: vv^' \ i\ 3 3MD D3b #f^ f;,'!^ ./^ IT T.f^ IL' [/ /' IP ^ _i^ ^ i -i^ Bj; tSaruf) M^i^^^f "PMpp^ THOUGHTS IN RHYME TMOUGMTS IN rmyme: t(il mm 'if B 7 Sarah ISAetcalf Phipps New York 1911 ^ i'^ M-^^ 'it" Copyright, 1911 By SARAH METCALF PHIPPS The MASON-HENRY Press Syracuse and New York Contents Page The Spider Weh . . . . i The Bird at My Window . . j Moonlight on the Sea , . . 4 The Patter of Rain ... 5 W itch-Hazel . . . . 6 The Ocean . .... 8 March Wind . . . .10 My Sweetheart's Bouquet . .11 My Daffodil 13 April 14 Jack-in-the-Pulpit . . . * l5 Sunlight . . . . > 17 Orchard House . . . • ^9 L«^>j|. 00 -j«- CONTENTS The Try sting Place . 21 The Tangle of the Trees • 24 The Water-Lily . . . . 26 The Meadows • 27 To Alice . . . . . 29 The Waning of Summer ' 31 Her Portrait . . . . ' 30 ^'The Eternal Feminine" . 34 Moonlight . 36 Jewels .... . 38 September Days . 41 The Autumn Leaf . 43 October . 45 Autumn Days . 47 December . ^p CONTENTS A Happy Christmas . 51 The Vigil of New Years Eve . . 54 Moods . 56 Sad Heart .... . 57 Cow -Bells .... . 5S Good-Bye . . . 59 Who Knows? . di Look Within . ^2 Dedicated to ONE I LOVE A. G. K. THOUGHTS The Spider Web The spider weaves, from hour to hour, An exquisite web by an occult power; 'Neath a shady tree on a summer day I watch with wonder its mystic way. The lines intersect and form a part Of a cryptic plan, a work of art. Which fills the mind with admira- tion For a dainty, a fair, a deep crea- tion. Each thread in the web so skilfully wrought. With hidden purpose and meaning is fraught, The filmy texture, the fragile line, Unite and form a mystic sign. One THOUGHTS Ah! could we but weave a life so fine Where beauty is traced in every line And e'en in our tears reflect the light That shines in dew on the web so bright. Like the spider we weave the web of fate 'Tis well to know, though we learn it late, The glory or shame of life we spin From the Power, the Will, the Spirit within. Two THOUGHTS The Bird at My Window The sweetest bird I ever heard Sang at my window to-day A tender roundelay. On what he said After he fled I pondered deep and long: ^Twas a sweet and plaintive song. Thr THOUGHTS Moonlight on the Sea When o'er thy face the mobile moonbeams play The light of thy smile enchanting leads the way Into the rapture, the delight Of the silent, of the mysterious night. . . . In the murmur of thy voice there is a luring stress That soothes and wraps the soul in tenderest caress, And as thou creepest near and nearer unto me. It is as though with yearning arms, oh! sighing sea, Thou would' st my form enfold in passionate embrace. And all my being in thy charm enlace . . . . The spirit of love and night is whispering to vie Of the weird and mystic beauty of moonlight on the sea. Four THOUGHTS The Patter of Rain I love the patter of rain. Of rain upon the roof; It soothes away dull pain And holds tired thought aloof. I feel a deep content, The heart revives again — With musings sweet is blent The sound of pattering rain. Five THOUGHTS Witch-Hazel The witch-hazel broods in the au- tumn woods In a flood of sunshine mellow, Its branches forked with magic are fraught And tufted with flowers of yellow. Its leaves of green and reddish brown Upon the moist earth lie, But the subtle fragrance of the flower Is wafted to the sky. The witch-hazel thus, methought, it tells By its fine divining-rod Of the secret mystery of life In the wondrous plan of God. six THOUGHTS The human form of earthly mould When it has served its day Like the fallen leaves returns to the sod In its own appointed way — But the essence rare, invisible. On its upward course is bent And the spirit of man ascends to God Like the flowe/s bewildering scent. Seven THOUGHTS The Ocean Words cannot paint the ocean blue With its shifting tints of tur- quoise hue, Sparkling here in the sunshine bright A sheet of shimmering, blinding light, While there, a stretch of darker shade Lies like a plain of dark green jade; Yet farther, a line of mist so thin A passing ship is traced therein. Sailing o^er deeps where the bil- lows roll Like passions that surge in man's wild soul. Eight THOUGHTS Turbulent, ceaseless, the sea^s un- rest Echoes deep down in the human breast. But beyond? beyond? in vain peers the eye, Beyond is the realm where mys- teries lie — Sailing through space so immeas- urably vast Into the Infinite Ocean at last. Nine THOUGHTS March Wind O! for the su'eet JMarch wind of the Southland/ There to forget the region of snows, Careless how fiercely the ^ orth wind blows, Riots and swirls o'er ice-bound floes. .. . 