The infinite thought and other poems
Oass_!LS <!$!<) Book J£a3& Iff". )<iz) 4 COHfRlGHT DEPOSIT. By Elizabeth Mountcastle Johnson By ELIZABETH MOUNTCASTLE JOHNSON FIRST EDITION Published by HOFFMAN PRESS Los Angeles. Cal. g£U ??*:, J Copyrighted 1921 by ELIZABETH JOHNSON Los Angeles, Cal. 21 1921 DEDICATED TO MY LIFE LONG PAL ROSE EDWARDS (VIABLE ROSE No matter the distance That lies between, As night brings each day to a close, A little thought message Is wafted to me From "Rose." A message of love Thru miles of space, On wings of the wind it goes, And brings me encouragement In all I do, this message From "Rose." When sorrow and trials And troubles come, Who is it that knows Just how to comfort, Help and cheer? Why, "Rose." When joy and sunshine Light my way, Who is it that knows Just how to join In the song of the day? Just "Rose." It has ever been thus Between we two, And will while life's river flows. And on thru time My comfort I'll find In "Rose." If the earth were peopled With Souls like hers, In this life fhat comes and goes, What a wonderful place in which to live, If there were only more Like "Rose." MY DAILY PRAYER Infinite Thought p?-otect me! Hold me each day in Thy love! May I trust in Thy power, And leave all thought of tomorrow In Thy hands. To keep Thy law for today, And all my days to come, Living each one As if I were to pass on the next; And yet living each one As if I had centuries before me; Keep each hour full of kindness For the weaker ones! Keep each week full of cheer, Help, trust and love Three hundred and sixty-five days in the year. THE INFINITE THOUGHT THE INFINITE THOUGHT They all filed by In a long, long line Down the aisle, thru space And on into time. Some were my own friends, Tried and true; Some were my Father's friends, Old ones and new. Some were relatives Who, long ago Began the journey To a higher plane, Who were now passing before me In a long row, Chanting a sweet And soft refrain. Some strewed roses And lilies fair, And some brought violets For the thoughts up there ; And some gave a kiss So soft on my brow, Methinks I can feel The joy of it now. One was a little girl In the long row, Who said that I helped her, Once, years ago. Next was a man Whom I never knew, Who said I had helped him With a prayer so true Prayed at the Mission, Many years now past ; But, the help of the prayer Is the thought that will last. Then next was a man Who wanted to say, My music at the Mission Had shown him the way. Then a friend, who said, My smiles and cheer Had given him strength When he was here. Then a dear old lady, Who was kind and true, Who on Christmas I had given A remembrance to. And a man who sat In my Bible class Said, I helped him find God, As he filed past. Then I tried to recall The girl to my mind Who told me I taught her How to be kind. Then a neighbor came next Who had lately passed on : Said my laugh and cheer Gave him heart for a song. Then a little girl Who's eyes were so blue, Said I helped her To make a dream come true, By teaching her music, To help her play, And being kind to her "Daddy" After she went away. Then came a friend Who remembered the day, That I helped her Doctor When others ran away: And she thanks me again For making the dress They put on her case When they laid her to rest. Then a friend of my Mother's Who always spreads cheer, Said I helped her children Whom she had to leave here. Then a dear old man In whose home I had spent Many happy hours, Quite content, Wanted to give me His blessings today For the joy and sunshine I had brought his way. Then the Aunt who thanked me For favors I'd shown To her orphaned children, Left all alone. Then a boy friend from home, Who passed long ago, Came to tell me the most wonderful Things that I know; Of how good thoughts Would free souls in distress And give them joy, And peace and rest. Then somebody's Father Came a long ways from home To give me his blessings Wherever I roam ; And out of all the friends, Who came today, His love and his blessings I'll remember alway. There were friends of my childhood, Both young and old, All happy to tell me Of the song in their soul. And the dear old Preacher Who was Father's friend, Said, if I needed him I was only to send, And he'd come to me here Across many a mile To the end of the world For his friend's child. Now these are a part Of the Infinite Thought, A nd they teach you to see How good deeds are wrought How each tiny act Always returns home And rewards the giver: But not that alone, For, see how they spread, And the joy they give. From the old to the young, They help them to live. And even in space They remember how true, Each small act of kindness Helps carry them