Pupil_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Monuments_BIB"><b>Monuments </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Textile Worker</cite>. Vol. 10 No. 9. New York: United Textile Workers of America, Dec 1922. p. 559 <a href="#Monuments_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Morning_Prayer_BIB"><b>Morning Prayer </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Kindergarten-Primary Magazine</cite>. Vol. 39 No. 3. Manistee, MI: J. H. Shults Co., Jan–Feb 1927. p. 80 <a href="#Morning_Prayer_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="My_Father's_House_BIB"><b>My Father’s House </b>Byline: Clarence Edwin Flynn. Source: <cite>Western Christian Advocate</cite>. Vol. 74 No. 17. Cincinnati: Western Methodist Book Concern, Apr 22, 1908. p. 12 <a href="#My_Father's_House_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="My_Little_Fire_BIB"><b>My Little Fire </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>American Mutual Magazine</cite>. Vol. 9 No. 4. Boston: American Mutual Liability Insurance Co., Dec 1929. Back cover <a href="#My_Little_Fire_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="My_Riches_BIB"><b>My Riches </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Our Navy</cite>. Vol. 16 No. 18. Washington D. C.: Men o’ Warsmen Inc., Dec 30, 1922. p. 2 <a href="#My_Riches_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_New_Day_BIB"><b>The New Day </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Sunday School Journal</cite>. Vol. 51 No. 3. Cincinnati: The Methodist Book Concern, Mar 23, 1919. Cover page <a href="#The_New_Day_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_New_Year_BIB"><b>The New Year </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>American Messenger</cite>. Vol. 77 No. 1. New York: American Tract Society, Jan 1919. p. 6 <a href="#The_New_Year_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="No_Room_in_the_Inn_BIB"><b>No Room in the Inn </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Beacon</cite>. Vol. 14 No. 12. Boston: The Beacon Press, Inc., Dec 23, 1923. p. 56 <a href="#No_Room_in_the_Inn_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Old_Fashioned_Pictures_BIB"><b>Old-Fashioned Pictures </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Farm Life</cite>. Vol. 46 No. 3. Spencer, IN: Farm Life Publishing Co., Mar 1927. p. 62 <a href="#Old_Fashioned_Pictures_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Open_Soul_BIB"><b>The Open Soul </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>American Messenger</cite>. Vol. 78 No. 6. New York: American Tract Society, Jun 1920. p. 86 <a href="#The_Open_Soul_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Open_Tomb_BIB"><b>The Open Tomb </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Sunday School Journal</cite>. Vol. 47 No. 4. Cincinnati: Methodist Book Concern, Apr 1915. title page. Note: Stanzas’ original layout of 2-over-1 is presented in this compilation as follows: top-left stanza as first stanza, top-right as second and bottom as third. <a href="#The_Open_Tomb_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Our_Hearts_Forget_BIB"><b>Our Hearts Forget </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>American Messenger</cite>. Vol. 81 No. 3. New York: The American Tract Society, Mar 1923. p. 40 <a href="#Our_Hearts_Forget_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Outcome_BIB"><b>The Outcome </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Motion Picture Classic</cite>. Vol. 9 No. 5. Bayshore, NY: M. p. Publishing Co., Jan 1920. p. 90 <a href="#The_Outcome_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Palm_Sunday_v1925_BIB"><b>Palm Sunday v1925 </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Congregationalist</cite>. Vol. 110 No. 13. Boston: Congregational Publishing Society, Mar 26, 1925. p. 398. Notes: 1) Stanzas’ original layout of side-by-side is presented in this compilation as follows: left stanza as first stanza, right as second, 2) Jesus healed Bartimaeus of blindness (Mark 10:46–52). <a href="#Palm_Sunday_v1925_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="A_Parents'_Prayer_v1922_BIB"><b>A Parents’ Prayer v1922 </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Herald of Gospel Liberty</cite>. Vol. 114 No. 16. Dayton, OH: The Christian Publishing Association, Apr 20, 1922. p. 372. Note: The sixth verse’s lack of indentation (half a space) was not replicated. <a href="#A_Parents'_Prayer_v1922_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Patchwork_BIB"><b>Patchwork </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Motion Picture Magazine</cite>. Vol. 24 No. 7. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., Aug 1922. p. 121 <a href="#Patchwork_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="A_Perfect_Day_BIB"><b>A Perfect Day </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Princeton, Ind. Source: <cite>The Epworth Era</cite>. Vol. 29 No. 2. Nashville: Lamar & Barton, Oct 1922. p. 63. Notes: 1) Stanzas’ original layout of side-by-side is presented in this compilation as follows: left stanza as first stanza, right as second, 2) E-readers might not correctly present “perfect” in first verse with small caps, which is used for emphasis. <a href="#A_Perfect_Day_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Picture_Books_BIB"><b>Picture Books </b>Byline: C. E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Photoplay Magazine</cite>. Vol. 22 No. 2. Chicago: Photoplay Publishing Co., Jul 1922. p. 101. Notes: 1) Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers, 2) Stanzas’ original layout of side-by-side is presented in this compilation as follows: left stanza as first stanza, right as second. <a href="#Picture_Books_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Pictures_BIB"><b>Pictures </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Photoplay Magazine</cite>. Vol. 15 No. 1. Chicago: Photoplay Publishing Co., Dec 1918. p. 40. Notes: 1) Stanzas’ original layout of 2-over-2-over-1 is presented in this compilation as follows: top-left stanza as first stanza, middle-left as second, top-right as third, middle-right as fourth and bottom as fifth, 2) The fourth stanza’s second verse’s indentation by one space was deleted. <a href="#Pictures_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Picture's_Lament_BIB"><b>The Picture’s Lament </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Motion Picture Magazine</cite>. Vol. 27 No. 3. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., Apr 1924. p. 102 <a href="#The_Picture's_Lament_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Picture_Writing_BIB"><b>Picture Writing </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Motion Picture Magazine</cite>. Vol. 24 No. 8. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., Sep 1922. p. 109 <a href="#Picture_Writing_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Pioneer_v1928_BIB"><b>The Pioneer v1928 </b>Byline: Clarence C. Flynn. Source: <cite>Motor Land</cite>. Vol. 22 No. 5. San Mateo, CA: California State Automobile Association Inc., May 1928. p. 9. Notes: 1) Dropped initial in first verse of each stanza normalized for e-readers, 2) It’s assumed the source made a typographical error with Flynn’s middle initial. <cite>Motor Land</cite> got it right in Flynn’s byline for “The Road to Tomorrow.” <a href="#Pioneer_v1928_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="A_Prayer_BIB"><b>A Prayer </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Warsaw Daily Times</cite>. Warsaw, IN: Reub. Williams & Sons, Nov 29, 1923. p. 6 <a href="#A_Prayer_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Prayer_for_Normal_Men_BIB"><b>Prayer for Normal Men </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Princeton, Ind. Source: <cite>The Congregationalist</cite>. Vol. 109 No. 4. Boston: Congregational Publishing Society, Jan 24, 1924. p. 118 <a href="#Prayer_for_Normal_Men_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="A_Prayer_for_Thanksgiving_BIB"><b>A Prayer for Thanksgiving </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>American Messenger</cite>. Vol. 80 No. 11. New York: The American Tract Society, Nov 1922. p. 179 <a href="#A_Prayer_for_Thanksgiving_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="A_Price_Unpaid_BIB"><b>A Price Unpaid </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Northwestern Christian Advocate</cite>. Vol. 63 No. 41. Chicago: Methodist Book Concern, Oct 6, 1915. p. 969 <a href="#A_Price_Unpaid_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Problem_BIB"><b>The Problem </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The American Tyler-Keystone</cite>. Vol. 41 No. 9. Mount Morris, IL: Tyler Publishing Co., Sep 1927. p. 194. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#The_Problem_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="A_Psalm_of_the_Movies_BIB"><b>A Psalm of the Movies </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Motion Picture Magazine</cite>. Vol. 23 No. 5. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., Jun 1922. p. 105 <a href="#A_Psalm_of_the_Movies_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Pupil_BIB"><b>The Pupil </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Kindergarten-Primary Magazine</cite>. Vol. 39 No. 3. Manistee, MI: J. H. Shults Co., Jan–Feb 1927. p. 87 <a href="#The_Pupil_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Question_v1926_BIB"><b>The Question v1926 </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Personal Efficiency</cite>. Vol. 16 No. 12. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Dec 1926. p. 715. Notes: 1) Stanzas’ original layout of side-by-side is presented in this compilation as follows: left stanza as first stanza, right as second, 2) Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#The_Question_v1926_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Radio_Neighborhood_BIB"><b>The Radio Neighborhood </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Wireless Age</cite>. Vol. 9 No. 11. New York: Wireless Press Inc., Aug 1922. p. 90 <a href="#The_Radio_Neighborhood_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Railroad_BIB"><b>The Railroad </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>New York Central Lines Magazine</cite>. Vol. 4 No. 11. New York: New York Central Lines, Feb 1924. p. 25. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#The_Railroad_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Recruit_BIB"><b>The Recruit </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Our Navy</cite>. Vol. 22 No. 10. Brooklyn, NY: Our Navy, Inc., Mid-Sept, 1928. p. 10 <a href="#The_Recruit_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Red_Bird_BIB"><b>The Red Bird </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Woman’s Home Missions</cite>. Vol. 46 No. 4. Cincinnati: Woman’s Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Apr 1929. p. 18 <a href="#Red_Bird_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Requisition_BIB"><b>Requisition </b>Byline: Clarence F. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Summary</cite>. Vol. 45 No. 46. Elmira, NY: New York State Reformatory, Nov 12, 1927. p. 3. Note: Byline’s middle initial is as printed. <a href="#Requisition_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Roads_v1925_BIB"><b>Roads v1925 </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Presbyterian Standard</cite>. Vol. 66 No. 9. Charlotte: Presbyterian Standard Publishing Co., Mar 4, 1925. p. 9. Note: Indentation given to sixth verse of second stanza. <a href="#Roads_v1925_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Road_Tomorrow_BIB"><b>The Road to Tomorrow </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Motor Land</cite>. Vol. 25 No. 5. San Mateo, CA: California State Automobile Association Inc., Nov 1929. p. 4. Notes: 1) Stanzas’ original layout of side-by-side is presented in this compilation as follows: left stanza as first stanza, right as second, 2) Dropped initial in first verse of each stanza normalized for e-readers. <a href="#Road_Tomorrow_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Rooster_BIB"><b>The Rooster </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Personal Efficiency</cite>. Vol. 16 No. 7. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Jul 1926. p. 436. Note: Illustrated dropped initial in each stanza’s first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#The_Rooster_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Rulers_of_the_Earth_BIB"><b>The Rulers of the Earth </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Pacific Rural Press</cite>. Vol. 111 No. 9. San Francisco: Pacific Rural Press Co., Feb 27, 1926. p. 289 <a href="#The_Rulers_of_the_Earth_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Sanctuary_BIB"><b>Sanctuary </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Ave Maria</cite>. Vol. 26 No. 21. Notre Dame, IN: Nov 19, 1927. p. 648. Note: Illustrated dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#Sanctuary_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Second_Wind_BIB"><b>The Second Wind </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Railway Maintenance of Way Employes Journal</cite>. Vol. 32 No. 7. Detroit: Jul 1923. p. 39. Notes: 1) For context of first stanza consider Jennifer Rosenberg’s article, “Why the Model T Is Called the Tin Lizzie,” on the website ThoughtCo (accessed May 25, 2025), 2) “Employes” in publication title is as printed. <a href="#The_Second_Wind_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Secret_BIB"><b>The Secret </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Personal Efficiency</cite>. Vol. 17 No. 1. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Jan 1927. p.21. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#The_Secret_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Section_Foreman_BIB"><b>The Section Foreman </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>New York Central Lines Magazine</cite>. Vol. 2 No. 12. New York: New York Central Railroad Co., Mar 1922. p. 44. Notes: 1) First stanza’s opening quotation mark was corrected from being upside down, 2) Closing quotation mark added to end of first stanza for consistency with second stanza, 3) Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#The_Section_Foreman_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Serving_Giant_BIB"><b>The Serving Giant </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Edison Monthly</cite>. Vol. 15 No. 2. New York: The New York Edison Co., Feb 1923. p. 34 <a href="#The_Serving_Giant_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Shadows_v1921_BIB"><b>Shadows v1921 </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Motion Picture Magazine</cite>. Vol. 22 No. 11. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., Dec 1921. p. 114 <a href="#Shadows_v1921_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Shadows_on_the_Wall_BIB"><b>Shadows on the Wall </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Motion Picture Magazine</cite>. Vol. 27 No. 2. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., Mar 1924. p. 98 <a href="#Shadows_on_the_Wall_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Shadow_World_BIB"><b>The Shadow World </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Motion Picture Magazine</cite>. Vol. 22 No. 12. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., Jan 1922. p. 108 <a href="#The_Shadow_World_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Sight_and_Faith_BIB"><b>Sight and Faith </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Catholic World</cite>. Vol. 126 No. 751. New York: The Paulist Fathers, Oct 1927. p. 84. Note: E-readers might not correctly present “walked” in first verse with small caps, which is used for emphasis. <a href="#Sight_and_Faith_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Si_Gidders_BIB"><b>Si Gidders </b>Byline: Clarence Flynn. Bloomfield, Ind. Source: <cite>The Indianapolis Journal: The Sunday Journal</cite>, morning ed. Vol. 52 No. 306. Indianapolis: Journal Newspaper Co., Nov 2, 1902. p. 10 of Part 2. Note: In response to an editor’s request for biographical information, Mr. Flynn responded, “My first work was published in a little farm paper in 1901. By 1902 I got into the old <cite>Indianapolis Journal</cite>....” (<cite>American Astrology Magazine</cite>. Vol. 13 No. 6. New York: Clancy Publications, Inc., Aug 1945. p. 16). <a href="#Si_Gidders_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Silent_Drama_BIB"><b>The Silent Drama </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Motion Picture Classic</cite>. Vol. 9 No. 5. Bayshore, NY: M. p. Publishing Co., Jan 1920. p. 79 <a href="#The_Silent_Drama_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Sing_a_Little_Song_BIB"><b>Sing a Little Song </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Stepping Stones</cite>. Vol. 14 No. 3. Independence, MO: Herald Publishing House, Jan 17, 1926. p. 20 <a href="#Sing_a_Little_Song_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Song_of_the_Dove_BIB"><b>Song of the Dove </b>Byline: Clarence Edwin Flynn, ’09. Source: <cite>Earlham Verse</cite>. Richmond, IN: John Dougan Rea, 1914. p. 38. Notes: 1) He attended Earlham during 1905–1907 (<cite>The Earlham College Bulletin: The Directory</cite>. Vol. 13 No. 5. Richmond, IN: Earlham College, Aug 1916. p. 58), 2) Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#Song_of_the_Dove_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Sorrow_BIB"><b>Sorrow </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Continent</cite>. Vol. 55 No. 44. Chicago: McCormick Publishing Co., Oct 30, 1924. p. 1331 <a href="#Sorrow_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Stars_and_Stripes_for_Me_BIB"><b>The Stars and Stripes for Me </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Education</cite>. Vol. 43 No. 3. Boston: The Palmer Co., Nov 1922. p. 147. Note: Commas preceding em dashes were removed. <a href="#The_Stars_and_Stripes_for_Me_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Starting_Things_BIB"><b>Starting Things </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Personal Efficiency</cite>. Vol. 17 No. 8. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Aug 1927. p. 175. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#Starting_Things_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Station_BIB"><b>The Station </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>New York Central Lines Magazine</cite>. Vol. 2 No. 12. New York: New York Central Railroad Co., Mar 1922. p. 46. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#The_Station_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Success_BIB"><b>Success </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Personal Efficiency</cite>. Vol. 17 No. 2. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Feb 1927. p. 47. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#Success_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Success_and_Failure_BIB"><b>Success and Failure </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Personal Efficiency</cite>. Vol. 18 No. 8. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Aug 1928. p. 176. <a href="#Success_and_Failure_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Sunbeam_and_the_Shadow_BIB"><b>The Sunbeam and the Shadow </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Motion Picture Magazine</cite>. Vol. 22 No. 9. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., Oct 1921. p. 107 <a href="#The_Sunbeam_and_the_Shadow_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Sunsets_Sale_BIB"><b>Sunsets For Sale </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The American Herdsman</cite>. Vol. 5 No. 11. Peoria, IL: American Livestock Publishers, Inc., Nov 1930. p. 23 <a href="#Sunsets_Sale_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Sunshine_Shade_BIB"><b>Sunshine and Shade </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Sabbath Recorder</cite>. Vol. 104 No. 7. Plainfield, NJ: American Sabbath Tract Society, Feb 13, 1928. p. 206. Note: Comma removed after “long.” <a href="#Sunshine_Shade_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Teacher_v1921_BIB"><b>The Teacher v1921 </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Sunday School Journal</cite>. Vol. 53 No. 11. Cincinnati: The Methodist Book Concern, Nov 1921. p. 651. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#The_Teacher_v1921_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Teacher_v1922_BIB"><b>The Teacher v1922 </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Sunday School Journal</cite>. Vol. 54 No. 8. Cincinnati: The Methodist Book Concern, Aug 1922. Cover page <a href="#The_Teacher_v1922_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Teacher_v1923_BIB"><b>The Teacher v1923 </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Sunday School Journal</cite>. Vol. 55 No. 9. Cincinnati: The Methodist Book Concern, Sep 1923. Cover page. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#The_Teacher_v1923_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Teacher's_Reward_BIB"><b>The Teacher’s Reward </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Juvenile Instructor</cite>. Vol. 60 No. 4. Salt Lake City: Deseret Sunday School Union, Apr 1925. p. 188 <a href="#The_Teacher's_Reward_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Team-work_BIB"><b>Team-work </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Personal Efficiency</cite>. Vol. 16 No. 9. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Sep 1926. p. 567. Note: Art piece signature of “McV” stands for G. R. McVicker. <a href="#Team-work_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Temple_BIB"><b>The Temple </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Congregationalist</cite>. Vol. 107 No. 35. Boston: Congregational Publishing Society, Aug 31, 1922. p. 269 <a href="#The_Temple_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Thankfulness_BIB"><b>Thankfulness </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Ave Maria</cite>. Vol. 29 No. 25. Notre Dame, IN: Jun 22, 1929. p. 779. Note: Illustrated dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#Thankfulness_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Thanksgiving_v1927_BIB"><b>Thanksgiving v1927 </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Twentieth Century Progress</cite>. Vol. 27 No. 6. Washington, D.C.: International Reform Federation, Inc., Nov 1927. p. 16 <a href="#Thanksgiving_v1927_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Thanksgiving_v1930_BIB"><b>Thanksgiving v1930 </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Pilot</cite>. Vol. 11 No. 2. Minneapolis: Northwestern Bible and Missionary Training School, Nov 1930. Cover page <a href="#Thanksgiving_v1930_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Their_First_Meal_BIB"><b>Their First Meal </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Own Your Own Home</cite>. Vol. 2 No. 4. Jamaica, NY: The Constructive Publishing Corp., Aug 1926. p. 7 <a href="#Their_First_Meal_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Things_That_I_Believe_BIB"><b>The Things That I Believe </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>America</cite>. Vol. 32 No. 11. New York: The America Press, Dec 27, 1924. p. 258 <a href="#The_Things_That_I_Believe_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Today_and_Tomorrow_BIB"><b>Today and Tomorrow </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>American Cookery</cite>. Vol. 29 No. 1. Boston: The Boston Cooking School Magazine Co., Jun–Jul 1924. p. 21. Note: Stanzas’ original layout of side-by-side is presented in this compilation as follows: left stanza as first stanza, right as second. <a href="#Today_and_Tomorrow_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Transforming_Love_BIB"><b>Transforming Love </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>American Messenger</cite>. Vol. 81 No. 2. New York: The American Tract Society, Feb 1923. p. 23 <a href="#Transforming_Love_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Tree_BIB"><b>The Tree </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Personal Efficiency</cite>. Vol. 14 No. 6. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Jun 1924. p. 424 <a href="#The_Tree_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="A_Trouble_Making_World_BIB"><b>A Trouble Making World </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The American Friend</cite>. Vol. 27 (old series), Vol. 8 (new series) No. 17. Richmond, IN: The Friends Publication Board, Fourth Month (Apr) 22, 1920. p. 385 <a href="#A_Trouble_Making_World_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Trouble_with_the_Movies_BIB"><b>The Trouble with the Movies </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Amateur Movie Makers</cite>. Vol. 3 No. 5. New York: Amateur Cinema League, Inc., May 1928. p. 355. Note: Stanzas’ original layout of side-by-side is presented in this compilation as follows: left stanza as first stanza, right as second. <a href="#The_Trouble_with_the_Movies_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="True_Values_BIB"><b>True Values </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Sunday School Journal</cite>. Vol. 48 No. 5. Cincinnati: The Methodist Book Concern, May 1916. p. 337 <a href="#True_Values_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Two_Princes_BIB"><b>Two Princes </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Northwestern Christian Advocate</cite>. Vol. 63 No. 34. Chicago: Methodist Book Concern, Aug 18, 1915. p. 800 <a href="#Two_Princes_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Two_Teachers_BIB"><b>Two Teachers </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Georgia Education Journal</cite>. Vol. 23 No. 2. Mason: Georgia Education Association, Oct 1930. p. 26 <a