THE SUN FLOWER
’Tis the flower that looms and turns to pure gold,
Yes, the flower that loves, and is loved the best;
For it plans from the first—this is love’s true test—
To give forth its riches to young and to old.
It o’er reaches men high with its shining crest,
Yet never in climbing unduly bold—
’Tis the flower that looms and turns to pure gold,
Yes, the flower that loves, and is loved, the best.
The Gold Finches arrive as its petals unfold,
And the Cardinal’s joy is manifest,
As groom gives to bride the jolly behest
To feast on its wealth and in her heart to hold
The flower that looms and turns to pure gold,
Yes, the flower that loves, and is loved, the best.
COLONEL DIAMOND AND
GRAND-DAUGHTER
I would like to attain to my four score and two,
With a joy in my heart and with 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.