Page:Near nature's heart; a volume of verse (IA nearnaturesheart00jack).pdf/67



I would like to attain to my four score and two, With a joy in my heart andwith naught to efface, Could I dance, or could sing with an energy true, Could I lighten the load of the populace. I'd run out in the open for Nature's embrace, With a mind ever high, yet my feet on the sod; While my soul would be set to the music of grace, With the heart of a child and the gifts of a god.

Photograph taken when he was 82 years of age.

My pursuit would be learning the old and the new; And whenever I could I would Psyche's wings chase! I would speak of high art with my privileged few, And persuade men below to the nobler race; In the faith I'd rejoice that the world grows apace. I would skip on the mountain, or valley's dull clod, Having plenty and power, or only an ace, With the heart of a child and the gifts of a god.

I would rather, like Diamond, all the way through, Either poor, or unknown, or with glorious mace, Make somebody happy—ah, many and you! And the love of a child with my love interlace; Yes, content with my lot, and the righteous ukase. I would work and I'd play, but never more plod; A glad song in my heart, and a smile on my face, With the heart of a child and the gifts of a god.

Envoy

Here's to Diamond's health, to the grand-daughter's grace; They are under love's sway, which surpasses the rod; So united and happy in every place, With the heart of a child and the gifts of a god.