Page:Near nature's heart; a volume of verse (IA nearnaturesheart00jack).pdf/103



While face to face with him I plainly feel A something in my heart and open mind That prompts an eager search, perchance to find The unknown source of such a strong appeal. A rip'ning fruit, I ask, of earth's ideal? Or full blown rose, to all its beauty blind? Or tree of life within the mad mart's grind— Oh what o'er me in power doth sweetly steal?

In truth his inmost soul is full of light, A shining constant from afar, yet bright, An humble, potent life not his nor man's, Increasing gently through his crowning years, And freeing him from all the sinner's fears— Ah yes, he's one of God's unthwarted plans.

ERWIN HOLT

In life's highway I meet all sorts of men, The loud-mouthed man or human thunderbolt; Then smiles on me a man of head and heart, A gentle, noble soul like Erwin Holt.

Another man is ever in a rut, To self and all a weary, lifeless dolt; Like showers then to thirsty famished earth Are spirit life and deeds of Erwin Holt.

Still other men are working hard for pelf, And passing give your peaceful heart a jolt; What joy to turn away from men like these, And feel the healing balm of Erwin Holt.

Oh for more men who're full of highest life, Who 'gainst all vileness join in strong revolt, With mind to think and hand to ever bless Their fellowmen like happy Erwin Holt.

JUST AN INTRODUCTION

Allow me please, to present to you A queenly girl and a cockatoo— Sweet Agnes she, and her name means "chase," And the bird, in truth, has native grace.

When captured by their mystic spell, Which charms me most I cannot tell; For beauty and goodness at heart are one— All hail to "Billy" and Miss Cameron!

Photo by the Author.