0/ for the balmy breeze of the Southland! In swaying pine-tops softly sigh- ing, Tenderly whispering of love un- dying, The soul in wistful sadness re- plying, In the dreamy, love-laden air of the Southland! Ten THOUGHTS My Sweetheart's Bouquet Sweet eyes as deep as gentian blue Whose depths the soul burns brightly through JJhere dicelleth a love both deep and true. Sweet lips as rich carnations red TJiat breathe the tender •words once said — Kiss, that from memWy ne'er has fled. Soft silky threads of streaming hair JVooing the breeze of the balmy air Like the flower of the ribbon grass flaxen fair. Eleven THOUGHTS The mind of a lily, the heart of a rose, Pansies the thought as it comes and goes Warming the cheek as it softly glows. Sweeter far and of fairer hue Is a flower that never in garden grew — I can not name it, but dear — ^tis you! Whatever betides or come what may, Sweetheart, for you Fve made the bouquet, A tribute of love forever and aye. Twelve THOUGHTS My Daffodil My precious flower! my daffodil! The pretty flower thou gavest me! With sweet and loving thoughts of thee My heart and pulses thrill. O! how much more it means to me! So commonplace in others' eyes — To me, a dear and cherished prize, Because, my love, it tells of thee. The token of a happy hour Is my dear golden daffodil. Its chalices pure love distil, As with a kiss I press my flower. Thirteen THOUGHTS April ApriVs child is of sunshine and showers — (O! the caprice of happy hours!) A moment of pleasure, Joy without measure, All the world gleams Sun-flooded with beams — Then comes the rush of blinding rain And only the darkening clouds re- main! Life is not always tears and wiles. Life has its share of beams and smiles; Joys flit fast, Showers do not last. Clouds break away, Behold! the sun^s ray — Buoying with hope — banishing fears The beautiful rainbow of promise appears. Fourteen THOUGHTS Jack'in-the-Pulpit J ack-in-the-Pulpit appears to-day And proclaims to all who come his way A sermon of love, a message of spring, Which Jack and all his compan- ions bring — Spring Beauty, Orchis, Anemone- Rue, Blushing Rhodora and Violet blue. And gay Wake Robin, while Ad- der's Tongue tells The tidings of spring: the glad note swells In throat of bird and song of brook Which hums and ripples through shady nook. Fifteen THOUGHTS All proclaim the season and hour Of joy and life for bird and flower. There in the midst of this multi- tude In quiet and placid dignity stood Jack-in-the-Pulpit — list! did he say In the promise of Spring would dawn a day Of hearfs delight and desire- come-true? I cannot believe it at all — Can you? Sixteen THOUGHTS Sunlight The day was gray, the sky was overcast, Trees, flowers, all forms in som- ber hue Stood forth as though by a cruel blast Blighted; but lo! heaven s o^vn kind blue Through a cloud-rift glimpsed — and then, at last! The splendor and glory of the sun broke through. . . . Alas, it brought deep shadows too! O wondrous Nature! by a law di- vine Sunlight and shadows make the perfect days; Seventeen THOUGHTS What radiant beauty when the sunbeams shine Through raindrops! when the sun^s bright rays The darkest cloud with silver line. Sunlight or shadows — heart- riven, astray, Nature reveals the perfect way. Eighteen THOUGHTS Orchard House The Home of Louisa M, Alcott At foot of the fragrant pine-wood hill There stands the little brown cot- tage still Where dwelt Louisa in days of yore, Louisa who penned enchanting lore. I walked the path her feet had trod Where wild flowers bloom in the verdant sod; I peered intent through the win- dow-pane And saw in fancy her form again