IHMHBSHMMBBHM THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES 9 -f - > ^r "* A DAY AND ITS DREAMS A DAY AND ITS DREAMS BY JAMES P. WHEDON L. C. KUSSNER PUBLISHER CHICAGO Copyright, 1910, by L. C. KUSSNER, CHICAGO International Copyright Secured PS some one, somewhere, who has al- ways understood and always will understand the unspoken language of the soul, who loves all the beautiful things of earth, yet delights to revel in the "land o* dreams," I dedicate myself and this little book of verse. J. P. W. 904155 Content^ PAGE A DAY AND ITS DREAMS n HOPE 12 LOVE IN A COTTAGE 13 TRUTH 14 DREAM SONG 15 JUST BECAUSE 16 MY BOYHOOD DAYS 17 A VOICELESS SONG 18 FAITH THAT WAITETH 19 WERE SHE OTHER THAN SHE Is . 20 MAY 21 JUNE 22 LOVE'S SONG 23 EXTREMES 24 LOVE You 25 THE OLD LOVE AND THE NEW ... 26 ALONE 27 WOULD You? WOULD I? . . 28 WOULD I MIGHT WAKEN THEE ... 29 HAPPINESS 30 SORROW 31 To THE QUEEN OF SIRENS .... 32 MY LOVE, MY STARS ...... 33 SAD MEMORIES 34 NOT WORTHY You 35 REVERIE 36 A CHILD OF HOPE 37 SOMEWHERE 38 To "Bos" 39 WERE IT NOT BETTER? 40 GOD'S TEMPLE 41 JULY 42 DEVOTION 43 To A PICTURE 44 A THOUGHT UNTOLD 45 ENTREATY 46 CONTENT 47 LOVE'S DEEPEST DEPTHS 48 DISCONTENT . 49 STORM TO CALM 50 THE KING'S LAMENT 51 LIFE 52 WHEN DREAMS COME TRUE .... 53 SLEEP 54 8 A DREAM 55 THE DEATH OF A ROSE 56 UNANSWERED - 57 SORROW UNTOLD 58 WHEN THOU ART NEAR 59 UNREST ... 60 " WILL-O'-THE-WISP " 62 To A ROSE 63 NEW YEAR GREETING 64 " BON VOYAGE " 65 LOVE'S MYSTERY 66 Duo 67 LOVE'S WAY 68 To A BRIDE 69 Too SOON ! 70 ONLY A ROSB 71 WORLD OF FATE 72 ENCHANTMENT 73 To INSPIRATION 74 WINTER WINDS 75 WHY? ,76 LOVE'S PERFECT WAY 77 MY DEARIE DEAR 78 SUPPLICATION 79 VIOLETS 80 A BIRTHDAY GREETING , 81 INDIFFERENCE 82 TIME'S TRIO 83 REMEMBER? 84 You! 85 SWEETHEARTS ! 86 SUMMERLAND 88 WlNTERLAND 89 PROCESSIONAL 9 MOTHER 9 1 "GOOD-BYE" 9 2 2Dap anli A dream and a day, A day and its dreams ; A dream and a day, And all of it seems The birth of a soul In shadow of death; A day and its dreams, The whiff of a breath. Mysterious comforter of life; Alluring star, whose golden beams Lead souls of men to castles Fair in land of dreams. It makes the heart of age rejoice, It bids the heart of youth be brave, And with sweet music of expectancy, It charms us onward to the grave. in a Cottage I live in a lowland cottage, On the hill is a castle fair, But the roses bloom in my garden As sweet as they do up there; I love my Love so dearly, I wonder if love up there Is sweet as mine in the lowland, With never a thought of care. Unchanging consequence of right Through time unchanged, Thou art man's deathless soul; Aye, God explained. SDream Oh, song in a poet's dream, Sweet dream in a poet's song, Song hath its birth in dreams, And dreams find life in song. Just a ripple sweet of laughter, Just a gentle little sigh, Just a winning smile so tender, Just a twinkle in her eye. Why should laughter be so joyous? Why should sighs bring peace to me? Why should smiles be golden sun beams ? Why should eyes enrapture me? Just because I love her dearly, Just because she loveth me, Just because / love to love her And she's all the world to me. 16 Would I could liye anew My boyhood days, Their joyous ways 'Neath sky of cloudless blue; 'Twas easy then to be content, To run with feet all bare, And clothes all rent, With ne'er a thought of care, By stream, through wood, O'er meadow, field and fallow. Oh, would I could Return as doth the swallow In the spring, And sing, And dance with joy To be again a boy. Where art thou, spirit Of the song I'd sing? Wherefore no voice within Thy temple walls? I bring Thee incense sweet of myrrh And rose, with birth of spring, Yet vain to-day is all My worshiping. 