Part 1 (2/2)
The mother loved them years ago; Beside the fence they used to grow, And though the garden changed each year And certain blooms would disappear To give their places in the ground To something new that mother found, Some pretty bloom or rosebush rare-- The hollyhocks were always there.
It seems but yesterday to me She led me down the yard to see The first tall spires, with bloom aflame, And taught me to p.r.o.nounce their name.
And year by year I watched them grow, The first flowers I had come to know.
And with the mother dear I'd yearn To see the hollyhocks return.
The garden of my boyhood days With hollyhocks was kept ablaze; In all my recollections they In friendly columns nod and sway; And when to-day their blooms I see, Always the mother smiles at me; The mind's bright chambers, life unlocks Each summer with the hollyhocks.
Sacrifice
When he has more than he can eat To feed a stranger's not a feat.
When he has more than he can spend It isn't hard to give or lend.
Who gives but what he'll never miss Will never know what giving is.
He'll win few praises from his Lord Who does but what he can afford.
The widow's mite to heaven went Because real sacrifice it meant.
Reward
Don't want medals on my breast, Don't want all the glory, I'm not worrying greatly lest The world won't hear my story.
A chance to dream beside a stream Where fish are biting free; A day or two, 'neath skies of blue, Is joy enough for me.
I do not ask a h.o.a.rd of gold, Nor treasures rich and rare; I don't want all the joys to hold; I only want a share.
Just now and then, away from men And all their haunts of pride, If I can steal, with rod and reel, I will be satisfied.
I'll gladly work my way through life; I would not always play; I only ask to quit the strife For an occasional day.
If I can sneak from toil a week To chum with stream and tree, I'll fish away and smiling say That life's been good to me.
See It Through
When you're up against a trouble, Meet it squarely, face to face; Lift your chin and set your shoulders, Plant your feet and take a brace.
When it's vain to try to dodge it, Do the best that you can do; You may fail, but you may conquer, See it through!
Black may be the clouds about you And your future may seem grim, But don't let your nerve desert you; Keep yourself in fighting trim.
If the worst is bound to happen, Spite of all that you can do, Running from it will not save you, See it through!
Even hope may seem but futile, When with troubles you're beset, But remember you are facing Just what other men have met.
You may fail, but fall still fighting; Don't give up, whate'er you do; Eyes front, head high to the finish.
See it through!
<script>