Sitting serene in the ingle-nook, Where, mayhap, she wrote that book Which charmed the hearts of happy youth. Inspiring them all with love and truth. Nineteen THOUGHTS As my face pressed hard against the glass A waking dream there came to pass Of ''Little Women'' and ''Little Men''— God bless them all is my prayer: Amen! Twenty THOUGHTS The Trysting Place With folded arms that rest on the railing Of an old snake fence which bor- ders the woody Bathed in the sunlight of day thafs waning The tall lithe form of a maiden stood. A fair fresh flower, a child of na- ture, Of rustic strength and lovely mien, Part of the freshness and fragrance around her, With beauty and grace that are rarely seen. Twenty-one THOUGHTS The molded chin on the arm is resting, The soft brown hair is caressed by the breeze, The fawn-like eyes are dreamily gazing — / wonder what charm in the air she sees! Is the young heart wakened to lovers quick throbbing? Does it feel the flutter of love's unrest? Ah! who can divine the secret pon- dering, The sweet dream hid in the pure young breast? Twenty-two THOUGHTS In the wood that broods in a per- fect stillness, Her ear expectant a sound has heard, With joy and a keen delight she listens To the notes of a wild and war- bling bird. But hark! the tread of a footstep is n earing — The secret flames in her radiant face — As her form in the arms of a youth^s enfolded The kiss is claimed at the try st- ing place. Twenty-three THOUGHTS The Tangle of the Trees I lie and look through the tangle, The tangle of swaying trees, I watch the shimmering spangle Of sunlight on the leas. The stately elm and the willow Cast a cool and spreading shade And the green grass for a pillow Titania^s couch has made. Where branches interlace And sunbeams filter through I seem to see thy face And believe the vision true. Bits of deep blue skies Through half closed eyes I see And I fancy those dear eyes Are looking down on me. Twenty-four THOUGHTS Here and there meanwhile Are gleams of dancing light That are like the radiant smile That fills me with delight. I watch the flickering shadows That all around me play And through my memory flows Sweet thought of a bygone day; Through the boughs light breezes steal And my cheek is softly fanned, With ecstacy I feel The caress of thy dear hand. Thy presence fills the air. . . . Hark, how the wild bird trills — 'Tis thy voice soundeth there And all my being thrills! 01 is the vision true Or is it only seeming? Doth my heart but picture you? And am I only dreaming? Tvjenty.five THOUGHTS The Water-Lily The lily hideth fold in fold Of petals pure a heart of gold; What sweetness in her breast con- cealed! What loveliness to be revealed By the magic touch of the sun's bright ray, By the warm embrace of the God of Day! Like love that's hid, not yet exprest, Nor yet awake in the maiden's breast — But love's sweet pledge shall be fulfilled And her heart of love be stirred and thrilled, Yes, steeped in a golden rapturous bliss By the mystic power of a lover's kiss. Twenty-six THOUGHTS The Meadows Beautiful meadows with ricks of hay! Sight of you carries me far away Into a land of enchanting dreams Caroling birds and the hum of streams, Gazing and wondering with wist- ful eyes, Longing, perchance, for a glad surprise! Blossom of hope and of hearfs desires, Land of delight where one never tires! Moving in cycles, O restless soul, Can you ever attain that happy goal? Or is fate like words which, alas! suggest Only the shadow of all that's best. Twenty-seven THOUGHTS Wandering heart, come back — do not stray — For here and now we^ll have our play Roving in meadows with ricks of hay. Twenty-eight THOUGHTS To Alice On Her Thirteenth Birthday Just thirteen happy years ago When the earth was white with its cover of snow And the air was filled with ringing chime Of the blessed, joyful, Christmas time — ■ Into the world came a baby child With eyes like stars, yet blue and mild. Then grew she into a little maid And all that ever can well be said Could never tell of the bonny grace That shone in that dear and dainty face. Now time has