18 f aitfj tljat Waitttfy Oh, star that fadeth In a cloud of gloom ; Oh, love that kneeleth At a silent tomb; Oh, night that dieth In the arms of day ; Oh, faith that waiteth An adjustment day. Cijan She is not fair, that is, not fair as lily-bloom, But still so fair is she I love, That were she other than she is, Methinks the angels from yon far above Would take her from me to their hid ing-place, And I, poor soul, in sadness sit alone, With but a memory of her winning grace. A sheaf of happy hours I count mine own to-day; Sweet spring-time flowers And birds who left me Lone in winter drear, Returning, bring me cheer: And so to thee, dear May, And bird and flow'ring tree, I sing a roundelay, This spring-tide jubilee Of happy hours, Of May-born flowers! A straying zephyr And a waveless sea; A skylark singing, And a honey-bee Home going happily. A lover wooing, And a radiant moon, A maiden list'ning; And the world in tune To love: Ah, glorious June! The melody of birds At early morn, When in the East The sun is born, Is sweet. But oh, the rhapsody Of love's sweet song; Its rhythmic tone The whole day long Is peace. To one the sun looks bright, E'en through a cloud; To one all days seem night, The sun a shroud. Why changeth thus life's view Through different eyes, One seeing earth a hell The other paradise ! iou ! Love you! aye, beyond Words sweetly told By princes, kings, And queens of old. Love you! aye, beyond All loves of old, of new ; I 'd die for you, sweetheart, Yet long to live for you. flotoc anti tlje A withered flower, That's all; And yet the hour It lived doth call Again to me A memory! A new-born flower Now all ; Ah, will its hour Die too and call Again to me A memory? What sorrow in that word! Ah, had it but occurred To me ere 'twas too late, How I would supplicate Thy staying: no plea untold, No prayer unsaid, if I might fold Thee close as yesternight, And kiss thee now a sweet "good night:"- Alone! What sorrow in that word Alone! fteouto foil? fteouto To touch her dainty hand, And never even try To hold it close awhile; Would you? Would I? To gaze into her eyes, And never even try To read love's story there; Would you? Would I? To see her lips so sweet, And never even try To kiss them quick, or die; Would you? Would I? fteoufo ^ ^iSJtf t^aften Cfjee! Where goest thou, oh soul, That say'st good-by, And leavest me alone 'Neath cheerless sky Of death-world mystery ? Where shall I seek thee, Soul from mine astray? To which star-home afar Shall I wend way In search of thee ? Oh, soul asleep; would fate Might loan its chart And compass of eternity, To guide me where thou art, That I might waken thee. Happiness 'Neath radiant skies Love wedded hope In joyous days Of June. Oh, rapture sweet To be hope's bride When rosebuds wake In bloom. Love buried hope 'Neath drifts of Snow, in drear December. But oh, love's woe, To live alone, Alone, and still Remember. tJje OBueen of ^i Did God make thee so fair, More fair than others are, For this That I should dream one day On earth, and lose the way To heaven, for just one kiss? lobe, The day hath golden sunshine For its love, the night hath stars ; Yet days there be when sun Is hid by cloud-drift bars, And night doth often sigh, Where art thou, Love, my stars, My Love, my stars? Oh, children, children Of my troubled soul, That I have put to bed And lulled to sleep, Why will ye waken And creep back within Mine arms, and weep ? 34 toortfjp foil I gather in my mind Sweetest thoughts that I can find, My dear, for you, But there cometh ne'er a time I can twine them into rhyme That' 's worthy you ! Oh, dying sun, oh, southern wind Ablow o'er slumbering seas ; Oh, perfume-laden air From roses loved of bees; Oh, evening star, this silent hour Lead thou me on the way To gentle sleep, and dreams Of love, and love's own holiday. 