Page:Near nature's heart; a volume of verse (IA nearnaturesheart00jack).pdf/111



The dreaming lad saw life as intricate, And learned to solve and sing in buoyant youth; For fallen ones, was filled with tender ruth, For all he pondered deeply, soon and late; A gentle friend and wise, fraternal mate, Who darkness saw where light should be and truth, Despite the ways of thief, and heartless sleuth— A prophet bold to plan and then create.

Immortal bard, far seeing, earnest man, Who knew the height and depth of Heaven's plan, To turn our feeble wail to sweetest tone— Thy "Opportunity" thou didst employ To animate and lead with rhythmic joy, Thy friends and fellows up to Heaven's throne.