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Rhymes of the Rockies

<SPAN name="startofbook"></SPAN> <p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold xx-large">RHYMES</span></p> <p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">of the</span></p> <p class="center pnext"><span class="bold xx-large">ROCKIES</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">BY</span></p> <p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">JAMES W. WHILT</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">SECOND EDITION</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> <div class="container verso"> <p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">COPYRIGHT, 1922 <br/>BY <br/>JAMES W. WHILT <br/>JERRY G. MASEK</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">W. B. CONKEY COMPANY <br/>CHICAGO <br/>THE HAMMOND PRESS</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst"><em class="italics small">Printed in the United States of America</em></p> </div> <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="preface"><span class="bold large">PREFACE</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> <p class="pfirst"><span>Having spent the major part of my life in the Rocky Mountains as timber cruiser, packer, trapper and guide, I have learned to love their beauty and grandeur; enjoy their solitude and feel that they are a part of me.</span></p> <p class="pnext"><span>It is there one can breathe the air of the Great Out Doors and gaze on mountains and glaciers whose never ending chain stretches into space and to listen to the waterfall's laughter. Where the denizens of the wild roam unmolested as they did for ages past, when man first came to this Virgin Paradise. Where camp-fires still glow at eventide,—their smoke wreaths adding incense to the freshness of the air.</span></p> <p class="pnext"><span>While my words cannot express even in one detail the beauty as I see it, I truly and sincerely hope these few humble rhymes will paint in your mind a mental picture that time itself may impair but not erase.</span></p> <p class="pnext"><span>With these thoughts ever vividly before me, I dedicate this book to the Rocky Mountains and their "wonder child"—the Glacier National Park.</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <p class="pfirst"><span>JAMES W. WHILT.</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <p class="noindent pfirst"><span>Eureka, Montana <br/>May 25, 1922</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> <p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">CONTENTS</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> <p class="noindent pfirst"><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#adventurer-s-luck">Adventurer's Luck</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#au-revoir">Au Revoir</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#cabin-of-mystery-the">Cabin of Mystery, The</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#call-of-nature-the">Call of Nature, The</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#chinook-wind-the">Chinook Wind, The</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#ed-enders-grave">Ed Enders' Grave</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#indian-trails">Indian Trails</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#lark-song-the">Lark Song, The</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#memory-s-camp-fire">Memory's Camp-Fire</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#moonlight">Moonlight</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#my-blanket-roll">My Blanket-Roll</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#my-dream">My Dream</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#my-garden">My Garden</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#my-jewels">My Jewels</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#my-request">My Request</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#my-rhymes">My Rhymes</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#old-frying-pan-the">Old Frying Pan, The</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#pack-train-the">Pack Train, The</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#pale-horse-the">Pale Horse, The</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#passing-of-the-range">Passing of the Range</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#place-where-i-was-born-the">Place Where I Was Born, The</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#rainy-day-the">Rainy Day, The</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#rainstorm-the">Rainstorm, The</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#silent-voices-of-the-night">Silent Voices of the Night</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#snowstorm-the">Snowstorm, The</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#springtime">Springtime</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#streamlet-the">Streamlet, The</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#to-the-robin">To the Robin</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#trapper-s-story-the">Trapper's Story, The</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#trapper-s-trail-the">Trapper's Trail, The</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#when-the-leaves-commence-to-fall">When the Leaves Commence to Fall</SPAN><span> <br/></span><SPAN class="reference internal" href="#winter">Winter</SPAN></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="my-rhymes"><span class="bold x-large">RHYMES OF THE ROCKIES</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> <p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">MY RHYMES</span></p>  <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="trapper-s-trail-the"><span class="bold large">THE TRAPPER'S TRAIL</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Only a scar on a sapling</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That is almost overgrown;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>A withered snag far up the stream</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Where the ax marks still are shown.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>This tells 'tis the trail of a trapper</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Made many years ago,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>So I take up the trail and follow,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And I care not where I go.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>I follow the trail through the foothills,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>To me 'tis as plain as a road,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>For I've spent many years in the forest</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And know me the trappers' code.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And I read as I follow this trapper,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That whoever trapped this line</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Was a tried and true knight of the hills,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And I call him a friend of mine.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>I knew where to look for his lynx sets,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And I found them, every one;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>I found where he'd slept in his lean-to</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>When his day's long hike was done.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Then the trail led far up the mountain</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Where the spruce grew dark and tall;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And there were his sets for the martin,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Using the old dead-fall:</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>For the traps were too heavy to carry</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>So far up that mountain's deep snow;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Then the trail dipped over the summit</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And into the basin below.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Then my mind began to ponder</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>On this unknown friend of mine,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Who had sought the peace of the forest</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And the whisp'rings of the pine.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Perhaps 'twas fate that led him</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>To seek a trapper's trade;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Perchance 'twas his love for the silence,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>For a trapper is born—not made.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>It takes men with hearts of iron</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Who dare to face the wild;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Men with the hearts of warriors bold,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And the faith of an innocent child.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>At last I came to his cabin,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Now mouldering to decay,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And there on some poles in a corner</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>The bones of the trapper lay;</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>His rusted gun beside him,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Reclined upon a log,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And there on a moulded deer-skin</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Were the bones of his faithful dog.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Pals they had lived together</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And pals together had died;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Let us hope they're still pals together,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Across on the other side.</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="my-garden"><span class="bold large">MY GARDEN</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>I have seen many beautiful gardens,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Gardens that were tended with care,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>With roses, violets and tulips,—</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>They each have their fragrance so rare.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>But the garden most lovely to me</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Is one where few men have trod;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>'Tis a meadow high up in the mountains,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And I call it the Garden of God.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Fenced in by mighty rock-walls</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And forests of evergreen pine,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>There is no one else to claim it,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>So I call this garden mine.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>There are hair-bells, oh! so dainty</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Suspended on thread-life stem,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And the blossoms full of mountain dew</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Makes each a perfect gem.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And such tiny lady-slippers,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>The kind the Fairies wear,—</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Me-thinks 'tis a sacred garden,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>There is such sweet incense there.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>There the bear-grass plumes are waving</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>In the cool and fragrant breeze,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And the wood's orchestra is playing</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Close by in the tall larch trees.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The partridges' drum is beating</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>On a log so very near,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And shy violets are peeping,—</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Me-thinks they came up to hear.