The Project Gutenberg EBook of Poems, by Henry Reed Conant This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license Title: Poems Author: Henry Reed Conant Release Date: May 1, 2016 [EBook #51904] Language: English Character set encoding: UTF-8 *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK POEMS *** Produced by Larry B. Harrison, Charlie Howard, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive) POEMS ——BY—— HENRY REED CONANT. “’Tis pleasure, sure, to see one’s name in print: A book’s a book, although there’s nothing in’t.” —Byron. 1893. The Sun Publishing Co., Kaukauna, Wis. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1893 By Henry Reed Conant, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. To My Brother, Carlos Everett Conant, A. B., Now Professor of Languages in the Chaddock College, Ill., and formerly Professor in the State University, of Minnesota, This Book of Poems is Affectionately Inscribed. CONTENTS. Telulah Spring, Frontispiece Inscription, 5 Introduction, 11 Life, 17 Dream of a Fairy, 18 Together, 20 Be Not Discouraged, 21 Forest Delights, 22 Parting, 23 Song, 24 God’s Love, 25 Dreams, 26 Lines on Life, 28 Where are the Hearts we Cherished So? 29 Contentment, 31 The Telulah Spring, 33 Daybreak, 36 To a Brown Thrush, 37 Hope, 38 The Angel of Home, 39 To My Sister, 40 Woman, 40 The Fox River, 41 A Little Grave, 42 Autumn Days, 43 In Heaven, 44 Idleness, 46 The River, 47 The Crown of Fame, 49 Elegy on the Death of Hon. C. B. Clark, 52 A Reverie, 53 Opportunity, 56 Lines Written on Hearing a Gentleman remark: “God Bless Dear Woman.” 57 My Lady Fair, 58 To a Firefly, 59 My Old New England Home, 60 A Lover’s Lament, 62 Faces That are Gone, 63 The True Way, 65 Pitcher or Jug, 66 Two Lives, 67 Meditation, 68 Tempus Fugit, 70 Gladness, 71 The Rainbow, 71 MISCELLANEOUS VERSES. The Dawn o’ Spring, 75 Zeeke Bullard’s Farm, 76 Uncle Nick, on Eddication, 80 Uncle Nick, on Gossipers, 82 The Art o’ Knowin’ How, 84 Mother’s Photograph, 86 Fifty Years, 88 A Maiden Wondrous Fair, 89 Wealth and Want, 92 Childhood, 93 The Lassie O’er the Way, 94 INTRODUCTION. Henry Reed Conant was born in Janesville, Wis., on the seventeenth day of February, 1872. When four years of age he removed to Vermont, the native state of his parents Henry Clay and Dora Evaline (Reed) Conant. Henry was educated in the public schools and at the Morrisville “People’s Academy,” Vermont, and in his fifteenth year returned to the west. He inherited from his New England ancestors a deep love of nature, and pronounced religious and moral strength, which tinge the whole body of his rhymes and poems. Like many poets in their juvenile days Mr. Conant’s first lines were simple and artless, and the world of critics can hardly assail him for penning his first rhymes in honor of his “first love,” thus: “Of all the lassies in the land That e’er I chanced to view, Methinks the fairest one I saw Had sparkling eyes of blue.” His first published poem appeared in a little story paper, February, 1890, at Belvidere, Ills. Nearly all of Mr. Conant’s poems were written in Wisconsin, his native state. The selected poems forming this volume reflect the young poet’s individuality to a sensible degree. The trend of his thoughts and genius is toward the more solemn and religious aspects of nature, and of human experience. He dwells in the forest’s shade, on the banks of rivers flowing through lea and woodland, by the grave of a little child, and wanders back to his old New England home—to the scenes of his childhood. Henry Reed Conant, like many other beginners in the literary arena, commits his poems to a critical public with the full consciousness of their poetical deficiencies. Criticism he must await, and gladly accept as the basis of that future development through which every poet must pass ere he attain that popular following that is the reward not only of genius, but of bitter disappointments. A. K. G. Appleton, Wis., Nov. 22, 1893. We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths; In feelings, not in figures on a dial. We should count time by heart-throbs. He most lives Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best. —Bailey. POEMS. LIFE. Life is a race in which all compete, Hastening onward with restless feet, Eagerly striving for some great prize That out in the hidden future lies: The sturdy youth with visions bright, The stalwart form of manhood’s might, And tottering age, are borne along In the mighty rush of the endless throng. Like the waves of the sea that forever roll ’Tis a livelong race to an unseen goal; But the prize is gained at the end of the strife, For it lies just beyond this earthly life, Where fears, tribulations and trials cease, In the golden realms of eternal peace. DREAM OF A FAIRY. When all the air was filled with song At morning’s early beam, In musing mood I strolled