href="#Two_Teachers_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Two_Youths_BIB"><b>Two Youths </b>Byline: Clarence Flynn. Source: <cite>The Sabbath Recorder</cite>. Vol. 109 No. 18. Plainfield, NJ: American Sabbath Tract Society, Nov 3, 1930. p. 575. Notes: 1) Source did not provide a poem title. A later publication provided a poem title (used here), author’s middle initial “E,” and cited <cite>Young People</cite>, which has not been found (<cite>The Parish Broadcaster</cite>. Vol. 5 No. 7. Philadelphia: Church of St. John the Evangelist, Jul 1931. p. 5), 2) Comma replaced with period after “rose.” <a href="#Two_Youths_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Umbrella_Mender_BIB"><b>The Umbrella Mender </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Christian Register</cite>. Vol. 105 No. 52. Boston: The Christian Register Inc., Dec 30, 1926. p. 1186 <a href="#The_Umbrella_Mender_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Unknown_Soldier_BIB"><b>The Unknown Soldier </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Daughters of the American Revolution Magazine</cite>. Vol. 58 No. 3. Albany, NY: The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Mar 1924. p. 148 <a href="#The_Unknown_Soldier_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Via_Dolorosa_BIB"><b>Via Dolorosa </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>America</cite>. Vol. 32 No. 24. New York: The America Press, Mar 28, 1925. p. 570 <a href="#Via_Dolorosa_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Voices_of_God_BIB"><b>The Voices of God </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Sunday School Journal</cite>. Vol. 47 No. 6. Cincinnati: Methodist Book Concern, Jun 1915. p. 420. Note: E-readers might not correctly present “thousand” in first verse with small caps, which is used for emphasis. <a href="#The_Voices_of_God_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Voices_of_the_Dawn_BIB"><b>Voices of the Dawn </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>American Cookery</cite>. Vol. 27 No. 2. Boston: The Boston Cooking School Magazine Co., Aug–Sep 1922. No page number <a href="#Voices_of_the_Dawn_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Watchdog_of_the_Sea_BIB"><b>The Watchdog of the Sea </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Our Navy</cite>. Vol. 16 No. 17. Washington D. C.: Men o’ Warsmen Inc., Dec 15, 1922. p. 2 <a href="#The_Watchdog_of_the_Sea_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Walking_with_God_BIB"><b>Walking with God </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Herald of Gospel Liberty</cite>. Vol. 120 No. 35. Dayton, OH: The Christian Publishing Association, Aug 30, 1928. p. 807. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#Walking_with_God_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Wander_Lust_BIB"><b>Wander Lust </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Farm Life</cite>. Vol. 47 No. 5. Spencer, IN: Farm Life Publishing Co., May 1928. p. 34 <a href="#Wander_Lust_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Wealth_of_Cheer_BIB"><b>The Wealth of Cheer </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Indianapolis, Ind. Source: <cite>Southwestern Christian Advocate</cite>. Vol. 44 No. 27. New Orleans: The Methodist Book Concern, Jul 8, 1915. p. 5 <a href="#The_Wealth_of_Cheer_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="What_Does_It_Matter?_BIB"><b>What Does It Matter? </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Bloomington, Ind. Source: <cite>Christian Advocate</cite>. Vol. 85 No. 44. Nashville: Lamar & Barton, Oct 31, 1924. p. 1387 <a href="#What_Does_It_Matter?_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="What_Do_You_Know_BIB"><b>What Do You Know? </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Psychology</cite>. Vol. 15 No. 3. Jamaica, NY: Psychology Publishing Co., Inc., Sep 1930. p. 14. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#What_Do_You_Know_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Whatever_he_may_wish_or_plan_BIB"><b>“Whatever he may wish or plan” </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Progressive Farmer</cite>. Vol. 44 No. 8. Birmingham: The Progressive Farmer Co., Feb 23, 1929. p. 19. Note: The poem appears in four parts interspersed in a third-party sermon. Transcriber is uncertain if they constitute the entire poem. <a href="#Whatever_he_may_wish_or_plan_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="When_the_Curtain_Falls_BIB"><b>When the Curtain Falls </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Motion Picture Magazine</cite>. Vol. 16 No. 9. Bayshore, NY: The M.p. Publishing Co., Oct 1918. p. 123 <a href="#When_the_Curtain_Falls_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Where_Is_Heaven?_BIB"><b>Where Is Heaven? </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>The Beacon</cite>. Vol. 13 No. 7. Boston: The Beacon Press, Inc., Nov 12, 1922. p. 26. Note: Dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#Where_Is_Heaven?_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="Why_We_Are_Here_BIB"><b>Why We Are Here </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Princeton, Ind. Source: <cite>The Epworth Era</cite>. Vol. 31 No. 3. Nashville: Lamar & Barton, Nov 1924. p. 118. Notes: 1) Stanzas’ original layout of side-by-side is presented in this compilation as follows: left stanza as first stanza, right as second, 2) E-readers might not correctly present the “ur” of “Our” in first verse with small caps, which is used for emphasis. <a href="#Why_We_Are_Here_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_Window_of_Dreams_BIB"><b>The Window of Dreams </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Motion Picture Magazine</cite>. Vol. 26 No. 5. Jamaica, NY: Brewster Publications, Inc., Dec 1923. p. 126 <a href="#The_Window_of_Dreams_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<div class="biblio" id="The_World's_Drama_BIB"><b>The World’s Drama </b>Byline: Clarence E. Flynn. Source: <cite>Motion Picture Magazine</cite>. Vol. 15 No. 5. Bayshore, NY: The M.p. Publishing Co., Jun 1918. p. 99. Notes: 1) Stanzas’ original layout of 1-over-2-over-2 is presented in this compilation as follows: top stanza as first stanza, middle-left as second, bottom-left as third, middle-right as fourth and bottom-right as fifth, 2) Illustrated dropped initial in first verse normalized for e-readers. <a href="#The_World's_Drama_POEM">Back to poem</a></div> + +<!-- END bibliography --> +<hr class="chap"> +<!-- START index --> +<div class="chapter"> +<h2 class="no-break" id="INDEX">APPENDIX 2: INDEX</h2> +<p>Categories are not mutually exclusive. Some poems are followed by bracketed text indicating humor and/or other descriptions.</p> +<ul> + <li><a href="#accountability">accountability</a></li> + <li><a href="#ancestors">ancestors</a></li> + <li><a href="#attitude">attitude</a></li> + <li><a href="#behavior">behavior</a></li> + <li><a href="#character">character</a></li> + <li><a href="#community">community</a></li> + <li><a href="#consolation">consolation</a></li> + <li><a href="#duty">duty</a></li> + <li><a href="#electricity">electricity</a></li> + <li><a href="#entertainment">entertainment</a></li> + <li><a href="#evolution">evolution</a></li> + <li><a href="#faith">faith</a></li> + <li><a href="#fashion">fashion</a></li> + <li><a href="#fellowship">fellowship</a></li> + <li><a href="#fortitude">fortitude</a></li> + <li><a href="#god">God</a></li> + <li><a href="#grace">grace</a></li> + <li><a href="#gratitude">gratitude</a></li> + <li><a href="#heart">heart</a></li> + <li><a href="#heaven">heaven</a></li> + <li><a href="#home">home</a></li> + <li><a href="#hope">hope</a></li> + <li><a href="#legacy">legacy</a></li> + <li><a href="#life">life</a></li> + <li><a href="#love">love</a></li> + <li><a href="#military">military</a></li> + <li><a href="#mortality">mortality</a></li> + <li><a href="#nature">nature</a></li> + <li><a href="#parenting">parenting</a></li> + <li><a href="#patriotism">patriotism</a></li> + <li><a href="#people">people</a></li> + <li><a href="#prayer">prayer</a></li> + <li><a href="#sorrow">sorrow</a></li> + <li><a href="#special_occasions">special occasions</a></li> + <li><a href="#success">success</a></li> + <li><a href="#talent">talent</a></li> + <li><a href="#teaching">teaching</a></li> + <li><a href="#thought">thought</a></li> + <li><a href="#time">time</a></li> + <li><a href="#values">values</a></li> + <li><a href="#war">war</a></li> +</ul> +</div> +<dl> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="accountability">accountability</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Charge_Account_POEM">Charge