Charge Account (1928) YOU may think you are getting by. You may get by awhile. But do not snap your fingers in the face of Fate and smile. Although she may not now demand of you the full amount, Some day you will discover that she keeps a charge account. She never quarrels with us nor bestows unseemly looks, But no one ever yet has found an error in her books. She writes down every item very quietly, but still There certainly will come a day when she presents her bill. She asks no more than is her due, for Fate is always square. No tradesman yet in all the world has ever been more fair. Good business methods, that is all. There is no other way. You may get by awhile, my friend, but some day you will pay. The Close-Up (1928) [Transcriber’s note: All verses are italicized.] There are many angel faces, Viewed from places far away, Which, upon a near vision, Very quickly turn to clay. There are many matchless heroes Who can hold us in their spell, But who fade away to weakness When we really know them well. There are many hissing villians Who, on closer view, are found To possess a kindly spirit And an honor quite profound. So it runs throughout the picture, As it probably is best, That the close-up tells the story Whether one can meet the test. Coming and Going (1928) I GO down when the train comes in, No matter what the day, Where some arrive amid the din, And others go away. I see glad faces looking down The track that rambles on Far from the quiet little town, Impatient to be gone. But oh, the eyes most full of mirth I see upon the train Have seen the wonders of the earth And then come home again. Blest is the road that leads away Where restless ones may roam; But each loves best of all, one day, The road that leads back home. Ambition makes us all to dare The far, intriguing track; But when we’ve had enough of care The heart will bring us back. The Day’s Success (1928) When sunset falls upon your day And fades from out the West. When business cares are put away And you lie down to rest, The measures of the day’s success Or failure will be told In terms of human happiness And not in terms of gold. Is there beside some hearth tonight More joy because you wrought? Does someone face the bitter strife With courage you have taught? Is something added to the store Of human happiness? If so, the day that now is o’er Has been a real success. The Earth’s Plaint (1928)