through ; And they go on and on Till the circle they'll span, And return once again To this, or some land, Where life will continue, And thoughts grow strong, And the progress of souls Will blot out all wrong. So go, Infinite Thought — Spread the truth far and wide. And my help I'll give you, For you protect and guide My footsteps for ever, While the circle I make For your love and blessings, Are all mine to take. And the long line of friends, Who have soared above, Will greet me and hold me In the strong arms of love. The assurance is given That this life never ends ; Neither love nor kindness Is lost on the winds. It spins round and round ; Thru Eternity it goes. Good thoughts will help To conquer your foes ; And love will live always And help you to give Cheer and comfort To friends while you live. MOTHER OF MINE I have looked all about me, To try and find Another dear face Like Mother of Mine. But nothing so sweet, So good and true ; Nothing I find, Dear Mother, like you. I have looked all about me, To try and hear Another Voice one half so dear: I have tried to feel safe From care and harms, But no shelter equals The fold of your arms. No song so sweet As your Voice could sing When a little child, My cradle you'd swing; No eyes so shining As when you would rest Your sleeping child Held close to your breast. And so, little Mother, To you I will say: You are leading us upward In thoughts today ; Away from this earth So full of care, — I know you will find us A home up there. And then when our work On earth is done, We will join you In your wonderful home: And the Infinite Thought Who works for the best Will, in Thought, let me pillow My head on your breast, Till Time has had Its work fulfilled, And I have had Earth Thought removed. Then Mother of Mine, Our Teacher you'll be In the Infinite Thought School. So I'll patiently wait Till the time shall be To give me my home, In space with thee, — So we wait the summons To come up above : To dwell with you In peace and love. IF If life was full of gladsome days That flowed by like a song, And all our thoughts were good and pure, And things were never wrong ; And patience had her perfect work, An idle brain no rest : And every one in the Universe Helped to work for the best ; And if every face wore a happy smile, And every eye was bright — And every thought was a thought of love, There never would be night. So I think that the Infinite Thought Just knew how lonely I'd feel If they gave me no one to whom I might serve. Nor a broken heart to heal. So they gave me troubles a plenty, And heart aches not a few ; But they gave me the strength and courage To help carry them thru. So I will run my little life To the tune of faith and love, Till I am safe with the Infinite Thought In space up above. LITTLE SISTER Little sister, staunch and true, Helping me in all I do; Tell me, from your home on high, Who's so happy as you and I ? We'll stand by each other In all we do — While you talk to me And I talk to you. When things all seem wrong. Don't know what to do, Then 'tis your little whisper, Be true, be true! So here's to little sister, Staunch and true, Helping me In all I do. NATURE'S VOICE There are days When everything seems to go wrong: When the heart within refuses a song; When none whom you meet Seems to have a smile, And not even the laugh of a happy child Will help or cheer in your lonely way, And you sigh and sigh the livelong day. Then there are days That seem just right. The flowers bloom, the sun shines bright, And every face wears a happy smile. And the laugh of each little child Fills your heart with love. Ah ! the joy they can give, Then all your being thinks How good to live. And all the world Looks good and true. Then the wonderful mountains Can talk to you, And the ocean is calm Like a silver lake, And all the world bids you Rejoice for His sake. While o'er the white foam Of the ocean breast, When the day's work is over, And the Sun starts to rest, You can stand and watch Till the last tiny ray Drops into the water At the close of day. If for only once You watch the Sun seek repose As you stand beside the sea, Then everything is made worth while When nature can speak to thee. THE PRICELESS TREASURE Some men think they know what it means To be poor without any gold : But it isn't the man with the empty purse, But the man with the empty soul. Now most men build their little life Within a wall of dollars so high, They do not see the needy ones As they go passing by. Their only thought in life is gold, And if pity be found in their heart It is only the pity (that of the rich for the poor) With never a Thought apart — That perhaps after all The poor man can say, His