along Beside a placid stream. And as I roved the meadow sweet, What bade my heart rejoice? Was it the daisies at my feet? Nay, nor the songster’s voice. For glancing toward the crystal stream I spied a little child, Upon whose brow the morning beam, With all its beauty smiled: And on her cheek, so wondrous fair, I saw the ruddy glow,— Beheld her locks of flaxen hair Wave gently to and fro. Then with delight I nearer drew, But lo! here ends my theme; I waked—the fairy fled my view— ’Twas but a happy dream. TOGETHER. ’Neath an aged elm sat a loving pair, A long, long time ago— A youthful man and a maiden fair, With faces all aglow: The birds’ sweet notes in the boughs above And the balm of the sweet June weather Seemed to say, “’Tis the time for love,” As they chatted and laughed together. The years flew by—an aged pair, Sat by an old hearth-stone, With furrowed brows and hoary hair, Talking in feeble tone Of the happy days they used to know, When, in the gladsome weather, They wandered merrily to and fro, Talking of love together. And now the grass grows green on a pair Of graves, made side by side; Two hearts are lying in silence there, That once beat with joy and pride. They shared life’s triumphs, life’s defeats, Thro’ fair and stormy weather, And now they walk the golden streets Of Paradise—together. BE NOT DISCOURAGED. When the clouds hang darkly o’er thee, Be thou not discouraged: When the world looks drear before thee, Be thou not discouraged: Let thy heart be light and gay; Soon the clouds will pass away: ’Tis darkest just before the day; Be thou not discouraged. FOREST DELIGHTS. I love to stroll amid the silent wood Where naught is found to break the quietude, Except the woodland tenants, or the breeze Among the tender ferns and tow’ring trees. Here sports the timid hare in wanton glee, While may be heard from yonder chestnut tree The squirrel chirping to its mate near by, Which gaily answers with a prompt reply. Here many a brooklet ripples on its way, Here countless birds employ their sweetest lay, And here and there the startled otter springs, While oft a partridge hies on whirring wings. What are the palaces of kings and lords Compared with all that nature here affords? These forest charms are dearer to my heart Than all the pomp of royalty and art. PARTING. The deepest sorrow fills the heart To see our loved ones perish; But soon or late we all must part With those we fondly cherish. The tie must break with friend and friend: The true and noble-hearted Must one day reach their journey’s end, To join the dear departed. Why mourn we, then, for those who cross The intervening river? Although to us a heavy loss, To them is joy forever. SONG. Not always the prettiest flowers Fill the air with the sweetest perfume; And not always the sweetest singer Is the bird with the fairest plume. But the sweetness surpassing all other, And the richest and tenderest strain, Rise out of the bosom that knoweth The feelings of love and pain. GOD’S LOVE. I know where’er my feet may be, Tho’ prone to stray, His watchful eye is over me Both night and day. And tho’ ofttimes this heart has erred ’Mid worldly cares, I know His pard’ning ear has heard My humble prayers. At all times, e’en when I have failed To do His will, His love has in my heart prevailed— And guides me still. DREAMS. What cloudless scenes of wonder and delight Come to us in the silent realms of night; Loved ones we meet, that long have been at rest, We grasp their hands and clasp them to our breast, Talk with them of the happy days gone by, With not a pang of sorrow nor a sigh: And everything around looks wondrous fair, Sweet flowers of richest hue bloom here and there; On either hand we see unnumbered throngs Of white-robed angels, wafting joyful songs: And seeing thus, continued glories rise.— Our souls are ’rapt in endless Paradise. But mingled voices touch the sleeper’s ear. And lo! how swift the bright scenes disappear! The morning light beams through the window pane— The dream has fled and day returned again. LINES ON LIFE. With all the cares and toils that here abound, And e’en deep seas of grief which men must ford— To him whose guardian is th’ Omnipotent, Life is a source of everlasting joy! This world at most is but an anteroom, Where souls prepare to take their joyous flight To Heaven’s eternal mansions. Thus the while We here remain, is it not meet that we Should wear the garb of truth and righteousness? WHERE ARE THE HEARTS WE CHERISHED SO? Where are the hearts we cherished so, Who’ve left this earthly main, And gone from kindred circles dear, Ne’er to return again? Where gone those aged silvery locks? That sturdy youthful brow? Alas! no sound comes from the grave, Where they’re reposing now! When troubles here our paths beset. When cares and woes assail, We often think of those at rest Within that happy Vale; And tho’ we cannot