Account</a> [fate]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Section_Foreman_POEM">The Section Foreman</a> [train]</dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="ancestors">ancestors</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Flag_at_Sea_POEM">The Flag at Sea</a> [patriotism; immigration; ship]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Old_Fashioned_Pictures_POEM">Old-Fashioned Pictures</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="attitude">attitude</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#A_Perfect_Day_POEM">A Perfect Day</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Sing_a_Little_Song_POEM">Sing a Little Song</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Wealth_of_Cheer_POEM">The Wealth of Cheer</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="behavior">behavior</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Fabulous_City_POEM">The Fabulous City</a> [speculation]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Film_Judgment_POEM">Film Judgment</a> [humor; theater]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Knocking_POEM">Knocking</a> [humor; car]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Modern_Pupil_POEM">The Modern Pupil</a> [humor; insubordination]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#A_Psalm_of_the_Movies_POEM">A Psalm of the Movies</a> [humor; theater]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Umbrella_Mender_POEM">The Umbrella Mender</a> [procrastination]</dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="character">character</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Almost_POEM">Almost</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Bantams_POEM">The Bantams</a> [humor; fauna; confidence]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Chameleon_POEM">The Chameleon</a> [fauna; integrity]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Close-Up_POEM">The Close-Up</a> [duplicity]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_End_of_the_Trail_POEM">The End of the Trail</a> [service]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Handicap_POEM">The Handicap</a> [adversity]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#His_Epitaph_POEM">His Epitaph</a> [compassion]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#In_Conference_POEM">In Conference</a> [humor; haughtiness]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Iron_POEM">Iron</a> [potential]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#I_Want_POEM">I Want</a> [greed]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Jim_POEM">Jim</a> [honor]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Prayer_for_Normal_Men_POEM">Prayer for Normal Men</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Tree_POEM">The Tree</a> [corruption, flora]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#A_Trouble_Making_World_POEM">A Trouble Making World</a> [self]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Two_Princes_POEM">Two Princes</a> [self; sacrifice]</dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="community">community</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Along_the_Road_POEM">Along the Road</a> [service]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Magi_and_Shepherd_POEM">Magi and Shepherd</a> [equality]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Radio_Neighborhood_POEM">The Radio Neighborhood</a> [connection]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Team-work_POEM">Team-work</a> [farm, teamwork]</dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="consolation">consolation</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Might_Be_Worse_POEM">It Might Be Worse</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#My_Little_Fire_POEM">My Little Fire</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="duty">duty</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Doing_It_Well_POEM">Doing It Well</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Engineer_POEM">The Engineer</a> [train]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Lucky_Man_POEM">The Lucky Man</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="electricity">electricity</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_City's_Nerves_POEM">The City’s Nerves</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Cupid's_Lament_POEM">Cupid’s Lament</a> [humor]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Electricity_POEM">Electricity</a> [lightning; anthropomorphic]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#An_Electric_Personality_POEM">An Electric Personality</a> [humor; pun]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Enslaved_Lightning_POEM">Enslaved Lightning</a> [humor]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Harness_POEM">The Harness</a> [humor]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_High_Tension_Line_POEM">The High Tension Line</a> [anthropomorphic; miracle]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Jove's_Plaint_POEM">Jove’s Plaint</a> [humor; anthropomorphic]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Serving_Giant_POEM">The Serving Giant</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="entertainment">entertainment</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#After-Images_POEM">After-Images</a> [theater]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Magic_of_the_Screen_POEM">The Magic of the Screen</a> [theater]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Picture_Books_POEM">Picture Books</a> [theater]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Picture's_Lament_POEM">The Picture’s Lament</a> [humor; theater; anthropomorphic]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Shadow_World_POEM">The Shadow World</a> [theater]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Trouble_with_the_Movies_POEM">The Trouble with the Movies</a> [humor; theater]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Window_of_Dreams_POEM">The Window of Dreams</a> [theater]</dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="evolution">evolution</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Electric_Spark_POEM">The Electric Spark</a> [creation]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Evolution_POEM">Evolution</a> [humor; technology]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Firefly_POEM">The Firefly</a> [fauna]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Picture_Writing_POEM">Picture Writing</a> [theater]</dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="faith">faith</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Credo_POEM">Credo</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Faith_v1928_POEM">Faith v1928</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Gateway_of_the_Kingdom_POEM">The Gateway of the Kingdom</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Happy_Ending_POEM">The Happy Ending</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Man_Who_Knows_POEM">The Man Who Knows</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Sight_and_Faith_POEM">Sight and Faith</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Things_That_I_Believe_POEM">The Things That I Believe</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="fashion">fashion</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Question_v1926_POEM">The Question v1926</a> [humor]</dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="fellowship">fellowship</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Brotherhood_POEM">Brotherhood</a> [equality]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Fade-Outs_POEM">Fade-Outs</a> [memory]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Gifts_of_the_Church_POEM">The Gifts of the Church</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Heart_Gates_POEM">Heart Gates</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Mixture_POEM">The Mixture</a> [diversity]</dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="fortitude">fortitude</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Climaxes_v1923_POEM">Climaxes v1923</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Cross_v1927_POEM">The Cross v1927</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Have_You_Tried_POEM">Have You Tried?