“There is no heaven! There’s nothing but a deep And yawning grave from which I shrink in fear. I am not sure of even rest or sleep; Perhaps we lie and _think_, as I have here. “Think, think, think, think, as we lie there and rot, And hear the young above us laugh in glee. How dare you say I’m dying! _I am not._ I would curse God if such a thing could be. “Why, see me stand! why, hear this strong, full breath-- Dare you repeat that silly, base untruth?” A cry--a fall--the silence known as death Hushed his wild words. Well, has he found his youth? WANTED--A LITTLE GIRL. Where have they gone to--the little girls With natural manners and natural curls; Who love their dollies and like their toys, And talk of something besides the boys? Little old women in plenty I find, Mature in manners and old of mind; Little old flirts who talk of their “beaux,” And vie with each other in stylish clothes. Little old belles who, at nine and ten, Are sick of pleasure and tired of men; Weary of travel, of balls, of fun, And find no new thing under the sun. Once, in the beautiful long ago, Some dear little children I used to know; Girls who were merry as lambs at play, And laughed and rollicked the livelong day. They thought not at all of the “style” of their clothes, They never imagined that boys were “beaux”-- “Other girls’ brothers” and “mates” were they; Splendid fellows to help them play. Where have they gone to? If you see One of them anywhere send her to me. I would give a medal of purest gold To one of those dear little girls of old, With an innocent heart and an open smile, Who knows not the meaning of “flirt” or “style.” TWO SINNERS. There was a man, it was said one time, Who went astray in his youthful prime. Can the brain keep cool and the heart keep quiet When the blood is a river that’s running riot? And boys will be boys, the old folks say, And a man is the better who’s had his day. The sinner reformed; and the preacher told Of the prodigal son who came back to the fold. And Christian people threw open the door, With a warmer welcome than ever before. Wealth and honor were his to command, And a spotless woman gave him her hand. And the world strewed their pathway with blossoms abloom, Crying, “God bless layde, and God bless groom!” There was a maiden who went astray, In the golden dawn of her life’s young day. She had more passion and heart than head, And she followed blindly where fond Love led. And Love unchecked is a dangerous guide To wander at will by a fair girl’s side.