The Cornflower, and Other Poems

TO

Lillian Massey Treble

 
A woman with a heart of gold
I heard her called before I knew
How noble was that heart and true,
How full of tenderness untold.
 
 
Her sympathies both broad and sure,
Her one desire to do the right —
Clear visioned from the inner light
God gives to souls unworldly, pure.
 
 
A heart of gold that loves and gives,
God's almoner from day to day,
Of her there is but this to say:
The world is better that she lives.
 

THE CORNFLOWER

 
The day she came we were planting corn,
The west eighty-acre field, —
These prairie farms are great for size,
And they're sometimes great for yield.
 
 
"The new school-ma'am is up to the house,"
The chore-boy called out to me;
I went in wishing anyone else
Had been put in chief trustee.
 
 
I was to question that girl, you see,
Of the things she ought to know;
As for these same things, I knew right well
I'd forgot them long ago.
 
 
I hadn't kept track of women's ways,
'Bout all I knew of the sex
Was that they were mighty hard to please,
And easy enough to vex.
 
 
My sister Mary, who ruled my house —
And me – with an iron hand,
Was all the woman I knew real well —
Her I didn't understand.
 
 
But I'd no call to grumble at fate,
Fifty, well off, and unwed;
Young as a lad in spite of the dust
Old Time had thrown on my head.
 
 
I engaged the school-ma'am on the spot,
And the reason, I surmise,
Was this, she didn't giggle or blush,
But looked me fair in the eyes.
 
 
The planting over, why, every lad
In a space of ten good mile
Was off for the school with a sudden zeal
That made all us old folks smile.
 
 
How she took to our wide prairie
After towns with narrow streets!
To watch that west eighty-acre field
Was one of her queer conceits.
 
 
"You planted that corn the day I came,"
She said, "and I love to go
And watch the sun-mother kiss and coax
Each slim green stalk to grow."
 
 
I called her "Cornflower" when she took
To wearing 'em in her belt.
The young chaps were all in love with her —
And I knew just how they felt.
 
 
Oh, I tell you that was a summer,
Such sunshine, such dew, such rain;
Never saw crops grow so in my life —
Don't expect I will again.
 
 
To watch that west eighty-acre field,
When the fall came clear and cold,
Was something like a sermon to me —
Made me think of streets of gold.
 
 
But about that time the new school-ma'am
Had words with the first trustee;
A scholar had taken the fever
And she was for blaming me.
 
 
That schoolhouse should be raised from the ground —
Grave reason there for alarm;
A new coat of plaster be put on
That the children be kept warm.
 
 
A well – a good one – should take the place
Of the deathtrap that was there.
"This should all be done at once," she said.
Cost five hundred dollars clear!
 
 
I told her I couldn't think of it,
But, when all my work was through,
If the taxes came in middling good,
I would see what I could do.
 
 
"Remember you're only the steward,"
She said, "of your acres broad,
And that the cry of a little child
Goes straight to the ears of God."
 
 
I remarked that it wasn't her place
To dictate to the trustee,
And Cornflower lifted her eyes of blue
And looked what she thought of me.
 
 
That night as we came up from the fields,
And talked of the threatened frost,
The chore-boy called out, half pleased, half scared:
"The school-ma'am's got herself lost."
 
 
I turned me about and spoke no word;
I'd find her and let her see
I held no spite 'gainst a wayward girl
For lecturing a trustee.
 
 
For I knew before I found the knot
Of ribbon that she had worn,
That somehow Betty had lost her way
In the forest of ripened corn.
 
 
The sun went down and left the world
Beautiful, happy and good;
True, the girl and myself had quarrelled,
But when I found her and stood
 
 
With silver stars mistily shining
Through the deep blue of the skies,
Heard somebody sob like a baby,
Saw tears in somebody's eyes.
 
 
Why, I just whispered, "Betty, Betty,"
Then whispered "Betty" some more;
Not another word did I utter —
I'll stick to this o'er and o'er.
 
 
You needn't ask me to explain, friends,
I don't know how 'twas myself,
That first "Betty" said I was ashamed
Of my greedy love of pelf.
 
 
The second one told her I'd be glad
To raise the old schoolhouse up,
And be in haste to put down a well,
With a pump and drinking cup.
 
 
The third "Betty" told her I would act
A higher and nobler part;
The fourth "Betty" told her I loved her —
Loved her with all my heart.
 
