THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES I J&JU Form Bo. 2-'(i7 ' BROOKLYN 67 SCHERMERHORN ST. BRANCH. BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY. ~ -rteen days. A fine of T"'^ ^ e ' at time. A COLLECTION OF EARLY POEMS AND SKETCHES a BY M. BETTIE BELL J. E. FETTERS AN^ CHICAGO vc. COPYRIGHT 1908 BT M. BETTIE BELL PS Brifrattmt mg Jfttabattft attb oattglffrra JjappUttfia mg jirag^rful tlyougt finba tta mag to (KoJi ^arly iag, attii lowf mtd rottft^cnr? ntpatt 00 mttrl} to ntp, tl)ta littl? (took t0 bf otralf 5 btr S-I^ Author 0f Contents PAGE A BRIDE 39 A GIFT 24 A PRAYER 37 AT LAST 22 v CHRISTMAS 5 HOME 26 LIFE 45 LIGHT 49 ^LovE....Jg; 43 '/ MY FATHER 19 ONE ROSE 47 PEACE 34 ^ QUEEN OF MAY 14 SPRING 10 '"* To A FRIEND 29 v To MY MOTHER 17 To NELLY 12 YOUTH AND AGE 30 JJrefar* Before my mother passed away she often requested me to publish the poems I wrote when a girl. Other relatives and friends in more recent years have urged me to publish them. With some reluc tance I am yielding to their wishes but with confidence that those who know what my daily life and work mean at this time, will readily see that my thoughts have risen to a higher hope and a clearer understanding than my earlier lispings indicated. I shall feel amply repaid for the risk in setting this little volume adrift, if but one person finds something in the poems that re news a hope or makes an otherwise long day seem short. A few of the poems contained in this book were written in recent years. For the most part, however, they ex press my earlier thoughts. If, there fore, some careful reader should feel inclined to criticise them, I am sure he will first consider the time in life when they were written. M. BETTIE BELL. 4037 Drexel Boulevard Chicago, 111. November, 1906 ffiljratmaa, 1905 merry bells do chime with joy This Christmas time, Their notes of peace without alloy In jolly rhyme. They sound like music in the ear, So soft and clear, And chase away full many a fear, From faces dear. Now welcome they! These bonny bells, Of yearly chime, A great and glorious story tells, In every clime. Of one who came from Heaven to earth To give a gem To nations, kindreds, and all tongues The real Realm. The real Christmas is not told In fiction's way; But love and joy it does unfold In bright array. His gifts are not in mortal things; These things of air, They fade and die; but what He brings Are treasures rare. He was God's "Christmas Gift" to man, His own dear Son, He bids us see him everywhere; You are that one. When this we do, we are free-born; In God's own way We enter bliss; no more forlorn We never stray Then let us grasp this gift of Life, Make it our own; And turn forever from the strife Where woe is known. The real gem that Love has given Will ever shine, And show us what and where is Heaven; All there, is thine. Do not reject this holy gift; It is too rare, It turns the heavy heart of stone To Him so fair. He says in pleading tones so sweet, ' 'Come unto Me" And I will give you wine and wheat, And make you free. "Come unto Me" and you will find The light of day; And in this light you'll see to walk In Wisdom's way. Not cold the Way, nor hard, nor bleak, But always love ; It is the Way by which all reach Our house above. O! take the lamp by Wisdom given With eager hand; For by its shining we find Heaven; We seek this land. Let us so watch and work and pray, That next year's end Shall find us knowing Christ's Christmas Where pride and folly bend. These jeweled thoughts I give to you This Christmas eve, May on your heart the living Truth Its impress leave. WRITTEN AT THE AGE OF ELEVEN 4JSLEAK winter is fading fast, The cold winds have almost passed, And gentle Spring with form so fair, Is coming with her beauties rare. Sweet Spring! We shall ever hail Thy presence with delight; For thy coming doth impart A vision green and bright. Thou comest with thy radiant smile, Bringing gladness to our heart; How sweetly we the hours beguile, Oh, beauties, ne 'er depart. Thou bringest with thee little birds, That chant their sweetest song, In low and plaintive requiem Their tuneful notes prolong. 10 The flowers too, with fragrance sweet, Is wafted through the air, And all around is pure and bright, Decked in its Spring attire. The glistening of the dew-drop At the early dawn of day, Seems to inspire with holy thought While in mystery they lay. It casts a shadow from our heart, As we think with great delight Of this unfathomed mystery That comes with form so bright. Oh, Spring, Thou art so pure and true Thy clothing is sublime, Thou tellest of our great Creator Of Him who is Divine. WRITTEN AT THE AGE OF TWELVE 1JJHEN they told me thou wast dead, The winds went howling by, [Nelly, Oh, how my poor heart throbbed, Nelly, To think you had to die. But I know you are happy now, Nelly, With angels by your side, And your death I'll try to forget, Nelly, And dry the flowing tide. Oh, the happy hours we 've spent, Nelly, Dwell in my memory yet ; But I'm forced to be content, Nelly, And repress my fond regret ; Oh, not for all the world, Nelly, Would I call you back again, Though it is a bitter struggle, Nelly, So lonely to remain. 