blessings are many And come every day. So you'll find in life As the years go by, That riches are things Sent down from on high. And the man who receives them More often you'll find, Is the man without gold, But with a heart good and kind, — Who has paid his Karma, And kept the law ; And his store house of r iches Is full to the door. And yet there are those Who will say, he is poor. Ah ! pity the man With his high wall of gold, And no room for love In his lonely soul. He grows weary with the world And all mankind ; Passes on into space, But he leaves behind His bag of gold, and joins the throng Who must atone for every wrong. So stop and think what poverty means It's an empty soul within, Who is without lcve and sympathy And doesn't know how to begin To build a wall of loving thoughts In place of the dollars so high : Then he could see and help As the long line goes by. VIOLETS Violets for Thought, Pansies for love. Lillies so stately and tall, Lilacs for poise. Both purple and white, But I love Violets best of all. For when I look In their dear little face, And remember the work they do — How they send out Thoughts Both to rich and poor, The Thoughts for good deeds true. Their sweet perfume Soothes the heart to rest After the day's work is won, And the weary soul Can sing a song When the work of life is done. And as Thoughts are things, And as Violets are Thoughts, A.nd blue stands for truth and love, Then the blue Violet Always takes my Thoughts To the Infinite Thought above. A THOUGHT We spend our life In a careless way; With never a thought Of what we say. We talk of friends Old and new, And tell all the things We "hear" they do. Of how each one In their own way Came to think thoughts Of a world today That is not made Up in the sky, But here on earth, And they wonder why. Such thoughts had not Come to them before. When that very thought Had knocked at each door And tried to come in And show them the way. But the fear Of what their friends might say Made them bar the door, And the thought went away. And now those same ones Are trying to say, That fear and sin Fill the world today — When there is no such thing As fear and sin, Only as comes From the thought within. Some try to believe There's a God on a Throne Somewhere in Heaven. They say, But if heaven Is within the heart, Then God is with you Each day. So unbar the door, Let the Thought come in — Love thy neighbor as thyself, Is a good way to begin. Then other thoughts will follow, For each one calls for more. Ere long you'll find your store house Crowded to the door. Then you'll find no thought Of fear and sin, For God and Heaven Will dwell within. MY BOY As Christmas draws near, There's a world of cheer In the memories of long ago, When a dear little boy Filled my heart with joy, As each Christmas would come and go. For Santa Claus old Would come thru the hole In the chimney, big and wide, The stocking to fill : And a tree to build And a hobby horse by its side. And long before day He'd call Mother to play, And "Daddy, come quick, make a light." He'd call Granny to see What a wonderful tree Old Santa had left in the night. Ah ! those were the days, Just wonderful days, Days that seem just right. And now I can say (As mothers have a way) He's a wonderful man tonight. And as Christmas draws near, I need feel no fear, For his thoughts are strong and true ; And the babyland days, And the little boy ways Are things he used to do. They are treasures I hold Close to my soul, As he grows so big and strong. For the Infinite Thought Their protection will give, And nothing can go wrong. So dear little boy, My heart fills with joy The same as in days of old. And so to me Each day I can see The growth of your beautiful soul. Tonight I see In the future for me, The teachings so wonderfully true : That thoughts good and kind Forever will bind Your little boy close to you. So Mothers, I say In love today, Hold your little boys close to your heart And when you grow old Their love you can hold, And from you they never will part. If he make a mistake, Just for his sake, Hold him closer and closer to you , For he is still your boy, Your own little boy, So long as your heart holds true. For my heart knows tonight That I have done right To stand by my boy all along. And I'm happy to say That the thought holds today, And my soul is filled with a song. So here's to my boy, My wonderful boy, Whose thoughts are so kind and so true. Let your good thoughts flow on While I sing my song, There was never a boy like you. THE MAN WHO DARED THE MAN WHO DARED Once there lived a man On this fair earth below, Who dared to think for himself, And dared to tell you so. He was good at heart, Nor