led with loving hand Through childhood^s sunny fairy- land Tvjent\-nine THOUGHTS That little maiden pure and good Into the realm of womanhood. A tender message wings its way To wish all joy to her glad birth- day. Adieu, dear child, for now ^tis mete — The winsome little woman to greet. Thirty THOUGHTS The Waning of Summer Now that summer is on the wane The smooth false foxglove blooms again; The flowers of the blazing star ap- pear And I feel that autumn is very near. How brief the days of August grow, How quickly they glide into sunset glow! The breath of summer lingers still, Howbeit the twilight air is chill. We've come, alas! to the parting ways. Adieu must bid to summer days. From, their beauty and pleasure as loth to part As lover true from fair sweetheart. Thirty-one THOUGHTS But lovers bright spell and summer must pass Like shadows that flit and dance o' er the grass. With autumn leaves the grass is strewn, The rapture of summer is gone — so soon. Good-bye, sweet summer/ — be- hold, I see How the goldenrod leans upon the lea. The purple aster is waving there And I know that autumn is in the air. n)irty-two THOUGHTS Her Portrait Are you truly all you seem — A thing of beauty, a lovely dream? All that your face and form sug- gest Of inner beauty, the highest and best? A beauty of soul beyond compare Which has of love a bounteous share? Standing so straight, so gracefully posed. With a far-off look in the eyes half-closed, With a lurking smile as in dream half -glad Or in revery sweet though some- what sad . . . . Such beauty reveaV d in the mortal vfiold — Can spirit a form more divine un- fold? Thirty-three THOUGHTS 99 ''The Eternal Feminine The sea! the sea! the beautiful sea! She can both fair and treacherous be, She lures with her charm Concealing all harm — But beware! mayhap there is dan- ger for thee. The sea, like fair woman, is often capricious And though her embraces be soft and delicious And her radiant smile Doth sweetly beguile, ^Neath beauty enchanting lurk forces pernicious! Thirty-four THOUGHTS The Bird at My Window The sweetest bird I ever heard Sang at my window to-day A tender roundelay. On what he said After he fled I pondered deep and long: 'Twas a sweet and plaintive song. Three THOUGHTS Moonlight on the Sea When o^er thy face the mobile moonbeams play The light of thy smile enchanting leads the mmy Into the rapture, the delight Gf the silent, of the mysterious night. . . . In the murmur of thy voice there is a luring stress That soothes and wraps the soul in tenderest caress, And as thou creepest near and nearer unto me, It is as though with yearning arms, oh! sighing sea, Thou would' st my form enfold in passionate embrace. And all my being in thy charm enlace. . . . The spirit of love and night is whispering to me Of the weird and mystic beauty of moonlight on the sea. Four THOUGHTS The Patter of Rain I love the patter of rain, Of rain upon the roof; It soothes away dull pain And holds tired thought aloof. I feel a deep content, The heart revives again — With musings sweet is blent The sound of pattering rain. Five THOUGHTS Witch-Hazel The ■ivitch-hazel broods in the au- tumn woods In a flood of sunshine mellow, Its branches forked with magic are fraught And tufted with flowers of yellow. Its leaves of green and reddish brown Upon the moist earth lie, But the subtle fragrance of the flower Is wafted to the sky. The witch-hazel thus, methought, it tells By its fine divining-rod Of the secret mystery of life In the wondrous plan of God. Six THOUGHTS The human form of earthly mould When it has served its day Like the fallen leaves returns to the sod In its own appointed way — But the essence rare, invisible. On its upward course is bent And the spirit of man ascends to God Like the flower^s bewildWing scent. Seven THOUGHTS The Ocean Words cannot paint the ocean blue With its shifting tints of tur- quoise hue, Sparkling here in the sunshine bright A sheet of shimmering, blinding light. While there, a stretch of darker shade Lies like a plain of dark green jade; Yet farther, a line of mist so thin A passing ship is