</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Rooster_POEM">The Rooster</a> [humor; fauna]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Second_Wind_POEM">The Second Wind</a> [car]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Walking_with_God_POEM">Walking with God</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="god">God</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Creator_POEM">The Creator</a> [omnipresence]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Flowers_Are_Thoughts_of_God_POEM">Flowers Are Thoughts of God</a> [flora]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_God_of_the_Beginning_POEM">The God of the Beginning</a> [Providence]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#God's_Garden_POEM">God’s Garden</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Imminence_POEM">Imminence</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Voices_of_God_POEM">The Voices of God</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#What_Does_It_Matter?_POEM">What Does It Matter?</a> [Providence]</dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="grace">grace</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Divine_Image_POEM">The Divine Image</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Freedom_v1928_POEM">Freedom v1928</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Open_Soul_POEM">The Open Soul</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="gratitude">gratitude</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Childhood_on_the_Farm_POEM">Childhood on the Farm</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Compensation_POEM">Compensation</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Cry_of_a_Human_POEM">The Cry of a Human</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Gift_of_the_Farm_POEM">The Gift of the Farm</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#God_of_Today_POEM">God of To-Day</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#A_Grace_for_Meals_POEM">A Grace for Meals</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#A_Prayer_POEM">A Prayer</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Thankfulness_POEM">Thankfulness</a> [flora]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Thanksgiving_v1927_POEM">Thanksgiving v1927</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Thanksgiving_v1930_POEM">Thanksgiving v1930</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="heart">heart</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Age_of_a_Heart_POEM">The Age of a Heart</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Finding_God_POEM">Finding God</a> [nature]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_King_POEM">The King</a> [Jesus Christ]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#No_Room_in_the_Inn_POEM">No Room in the Inn</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Our_Hearts_Forget_POEM">Our Hearts Forget</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Sunsets_Sale_POEM">Sunsets For Sale</a> [humor]</dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="heaven">heaven</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Land_of_Heart's_Desire_POEM">The Land of Heart’s Desire</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Making_of_Heaven_POEM">The Making of Heaven</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#My_Father's_House_POEM">My Father’s House</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Where_Is_Heaven?_POEM">Where Is Heaven?</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="home">home</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Coming_and_Going_POEM">Coming and Going</a> [train]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Home_v1921_POEM">Home v1921</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Home_v1925_POEM">Home v1925</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Making_of_Home_POEM">The Making of Home</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Temple_POEM">The Temple</a> [reverence]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Their_First_Meal_POEM">Their First Meal</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Wander_Lust_POEM">Wander Lust</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="hope">hope</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Climaxes_v1921_POEM">Climaxes v1921</a> [theater]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#A_Day_at_a_Time_POEM">A Day at a Time</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Easter_Message_POEM">The Easter Message</a> [resurrection]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#An_Easter_Vision_POEM">An Easter Vision</a> [resurrection]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Hope_POEM">Hope</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_New_Year_POEM">The New Year</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Open_Tomb_POEM">The Open Tomb</a> [resurrection]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Outcome_POEM">The Outcome</a> [theater]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Roads_v1925_POEM">Roads v1925</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Unknown_Soldier_POEM">The Unknown Soldier</a> [war]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Via_Dolorosa_POEM">Via Dolorosa</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="legacy">legacy</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Domsie_POEM">Domsie</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Life_POEM">Life</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Monuments_POEM">Monuments</a> [angel]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Pioneer_v1928_POEM">The Pioneer v1928</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="life">life</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Great_Adventure_POEM">The Great Adventure</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Lens_POEM">The Lens</a> [theater]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Light_and_Shadow_POEM">Light and Shadow</a> [theater]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Patchwork_POEM">Patchwork</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Pictures_POEM">Pictures</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Railroad_POEM">The Railroad</a> [train]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Shadows_v1921_POEM">Shadows v1921</a> [theater]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Shadows_on_the_Wall_POEM">Shadows on the Wall</a> [theater]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Station_POEM">The Station</a> [train]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Sunbeam_and_the_Shadow_POEM">The Sunbeam and the Shadow</a> [theater]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Sunshine_Shade_POEM">Sunshine and Shade</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Today_and_Tomorrow_POEM">Today and Tomorrow</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Why_We_Are_Here_POEM">Why We Are Here</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="love">love</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Palm_Sunday_v1925_POEM">Palm Sunday v1925</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Transforming_Love_POEM">Transforming Love</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="military">military</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Marine_POEM">The Marine</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Recruit_POEM">The Recruit</a> [humor; navy]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Watchdog_of_the_Sea_POEM">The Watchdog of the Sea</a> [navy; ship]</dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="mortality">mortality</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#When_the_Curtain_Falls_POEM">When the Curtain Falls</a> [theater]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_World's_Drama_POEM">The World’s Drama</a> [theater]</dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="nature">nature</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Blossoms_POEM">Blossoms</a> [flora]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Earth's_Plaint_POEM">The Earth’s Plaint</a> [anthropomorphic; technology]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#God_and_Spring_POEM">God and Spring</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#God's_Manners_POEM">God’s Manners</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Miracle_POEM">Miracle</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Song_of_the_Dove_POEM">Song of the Dove</a> [fauna]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Sunsets_Sale_POEM">Sunsets For Sale</a> [humor]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Voices_of_the_Dawn_POEM">Voices of the Dawn</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="parenting">parenting</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Children_v1921_POEM">The Children v1921</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Children_v1925_POEM">The Children v1925</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Heart_of_a_Child_POEM">The