thought a wrong; His motto was love For the weak and strong. He strove to make The world so fair, A better place For his having lived there. He fought in battles, Brave and strong. Never fearing the right, Always fighting the wrong. And they said to me, (As they have a way) — He is a dangerous man In the world today : We better show him That he must stay In his own little corner, Far out of the way. For humanity must never Be permitted to see That this man is wise, As wise can be ; He dares to say To all who may hear, That thoughts are things Which reach far and near. And that all things are yours, If you will them to be. For the thought was first ; Then, "I WILL," you see, Makes the thought come true Then the power to will Is given to all In the place they fill. But the world never knows Until we pass on, How to value a man So good and strong. But the thoughts that he left Are with them today, Spreading far and wide, And you'll hear them say: 'What a wonderful man ; This man who dared To think for himself, And never cared Who censured or reproved, His thoughts so strong, He stood for the right And fought against wrong. 'His courage was beautiful For all to behold ; And a lesson we learn From this man so bold, Is to be sure you are right : Take your stand, good and strong; Hold on to the right And forget the wrong." So I say, "truth and courage" To the world he taught, For now he has joined The Infinite Thought. And when you praise This man today, Don't think that he Is so far away. He hears and sees All that you do. And now he knows What he gave to you Was the courage to stand For the thought so true. So to you who still dwell On this fair earth below, Be careful of your thoughts. They are the seed you sow : And the time will come When all must pay, For the seed they have sown On earth today. So send out good thoughts Of cheer and love, And reap your reward In the land above. For the time never comes When a thought stands still. It goes on and on To the tune of "I Will." It completes the circle And comes back again : And continues to chant The same refrain. Life never ends: Neither thoughts good and true And somewhere in life They'll come back to you. It may be here, It may be there : But your thoughts will return, No matter where. The life within you Finds them today, Here on this fair earth Or in space far away. They are the same thoughts You sent forth on their way. So be careful of the thought seed You are sowing today. Now this man who had courage To will and to do, In the years he spent On earth with you, Is reaping a harvest Of deeds brave and strong. He stood for the right And fought against wrong. THE GREAT COMMAND When the Pharisees heard how the Saducese Had questioned the Nazarene, They called together their lawyers and wise men To perplex this man so serene. For He had put the Saducese to silence: The Herodians had slipped away To render unto Caesar The things that were Caesar's, According to the inscriptions they say. So the Pharisees, their lawyer and wise men Pondered carefully as to how they might find Some way to accuse this God man, This man with a heart so kind. Methinks I can see this council Suggesting the things they might do, Caring naught for the hurt They might give, And wounding a heart so true. The wisest of all was the spokesman, And careful to omit any flaw, Decided to propound a question Concerning the law. So vain-glorious and self-efficient Was the true Pharisees' way. (Some of these still dwell On our fair earth today.) Oh, Master, from out of the law Please tell us, we pray, Which is the greatest commandment? Then paused, waiting for Him to say: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God With all thy heart and mind." This, I say, is the first great command : The second is like unto it, you will find, "Love thy neighbor as thyself, And unto all be kind." On these two commandments Hang all the law. So spread love o'er all the land. For when you love God with all thy min< You and your neighbor Walk hand in hand. So the Pharisees bowed their heads And slowly walked away. Neither the wise ones or the lawyers Had anything more to say. • And from that day forth Did another man Ask Him even one question more. So He departed from the Temple, Leaving them to think it o'er. The Pharisees are still with us today, The wise man, the lawyers bold : Still asking questions, trying to confuse The story the Nazarene told. Beware of these Pharisees Who send up their prayers In public, where all can see ; Trust them not in word or deed, They are not what thev seem to be. SUCCESS Another year has passed on Into time : Days and weeks, that to me Were kind. Each of us lives this life — No