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>'Tis then I often wonder</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>As I gaze on this garden so fair,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>How many a blossom's growing</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>To be wasted upon the air.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>But I see that the beautiful flowers</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That bloom on this mountain so high,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Are far too sacred for us below</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And are beloved by those in the sky.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>So I fain would pluck one blossom,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>From this sacred garden so sweet,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>But I leave them in all their beauty</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>To bloom at the Maker's feet.</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="adventurer-s-luck"><span class="bold large">ADVENTURER'S LUCK</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Did you ever go a-trapping</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Where you knew the fur was plenty,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Where a year ago you could have</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Made a bunch of "jack"?</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Next fall you got in early,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Built your cabin in a hurry,—</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Then didn't even find a weasel track?</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Did you ever go prospecting</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Where the gold was found in millions,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And even every musher</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Had made a pile of wealth?</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And you worked just like a beaver</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Cause you felt you couldn't leave 'er,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And all you got was badly broken health?</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Did you ever go a-fishing</span></div> <div class="line"><span>When the weather,—it was perfect!</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And you gathered up your tackle</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And had it fixed just right:</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And you whipped the streams and bait-fished</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And maybe swore a little,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And then you never even got a bite?</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Did you ever go a-hunting</span></div> <div class="line"><span>When the woods were damp and gloomy,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Where everything was stillness</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And everywhere a trail,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And you traveled over ridges,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Through the hollows, round the ledges</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And then you never even glimpsed a tail?</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>But such is luck I find it,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And the fellow who stays by it</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Will at last succeed and win the day:</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Be he trapper, or prospector,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Be he fisherman, or hunter,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>I have always found it</span></div> <div class="line"><span>That it's pluck that wins the day.</span></div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="lark-song-the"><span class="bold large">THE LARK SONG</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>This morn at dawn I woke,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>The rain beat its tattoo,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And through the dewy, fragrant air</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>A lark's song whistled through:</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And while he sang his song so true,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Then sang my soul's refrain;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>"Oh! may my heart, like yours, dear bird,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Sing ever through the rain."</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And when the sky of life seems grey,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>The sun itself seems very dark,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And all ahead is black despair,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>I bethink me of the lark.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And always have I found this fact;</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>However low the clouds may drop—</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>The sun is always shining clear</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Upon the highest mountain top:</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>So we should look away beyond</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>The things upon this world below,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And sing our praises unto Him</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Who makes the rain and snow:</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And ever as I travel on</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Upon this life's uncertain road,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>I meet with fellows every day</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Who carry just as big a load.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>No matter if the sky is dark,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Or if it rains the whole day long,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>God's messenger from out the sky</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Is pouring forth his little song.</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="trapper-s-story-the"><span class="bold large">THE TRAPPER'S STORY</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The trapper sat in his cabin</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>With grizzled beard and hair,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Yet straight as any soldier's</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Were his massive shoulders square.</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Eyes as clear as a mountain spring</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That could pierce you at a glance,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Sharp as a pointed arrow</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Or Indian warrior's lance.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>"Pard, will you kindly tell me</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Why you seek the hills,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Why you love the solitude</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>The lakes and crystal rills?</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>I don't want to be inquisitive,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Or pry into your life,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>But;—did you ever have a sweetheart,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Did you ever have a wife?"</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The trapper turned his eyes on me,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>'Twas with a friendly smile:—</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>"Yes, Pal, I had a sweetheart,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Also a wife and child.</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>We had a little cabin,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>With plenty to wear and eat;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>We were richer far than any king,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>'Twas love so pure and sweet.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And Oh! how she loved the forest,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And how she would sing all day;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Happier far than the spotted fawns</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That on yonder hillside play.</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Then she told me the news one evening,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That made me feel so proud;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>A child was soon to crown our joy;</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Say;—I walked along a cloud!</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Now, Pard, I can't explain to you,—</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>How am I going to tell</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Of the joy within our cabin</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That we both had loved so well?</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>But God loves the best and purest,—</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Say, my eyes are growing dim—</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>He took her up to Heaven</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Along with Little Jim!</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>So now I seek the forest</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>For I know her Spirit is here,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>For very often on the trail</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>I feel her presence near.</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And as long as the Creator</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Will let me cruise around,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>It will always be the woods for me,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>I think them sacred ground."</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="to-the-robin"><span class="bold large">TO THE ROBIN</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Dear little, sweet little robin</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Dressed in nice grey coat</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>With your warm red sweater about you</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Drawn close around your throat.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>With your bright pink stockings,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That you keep so clean;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Don't you ever stain them</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>In the grass so green?</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Eyes so dark and beautiful,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Bright as they can be,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Can spy a worm upon the ground,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And you high in a tree.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And the songs you sing me!</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>I remember every note,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>All so sweet and silver pure,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Warbled from your throat.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>When you sing at break of dawn</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Heralding the day,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Tell of hearts so young and true</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>With your sweetest lay.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Then again at eventide</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>When the sun is low</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>You sing your sweetest lullaby</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Crooning, soft and low.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Then it starts me thinking</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Of the One above</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Who put you here to sing to us</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Telling of His love.