 
"Ah, well! there's no fool like an old fool,"
Was what sister Mary said;
"No fool in the world like an old fool,
You'll find that out, brother Ned."
 
 
"Mary," I said, "there's a better thing
Than land, or dollar, or dime;
If being in love is being a fool
Here's one till the end of time."
 
 
I should think so, I'm a married man
Four years come this Christmastide,
And autumn now is flinging her gold
O'er the fields on every side.
 
 
My wife called out as I drove the cows
To the pasture-field this morn,
"Ned, please go look for your son and heir,
He toddled off in the corn."
 
 
And sister Mary must make a joke;
"Go find him at once," said she,
"You know to get lost in a field of corn
Runs in that boy's family."
 

THE QUARREL

 
When Mary found fault with me that day the trouble was well begun.
No man likes being found fault with, no man really thinks it fun
To have a wisp of a woman, in a most obnoxious way,
Allude to his temper as beastly, and remark that day by day
He proves himself so careless, so lacking in love, so mean,
Then add, with an air convincing, she wishes she'd never seen
A person who thinks so little of breaking a woman's heart,
And since he is – well, what he is – 'tis better that they should part.
 
 
Now, no man enjoys this performance – he has his faults, well and good,
He doesn't want to hear them named – this ought to be understood.
Mary was aggravating, and all because I'd forgot
To bring some flowers I'd promised – as though it mattered a lot;
But that's the way with a woman, your big sins she may forgive,
But little things, not worth mention, you hear of as long as you live.
 
 
A few sweet peas and carnations to start a tempest, forsooth!
For Mary got in a temper – I did the same, of a truth.
I said things that weren't gentle; she pretended not to mind —
But answered back in a manner that left me away behind.
 
 
It ended up in our saying good-bye for the rest of our days,
Both vowing we'd be happier going our different ways.
And I strode out in the garden where the trees were pink and white,
Where bobolinks scolded sparrows, and robins, wild with delight,
Chirped and called and fluttered in the blossoming trees above,
Where Nature was busy teaching her lessons of joy and love.
I made a bed of the soft, warm earth, stretched me out in the sun.
Vext and weary, I fell asleep, and slept till the day was done.
The voice of my brother waked me, crying, "Quickly arise and come;
Bear up like a man, Heaven help you! Death has suddenly entered your home!"
 
 
'Twas Mary, my own sweet Mary! The eyelashes slept on her cheek,
The lips had a half-smile on them, as though they were going to speak
Some of the old-time tender words, witty rejoinder or jest,
Or ask the question they'd asked so oft, "Jim, who do you love the best?"
 
 
But the small hands gave no pressure when I took them in my own,
And bending down to kiss her face, I found it cold as a stone.
And it came to me I could never – never, since Mary was dead —
Say, "Dear one, I didn't mean them, the bitter words that I said."
Never see the tears go from her sweet, dark eyes, and the brightness take their place,
Never watch the joy and gladness come back to my darling's face.
Not a fault could I remember – she'd been perfect all her days,
With her sweetness and her laughter, her tender womanly ways.
Dead – dead in her fresh young beauty – oh, I had an anguished heart
At thought of the quarrel ending in our agreeing to part!
 
 
When two people love each other, I'll tell you the wisest way,
'Tis to think before speaking harshly, for there surely will come a day
When one will sleep on so soundly that he or she will not wake,
The other sit in the stillness and cry with a great heart-break.
It is to ears all unheeding our tenderest words are said —
The love that the living long for we waste it upon the dead.
We say this life is so dreary, talk much of heaven, I know,
But if we were good to each other we'd have our heaven below.
"Mary," I whispered, "my Mary, no flowers to you I gave,
But I'll heap them on your coffin and plant them over your grave."
A bird sang sweetly and shrilly in the blossoms over-head,
And I awoke, awoke, awoke – I'd dreamed that Mary was dead!
I woke in the golden sunshine, the birds were singing aloud.
There was no still form beside me, nor any coffin or shroud,
But just a slip of a woman with her brown eyes full of tears —
Oh, that blessed, blessed waking I've remembered through all the years.
I told the story to Mary, who hasn't let me forget
That dream in the blossoming orchard – I hear of it often yet.
If I neglect to bring flowers, it's: "Oh, you're going to save
Your roses to heap on my coffin, your pansies to plant on my grave?"
 