two, the same way — And yet, there are those Who say, "'Tis a long way." To me each day is full Of cheer ; Full of work and service To those here Who need a word of kindness And love. Who never heard of the Thought above, The Infinite Love. Days pass into weeks and months, And ere long Another year has passed And gone — And soon old age Finds each one, And sings a song "That Life is done, And rest will come." Ah ! No ; remember that life Is never done. Life is eternal and continues Like the sun. It turns in a circle, Never still — Chanting over and over "I will, I will"! Till we are filled With power to think, to do And to know Life is just what we make it While here below. And when things go wrong, Clouds hang lower — We at once place our failure At another's door. "Think it o'er"! Be brave, fight your battles All alone ! 'Tis you, not another Must attone. This life is only given to you For a time. Teach it faith and love, And to be kind, And you'll find Faith, love and kindness Each day Continue to lead you In the way Where gloom, despair and failure Are not known. And joy, peace and success Are your own — Then you have attone ! So as years pass on into time, I say to you — Let your thoughts in life Be true. And at the close of another year You can say — I have overcome all trials That came my way, And success is mine today. KNOW THYSELF Know thyself, was a command From high forces above — For to know Thyself Is to know those all around you And to have compassion and love. For to know is wTidsdom, And wisdom is to understand ; And when we know The trials and sorrows Of our fellow man, We spread the mantle of charity Over all his acts. Charity suffereth long and is kind— And some day we find Faith, hope and love Traveling hand in hand All thru space, And over this fair land. So when Forces gave command To know Thyself, It was to help the wide world over To get wisdom and to understand. Far away at Delphi Stands a Temple With many gates — And, on a lofty Tripod, The "Pythis" waits To receive divine inspiration. And among the inscriptions You find carved on the smooth wall, That — to Know Thyself — Was even then a command Given to all. On the Eastern side of the Temple May be seen, While you wait, Apollo and the Muses, And carved over the gate Is the command To Know Thyself and understand. Life's problems are many — Then obey high Forces command : Know Thyself as man to man, And understand ! AN EYE FOR AN EYE An eye for an eye, A tooth for a tooth, Was not a thought From our God above : For our God of the earth. And the God of all, Is a God of Infinite Love. An eye for an eye, A tooth for a tooth, Is not the teaching Of kindness and cheer. And our God of the earth, And the God of all, Never meant us to live by it, here. An eye for an eye, A tooth for a tooth, Best to let Such a thought depart, For our God of the earth, The God of all Is a God with a loving heart ! An eye for an eye, A tooth for a tooth, Is not His daily creed, For our God of the earth, The God of all, Is not a God of graft and greed. An eye for an eye, A tooth for a tooth, When we have Such a short time here, No ! we better give love And add to our store Of faith, hope and cheer. Forgiveness and love, With kindness of thought, For all who ctwell here below— From our God, the earth, The God of all Are His teachings, we all know. If we keep the law, Obey all commands From high Forces above — Know the God of the earth, The God of all Is the God of Infinite Love ! So forget the old Mosaic law ; Its teachings were never Meant for you ! You live in a day When the world needs love, From hearts kind and true. So the time that is yours To help or to hurt To the life loaned to you be true. Teach it kindness, first; Then forgiveness and love, And all things will come to you. THE GIFT OF THOUGHT Oh, wonderful Power of thought ; A gift from the God on high ; To every soul who seeks Shall find life. We never die, Death is only a word, For life is eternal. And you Must teach the thought (That is part of the life) The power of will, so true! Now the power of thought Will not find success If it must stand alone. It must be supported By the power of will Till the life shall atone For every wrong : Both in thought and deed To yourself and others too. For wrong thoughts, As well as wrong deeds, Will keep your life untrue. Let your thought be pure ; Let your deeds be kind. For the power to think and do Is given to all. So use your gift, It's a gift that was meant for "You." When first a thought Begins to dawn, Strengthen it with your will, And as each thought is born, Nourish it till it grows strong And has the power to say, "I Will." For not until Thought and will Walk