</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="place-where-i-was-born-the"><span class="bold large">THE PLACE WHERE I WAS BORN</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>There's a little old log cabin,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And its walls have fallen down,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Snow has broken down its rafters,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Not one log that's left is sound.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The brush obscures the doorway,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Everything looks so forlorn,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>'Tis the little old log cabin,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>The place where I was born—</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Briers o'errun the pathway</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Which leads to the crystal spring,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>That cradled the tiny brooklet</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Where the oriole used to sing.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The hills are fields and pastures</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Where I roamed when but a child;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>It was all unbroken forest,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And it stretched out far and wild.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The meadows ran in wavelets,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>When the wind so wild and free</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Blew o'er their level surface</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Like a green and billowy sea.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>There was childhood's shout and laughter</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Within that cabin small;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>But to me it was a palace,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>With wide and stately hall.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Our pleasures there were sweeter</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Than a rose without a thorn,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>In that little old log cabin,—</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>The place where I was born.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Oh!—the little old log cabin!</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Where the air was sweet and cool,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Where our school-house was the forest,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And we went to Nature's school;</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Could I but re-trace my footsteps</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Over life's uncertain road,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Could I go back to that cabin,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Lighter far would be my load.</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="my-jewels"><span class="bold large">MY JEWELS</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The jewels of life are many,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>But the jewel most sacred to me</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And the one that I prize the highest,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Is the jewel of memory.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>My jewel of love that I cherished,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And cared for day by day,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Faded just like a flower</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And finally passed away.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>My jewel of hope lost its lustre.</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>It sparkles for me no more,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Yet it tells me that I will meet her,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Across on the other shore.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>My jewel of faith was the smallest,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Yet it's growing year by year,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And as I gaze upon it,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>I can feel some presence near.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>When I am alone in the twilight,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And weary with cares of the day,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>I look out upon the meadows,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Where the fire-flies are at play,—</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And I open this cherished casket,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Where I keep these jewels rare,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And when I gaze upon them</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>My troubles pass into the air.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>I like to look up at the stars</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That sparkle up above,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And wonder if she is up there,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>The one that I fondly love.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Then this jewel I call memory,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>So crystal-clear and deep,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>I clasp to my breast and hold it,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Till at last I fall asleep.</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="rainstorm-the"><span class="bold large">THE RAINSTORM</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Here in the deep tangled forest</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>All is quiet and still,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>While far to the west the thunder,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Re-echoes from hill to hill.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And the lightning's flash, ever vivid,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>In great gashes knives the air;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>The rain comes down in torrents,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>A deluge everywhere!</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Bathing the heat-sick flowers</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That they may bloom once more;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Painting the grass a greener hue,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That grows by our cabin door;</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Making the pastures fresher,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>For the cows and shepherd's herds,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Making the pools by the road-side,—</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Bath tubs for the birds.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Then the thunder peals louder and louder,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Firing its shrapnel of rain.</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>The clouds charge after each other,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And the drouth is defeated again.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Then through a rent in the clouds</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>The sun's searchlight casts its ray,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And the Rain-God looks over the valley</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And sees the result of the fray.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And as He sees his conquest,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>His victory's flag is unfurled,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>In a beautiful colored rainbow,—</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>He is telling all of the world,</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>What a victory was his, what a triumph!</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>It's flashed down the milky way,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Then the sentinel stars dot the heavens,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And the dew-drops sound taps for the day.</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="my-blanket-roll"><span class="bold large">MY BLANKET-ROLL</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>A warm old friend is my blanket-roll</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>We've been pals for many a year;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And when I look back at the days gone by</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>I almost drop a tear.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>A warmer friend I never had</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Than you! old roll of a bed,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And after I've sung all your praises I can,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Not half enough has been said.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>You were a friend in summer heat,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>A friend in winter's snow;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And whenever the wanderlust seized me,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>You were always ready to go.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>From the sunny South to the Hudson Bay</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Or the land of the Western Sea;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Then to Alaska's frozen shores</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>You have traveled along with me.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Now you're getting worn, and your tarp is torn,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>You have stood too much hard weather;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>But I am the same, and it seems a shame,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Yet,—we are growing old together!</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>You're a good old friend, I will say again,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And you, I will not discard.</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And as long as the Lord will let me roam</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>I will keep you for my pard.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>But some day I'll cross to the other side,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Where we all some day must go;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Where there is no wind, or no more rain,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And unheard of is the snow;</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And when I take that last long trip</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>To that eternal goal;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>My dying wish is to snuggle up</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>In you,—my blanket-roll.</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="chinook-wind-the"><span class="bold large">THE CHINOOK WIND</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>There's a soft warm breeze upon the air,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>'Tis moaning soft and low,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>'Tis cold and chill upon the hill,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Yet it's melting all the snow.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The Indians all tell us,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That many moons gone by</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Right here within the mountains,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>The North wind it did cry.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The Chinook wind made answer,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And said, "I'm not afraid,"</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And then there raged a battle,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>For a beautiful Indian Maid.