wish them back In this sad world of pain— O! how we long to catch a glimpse Of their dear forms again! But just beyond the stream which glides Between that Land and ours— Where fairer fields are all adorned With never-fading flow’rs, And brighter suns forever shine Throughout the golden spheres, We’ll dwell with those who’ve left us here, Through never-ending years. CONTENTMENT. The isle of contentment we view from afar, And it dazzles our eyes like a beautiful star; A region which thousands gaze wistfully at, And would dwell there, if ’twasn’t for this or for that. The lord in his palace, the cotter obscure, The high and the lowly, the rich and the poor, Are all discontented whate’er be the case, Because they are not in some other man’s place. In youth, how we long for mature years of men; In age, how we sigh for our childhood again; Wherever our station, whate’er be our lot, We miss countless blessings for joys we have not. Thus, ever thro’ life, from our earliest prime, We look and we long for some happier clime, Until the bright portals of Paradise ope, And we soar away home on the pinions of hope. THE TELULAH SPRING. A LIVING SPRING OF COOL, CLEAR WATER, ON THE BANKS OF THE FOX RIVER, APPLETON, WIS.: SAID TO HAVE BEEN FIRST DISCOVERED BY, AND NAMED AFTER, A BEAUTIFUL INDIAN GIRL BY THE NAME OF “ TELULAH” who, many years ago, lived near the spot. I’ve heard it told, that many years ago, When here deep groves stood in their majesty, Ere they had felt the white man’s fatal stroke, And peace and happiness breathed over all,— That near this spring an Indian maiden dwelt. Most beautiful was she, so runs the tale, With tresses like the darkest raven’s coat, And eyes to match their hue. Her lips, ’tis said, Surpassed the reddest berries on the hill; And the bright glow which rested on her cheek Was like the morning beam, or like the rays Of eve, that ling’ring, paint the western sky. Such was the one, ’tis said, who first beheld This living stream of water, cool and clear, Uprising from the bosom of the earth. Here many a traveler on his weary way ’Mid summer’s heat, retires to cool his brow, And freely drink the ever crystal tide. And men oppressed with city care and strife, Stroll hither when the toils of day are o’er; Or when the weary week draws to a close, Upon that day when all men cease their toils, Approach this calm retreat to meditate On nature’s wonders and the Mighty One By Whom all things were formed and still exist. And happy lovers strolling hand in hand Amid these pleasant bowers, pause to behold This sparkling fount forever gushing forth, And linger ’round this scene of beauty, which Still bears the name of that sweet Indian girl. DAYBREAK. We behold the bright joys of another day’s dawn, As time swiftly flies “like a bird on the wing;” Let’s improve every moment, now, ere it has gone, For no one can tell what the next one may bring. Our hopes of the future we never may see; Our days that are past we can never redeem; But to-day every heart, love and joy may impart, Which surpasses the sun’s most radiant beam. TO A BROWN THRUSH, On finding its nest and young. O little thrush, what gives thee such alarm? Pray fear thee not, nor think that I am come To injure or disturb thy happy home; Thy little ones so sweet I ne’er would harm. Thy love, like all true parents’ love, is strong— At all times anxious for thy young so dear; But put away now ev’ry needless fear, And once again resume thy happy song. Sweet bird, I wish thee never-ceasing cheer! Who, with devoted love and tender care, Look’st on thy nestlings now so young and fair. May never cruel enemy come near, Led by blood-thirsty instincts, to destroy Thy little home—now filled with peace and joy. HOPE. Ne’er lose thy courage, tho’ dark seems the strife; The blackest night dies with the golden dawn: Let not thy hope cease while there still is life, For Hope is what the world is living on! THE ANGEL OF HOME. What visions of happiness often steal o’er me, As back to my childhood in fancy I roam; And the picture that mem’ry paints brightest before me, Is mother, dear mother,—the angel of home. No love’s like a mother’s, so true and so tender, No love’s so enduring ’neath heaven’s broad dome; And not all earth’s wealth with its pomp and its splendor, Could steal my affection from mother and home. TO MY SISTER. May still thy deeds of innocence, Like stars of heaven, shine; And thou retain thy purity, Till Heaven itself is thine! WOMAN. The fairest flower that all our path adorns, The loveliest rose amidst the cruel thorns, The brightest star that shines in man’s abode, The sweetest gift that Heaven e’er bestowed! THE FOX RIVER. O beautiful river, How gently among The fields and the forests Thou glidest along! ’Mid thy pleasant valleys And cool shady bow’rs, Grow tall fragrant grasses And bright blooming flow’rs. By day o’er thy waters