hand in hand, Will you become a man ! For thoughts are things, But the will makes them so. And to all this power is given : For if the thought is pure And your deeds are kind, You are filling your storehouse In Heaven. So think your own thoughts: Let no one say What you should think In your Soul today. It is yours to teach, So to yourself be true. No one is responsible To the life, but you ! A LONGING Could I once more speak To my friends on earth, And tell them how thoughts Good and strong Would heal broken hearts, And heal broken minds, And blot out all wrong — Had I known the things That I tell to you — If someone had whispered to me That right thoughts give health, And right thoughts give wealth, And to all these thoughts are free — Oh ! the joy it gives me From out of space To speak to my friends thru you, For you make conditions So I can come With my message of love so true. So each day I'll give you a message, And I'll give you the courage to tell How the power of thought Many souls has bought, And there is no such place as hell. So help rescue Our kind and loving God From this thing They have placed at His door: For His love for man He spreads o'er the land, And will live forever more. He is a God who knows no wrath : His teachings are forgiveness and love. He never made you — He never made me — To banish from a home above. 'Tis true (as we know), He made a law — You must love others As you wish them to love you. You must be kind To all you find, And live a life that's true. Keep this law of balance Made by Him. Teach your life to obey all commands, Then think your own thoughts, Let love be your guide, And you'll find Heaven then, Heaven here on earth, If you wish it so. No need to wait to pass on, For His word holds true, And the thought will too, Good thoughts (forget the wrong). All nature speaks Of a loving God, For it is all just a part of the whole. The same old story Of truth and love, The story the Nazarene told. So we would like to know Who made this hell? That's been taught far and wide ; Certainly not the Son of God, Who came on earth to abide For a little time, Just to show to all How thoughts good and kind Would heal the sick, Make the lame to walk And open the eyes of the blind. So let us learn a lesson from Him: Let your thoughts be kind and true. And always do unto others As you would have them do to you. Then in your heart and life The result of good thought will tell, And you'll find You are living this life in Heaven : So forget the teachings of hell ! For I say to you from my home above, Follow the teachings of the Nazarene And all things will be given unto you. Then you'll find joy supreme. So I say Could I live on earth once more I'd spread thoughts of love o'er the land. And the Orthodox Would pack their grips And hide them away in the sand. WASTED YEARS The days and weeks Go all too fast, When there is so much to do. For the longest life Is short at best, Don't waste the time given to you. For the sorrow that comes From wasted years : The gloom, the tears, Must all be atoned for Before you will find Peace, joy and love sublime. Oh ! how we wish We had known long ago The joy of service here below. Had wTe known the joy A smile could give, To help some one to live: Or a w^ord of cheer Spoken here or there, To chase away thoughts of fear For this little earth band, Why fear to live Here or some other land ? Here in the Kingdom of right, There in the Kingdom of light ! It matters not my friend, For there is no end. We must serve here on earth And in space above. But when service comes From a heart of love, There will be no tears Over wasted years. THE DARK HOUR Just when the way seems darkest, Not a ray of light to be seen — And your soul is bowed in sorrow, Not even a tiny sunbeam Can shine thru the clouds so heavy, To brighten your lonely way — Remember it is always the darkest Just before peep of day. "My burden is heavy, I can bear no more," Is never quite safe to say — For the burden we feel We could never endure, We may be called on to bear today. So cultivate a grateful, contented mind No matter what the situation may be In the darkest condition To look for some light, And be thankful For what you can see. For the mind, like the body, Can be trained to see gloom, Even tho the sun is shining bright : You forget all your blessings, You refuse to see day But only the gloom and the night. The silver lining That's behind every cloud Is only waiting for day — So have faith and hope, For clouds pass on, But the silver lining will stay! I have seen some clouds So thick and black — I felt they had come to stay: But in time they roll by, And now I know The dark hour is just before day. DADD,Y