12 I never knew how dear thou wast, Nelly, 'Till I was left alone, Then I thought my heart would break, [Nelly, To think that thou hads't flown; Oh, we never more shall meet, Nelly, In this sad world of pain, But there with happy angels, Nelly, I trust we '11 meet again. ($ttmt of MAT 1864 , glad May Day With sunshine bright, With flowers fair And hearts so light; Oh frolicksome girls, Why choose ye me To serve this day For Queen of May? You gave six maids Of beauty rare, You chose each one With tender care; With loyal hearts They serve each day, With loving wish Your Queen of May. 14 I love these maids You give me here, They join with me In this great cheer; They will with me In humble way, Thank you in name Of Queen of May. You wreathe us all With clover white, And dress us in Sweet robes so light; You sing us songs With poets lay, In which you claim Your Queen of May. This honor great Has come from you, In choosing us You were so true; May blessings rare Be yours this day, This Prayer is from Your Queen of May. 13 WRITTEN AT THE AGE OF THIRTEEN AM thinking of thee, Mother, Now whilst I am all alone, Thinking of the happy smile That'll greet me when I come home. Yes, dear Mother, thoughts of thee, Pleasantly flit across my brain, Thoughts more sweet than I can tell, Yet, I would not them refrain. I knew not how I loved thee, Mother. Till absence my love did test, , Nor did I know how I would miss Thy loving fond caress. 'Tis said that absence conquers love Though I ' ve not found it so, For every hour that passeth by The tie doth stronger grow. This world would be a blank, Mother, If 'twere not for thy sweet face, To cheer us on through weal and woe, Our trials to erase. Ever ready thou art, Mother, To give some kindly word, To those in gladness or distress And lead their thoughts to God. JUNE 1865 LOVED him so I never knew how much, 'Till at school one day A letter came With his dear name, Filled with tender touch. The tears fell fast, Such grateful tears, His lovely words Still all the fears, Such good advice, Will ever last For all the years 19 He's a manly man, With heart so true, And nobly grand, A Christian too; So firm and strong With righteous view. I took a look, His restful thoughts Lay on my book, In folded letter. It spurred me on To study better. Who would not please A Father dear, Love like his inspires Is ever near, Hope like his requires A ready ear. 20 He came at last, 'Twas closing day, His face was light With loving ray; I won the Prize His arms I lay. Approvals sweet From parent pride. Who would dare tax A flowing tide Of hope like his Or love so wide? At East JV T last, I saw the light. It came from one who knew the way; Who said that darkness could not stay, And taught me what she knew was right. At last, my hope grew strong, I strove to lay my burden down And seek in Truth to find the crown; I'd waited on the Lord so long. At last, my trust rose high, The Word of Life came clear to me, It said, You must and shall be free, And God shall be forever nigh. At last, the rod was given, To lay the error in the dust. Obey and pray; she said we must From all the past of sin be riven. At last, the light did shine, Truth healed me of a broken heart. It said, From grief you now must part, The saving love of Truth is thine. At last, the love is great, I know that my Redeemer lives, And with His loving kindness gives A message which is not too late. At last, the Christ so sweet ! To her who taught me how to pray, In humble gratitude I lay The healing laurels at her feet. A (Sift 1891 ILVER and gold send I to you, A piece of pure white linen too; Dross consumed by the gold of love, Silver purifies, lifts us above This mortal life. Out of darkness into light, Linen of righteousness all so white, With daisies wrought in silken thread, Emblem of that which lives, not dead, To Truth and right. Accept from me this Christmas tide, The gold, silver, the linen wide ; And use them each and every day, They are true emblems that point the To Life and Love. [way We lay these tokens at your feet, They bear to you a message sweet, Of one who loves the words you speak, And means to live them week by week Till the Crown is won. 25 true we find our joys at home, Though over land and sea we roam; The sweetest place on earth to be Under the home-roof-dear to me. "Home, Sweet Home," the Poet sings, The rippling notes an echo rings, "Home again" with hopes so bright, And "Old Kentucky Home, good night." No Poet has ever yet revealed The depth of love that is concealed. Each pulse of heart he does require. Home's the Eden of man's desire. 