 
And if I lose my temper – a common weakness of men —
The sweetest voice in the world says: "You'll have to get dreaming again."
 

IN SUNFLOWER TIME

 
In the farmhouse kitchen were Nan and John,
With only the sunflowers looking on.
 
 
A farmhouse kitchen is scarce the place
For knight or lady of courtly grace.
 
 
But this is just an everyday pair
That hold the kitchen this morning fair.
 
 
A saucy, persistent thorn-tree limb
Had sacrificed a part of the brim
 
 
Of the youth's straw hat. His face was brown,
And his well-shaped forehead wore a frown.
 
 
His boots were splashed with mud and clay
From marshland pasture over the way.
 
 
Where alderbushes and spicewood grew,
And frogs croaked noisily all night through.
 
 
'Neath muslin curtains, snowy and thin,
The homely sunflowers nodded in.
 
 
Nan was a picture. Her muslin gown
Had maybe a bit old-fashioned grown.
 
 
But fitted the slender shape so well.
In its low-cut neck the soft lace fell.
 
 
Sleeves, it had none from the elbows down;
In length – well, you see, the maid had grown.
 
 
A labor of love her homely task —
To share it none need hope nor ask,
 
 
For Nan was washing each trace of dirt
From fluted bodice and ruffled skirt.
 
 
Now, few that will, and fewer that can,
Bend over a tub like pretty Nan.
 
 
The frail soap bubbles sailed high in air
As she drew each piece from frothy lair,
 
 
And rubbed with cruel yet tender hand
As only a woman could, understand.
 
 
Then wrung with twist of the wrist so strong,
Examined with care, shook well and long,
 
 
Flung in clear water to lie in state —
Each dainty piece met the same hard fate.
 
 
"'Tis done!" with a look of conscious pride
At the rinsing bucket deep and wide.
 
 
Wiping the suds from each rounded arm,
She turned to John with a smile so warm:
 
 
"I've kept you waiting – excuse me, please,
The soapsuds ruin such goods as these."
 
 
"You're over fond of finery, Nan,
Dresses and furbelows," he began.
 
 
"Maybe I am, of a truth," she said.
Each sunflower nodded its yellow head.
 
 
"Ned Brown's growing rich" – John's words came slow —
"That he loves you well you doubtless know.
 
 
"My house and acres, I held them fast,
Was stubborn over them to the last,
 
 
"For when my father was carried forth,
And men were asking 'What was he worth?'
 
 
"I saw them look and nod and smile
As they whispered together all the while,
 
 
"'A fine old homestead, but mortgaged so,
A foolish thing for a man to do!'
 
 
"I said, 'My father's dead and gone,
But he's left behind a strong-armed son.'
 
 
"My heart was hot with a purpose set
To clear that mortgage, to pay that debt.
 
 
"I've worked, heaven knows, like any slave,
I've learned the lesson of scrimp and save,
 
 
"Kept a good horse, but dressed like a clown —
And I've not a dollar to call my own.
 
 
"I'm beaten – well beaten; yesterday
Everything went to Ned Brown from me.
 
 
"My woods, my meadows, my tasseled corn,
The orchard planted when I was born,
 
 
"The old rose garden my mother loved,
My chestnut mare – can't help feeling moved,
 
 
"For I'm a beggar, Nan, you see —
Don't think me begging for sympathy.
 
 
"The world is wide, I don't care – much.
Thank God, health's a thing the law can't touch.
 
 
"The happiest man I ever knew
Was born a beggar, and died one, too."
 
 
Each sunflower, nodding its yellow head,
Listened to every word that was said,
 
 
As Nan in her slow and easy way,
In the farmhouse kitchen that summer day,
 
 
Set a great and weighty problem forth,
One that no scholar on this green earth
 
 
Has been able to solve since things began
With Adam – a lone and lonesome man.
 
 
Yet very coolly she set it forth:
"Tell me the truth, how much am I worth?"
 
 
The sunbeams kissing her golden hair,
Her cheeks, her round arms dimpled and bare,
 
 
Seemed stamping value of mighty wealth
On youth, and love, and the bloom of health.
 
 
John looked and looked till his eyes grew dim,
Then tilted the hat with worthless brim.
 
 
To hide what he would not have her see —
"You are worth the whole world, Nan," said he.
 
 
"Then you're no beggar," said sweet, bold Nan,
"You're the whole world richer than any man."
 
