70
For there abide the harmonies of peace, and all the rare
Enchantments and repose of life's sweet dream-imposing rune.
And by the waters of the crystal brook, which tumbling surge
Adown their stony bed, there comes to me the rhythmic swing
Of plashing sea like far-off chimes of silver bells; the urge
Of rolling tide and waves; the golden-russet glistening
Of ocean's wide expanse; the Joyous shout of Wonder's call.
And all the charm of pent-up witcheries which so abound
In stream and sea, in fair cascades, and in the waterfall,
Which fashion symphonies supreme from riotings of sound.
'Tis there (O wondrous truth) as upward looks my eager ken
To search the rugged face of tow'ring crags, to scan the high
Encircling mountains, great and staunch--my soul feals glad that men
Nor cross my path, nor throw discordant thoughts into the sky
Of my content. My life is sweet, and peaceful are my days,
As hour by hour I sit within God's temple-close which He
Hath built for those who worship Him through Nature's songful praise,
And find themselves with Him in rapt accord and harmony.
'Tis there I strike from off my weary soul the binding thongs
Which so enthrall the freedom of life's joyous course; and there
Is joy I quaff the chalice sweet of Nature's gladsome songs
Which pulse and throb like life upon the unpolluted air;
'Tis there I feel no more like bent and shackled slave, no more
Like one fast bound, and sold to do a task for shining pelf.
But like a free, upstanding soul which may in peace adore
The God supreme of all--the kindred to my highest self.
Eugene D. Kuntz, D.D.
The Pool
Above ray head a leaf-lock'd sky.
A brown bowl sot beneath ray feet;
About my face pale ferns grow high.
And over all is silence sweet.
But Oh! sometimes in dreams I hear
A whisper, then a torrent's roar;
The shriek of wind, the belch of fear,
That I have known somewhere before!
Winifred Virginia Jordan
In the Editor's Study
The Proposed Authors' Union
It has been more than once remarked that there is an intangible bond of kinship betwixt the highest and the humblest elements of the community. Whilst the bourgeois complacently busy themselves with