36 Cfcito of I hold within mine arms A child of hope, its lips so sweet I kiss again and o'er again, With ne'er a dream of its deceit, With ne'er a thought that like a dream At dawn 'twill take its flight, Leaving the echo of a lullaby, The memory of a star-lit night. 37 It waiteth me Somewhere, Somewhere: Perchance it be In desert drear, On mountain height, 'Mid valley low. Afar or near, I do not know; I simply pray, Each night, Each day, Oh, Thou who rulest all, Who guidest all, Lead me unto the Soul that loveth me, That waiteth me, Somewhere, Somewhere. 38 Co " Just a common dog are you ; They call you brute, they do ; But I tell you men are few Who are kind to me as you. As I look into your face, I seem to catch a trace Of a higher life-born race Which somehow fell from grace. But I love you; yes, I do; You 're a friend that 's ever true; And I tell you men are few Who are kind to me as you. 39 |ot Better? If on the morrow our good-by In sadness should be bound, Were it not better this fair day For us had ne'er been found ? If on the morrow tears should fall Love sorrowing at life's feet, Were it not better at this hour To cry Oh, love, retreat ? 40 Within the realm of Mind God builds his temple fair, And those who enter in Find peace and solace there. Truth at its portal stands, Good is the altar there, Harmony the only song, Love the eternal prayer. Clear twilight skies, Far clouds afloat, And many a note From song-bird's throat; While'st moon, alight With glint of gold, Lists tales of love Retold, retold. 2Defcoti0n To thee, above, beyond All other souls I dedicate my heart, And there's no part Of Life's existence Fate hath willed to me That I in selfishness Would keep from thee. 43 Co a picture Bright eyes that meet mine own, Yet see me not ; Oh, silent lips whose words I Ve ne'er forgot ; Fair dainty hands of white I would were mine ; Oh, pictured dream to me Almost divine. l)ougl)t UnrolD Oh, thought that dieth Ere it groweth old, Oh, dreamer's dream, Oh, thought untold, Thou 'It live again in Generations new; Then men will kneel To worship you. Soul of my love's own soul, Hope of a day unseen, Thou art of my life's self A Queen, my Queen. Soul of thine own love's soul, Dream of awak'ning spring, Let me of thine own self Be King, thy King. Content Content, thou mother of all Happy hours, praise be to thee! Queen spirit of life's best estate, Oh, comfort me. Content, thou mother of all Good to men, praise be to thee! Earth hath no restful place, Except with thee. 47 Love's little likings thrill One as a honey-bee Sweet whisp'ring to a rose, "I love but thee;" Whilst yearning souls alive With love intensified, In silence wait and sigh ; Oh, God, why must we die Unsatisfied! 2Dicontent Years have been mine to know Life's way; its crossings show Men's footsteps on the trail Of time, and yet I fail To find one place where I Can say, 'tis here I dare To wait and pitch my tent: Oh, night of discontent, Would I might see one star Anear and never know, 'tis far! torm to Calm Wild winds of western wilds A-war 'neath cloud-rib' d skies Of yestere'en, How calm thy sullen sound At dawn, as eastward dies The hours between. hi0^ lament No day was dark, and night Did daytime seem When thou wert here : Now all my soul is drear, For thou art gone, my Queen, And day is night, and night Is one long year. itife MORNING A listless sea! And children on its shore At play with shells and sand Hear song of waves. NOON A restless sea ! And men upon its shore In tears see ships out-stand O'er mad'ning waves. NIGHT A surging sea ! And sea-gulls near its shore View wrecks strewn 'long the land, And new-made oraves. O 52 SDreamg ome rue From memory-land there comes to day A love-born thought that went astray In ages gone, when you and I Were lovers 'neath another sky, In other spheres, where dreams came true, And every hour was heaven with you. But oh, sweetheart, again thou'rt near, Far flown is every whisp'ring fear, Joy ends time's war of sorrowing strife. I hear anew love's song of life, Again in rapture, dreams come true, For heaven once more is mine, with you. 53 In silence buildest thou a tomb for care Which burd'neth me on every hand ; Life's gentle nurse art thou, yet lur ing me So near to death, I fail to understand ! 