The years went by. They played the game, And soon amassed a hoard. The richest dainties skill could frame Were found upon their board. With choicest viands did they greet The great who chose to come, But never did they taste so sweet As that first meal at home. [The first letter of the poem’s title overlays an illustration of a house with a front porch.] The Umbrella Mender (1926) “Have you any umbrellas to mend?” He cries down the echoing street. He travels the town to its end-- The city of hurrying feet. Why so, when the broad heavens wear No cloud and no shadow of gray? Because, when the weather is fair, We must think of the rainy day. For the rainy season will come, As it has since the world began. And some will be ready, and some Will have left it out of their plan. When it comes, it is always too late To appeal to our patient old friend. We shall not hear his cry at the gate: “Have you any umbrellas to mend?” The Cross v1927 Luke 22:42. “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Upon some fateful hour and day Each comes to roads that cross. Blossoms and sunshine seems one way, The other care and loss. The spirit will be willing there To take the road that’s best. The flesh will weaken, and despair, And falter in the test. Somewhere along the life we live Each finds his Calvary. There with himself each one must strive, And win his victory. How blessed is the pathway trod When flesh ’neath spirit fails; When cross the ways of self and God, And God’s good way prevails. Cupid’s Lament (1927) The coal oil lamp is now no more, With flame to dimness fingered. A gleaming chandelier is o’er The spot where lovers lingered. Where all is bright they will not go. No one can change or doubt it. They want to sit where lights are low. What can I do about it? It was much easier for me In days that now are olden, When prying people could not see. Then all love’s dreams were golden. They sought a corner that the night Had curtained--you have seen them; But now the dusk-destroying light, Alas, has come between them. A Day at a Time (1927) A day at a time the world moves on; A day at a time is our toiling done; A day at a time do we have the dawn, And come to the setting of the sun; A day at a time our fate appears; A day at a time do we build the years. A day at a time is the only way; Whatever we do must be done to-day. A day at a time is lifetime sent; A day at a time we must be content. However distant our dream may glow, A day at a time is all we go. A day at a time the stones are brought, And life’s great mosaic grandly wrought. A day at a time--but when all are past We shall reach the goal of our dreams at last. The Future (1927)