Heart of a Child</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Heart_of_a_Child_Is_a_Scroll_POEM">The Heart of a Child Is a Scroll</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#His_Great_Hour_POEM">His Great Hour</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#A_Parents'_Prayer_v1922_POEM">A Parents’ Prayer v1922</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Problem_POEM">The Problem</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="patriotism">patriotism</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Flag_at_Sea_POEM">The Flag at Sea</a> [ancestors; immigration; ship]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#My_Riches_POEM">My Riches</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Stars_and_Stripes_for_Me_POEM">The Stars and Stripes for Me</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="people">people</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em">Gutenberg, Johannes</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#Starting_Things_POEM">Starting Things</a> [humor]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em">Jesus Christ</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#Easter_Message_POEM">The Easter Message</a> [hope]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#An_Easter_Vision_POEM">An Easter Vision</a> [hope]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#If_Christ_Is_Not_Divine_POEM">If Christ Is Not Divine</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#The_King_POEM">The King</a> [heart]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#Magi_and_Shepherd_POEM">Magi and Shepherd</a> [community]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#No_Room_in_the_Inn_POEM">No Room in the Inn</a> [heart]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#The_Open_Tomb_POEM">The Open Tomb</a> [hope]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#The_Outcome_POEM">The Outcome</a> [hope]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#Palm_Sunday_v1925_POEM">Palm Sunday v1925</a> [love]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#Two_Princes_POEM">Two Princes</a> [character]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#Via_Dolorosa_POEM">Via Dolorosa</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em">Moses</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#I_am_not_eloquent_POEM">“I am not eloquent”</a> [talent]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em">Thales of Miletus</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#How_It_Started_POEM">How It Started</a> [thought]</dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="prayer">prayer</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Child's_Prayer_POEM">Child’s Prayer</a> [nighttime]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Credo_POEM">Credo</a> [faith]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#God_of_Today_POEM">God of To-Day</a> [gratitude]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#A_Grace_for_Meals_POEM">A Grace for Meals</a> [gratitude]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Hagar's_Song_POEM">Hagar’s Song</a> [trust]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Morning_Prayer_POEM">Morning Prayer</a> [petition]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#A_Parents'_Prayer_v1922_POEM">A Parents’ Prayer v1922</a> [parenting; nighttime]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#A_Prayer_POEM">A Prayer</a> [gratitude]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Prayer_for_Normal_Men_POEM">Prayer for Normal Men</a> [character]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#A_Prayer_for_Thanksgiving_POEM">A Prayer for Thanksgiving</a> [mercy]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Problem_POEM">The Problem</a> [parenting]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Sanctuary_POEM">Sanctuary</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="sorrow">sorrow</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Dream_POEM">The Dream</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#I_Held_a_Seashell_POEM">“I held a sea shell to my ears”</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Red_Bird_POEM">The Red Bird</a> [fauna]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Sorrow_POEM">Sorrow</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="special_occasions">special occasions</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em">birth of a child</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#The_Children_v1925_POEM">The Children v1925</a> [parenting]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#The_Future_POEM">The Future</a> [time]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#The_Heart_of_a_Child_POEM">The Heart of a Child</a> [parenting]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#The_Heart_of_a_Child_Is_a_Scroll_POEM">The Heart of a Child Is a Scroll</a> [parenting]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em">Christmas</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#No_Room_in_the_Inn_POEM">No Room in the Inn</a> [heart]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em">Earth Day</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#The_Earth's_Plaint_POEM">The Earth’s Plaint</a> [nature]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#The_Firefly_POEM">The Firefly</a> [evolution]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#God_and_Spring_POEM">God and Spring</a> [nature]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#God's_Manners_POEM">God’s Manners</a> [nature]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#Miracle_POEM">Miracle</a> [nature]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#Song_of_the_Dove_POEM">Song of the Dove</a> [nature]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#Voices_of_the_Dawn_POEM">Voices of the Dawn</a> [nature]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em">Easter (see Hope)</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em">Flag Day (see Patriotism)</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em">funeral</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#The_Making_of_Heaven_POEM">The Making of Heaven</a> [heaven]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#Monuments_POEM">Monuments</a> [legacy]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#Roads_v1925_POEM">Roads v1925</a> [hope]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#Sorrow_POEM">Sorrow</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#When_the_Curtain_Falls_POEM">When the Curtain Falls</a> [mortality]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em">Independence Day (see Patriotism)</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em">Labor Day (see Duty)</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em">Martin Luther King Day</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#Team-work_POEM">Team-work</a> [teamwork]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em">Memorial Day</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#The_Grey_Host_POEM">The Grey Host</a> [war]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#Memorial_Day_v1929_POEM">Memorial Day v1929</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#The_Unknown_Soldier_POEM">The Unknown Soldier</a> [hope]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em">National Inventors’ Day (Feb 11)</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#Inventive_Genius_POEM">Inventive Genius</a> [thought]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#Starting_Things_POEM">Starting Things</a> [thought]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em">National Static Electricity Day (Jan 9)</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#How_It_Started_POEM">How It Started</a> [thought]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em">Naturalization</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#The_Flag_at_Sea_POEM">The Flag at Sea</a> [ancestors; patriotism]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#The_Mixture_POEM">The Mixture</a> [fellowship]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em">New Year’s Day</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#The_New_Year_POEM">The New Year</a> [hope]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em">Thanksgiving (see Gratitude)</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em">Valentine’s Day</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#Cupid's_Lament_POEM">Cupid’s Lament</a> [electricity]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em">Veterans Day (see also Military)</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#Jim_POEM">Jim</a> [character]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em"><a