My wonderful, wonderful Daddy, With hair as white as snow, I am wishing that I were near you For there are things I want to know. You who are always ready to give To all from your bountiful store Of love and cheer and sympathy, No one could ask for more. For love you give in plenty And cheer you spread far and wide. And the sympathy I could find today If I were at your side. But miles and miles lay between us, And yet, I feel you so near — For the Infinite Thought has assured me You are sending me words of cheer. You say, be brave and strong, dear, For I am helping you each day By sending you a loving thought To help you on your way. Come pillow your head on my shoulder: Be my little girl once again And I will sing you a lullaby, To a soft and sweet refrain. 'Tis a long, lone road of trouble That we have travelled together, And you and I have seen some clouds, But lots of sunshiny weather. So I am holding you in my wall of Thoughts, Though the Continent divide. I am giving you a kiss For you are at my side. You who have paid your balance dear, Come rest in Daddy's arms The same as when a little girl, He'll shield you from all harm. THE CROSS IN MY HAND The Cross in my hand Is a command To heal ! To relieve the suffering and distressed, And I have all revealed. The Cross in my hand Is a command To be kind ! To teach love, sympathy and cheer For all time. The Cross in my hand Is a command To be true ! To be faithful in all things I am called to do. So let me obey the command To heal, to be kind, to be true! For the Cross within my hand Tells me I have work to do. LOVELY NIGHT There are those who say They love the day With the Sun shining Warm and bright: But for me, The stars and Moon Have a song they croon And I call it "My Lovely Night." For the moon-beams cold, Like the story old, Hides his face From his rival the Sun. And when he goes to rest, The Moon peeps from his nest, And seeing the day's work is done, He comes creeping so proud Thru the door of some cloud — To keep watch o'er the earth At night. For lovers all know He directs Cupid's bow, And he always aims Just right. Then millions of stars Lend their twinkling light To this moon-beam up above — And they help him to sing "My Lovely Night," A night of joy and love! Have you ever seen Two lovers dream In the sunshine, Warm and bright? No ! they hide away From the Sun and day, And wait for the Moon And night. Once this Moon On the third of June, When he was so wonderfully new — When a silver rim Was all to be seen of him, He directed an arrow so true, For by his side so near — A tiny star nestled there — Seemingly happy and bright: This star seemed to know Just how Cupid's bow Had made this her "Lovely Night." To the Moon it meant He had been content; For to him the story Was old. But to the star so bright It was a happy night — And as much to the Moon She told. All who may, Can have the Sun and day: But to me, The most wonderful sight Is this moon-beam proud, Peeping out from some cloud Making my "Lovely Night." TO MY LITTLE FRIEND She was a dear little girl With straight, red hair; And eyes so big and blue, And a face so sweet — And a heart so big And Thoughts so kind and true. She made you feel When near your side, (In her own little spiritual way) That she had only come To visit the earth And had never meant to stay. So she found her way Into many a heart Where she left her Thoughts of cheer. And many of us Who are better today, For her little visit here. She had the deepest love For things that were pink, In ribbons and dresses and hose. And her fondness for flowers, The one she loved best Was a beautiful big pink rose. So I keep on my table, That stands in my room A bowl of pink flowers for cheer. And she visits with me, And little secrets we tell Of how she would like to come near To the dear ones at home; But their grief and their tears Hang like a veil between: While their Thoughts are true, But she wishes they knew That to die, is not as it seems. So if they will stop grieving, And place on a stand A bowl of roses so pink, I'll visit them there And from out of space Will try to help them think. For bright, happy Thoughts Helps the heart grow young, And are character builders too. So think of me here In a spirit of cheer, As a visit I made to you. So spread good Thoughts, Bright, happy Thoughts. Help the old, sad world to see: For in as much As you give to them, You do it unto Me. So dry your tears, And calm vour fears. For life is eternal you know. And Thoughts are things Both good and bad, And follow where ere you go. So think loving Thoughts; Send them far and wide And they will always come back to you. And they will strengthen me here, And