26 But how could language e'er relate, Or put in words that happy state, The blessedness of our own hearth, The dearest, sweetest place on earth. When tired of travel we go home, Or when our College days are done, The same free feeling from all care We find a welcome ever there. No fairer home where was no dirth, Than ' 'Cedar Grove," place of my birth, On rolling blue grass knoll it stood Surrounded by rich fields of wood. It was a charm of old Kentucky And we were called the children lucky; The flowers and birds were all around And fruits in plenty did abound. 27 Would such a home could last forever, With Father, Mother to leave it never; With Brothers, Sisters, always near, No separations e'er to fear. An ideal home, with latch-string out, To welcome all from every route, The home of joy, health, and beauty, Forget thee ne'er will be our duty. The sweetest song t'was ever heard, In solemn chant-pathetic word, "My old Kentucky Home,Good night;" To yearn for you will be our right. a 1865 4JJAY the soft and golden sunlight Glint thy pathway o'er, Till thy days are full of brightness And chase all shadows from thy door. If the clouds do chance to fall Look to God, Let Him be ALL in ALL. Life is full of earnest meaning, Full of something good to do, Minds with earnest thoughts are teeming, Thoughts that should be great and true. Let good thinking keep you free, In time and in eternity. $mtf h anb hopes of life stand out so bold on this fair day; Talent weaves strands of purest gold and spreads her flowers In bright array to light our way. It is the age that's fat and fair, with silver threads in softest hair But not of age, 'tis youth's donation, and Love's salvation. With Life's pulsation and Hope's irradi ation. Oh, blessed star, thou art not far at forty-five; And if perchance prayer has given to quick advance on Heaven's stair, Where may hear strands of David's lyre : Age in spirit is youth in truth Innocent lamb that brings the balm to heal our wounds, And put the music into rhyme that thrills with love, from notes above. To chase dark thoughts of mortal lore From Shiloh's shore. 'Tis youth's bright realm, this love of lore; The child of God will find this ore In Judah's Rock. It is his peace that gives him lease On life's great shore, where dream of age is never more. Eternity's law is never bound by age or time No silver thread nor wrinkled brow, For Heaven is now. 'Tis first the blade and then the ear, 'tis well to hear nor be afraid, For the full corn comes with full ear, To chase away the print of age and show to man, A brighter page to youth's eternal age. 'Tis look within and not without, the inner man knows his whereabout The outer man will bend not bow to age and woe, Growth of Truth will rob old Time of shadow's claim; in place of shade Shine the beauteous shrine that love has made. Love on, Love on, the voice of youth Will fill thy soul with love and truth Heed the stranger within thy gate; Invite him in, ere it be too late; His touch alone will still the pride; And solace the fear, and open wide The door so dear that leadeth to love, Which gives the vim of Youth in Truth and Truth in Youth. (jOME unto me, All ye that weary be, And I will give you rest, To be forever free, And ever bless'd. Let light be yours, And no more darkness see, Nor count the time or tide, My peace will come to thee, And love beside. Let joy be yours, And sadness never dun Your real sight so clear, Peace is found in prayer, And rest so dear. No sickness there, Nor sin be ever known, No death to make or mar That true light that's never shorn Of its bright star. My peace I give to thee, So full of love and light; A gift so pure and free From that dear land so bright, For you and me. My peace I leave with thee, And leaving, it is here Ne'er to be torn away; It is forever near, And come to stay. Make it your own, And down the warfare lay; In Love is your release You have the brilliant ray, It is your peace. So peace be still, It calms the troubled wave, "Acquaint thyself with God" And know that it will save If you will wield the rod. Your peace He gave. A me be as Thou hast made me, Oh, my Father, Mother, God; Let me know Thy sweetness, meekness, Even though Thou use the rod. Rest me, Shepherd, with Thy bounty, Cleanse me from all subtle sin; Let the burdens all be nothing, Make me strong and pure within. Let me lean upon Thee fully, Knowing naught but Love divine; Let me be Thy child who dwelleth In Thy presence so sublime. Hear my prayer, Oh, Mother Love, That watcheth o'er me ever, And evil may I never see, But be with Thee forever. 