A curious thing, but a fact all the same, some friends of mine (never mind what name) thought of nothing and talked of naught but a William and Mary chair they'd bought. And also a table, a tallboy, a chest, with which they had furnished the room for a guest. Whenever I visited just for a span, 'twas "William and Mary" or good "Queen Anne." 'Twas "Heppelwhite" this and "Chippendale" that. I soon had the periods learnt off pat. They looked at a leg, "Cup-turned," they said, and bade me observe their Sheraton bed. But now all's changed, and the reason's this. There's a little curved leg they love to kiss; there's a dimpled arm so smooth and white, its graceful contour gives delight. And as for the chest, it gives much joy. Says Daddy, "Just look at this fine tall boy!" Of Seventeenth Century they don't speak. Everything dates from just last week. For period furniture lost its hold—since they have acquired a One-Week-Old.
THE BEAUTY SPECIALIST
A lotion, madam, for your eyes? Oh, certainly, come this way, please. You'll use this one if you are wise. Its chief ingredients are these: Ten drops of rain, ten drops of dew, a most refreshing, cooling brew, mixed by a scented breeze. And next? A face cream? Come this way. Now, here is one I recommend. It can work wonders in a day, yet quite an inexpensive blend. One ounce of laughter, smiles and twinkles. 'Tis guaranteed to smooth out wrinkles. I thank you, madam. Take or send? For jaded nerves? A recipe? I've this that all my clients heed. A draught of wholesome sympathy for someone else's urgent need; forgetfulness of your own cares by thinking of world brotherhood—though you may find a few grey hairs you'll also find that life is good. Good morning, madam. This way, please. No, naught to pay for things like these.
THE FIRST BIRTHDAY
It's all as strange as it can be, and Baby wonders, silently. Mother hugs him even more than she ever did before. Father has such boisterous ways, bellows words of petting praise, flings him high into the air. "Oh!" shrieks mother, "do take care." 'Tis four o'clock, he's been to sleep and yet he's not allowed to creep; not allowed the happiness of sucking bits of his clean dress. He has to sit in his high chair and let a lot of people stare. They bring him things to touch and squeeze, and sister plagues him to say "please." Then someone cries, "Now, Baby, look! Here is a lovely picture book." And someone else says, "Here's a bunny, a soft, white woolly one, for Sonny." He's feeling bored. He thinks he'll cry. Just then he catches mother's eye. She lifts him up, oh! pretty sight, a little candle burning bright! And Mummie whispers in his ear, "It's your first birthday, precious dear."
FOR THAT WHICH IS COMMON
"For that which is common, be praised, O Lord!" For sun and the tang in the morning air. For mist and the grey of a soothing sky. For night and the stars within her hair. For work and the joy in the will to try. For love and its binding silken cord—for that which is common, be praised, O Lord! For hands and their clasp of friend with friend. For clever fingers that mould and make; for home and its rest at the day's long end, for Peace that the thirsty soul doth slake, for china and flowers and homely board—for that which is common, be praised, O Lord. For laughter of children absorbed in play, for laughter of adults whose hearts are young, for the hillocks and valleys of life's short day, for gift of speech and the gentle tongue, for love of service, its own reward—for that which is common, be praised, O Lord.
SPRING CLEANING
Sing a song of Spring-cleaning! Polish up the mind, open all the windows, pull up every blind; let in shafts of sunshine, cleansing breezes, too; sweep away all cobwebs—that's the thing to do. Bathe the eyes in gladness, look at sky and earth. Fill the lungs with laughter, magic's worked by mirth. Sweep out every corner, free the heart from dust; intolerance and prejudice are nasty types of rust! Key the slackened heart-strings, ready for a tune. Love will be in need of them, lilac time is soon. When the mind is polished, when the heart is clean, what a charming person will step upon the scene!