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"Abraham Lincoln
Ah, some one speaks the name of Lincoln!
And, I, a-dreaming, seem to sec
A silent lad before the firelight,
A worthy book upon his knee.
And now I sec him bravely trudging
O’er rough and dreary miles to school
To satisfy the thirst for knowledge
That kindled in his boyish soul.
With loyalty and patience toiling,
With ever growing strength and mind,
I sec him rise to might and manhood,
Enduring, faithful, just, and kind.
Anri with his patriot’s heart full, dreaming, Although his dreams a cause for jest,
I see him climb to rank of lawyer,
Still striving with unbroken zest.
The years go by. I sec him, hero,
As leader of the nation stand,
His heart in sympathy with freedom
For cv’ry negro in the land.
And now I watch him through the battle
That freed, at length, the hampered slave,
Anri sec the tragedy that sent him
So true a martyr to his grave.
As Liberator—then I hail him—
Who from a meager boyhood came,
Anri rose, triumphant over hardships
To rest in honor and in fame!
Alice Jeannette Ward."
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"The Old Bookshop
Alone,
On the corner it stands,
That old bookshop
Where many hours
Are spent
By those who know
And love it.
It does not mean much
To the passing crowd
Who turn
And remark
For something better.
“That place should be razed."
But to a chosen few
It is their joy In life.
They will spend
An hour
Or maybe two
With row upon row
Of friends
In that old bookshop.
V. N. R. '34."
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"The Herald
Treading lightly, gayly, softly,
Spreading fragrance, bringing light,
Comes the herald of the sov'reign,
On the very heels of night.
Winter’s icy barriers crumble,
Snow-bound fields before her melt;
They bow down before her power,
Those who winter blasts have felt.
Who is this most radiant being,
She whose praises all winds sing?
She is love, and joy, and beauty;
She, the lovely herald—Spring!
V. N. R. '34."
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"To Freshmen
This superficial soliciting
For friendship
Cannot be good.
It speaketh not of heart
But only of look and manner.
Draw within thyself
A little more
And tho' being not
Too self-sufficient,
Wipe off thy masque
And be a Heartfelt do'er.
A. M., '34."