452618 Come I to Thee, to holy be, In pastures green to rest ; May I be meek and lowly too, For this is my bequest. Let me know Thee, whom to know Is everlasting, joyous life ; Let my patience ever grow To put away earth's endless strife. Let Thy grace sufficient be To bear the cross and win the crown; Let Thy faith be mine to free And help me lay all burdens down. Light from Thee is ever near, Whose rays illume the way; That light which makes all things clear And leads us to Eternal day. A BrUte in white she stood, A bride so neat, And took the solemn vow Upon her lips so sweet. That made her one with him Her heart did love, A sacred vow was given Heard by One above. It was a Christian vow An hour of light. A Godly thought did bind The knot so tight. These lovers joined In Christian peace will walk, And in sweet unity With God forever talk. The rare white, fleecy dress, So pure and fine, Told a deep tale, Of Love's exhaustless mine. A righteous thought Of grace and power, and peace, Kept stealing in, and hope Rose high of sweet release. In this dear bridal hour, A tale is told Of how and why and what, A Christian may unfold. A little child A golden ring did bear; An emblem sweet, That Love is everywhere. 40 Six maids, clothed in pink, Typed Love's affection; As many groomsmen stood, To guard and give protection. A sister clothed in white A maid of honor fair, To give the bride her blessing This child of golden hair. The parents not far away With patient trust, Gave their joy to other hands Because they knew they must. This bridal is of God None need have fear; But wait for Him who knoweth best He will soon appear. This union is a Christian work, Death nor time can sever; In God they'll learn to think And live in Him forever. 2TET us learn to seek and ask of Love To give us her revealings, Let us strive to learn to look above Where there are no concealings; Let us gently, humbly, seek and find The Love that is our Mother, And with affection pure enshrined Give worship to no other. Let us perceive that Love and Wisdom Is our Father, Mother, God, Then we shall know that we are children Of a Christly human-hood. Then in Elchim, our only God, We shall find immortal peace, When we take in hand the mighty rod And pray daily for release. Oh, thou eternal Love, To thee we owe our being, And our light, and endless gratitude, We fail no more in seeing That thy life's plenitude Gives us joy increasing From all sin releasing. (J|)PEN the Sepulchre! Christ is waiting To lead you on; Arise in newness! Harpstrings singing Death is gone. Out from Sepulchre Christ has come With loving touch, To heal and save From lawless law That claims so much. No death, no, never! You cannot claim One child of light. Nor can you sever With dart or aim, For God is might; With rod in hand One loving band, We're joined together; For out of night We've found the light And LIFE forever. 8100* (JHERE is one White Rose Which speaks of purity, Its leaves in sweet repose Talk peace and unity. Its fragrance so sweet, A dainty perfume has shed; Angel thoughts will meet, To resurrect the dead. Heaven's where it bloomed, A rare and costly thing, Like a dove it loomed And spread its fairy wing. Only one sweet Rose, A gift from tender hand, That raised its strength To guard God's precious lamb. 47 Let it be done ! So wills The law that made it pure, Affection rare instills Which ever will endure. What is this Rose so white? The gratitude of Love. It bloomed in Edons light And bids us look above. Let God direct the heart To pulse His affection, Which bids all else depart And lean on His protection. 'Tis heaven's foretaste, Of riches rare and white ; This Rose, a gift, elate And riches right with might. |TET not your heart be troubled, Said the voice of Love divine ; Let it never be dismayed, Said the Truth of joy sublime; Think no evil day by day, Let no shadow come thy way. Look for the light Of omnipresent might. Take no thought of body, means, Look up-not down-for heavenly things; Earth's sere, yellow leaf shall wane, If sin come not to thee again. Let no erring darts of pain, Ever prostrate you again; Demand the right Of omniscient might. M Let Love without dissimulation Be to you a guiding star, Let ' 'Lo, I am with you alway," Be the light that does not mar; Let the Love that never ends, Be to you the best of friends. Choose the right And love the light. "Let Light be" said one who knows, So it came to pass that way, In that light the darkness goes, All is light, all is day. Let no more sin cloud thy thought, Nor ever let thyself be caught By errors din, For light's within. So heaven's NOW, it's ever near, Always ever-present, HERE; Let no more sleep dim thy sight, All is everlasting Light. Let not thy weakness ere betray Christ, who leads you all the way To God above Where all is Love. "BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY, 67 SCKE.RMEPHOKN STHfifiT. TY o* CAUFORMA LOS ANGELA LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. Form L9 15m-10,'48(B1039)444 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY A 001 372 381 2 PS 1085 B417o