54 & SDteam Thou dost untwine the tangled skein Of thoughts my mind enfolds, A lullaby sleep singeth me, And paradise my soul beholds. 55 SDeatf) of a On a maiden's breast A rose-bud lies ; Its eyes meet hers; In tears it sighs ; Oh, cruel death, That thou shouldst come The very hour Her heart I won. No word across the wide expanse of space Comes to my heart asleep in lone liness; The day is weary of time's ling'ring pace, My soul is lost in strange forget- fulness. <>orroto ftntoifc Wee fairy lily-bell, Cradle for bees, O'er-rocking a grave 'Neath moss-covered trees; Little thou knowest The sorrow untold My heart doth contain As thy life I behold. &rt Weird, haunting spirits of unrest Steal serpent-like into my breast When thou'rt not near. Calm is my soul as summer sea, Life's one sweet song of harmony, When thou art near. Qtttejtt Oh, gladsome yesterday, so kind to me, E'en yet I see The smile upon thy face; Ah, if I could retrace The steps which led me far away Within life's wilderness astray, I'd fly to thee. Oh, wearisome to-day, unkind to me, I'd sentence thee To lasting banishment, E'en death as punishment For all thy treachery, If I might thus be free And rid of thee. Oh, morrow, wake; come speedily; Oh, come to me ! As doth a convict wait Behind a prison gate, Wait I impatiently Life's grander liberty With thee, with thee. 61 A little maiden's Eyes so bright, Unto my heart Brought new delight. A little maiden's Charming ways, Led hope a chase For many days. The little maiden Ran away, But hope pursues her Every day. Co a Rose, red rose, new born Of life's rich red'ning blood, Why liv'st thou not a day Beyond the flowing flood Of this fair day in which Thou art supreme? Rose, red rose, new born Of life's sweet morning dew, Live thou love's morrow-day With me, then through An endless sleep With thee I'll dream. Hear Greeting May God's rich gift content Abide with you, Each hour of every day, The whole year through. "Bon Voyage," God bless you,- Safe return; These wishes go to thee In loving thought, as sails the ship, Across the bay, across the sea. Bright is the day and fair, And sweet life's roundelay, Hope is one blissful dream, For Love is Queen to-day, Is Queen to-day. Oh, drear the day and cold, Whilst Love of yesterday Lies dead within my heart And Hope hath fled away, Hath fled away. 66 2DUO Two voices blend in melody a song So sweet heaven seemeth near; One singer's eyes are filled with smiles Whilst in the other's dwells a tear. Thus in life's wondrous song (That endless caroling of years), Who knows when smiles are sorrow- born, Who knows when joy finds birth in tears? ilofce'g To live one's day, And find the hours In which to cull Love's sweetest flowers, Is life. To live one's day, And never find One flower, or know Love's heart is kind, Is death. Co a May happy hours And sweetest flowers Be strewn along Life's way for thee, Unceasingly. And may the light Of love burn bright, As God's own stars, Which shine for thee, Unchangingly. Coo oon! The song of a bird At eve to its mate ; The kisses of youth At the wicker gate; The life of a rose, A lullaby tune; Ah, the end of it all Cometh too soon. a Only a rose upon whose Bosom gently lies The mirror'd loveliness Of thine enchanting eyes. Only a rose, yet dies In blissful ecstacy, Singing love's sweetest song, Dear heart, to you, to me. of fate Oh, world of fate Within a fateful world; Day crowns a king, Yet night hath hurled His throne of hope In fragments down, Ere day anew Another king doth crown !