Poems

In springtime came a joyous, sunlit day; I would go out, but too long lingered o'er The poet's page, till clouds had changed to gray The glad, bright world. With disappointment sore My heart was filled, my books gave joy no more, 'Twas gone like flowers before the breath of north; When lo! another gleam of sunshine drew me forth.

If I could have the kindest thoughts for all The work life gives to me to do each day, I then would hear God's voice in duty's call, And know no other wish but to obey. There is a sermon in each task done well, With consecrated, loving hands,—indeed, A sermon glowing words could never tell: Each task, well finished, is life's highest creed.

If we knew how oft the pathway Seems obstructed; and the night Giveth not a star of promise, Daylight dawning, nor the light; If we knew the inward struggle, Faith that knows nor doubt, nor loss , Would we stop to judge a brother While he's clinging to the cross? If we knew how oft the weary In their thirst stood at "the well" Like our Master, would we listen, Then of "living waters" tell? We would pray for light and wisdom, Love that gives the healing touch, Ceasing e'er to judge a brother. Learning thus to love him much.

Strong tides of early sunlight sweep Across the quiet hills, Awaking grass and ferns from sleep, The trees, and lyric rills; White clouds, like sea-mews, skim the sky; Low purls the fragrant breeze; And robins from the pine-boughs nigh Make matin-melodies. 'Tis Easter morning, calm and clear, In spirit solitude; Hushed are the sounds of strife and fear, Hushed sorrow's carking brood.

Father , did'st not Thou the dark wave treading Lift from despair the straggler with the sea? And heedest Thou not the scalding tear man's shedding, And knowest Thou not the pathway glad and free? This weight of anguish which they blindly bind On earth, this bitter searing to the core of love; This crushing out of health and peace, mankind— Thou all, Thou infinite, dost doom above. Oft mortal sense is darkened unto death, (The Stygian shadow of a world of glee) The old foundations of an early faith Sunk from beneath man, whither shall he flee? To Love divine—whose kindling mighty rays Brighten the horoscope of crumbling creeds, Dawn truth delightful, crowned with endless days,— And Science ripe in prayer, in word, and deeds.

Lo! this thou art. The only one Who e'er hath borne thy special grace Who with thy peers life's course doth run With thine own blessing for thy race.

Victory! Oh loving Father— God on high, Thou hast healed me, heard my cry! My enemy of pain has fled; The battle's won— I lift my head In triumph, and exulting shout: "The living Truth is error's rout!" Oh for the tongue of an angel to cry My paeans of joy aloud to the sky! Victory! Victory! But hush, my heart, thy song restrain; Oh bow before thy God again! Here kneel, and silence every sound; For lo! this place is holy ground.

I made at dawn an humble cake, And broke the morsel with a friend; An handful will a banquet make, When oil and meal and leaven tend, And one. in faith's pure vessel blend.

Call him not a heretic whose works attest His faith in goodness by no creed confessed. Whatever in love's name is truly done To free the bound and lift the fallen one Is done to Christ.

I seek from thee, O perfect Love, A knowledge of the things above. Let sense no longer bind me fast To things of future, things of past, Or present things that cannot last; But give me now thy joy and song Which waft sweet notes of health along, To heal earth's weary, waiting throng.