traced therein. Sailing o'er deeps where the bil- lows roll Like passions that surge in man's wild soul. EiKhi THOUGHTS Turbulent, ceaseless, the seas un- rest Echoes deep down in the human breast. But beyond? beyond? in vain peers the eye, Beyond is the realm where mys- teries lie — Sailing through space so immeas- urably vast Into the Infinite Ocean at last. Nine THOUGHTS March Wind O! for the sweet March wind of the Southland! There to forget the region of snows, Careless how fiercely the North wind blows, Riots and swirls o^er ice-bound floes. .. . Of for the balmy breeze of the Southland! In swaying pine-tops softly sigh- ing. Tenderly whispering of love un- dying. The soul in wistful sadness re- plying, In the dreamy, love-laden air of the Southland! Ten THOUGHTS My Sweetheart's Bouquet Sweet eyes as deep as gentian blue PVhose depths the soul burns brightly through Where dwelleth a love both deep and true. Sweet lips as rich carnations red Tihat breathe the tender words once said — KisSy that from memory ne^er has fled. Soft silky threads of streaming hair Wooing the breeze of the balmy air Like the flower of the ribbon grass flaxen fair. Eleven THOUGHTS The mind of a lily , the heart of a rose, Pansies the thought as it comes and goes Warming the cheek as it softly glows. Sweeter far and of fairer hue Is a flower that never in garden grew — / can not name it, but dear — ^tis you! Whatever betides or come what may, Sweetheart, for you Fve made the bouquet, A tribute of love forever and aye. Twelve THOUGHTS My Daffodil My precious flower! my daffodil! The pretty flower thou gavest me! With sweet and loving thoughts of thee My heart and pulses thrill, O! how much more it means to me! So commonplace in others^ eyes — To me, a dear and cherished prize, Because, my love, it tells of thee. The token of a happy hour Is my dear golden daffodil. Its chalices pure love distil, As with a kiss I press my flower. Thirteen THOUGHTS April April^s child is of sunshine and showers — (01 the caprice of happy hours!) A moment of pleasure, Joy without measure, All the world gleams Sun-flooded with beams — Then comes the rush of blinding rain And only the darkening clouds re- main! Life is not always tears and wiles, Life has its share of beams and smiles; Joys flit fast, Showers do not last. Clouds break away. Behold! the sun's ray — Buoying with hope — banishing fears The beautiful rainbow of promise appears. Fourteen THOUGHTS Jack'tn-the-Pulpit J ack-in-the-Pulpit appears to-day And proclaims to all who come his way A sermon of love, a message of spring, Which Jack and all his compan- ions bring — Spring Beauty, Orchis, Anemone- Rue, Blushing R ho dor a and Violet blue. And gay Wake Robin, while Ad- der's Tongue tells The tidings of spring: the glad note swells In throat of bird and song of brook Which hums and ripples through shady nook. Fifteen THOUGHTS All proclaim the season and hour Of joy and life for bird and flower. There in the midst of this multi- tude In quiet and placid dignity stood J ack-in-the-Pulpit — list! did he say In the promise of Spring would dawn a day Of hearfs delight and desire- come-true? I cannot believe it at all — Can you? Sixteen THOUGHTS Sunlight The day was gray, the sky was overcast, Trees, flowers, all forms in som- ber hue Stood forth as though by a cruel blast Blighted; but lo! heaven s own kind blue Through a cloud-rift glimpsed — and then, at last! The splendor and glory of the sun broke through. . . . Alas, it brought deep shadows too! O wondrous Nature! by a law di- vine Sunlight and shadows make the perfect days; Seventeen THOUGHTS What radiant beauty when the sunbeams shine Through raindrops! when the sun's bright rays The darkest cloud with silver line. Sunlight or shadows — heart- riven, astray, Nature reveals the perfect way. Eighteen THOUGHTS A Happy Christmas What means the joyous peal of bells? What wondrous story the chiming tells? 