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The Chinook wind was the victor,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>The North wind went away,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>But the Maiden fair had died of despair,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And deep in her grave she lay.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>So every year his voice we hear,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Calling so soft and sweet,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Searching the grave of the one he would save,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Melting the snow at our feet.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>'Tis the lover's wind, so the Indians say,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And his heart is ever sad,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>But they welcome his coming, every one,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>For the North wind is gone and they're glad.</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="pale-horse-the"><span class="bold large">THE PALE HORSE</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>When I saddle the pale horse, to take my last ride,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>To the home ranch, over the Great Divide,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Will I find the trail blazed all the way,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>A place to camp, at the close of day?</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Will the trail be smooth, and the weather fair?</span></div> <div class="line"><span>(For no one has ever come back from there)</span></div> <div class="line"><span>But the good book says, if we shoot square,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>"Have no fear of the trails over there!"</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>An unseen hand guides the pale horse straight,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>O'er the summit height, to the home ranch gate,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Where we all must meet the Boss Supreme,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And all will be one pleasant dream.</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>No herding of dogies on frost night,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Or wild stampede in the morning's light.</span></div> <div class="line"><span>No cinching of saddles, or shipping of steers.</span></div> <div class="line"><span>No sorrow or trouble or bitter tears.</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>But the sun will shine, and cool breezes blow,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Over a range ever free from snow;</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And for those who lived as He who died</span></div> <div class="line"><span>To save us riders—that Great Divide</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Will be only a foothill, so very low;</span></div> <div class="line"><span>That on its summit sweet flowers do grow,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And the trail itself will be smooth all the way,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>With a place to camp at the close of day.</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>When at last I reach that Home Ranch gate,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Peter will say, "You sure shot straight,"</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And the gate will open for me, I know,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Saying, "Pull off your saddle, and let him go!"</span></div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="snowstorm-the"><span class="bold large">THE SNOWSTORM</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The snow has started falling,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>'Tis falling o'er mountain and plain,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>The trees bend under their burden,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Shake free, and are draped again.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>While I sit here safe in my cabin</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Where all is cozy and warm,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>I can peer into the future,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And view the woods after the storm.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>I can see the deer seeking the low-lands,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>In search of their daily food,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>I can see the hunter's eyes glisten,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>For he knows that the tracking is good.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The lion dogs leap in their kennels,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>There is barking and wagging of tails,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>The hunter examines his snow-shoes,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And dreams of "kills" and of trails.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The bear trails lead far up the mountain</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Where the cliffs are rugged and steep,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And there is some cave in the ledges,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>They're beginning their winter's sleep.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>They will sleep till the wild geese awaken them,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>As they take their Northern flight,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Then again they will seek the hill-sides</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Where the sun shines clear and bright.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Now the wild geese honk as they leave us,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Followed close by wind-driven snow;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>They are telling all of us trappers,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>But, of course, all us trappers know</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>That whenever the wild geese go homing,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>It is time that our traps are set;—</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Snow, I have been waiting for you!</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>You are a welcome visitor—you bet.</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="silent-voices-of-the-night"><span class="bold large">SILENT VOICES OF THE NIGHT</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>When the shades of evening gather,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And night's curtain's dropping low,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And the stars they dot the heavens</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>With their candles, all aglow;—</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Then to me there come the voices</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>On each cool and fragrant breeze,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Stealing in from every quarter,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Creeping through among the trees.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And these voices, ever silent,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Scarcely heard, their steps so light;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Yet, to me are ever welcome;</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Silent voices of the night.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>When within the noisy city,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>With its surging, busy crowd,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>The voices keep a-calling,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And they seem to call so loud.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>I can hear them pleading, coaxing,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And to me they call so plain,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And they have the self-same message,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>"Yes, we want you back again."</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Voices of my little camp-fire,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Voices of the woods and hills,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Voices from the snow-capped mountains,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Voices from the crystal-rills;</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And I ever hear them calling,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>'Till I feel like taking flight,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Back to where the voices whisper,—</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Silent voices of the night.</span></div> </div></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Oh! those voices, how I love them!</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Whether near or far away,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And they ask me not to leave them,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>"Won't you please come back and stay?"</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>"Come and we will try to please you,"</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Calling from their wildwood home,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>"Yes, my loved ones, I am coming,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And from you no more will roam."</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="pack-train-the"><span class="bold large">THE PACK TRAIN</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Did you hear that far off tinkle</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>In the canyon far below?</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Listen! can't you hear it?</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>It is ringing very slow.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>'Tis the bell upon the lead-mare,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>As she's winding up the trail,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Guiding all the other horses,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Hitched to one another's tail.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>They are headed for the camps,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Where they've lately made a find;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And the pack trains are all busy</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Carrying grubstake to the mine.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Every horse is heavy loaded;</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Ask me how that I can tell?</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>That is easy for the packer,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>'Tis the tinkle of the bell.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Away back in the eighties</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>When they made the Wild Horse strike;—</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>We were in there with a pack train,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Me and old Pack Saddle Mike.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Mike could throw more knots and hitches</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Than an expert sailor's crew,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Was a wizard with a lash-rope,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Knew what every horse could do.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Well, we packed for them there miners,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>'Till the weather got so cold</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>It would freeze the lash-ropes solid,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And 'twas hard to make them hold;</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>It was hard to cinch a saddle,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Harder still to cinch a pack,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>But the cold we never heeded;</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>We were making piles of "jack."