href="#The_New_Day_POEM">The New Day</a> [war]</dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="success">success</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Day's_Success_POEM">The Day’s Success</a> [positive impact]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Secret_POEM">The Secret</a> [initiative and perseverance]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Success_POEM">Success</a> [joy and love]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Success_and_Failure_POEM">Success and Failure</a> [happiness]</dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="talent">talent</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#I_am_not_eloquent_POEM">“I am not eloquent”</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Rulers_of_the_Earth_POEM">The Rulers of the Earth</a> [women; farm]</dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="teaching">teaching</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Builder_v1924_POEM">The Builder v1924</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Builders_POEM">The Builders</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Pupil_POEM">The Pupil</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Teacher_v1921_POEM">The Teacher v1921</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Teacher_v1922_POEM">The Teacher v1922</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Teacher_v1923_POEM">The Teacher v1923</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Teacher's_Reward_POEM">The Teacher’s Reward</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Two_Teachers_POEM">Two Teachers</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="thought">thought</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#How_It_Started_POEM">How It Started</a> [discovery]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Inventive_Genius_POEM">Inventive Genius</a> [humor]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Magic_Gateway_POEM">The Magic Gateway</a> [books]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Minds_POEM">Minds</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Si_Gidders_POEM">Si Gidders</a> [humor]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Silent_Drama_POEM">The Silent Drama</a> [theater]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Starting_Things_POEM">Starting Things</a> [humor]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#What_Do_You_Know_POEM">What Do You Know?</a> [humor]</dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="time">time</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Clock_POEM">The Clock</a> [humor]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#A_Day_at_a_Time_POEM">A Day at a Time</a> [hope]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Future_POEM">The Future</a> [children]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Road_Tomorrow_POEM">The Road to Tomorrow</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="values">values</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Call_Substitutes_POEM">A Call for Substitutes</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#A_Creed_POEM">A Creed</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Let_Us_Be_Right_POEM">Let Us Be Right</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Measure_of_Life_POEM">The Measure of Life</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Requisition_POEM">Requisition</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#True_Values_POEM">True Values</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Two_Youths_POEM">Two Youths</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Whatever_he_may_wish_or_plan_POEM">“Whatever he may wish or plan”</a></dd> + <dt class="alpha-lead" id="war">war</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#Battle_Hymn_POEM">Battle Hymn</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_Grey_Host_POEM">The Grey Host</a> [peace]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#The_New_Day_POEM">The New Day</a> [peace]</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_0_5em"><a href="#A_Price_Unpaid_POEM">A Price Unpaid</a></dd> +</dl> +<!-- END index --> +<hr class="chap"> +<!-- START updates and revisions --> +<div class="chapter"> +<h2 class="no-break" id="UPDATES">APPENDIX 3: UPDATES & REVISIONS WITH THE 2ND EDITION</h2> +</div> +<dl> + <dt class="alpha-sub indent_1_5em">Eighteen poems were added to the second edition:</dt> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_2_5em"><a href="#Call_Substitutes_POEM">A Call for Substitutes</a> (1922)</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_2_5em"><a href="#Might_Be_Worse_POEM">It Might Be Worse</a> (1923)</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_2_5em"><a href="#Blossoms_POEM">Blossoms</a> (1925)</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_2_5em"><a href="#Easter_Message_POEM">The Easter Message</a> (1925)</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_2_5em"><a href="#Thanksgiving_v1927_POEM">Thanksgiving v1927</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_2_5em"><a href="#Pioneer_v1928_POEM">The Pioneer v1928</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_2_5em"><a href="#The_Recruit_POEM">The Recruit</a> (1928)</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_2_5em"><a href="#Sunshine_Shade_POEM">Sunshine and Shade</a> (1928)</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_2_5em"><a href="#Red_Bird_POEM">The Red Bird</a> (1929)</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_2_5em"><a href="#Road_Tomorrow_POEM">The Road to Tomorrow</a> (1929)</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_2_5em"><a href="#God_and_Spring_POEM">God and Spring</a> (1930)</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_2_5em"><a href="#The_Handicap_POEM">The Handicap</a> (1930)</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_2_5em"><a href="#The_Mixture_POEM">The Mixture</a> (1930)</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_2_5em"><a href="#Sunsets_Sale_POEM">Sunsets For Sale</a> (1930)</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_2_5em"><a href="#Thanksgiving_v1930_POEM">Thanksgiving v1930</a></dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_2_5em"><a href="#Two_Teachers_POEM">Two Teachers</a> (1930)</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_2_5em"><a href="#Two_Youths_POEM">Two Youths</a> (1930)</dd> + <dd class="alpha-sub indent_2_5em"><a href="#What_Do_You_Know_POEM">What Do You Know?</a> (1930)</dd> +</dl> +<p>Here are the other changes. The named edition has been moved from the front cover to the interior front matter and to a new list of editions. The index incorporates three changes. First, the categories have been collected at the beginning of the index and linked to their respective locations within the index. Second, Naturalization is a new subcategory under special occasions. Third, some bracketed descriptors have been added and others revised. The appendix of inaccessible poems now includes the poems.</p> +<!-- END updates and revisions --> +<hr class="chap"> +<!-- START inaccessible poems --> +<div class="chapter"> +<h2 class="no-break" id="INACCESSIBLE">APPENDIX 4: INACCESSIBLE POEMS</h2> +<p>This collection of poetry is incomplete for a couple of reasons. First, there may be poems unknown to the transcriber. Second, some publications for known poems within the date range of this edition are inaccessible. Here are the inaccessible poems published in 1930 or earlier:</p> +<p>“The Age of the Heart.” <cite>Personal Efficiency</cite>. Vol. 15 No. 1. Chicago: LaSalle Extension University, Jan 1925. p. 37. This poem’s last line is cutoff. HathiTrust’s scans are stamped with “University of Michigan” (UM). A UM librarian confirmed for me that the bottom of their physical copy is cutoff.</p> +<p>“Maker of the Country.” This poem allegedly appeared in promotional literature for Mattituck and Eastern Long Island realty circa 1920.</p> +<p>“Nothing Like the West.” <cite>Western Story Magazine</cite>. Vol. 48 No. 2. Street & Smith Corp., Dec 6, 1924. p. 42</p> +<p>“An Outdoor Prayer.” <cite>Western Story Magazine</cite>. Vol. 76 No. 4. Street & Smith Corp., Mar 10, 1928. p. 94</p> +<p>“When Bill Went West.” <cite>Far West Illustrated</cite>. Vol. 4 No. 6. Street & Smith Corp., Jul 1927. p. 129</p> +<p>“The Yes Man.” <cite>Columbia</cite>. Vol. 9 No. 2. New Haven: Knights of Columbus, Sep 1929. p. 40</p> +</div> +<!-- END inaccessible poems --> +<hr class="chap"> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77843 ***</div> +</body> +</html>
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