The sun beameth bright, And stars ever twinkle Above thee by night. And never complaining Thou flowest along ’Mid nature’s wide province With laughter and song: Content with thy mission In nature’s great plan; And such is thy lesson Thou teachest to man. A LITTLE GRAVE. Sweetly sing, ye little songsters; Smile, ye happy skies; Softly blow, ye wanton breezes— Here an infant lies! Brightly bloom, ye tinted flowers, Wafting sweet perfume; Gently fall, ye summer showers, On this little tomb. AUTUMN DAYS. The summer joys are fleeting fast From forest, field and glen, And soon shall winter’s piercing blast Sweep o’er the earth again. How lovely were the bright spring flow’rs, That decked the landscape o’er; But now we see, on fields and bow’rs, Their dainty forms no more. The leaves are falling in the wind, From many a lofty height, And birds are calling to their kind, Upon their farewell flight. But still, how cheering is the thought, When other joys have flown; That the little snow-bird leaves us not, But chirps till winter’s gone. IN HEAVEN. One pleasant day in June a little thrush Lit on a bough close by my window pane, And as the streams from living fountains gush, Poured forth its sweetest strain. My heart then felt released from every care, And seemed to rise toward Heaven’s enchanted zone, When soon the music ceased, and looking there, I saw the bird had flown. And then the thought came to me of the one Who left me when so youthful and so fair, Who in the light of Heaven’s unsetting sun Lives with the angels there. I little thought, ere those sweet smiles were gone, That she so soon must heed the angel’s call; But all the way He led her safely on Who marks the sparrow’s fall. And some day, when life’s billows cease to roar, And here no more my weary feet shall roam, Our souls shall be conjoined forevermore In Heaven’s eternal home. IDLENESS. Make some good use of ev’ry space of time, In idleness are sown the seeds of crime; Man’s erring mind, allured by passions strong, Begins pursuing here the path of wrong; And heedless of the peril just ahead, Step after step proceeds with fearless tread, Till ruin comes with overwhelming power— The bitter fate of many an idle hour! THE RIVER. Out from the shady woodland, With song and laughter free; Down from the sunny hillside, And over the flow’ry lea, Floweth the restless river, On its journey to the sea. Over the silvery pebbles, Sparkling like morning dew, Whether in light or darkness, Doth ever its course pursue, Till it gains the mighty ocean With waters vast and blue. And thus are WE traveling onward,— ’Tis Hope by which we’re borne, And our hearts beat with triumphant gladness, As we dream of some brighter dawn With sights that are nobler and grander, And we journey on and on. And up from the earth’s dark bosom, Like the homeward flight of a dove, On Hope’s majestic pinions We soar to the realms above, To lave forever and ever, In the sea of Eternal Love. THE CROWN OF FAME. What toils and hardships oft confront man’s sight, When first ascending fame’s immortal height: What cares, vexations, worriments prevail, What deep-laid plans, repeated efforts, fail; Yet who would dwell in hermit den, obscure, To shun the toils that hero-gods endure! Bestir thyself, O man, for soon—too soon, As youth recedes, shall fade life’s golden noon! If thou wouldst make thyself undying name, Direct thy efforts to one worthy aim; Let each exertion then be wrought with zeal, Nor faint if woe come where thou look’st for weal; But toil thou on, nor fear the world’s dark frown, Till firm upon the summit of renown. Whatever good, perchance, thy toils, may greet, Lose not thyself in folly’s vain conceit: False pride to lowest degradation tends— It leads to vice and vice to crime descends; As tiny rills, that from the mountain flow, Pursue their course to larger streams below, Till seas are joined where mighty billows roll, So pride goes onward till it wrecks the soul; Thus by degrees the downward course begins, And greatest evils rise from little sins. Nor seek thy fame ’mid pompous scenes of art, Where vice and folly oft inure the heart: ’Tis Right eternal kindles honor’s flame, And crowns Man’s efforts with immortal Fame. ELEGY, On the death of Hon. C. B. Clark, member of Congress from 1887 to 1891, for Wisconsin district No. 6, (now No. 8.) Died Sept. 10th, 1891. Well may the throngs in countless numbers weep, Bereft of such a great and noble man, For brilliant was the course of life he ran, But now he lies in everlasting sleep. He lived a life exempt from selfish pride; He never turned a stranger from his door; He ne’er refused to aid the needful poor; He proved to youth a never-failing guide. Alas! we mourn, with aching in our breast And eyelids moistened with the burning tear, The loss of one, so generous and sincere, Now silent in his sweet and peaceful rest. A REVERIE.