</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>We left camp one frosty morning,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Started for our winter range;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Two hard days to reach the summit,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Then the weather took a change,</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Hurled the snow into our faces,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Cut our eyes like broken glass,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And we had to stop the horses,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>While the snow fell thick and fast.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>For two days we held the horses</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>On that mountain in the snow,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>While the mercury was flirting</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Close to forty or more below.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Well, we had to shoot the horses,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Better far that, than let them die,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Made us snow-shoes from the saddles</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And climbed o'er the summit high.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>When at last we reached the ranches,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Almost dead from wind and snow;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Mike took down with the pneumonia,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And the next day had to go.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>While he lay upon his pillow,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>All his body racked with pain,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>He'd keep talking of his horses,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Calling each one by its name.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Then he called me to his bedside,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And he said, "I'm going to ride,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And I know I'll find the horses</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Over on the other side."</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="moonlight"><span class="bold large">MOONLIGHT</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>When the moon has climbed the heavens,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And the sun has gone to rest,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And the evening shadows gather,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That's the time I love the best.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Seated by our little camp-fire,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>In the forest dark and tall,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>With the silence all around us,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Save the roar of water-fall—</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Then the deer steal in the meadows,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Velvet shod, so still are they,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>While among the waving grass-tops</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Spotted fawns are there at play.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Then to me there comes a memory,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Of the days, now past and gone,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>When my life was just in blossom,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>I was young and life was dawn.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>When I roamed the virgin forest,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Just as free as birds that fly,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>With the moonbeams for a candle,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And my cover was the sky.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Still the moon shines just as brightly,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And the stars are just as clear,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>But I see I'm growing older</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Like the ending of the year.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Frost is gathering on my temple,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Soon my hair will be like snow,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>But His will we all must follow</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And some day we all must go.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Yet, I'm ever, ever hoping</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That upon those shores of gold,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>We will have the self-same moonlight</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>As we had in the days of old.</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="my-dream"><span class="bold large">MY DREAM</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>I dreamed of a beautiful forest</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That lies back in the hills,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>With lakes of crystal clearness</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And such noisy mountain rills.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Where there are no trails of trappers,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Where the game unchallenged roam—</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Could I only find that forest,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That's the place I'd call my home.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>There were beaver, lynx and marten,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Elk so stately, and so tall,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And such sunlit open hillsides,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And such lovely water-fall.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>There was deep grass in the meadows,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>There were breezes, sweet and cool,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>There were trout, so lazy, swimming</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>In each clear and crystal pool.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>There the birds were singing sweetly</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Their sweet, yet plaintive song,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>That told me of God's great wonders</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>There among their happy throng.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>There were deer-trails, without number,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Bear-tracks everywhere were seen,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And the squirrels were never silent</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>In those forests dark and green.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>There the wild ducks they were nesting,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>There the loon called on the pond,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>There the snow-caps rose to sky-line</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>In the distance far beyond.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Then I was suddenly wakened,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Grabbed by the shoulder so hard,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>"Roll out now, breakfast is ready!"</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>It was Jack, my "bunkie" and "pard."</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="old-frying-pan-the"><span class="bold large">THE OLD FRYING PAN</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>You may talk of your broilers, both single and double,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Your roasters and toasters, they're all lots of trouble;</span></div> <div class="line"><span>But when out in the hills, just find if you can,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Any kind of a dish like the old frying pan.</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Over a campfire you don't need a stove,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Out in the hills, the place we all love,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Such hotcakes they never were tasted by man,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>With many the thanks to the old frying pan.</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>When the trout are all fried to a rich golden brown,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>I know old epicures would look, with a frown</span></div> <div class="line"><span>At the meal set before me; dispute it who can,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>With naught for a plate but the old frying pan.</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>With the venison cooked, the potatoes all fried,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Bannocks like bed-quilts, with coffee beside,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>You could eat till you busted, dispute it who can;</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Was dish e'er invented like the old frying pan?</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Many a miner, in the good days of old,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Way back in the foothills a-searching for gold</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Deep in some creek-bed, for the rich yellow sand,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Has panned out a grub-stake with the old frying pan.</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>There's been cattle rustlers, when in a great hurry</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Used no other iron, but why should they worry,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>For many and many and many the brand,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>That has been blotched out with an old frying pan.</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>So your praises I'll shout, both far, wide and high,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>That you're the best dish, till the day that I die;</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Why, there's many a woman "cleaned up" on her man</span></div> <div class="line"><span>With no other club but the old frying pan.</span></div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="rainy-day-the"><span class="bold large">THE RAINY DAY</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The hills are smothered in a fog,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>The sky is somber-grey,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>The rain is coming in a mist,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>A cheerless rainy day.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>To me the trees are weeping,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>With their branches drooping low,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Their tears are steady falling,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>With heavy drops, yet slow.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The birds they all are silent,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And not one sweet silvery note,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Re-echoes through the forest,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>From our feathered songster's throat.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Not one thing to break the silence,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Save the rain-drops as they fall,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>As I watch the clouds roll onward,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Or climb the mountain wall.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And somehow I feel so happy,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Though the world seems full of pain,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>So I let my gaze go farther,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>When the sun will shine again.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The trees and flowers and grasses,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>They will all the fresher seem,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And the laughter will be louder</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>From the rippling mountain stream.