help you there In the work I have to do. For my work is to visit The flowers everywhere, And give to them whispers of love. For their little life Is part of the Thought That is sent out from above. So begin by thinking, Of the circle we make In the endlessness of time. Have good, wholesome Thoughts, The same loving Thoughts, And some day I know you will find. That the Thoughts you sent out Have returned once again To fill all your days with cheer. And your memories of me Must be bright and true Before they will let me come near. So now get the flowers, The pink rose I love best And place on the stand in your room. And be happy and gay, And watch every day For I am going to visit you soon. FRIEND What is a friend? How many do you find As you come and go each day? 'Tis said, only one Comes to each of us As thru life we wend our way. Now friendship, 'tis said, Is a much abused word, May be lightly spoken by you. But I know one Whom I have found, Always faithful and true. She has big, grey eyes, And golden hair, And some dear, little freckles too : But a heart so big, Full of love for all, And a happy smile for you. She spends much time Each day in thought, Searching for some one to cheer: And I know the life That's been loaned to her Has been taught love and kindness here. Her motto is love, Her watchword is truth For all who pass her way. And this old world Is a better world For the life she is living today. When our work here is finished, As it will be in time, One of us must pass on, and yet I know we will remember Our friendship here, My dear friend I call "Pet." SMILES Do you know the joy That comes from a smile ? Can you see the face Of a little child, And not receive From his smile so true, A lesson in faith Just meant for you? Can you pass them by On a crowded street, Weary sad faces Of those you meet — And not smile a greeting To the face so sad, But just pass by — Would you still be glad? Can you look at the flowers That bloom for all — The violet, the rose; The stately lily, so tall, And not smile a greeting Of thanksgiving to them? For remember, their life Is a part of Him ! Can you keep from smiling As you go your way, Receiving favors from others From day to day. If you cannot smile, Then your soul is grown old- And what do you find This life to hold ? For 'tis certain that others Whom you see each day Will begin to shun you When you pass their way. Now a smile costs nothing; It is easy to give — And will help all you meet, Their life to live. It will chase away sorrow, And to some hearts bring cheer. For often they have known Only sadness here. So smile, it won't hurt — But will help you too! For what you send out Will come back to you. It may be a thought, May be love or a smile. But try passing them around Just for awhile. Then watch how soon They respond to your cheer. Think of the joy One smile will leave here. For when you help others, You are just helping yourself. You can give and give But there will be some left ; And the thing you leave here That will be worth while, Will be love and kindness That went with your smile. INFINITE REPRIMAND A heart bowed down with sorrow, Trying to go all the way With the worries of tomorrow And burdens of today. Yesterday was a day well spent, All laws obeyed by you, And yet, weary you went to rest With the thought, "Have I been true?" Will tomorrow bring me The things I've lost? Will the Infinite Thoughts above Return to give me their blessings? Return to give me their love? Ah! You with a faith so weak, Will you ever learn to say, Thy will, not mine be done On earth as in Heaven, today! Now learn your lesson of trust, And remember you sometimes Need rest! So don't try to direct from your place below, For the Infinite Thought knows best. They watch o'er you day and night: You never are left alone. So forget the thought That you were untrue, For I say you have atoned. And I will teach you A lesson in trust Each day as I walk by your side. So leave the cares of tomorrow alone And have faith In the love of your guide. Not once do I leave you, Night or day: For we will always travel together, Not for a week, a month, a year, But yesterday, today and forever! LIFE'S MIRROR When you stand before your mirror, Do you see reflected there The face with a Soul behind it, Or just a fact that's fair? Are you willing to admit the wrongs You have done in a business way? Or can you look yourself in the face And be truthful when you say, "I have kept the law of balance, And treated all mankind Just as I would have them do to me, And on my records you'll find Honesty, truth and love For all who have passed my way." So I can stand before my mirror, And see more than a face today. 