'Neath mistletoe, holly and Christ- mas green Does the heart the sacred lesson glean? In glad receiving and gladder giv- ing Is there really the spirit of love and of living? Mayhap in festivities gay and wild Is forgotten the tale of the dear Christ-child. His was the gift of sacrifice That would make of our world a paradise; Fifty-one THOUGHTS A Christmas tree in your heart let grow That will bear a love-token for all below, Some sacrifice made, some service given, Some good to others for which you have striven — This is the spirit, this is the gift. Whereby you may many a soul up- lift. Thus may the season of Christmas- tide Bring love and light that truly bide. Bring songs of praise and joyful sounds Which follow where heartfelt love abounds. Fifty -two THOUGHTS Bring ^^ peace, good will to man on earthl^ The air will then he filled with mirth, A Happy Christmas! will he found And echoed all the world around. Fifty -three THOUGHTS The Vigil of New Year's Eve When eer I think of thee, dear heart, Whose life went out in giving birth To that sweet image, thy counter- part . . . In the smile that breaks in dim- pled mirth O^er her face, so winsome and so fair. In eyes so tender, true and mild. In the sunlight of her rippling hair. In the face and form of thy own dear child Thou livest again: I seem to see In the flickering fire through blinding tear A vision, vivid and bright, of thee. And thy presence seems so near — so near! Fifty -four THOUGHTS Thus as my midnight vigil I keep Of the dying year, of the fading flame, I ponder on death^s mysterious sleep .... But hark! the pealing bells pro- claim A new horn child to Father Time! And a note of joy drives back * the tear: ^'Life is in deatK' sounds in the chime That ushers in — TS^ ew Y ear. Fifty five THOUGHTS Moods What means this sigh and sadness? One moment bright and gay — Then quickly flies all gladness To gloomy thoughts a prey. A sunbeam through the curtain Reflects elusive light, Its ray is most uncertain; Cloud-chased, it soon takes flight. Fifty-six THOUGHTS Sad Heart Oh sad and sorrowing heart, Why sit alone and apart? There is work in the world for you Which sadness unfits you to do. Life's suffering, turmoil and din Are wrought through selfish sin; There is so much self in sadness And sweet sacrifice often in gladness. Oh sad and hungry heart, How selfish and erring thou art! To lose one's life is to gain All the sweetness and love that remain. Only in following faster The sacred word of the Master, Service for others giving — This is the joy of living. Fifty-seven THOUGHTS Cow-Bells At eventide when e'er I hear The cow-bells tinkling far and near I fell the lure — the strange sweet spell Thafs wrought by the chime of the tinkling bell. With yearning is my spirit fraught, Tinged with sadness all my thought — Kyes tear-laden — and I weep While the shadows round me creep — • / feel the lure, the sweet, strange spell Wrought by the charm of a lowly bell. Fifty-eight THOUGHTS Good-Bye A good-bye sigh A tearful eye — The sun still shines but the world is drear; Alas, how void — thou art not here! The days were gay And sped away^ Too fleeting, too swift were the days of yore — The hours are now twice twenty- four. 'Tis sad to part. Oh lonely heart, Life was once radiant with joy and light, But now o' er all is darkest night. Fifty-nine THOUGHTS Behold! afar A beaming star That gleams with hope! for a while we part, But love abides for aye, dear heart! Sixty THOUGHTS Who Knows? What voice in my heart is calling Down the long vista of years Awaking a sadness and longing — The eyes all tears? A far-off echo of ages Of a life that's been lived be- fore: A book of unwritten pages, A blank — nothing more. Is the heart to its influence heir? The pain, the sorrow, the bliss. All the burden that now we bear . The key, now, to this? In future estate supernal Will spirit the secret disclose? Ah the mystery of life eternal! Whence — whither — who knows? Sixty-one THOUGHTS Look Within The light within us, nigh and nig her, JVill lead us upward high and higher: The light that lures us in the star We need not seek it from afar. Sixty-two TVi rMi crV> 4*ff T ■irt v»V> ■» f-m /;i illvJugfluo JL Xr.O iV!l91SSi ■tic THE UNIVERSITY OF CAUFORNIA UBRARY ?'-:<^? .^yi' ^-' '"V'' ^«»'