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The birds will sing far sweeter</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Than they did in days gone by,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>The air will be the fresher,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And of bluer tint the sky.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>We all do love the sunshine,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>We love the moonlight, too,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>We also love the twilight,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And the falling of the dew;</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>But I never growl or grumble,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Only this I wish to say;—</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>That this world would be a desert</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Without you, oh! Rainy Day!</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="streamlet-the"><span class="bold large">THE STREAMLET</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Tell me little streamlet,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>As you onward flow;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Why in such a hurry,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Whither do you go?</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The stream slowed up a moment</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Within the alder's shade;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>"I go to join my brothers,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And of us are rivers made.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>We water the hills and meadows,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>We turn the mills' great wheel,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>We carry logs to the mill-dam,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Where they're cut by teeth of steel.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>We furnish power for the motor</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That pulls the railroad train;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And after they have used our power,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>It is given back again.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>So you see we enjoy working,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That's why we laugh all day,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>For when one's heart is in one's work,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Why! work is greatest play!</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And growing broader and deeper,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>We carry ships on our breasts,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>'Till at last we reach the ocean,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And there we have time to rest."</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="ed-enders-grave"><span class="bold large">ED ENDERS' GRAVE</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>When old Ed Enders first took ill,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>'Twas first a fever and then a chill,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>His respiration was very weak,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Throat so clogged he could scarcely speak.</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The doctors prescribed all kinds of dope</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And hotwater bottles, but had no hope.</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Then old Bill Wallace and old Hank Lee,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And old Dad Lyons got on a spree;</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And when half full old Bill did cry,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And says, "Old Ed is about to die.</span></div> <div class="line"><span>I ain't no doctor, I can't shoot pills,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>I've never prescribed for no one's ills</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>But I do believe we can pull Ed through,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>If you all will help me;—I mean you two.</span></div> <div class="line"><span>If old Ed dies, just stop and think,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>He will never buy us another drink!</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>He has the money in that there claim,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>If we let him die it will be a shame.</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Old Ed is a feller no one can ride,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>He will always take the other side.</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>If you say no, why he'll say 'yes'</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Just to be contrary up to the last.</span></div> <div class="line"><span>So now we'll try old Ed to save,—</span></div> <div class="line"><span>A committee of three to pick his grave.</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>As we can't agree where to make his bed,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>We will have to leave it to poor old Ed."</span></div> <div class="line"><span>"It will work," says Dad, with a tear in his eye,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>"And I for one am ready to try."</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Then up spoke Hank, "This ain't no joke,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Fill up the glasses and then we'll smoke."</span></div> <div class="line"><span>So the three went down to Old Ed's room,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Faces as solemn as any tomb.</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Old Ed says, "Boys, I'm on my way!"</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Bill says, "You'll never see the day,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And as we were idle, and time to save,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>We've been picking a place to dig your grave.</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Now Hank wants to plant you in the shade,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Where the trail climbs up that steepest grade,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>For you hunted the shade when the sun was hot,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And the land is worthless in that there spot.</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>But Dad wants you laid on that sunny slope,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>There's a hole all ready in that old stope.</span></div> <div class="line"><span>You hunted the sun when the weather was cold,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And he wants you planted in that old hole.</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>But I says, 'Boys, it is my wish,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>To plant him where he liked to fish;</span></div> <div class="line"><span>For he always fished at the same old hole,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Too lazy to walk and carry his pole.'</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Now Ed, we as a committee of three,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Will leave it to you, we can't agree."</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Old Ed looked up from his bed of pain,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Looked at them over and over again.</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>What he said to them won't do to tell,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>At least he said, "You can go to hell!</span></div> <div class="line"><span>You won't find the likes wherever you roam,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Rake the hot place over with a fine-tooth comb.</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Such a bunch as you,—right here I swear,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Pick what you damn please, I won't be there."</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Now listen, dear folks, I am here to tell,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>In just three days old Ed got well.</span></div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="springtime"><span class="bold large">SPRINGTIME</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>When sun begins to melt the snow</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And the birds commence to sing,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And the days are getting longer,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Then we know 'tis surely spring.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>It is then you get a fever,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>But your temp'ture does not raise,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>It's a kind of lazy feeling</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>On those balmy warm spring days.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And it starts your mind to working,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>While your thoughts commence to stray,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>To the hills and lakes and rivers,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And green woodlands far away.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And it makes you feel so drowsy</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That you long to go to sleep,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Out beneath some tall green pine tree,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Where the shadows cool and deep</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Just seem to be a-calling,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>While the stream beneath the hill</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Is chuckling with glad laughter,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And I seem to hear it still.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>'Tis then memory breaks its halter</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And stampedes and starts to go,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Till it stops in childhood's pasture</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>In the days of long ago;</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Where the birds were all a-singing,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Songs so rare and pure and sweet,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Squirrel's chatter in the tree-tops,—</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Flowers blooming at your feet.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Then the city seems a prison,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>While brick walls like prison bars,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Seem to reach clear up to heaven,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Till they mingle with the stars.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Still I do not call a doctor,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>For he cannot ease, I know,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Any longings for the wildwood</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Of the days of long ago.</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="call-of-nature-the"><span class="bold large">THE CALL OF NATURE</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>My traps are getting rusty</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Here upon my cabin wall;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>The leaves are turning golden,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>'Tis already early fall.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>My snow-shoes need repairing,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And so does my canoe;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>My dogs are begging, coaxing,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And there's just one thing to do.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>I'll have to quit this cruising,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And a-looking over land,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And lay aside my compass,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>They can get another man.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>For a section-line can't hold me,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>I despise a "bearing" tree,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>When I hear the wild geese honking,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And I know they're calling me.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>I'll go back into the mountains,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Back of Uncle Sam's survey,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Where the only line's a trap-line,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And I'm going there to stay;</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Where the only trails are game-trails,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Where the moose unchallenged roam,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>There I'll build for me a cabin</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And I'll call that cabin "home."</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>In the wildest, greenest forest,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That no man has come to spoil,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>With his sawmills and his railroads,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And his many slaves of toil—</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Where the streams are not polluted,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Stopped by dams of mine or mill,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Where everything is Nature's</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And the rush of life is still.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>So I'll send my resignation,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And I know the Boss will say,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>"Won't you stay until the winter,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And of course, we'll raise your pay."</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>But no salary can hold me,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>I have heard that line before;—</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>So here's good-bye to cruising</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>From today for evermore.</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="my-request"><span class="bold large">MY REQUEST</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>When I leave this old dreary world</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>To cross to the Great Unknown;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Don't bury me in a costly tomb</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Or raise a shaft of stone—</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>But lay me on some hill-side,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Mid the forest that I love;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Where the wild flowers bloom around me</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And the eagle soars above:</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>With an ancient ledge above me,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>One that is all moss-grown;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>These words inscribed upon it,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>"He is one of Nature's own.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>One who loved the forest,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>One who loved the hills,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Although his soul has taken flight,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>His foot-steps echo still."</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="memory-s-camp-fire"><span class="bold large">MEMORY'S CAMP-FIRE</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Come with me to the forest tall,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And spend a few of autumn days,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And study nature at first hand,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Learn how they lived in early days.</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Take up your pack and rod and gun,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And once again to seek the wild,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Leave all your sorrows far behind,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And be as carefree as a child.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Then memory's camp-fire kindle bright</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And as you feel its friendly blaze,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Just let your mind go back o'er time</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>To happy scenes of early days.</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>When you yourself were but a child</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That roamed at will the woodland o'er;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Oh! how your heart did exultant leap</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Always new country to explore.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Then take your gun from memory's rack</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Which for many moons has forgotten hung</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And see if you again can sing,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>The songs that for years, you've left unsung.</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Then tell some tale of early days</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Of when you hunted in the glade,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Or when you caught the bear asleep,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Or lured the trout from the alder shade.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And as each spark arises high</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>From this camp-fire's golden light,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>The moon will shed its yellow rays</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>On distant snow-caps clear and bright.</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And should these lines make you recall</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Some happy days 'neath skies so fair,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>To me this little camp-fire smoke</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Will be sweet incense on the air.</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="indian-trails"><span class="bold large">INDIAN TRAILS</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Creeping along the mountain,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Or winding along the stream,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Each year growing dimmer and dimmer,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Then fading away like a dream—</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Almost impossible to follow,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Still in the days long ago,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>These trails were the only highways</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And whither did they go?</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Some lead deep in the forest</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Where they hunted the deer and bear,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Where they dried the meat for food</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And skins made them clothes to wear.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>While some lead to lakes and rivers</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Where the loon and wild geese call,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>To rice-fields in late October</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>When the snow commenced to fall,—</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>While some climbed high on the mountain</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Where the huckleberries grew,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And ripened upon the sunny slopes,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Sweetened by mountain dew,—</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Others found way to the border tribes</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Where the war-whoops loud and shrill,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Echoed along the cliffs and crags,—</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Me-thinks I can hear them still.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Now only a scar on some tree remains</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Of the trails of the long ago,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>The summer comes, the fall appears,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>With winter's frost and snow.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And as each season passes,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Leaves dimmer every trace,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>I can see the trails a-passing,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>The same as the Indian race.</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="winter"><span class="bold large">WINTER</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Winter has descended o'er mountain and hill,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>His mantle of snow has spread;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>The grass and flowers are withered and brown,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>The leaves on the bushes are dead.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The streams all are silent in icy embrace,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>They are held in his bondage so strong:</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Not even one faint murmur is heard,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Where they laughed so loud and so long.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The trees are draped in a mantle of snow,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That clings to their boughs like a shroud,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And the mountains cold and still and white</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Appear like a light fleecy cloud.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The cattle have come from their good summer range,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>The sheep have all entered the fold,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Winter, they know, is starting its slumber,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And the wind is so searching and cold.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The logs in the fire-place crackle and glow—</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Our cabin's all cozy and warm,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>The dogs are a-sleeping,—content as can be,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>So why worry o'er winter's storm.</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="passing-of-the-range"><span class="bold large">PASSING OF THE RANGE</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Today as I gaze o'er the prairie</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That stretches away into space,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>I look back only a few short years</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>At the change that's taken place.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>When I was one of the cowboys,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>All our time was spent on the range;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Now I don't see even one rider,—</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>'Tis then I feel lonesome and strange.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>No trail-herds with plaintive lowing,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>No shouting, or singing to steers,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>No sound of horses mad galloping,—</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>It almost moves me to tears.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>For then we rode stirrup to stirrup,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>While the jingle of spurs played a tune;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Oh! could I go back to the round-up</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>For a day at the cow-camp in June.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>When the grass was so green on the prairie,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>With the cattle all sleek and so fat,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Each rider all dressed for hard riding,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>With high heels and chaps and wide hat.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Each with his string of horses,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Some broken and others half wild,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>The wilder the better he liked them,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Happy and carefree as a child;—</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Wild as the steers that they wrangled,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Hardy as the bronchos they rode,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Ready to take others' troubles,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Or carry another one's load.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Those were the real days I tell you—</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Night-herding by light of the stars;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Three weeks drive to the stockyards</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Where we loaded the steers in the cars.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Then when the loading was finished</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And the cattle were on their way,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>The Boss called the bunch together</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And gave us our season's pay.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>We were just like a bunch of children,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And many an old-timer like me</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Recalls being served in his saddle,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>When on a periodical spree.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Now, cattle are held in pastures,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>They no longer roam wild and free,—</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And the cowboys are gone forever,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Leaving only a memory.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And as each one crosses the border</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That is over the Great Divide,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>I hope the bunk-house is ample</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And none will be left outside.</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="cabin-of-mystery-the"><span class="bold large">THE CABIN OF MYSTERY</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>No trail leads to this cabin,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Not even a blaze on a tree,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Hidden beneath the tall dark firs</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Is this cabin of mystery.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>No one knew its builder</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Or when this cabin was made,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Not one of the oldest trappers</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Can explain or give any aid.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>The stove still stands in the corner,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>The table all neat and clean</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And the cupboard still holds its grubstake</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>As fine as ever was seen.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>But there are no traps or stretchers</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>So no trapper was he,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>No prospector's pick or shovel,—</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>All adds to the mystery.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>No name upon the door-jamb,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>No initials cut in the wall,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>No calendar hangs by the window,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Just silence and mystery—that's all.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>But the hills hold many a secret,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That the trails and streams never tell,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>We can only guess at the answer</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And perhaps it's just as well.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Now as I gaze at this cabin,—</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Brush almost obscuring the door,—</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Many moons have you guarded the secret,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Keep guard for as many more.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>But perhaps when we cross the border</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And step aboard death's train,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>The secrets of hills and mountains,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>To us will then be plain.</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="when-the-leaves-commence-to-fall"><span class="bold large">WHEN THE LEAVES COMMENCE TO FALL</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>When the days commence to shorten</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And the nights are getting long,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And we miss the flies and skeeters</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And the song birds' sweetest song,—</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>To some the summer's passing,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Leaves the world a darker hue,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>But to me it makes it brighter,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Just the same as if 'twas new.</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>As I say, some people hate it,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>But I love it best of all;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>When the nights are getting frosty</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And the leaves commence to fall.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>You get up in the morning</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And the air is crisp and cold,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>The hills have on their war paint,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Crimson, orange, brown and gold;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And to me they have a message</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That I can't forget at all,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>When the nights are getting frosty</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And the leaves commence to fall.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>I can easily foresee</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That I cannot tarry long,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>So I at once get busy,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And my heart is full of song;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>As I look my snow-shoes over,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And patch up my canoe;</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>As happy as a little boy</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Whose red-top boots are new.</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And I work both late and early</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And don't want to stop at all,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>When the nights are getting frosty</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And the leaves commence to fall.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Now the north wind is a-blowing</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>But, then little do I care,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>For I know a little cabin</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Holds all my grubstake there.</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And that very self-same cabin</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Is dearer to me than all,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>When the nights are getting frosty</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And the leaves commence to fall.</span></div> </div></div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And so I will soon be starting</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>To where the deer on meadows play,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>And the wondrous Northern lights</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Make the forest light as day.</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Back to the lakes and rivers,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>As straight as a laden bee,</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Back to the forest primeval,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>That's where I long to be!</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>Trapping on creeks and marshes,</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>Back where the bull-moose call.</span></div> </div> <div class="line"><span>When the nights are getting frosty</span></div> <div class="inner line-block"> <div class="line"><span>And the leaves commence to fall.</span></div> </div></div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> <p class="center pfirst" id="au-revoir"><span class="bold large">AU REVOIR</span></p> <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div>  <blockquote> <div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>Now here's my pack of trail-told rhymes,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Written by me at varying times;</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Some when the flowers were fresh with bloom</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And the air was fragrant with sweet perfume.</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And others when forests were dark and drear,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And the meadows all were brown and sear;</span></div> <div class="line"><span>The trees were leafless that the wind moaned through,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And frost in the morning replaced the dew.</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And some when the snow through his mantle deep</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Had told the flowers to go to sleep;</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And ever as I took my pen in hand</span></div> <div class="line"><span>To picture God's wonders so noble and grand,</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>I felt if I was able to even phase</span></div> <div class="line"><span>One thing correctly, I would sing His praise</span></div> <div class="line"><span>To the long trail's end where e'er I tramp,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Till I drop my pack at the last home camp.</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And so dear friends, when you gaze on these lines,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Should they take you back to some former times</span></div> <div class="line"><span>When you, yourself, were a knight of the hills,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>And these lines cause your heart some thrills;</span></div> </div> <div class="line-block outermost"> <div class="line"><span>And cause you to say, "He's a friend of mine,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>He's a son of Nature, at Nature's shrine!"</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Then the world will be sweet as the new mown hay,</span></div> <div class="line"><span>Or the blossoms that bloom in the month of May.</span></div> </div></div> </blockquote> <div class="vspace" style="height: 6em"></div>  <div class="backmatter"></div> <SPAN name="endofbook"></SPAN> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />

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