 
A girl queen wearing a crown of gold
Set a precedent, the tale is told,
 
 
But no royal prince this world has seen
Ever felt so proud as John, I ween,
 
 
As he clasped her hands in new-born hope —
And never noticed they smelt of soap.
 
 
Only the sunflowers looking on,
So he kissed the maid – oh, foolish John!
 
 
As he went out through the garden gate
Ned Brown was coming to learn his fate.
 
 
He was riding John's own chestnut mare,
But, somehow, John didn't seem to care.
 
 
The two men met at top of the hill,
And eyed each other as rivals will.
 
 
Ned thought of the home he'd won from John,
"Poor beggar!" he said, as he rode on.
 
 
John thought of all he had won from Ned,
"You poor, poor beggar!" was what he said.
 
 
Why? Under the heavens clear and blue
Only our John and the sunflowers knew.
 

THE WOOING O' KATIE

 
McLeod of Dare called his son to him.
McLeod of Dare looked stern and grim,
 
 
For he was sending on mission grave
His son, and though he knew him brave
 
 
The old man trembled lest he should make
In heedless youth a grave mistake.
 
 
'Twas not for the country, nor for the king,
Nay, 'twas a more important thing
 
 
Than country, or clan, or feud, or strife,
The young man went to woo a wife.
 
 
He listened, did Neil, with scanty grace,
Haughty gloom on his handsome face,
 
 
While the old man told him where to go,
And what to say, and what to do.
 
 
"The morrow ye'll go for a lang, lang stay
Wi' your rich uncle, Donald Gray.
 
 
"He'll gie ye a welcome wairm and true,
And mate his only child wi' you.
 
 
"She's weel worth winning, for in her hand
She hauds the deed o' a' his land.
 
 
"She's far frae haun'some – a homely lass,
As you will see – but let that pass."
 
 
"Why should I wed a woman that's plain?
You didn't yourself." McLeod was vain.
 
 
He smiled and he smirked, "Ah, true, Neil, true,
But I was haun'somer nor you.
 
 
"Juist coort this cousin, and never mind
Squint or freckle, since luve is blind —
 
 
"Or ought tae be in sic case as this —
'Tis no a chance I'd hae ye miss.
 
 
"Jane's na sae braw as her cousin Kate,
But 'tis wi' Jane I'd hae ye mate;
 
 
"For Kate, poor lassie, she hasna land —
Her face is her fortune, understand.
 
 
"Gie her guid day when ye chance tae meet,
But Jane, remember, your fain tae greet
 
 
"Wi' warmer words, and a gallant air.
Go, win a wife – and a warld o' care!"
 
 
Neil listened closest to what was said
Of Kate, the poor but pretty maid.
 
 
And when he reached his good uncle's place
'Twas Kate that in his eyes found grace,
 
 
The while Jane simpered with conscious pride,
As if to say: "Behold your bride!"
 
 
In this home he dwelt for many a day,
A favorite, he, of Donald Gray.
 
 
They walked together over the hill,
Or through the valleys solemn and still,
 
 
And the old man showed him acres wide
That would be Jane's dower as a bride,
 
 
Then spoke of the cousin, poor but fair,
Her eyes of blue and her golden hair.
 
 
"She'll hae na flocks, and she'll hae na laund,
She'll hae na fortune rich and graund,
 
 
"But gin she stood in her scanty dress,
Would man o' mettle luve her less?
 
 
The lad's heart warmed to the logic old.
What worth has land? What worth has gold?
 
 
Compared with the light in Katie's eyes,
What worth was aught beneath the skies?
 
 
Jane courted briskly day by day,
If he walked out she walked his way.
 
 
Did he sit him down to rest awhile,
She looked his way with tender smile.
 
 
Did he try to get a word with Kate,
Jane was there like the hand of fate.
 
 
One day it chanced, as he rode to mill,
He met with Kate just under the hill.
 
 
Would she mount beside him, ride along?
Yes, if he felt 'twould not be wrong.
 
 
He helped her up with a trembling arm;
Surely the day is close and warm.
 
 
Whoa, mare! steady! there's no need for haste
With two soft arms about his waist.
 
 
Neil – shame on him! – pressed Kate's finger-tips,
Then turned about and pressed her lips.
 
 
All over the road the blossoms white
Scattered themselves in sheer delight.
 
 
A bird flew singing a tender rhyme
Of meadow, mate, and nesting time.
 
 
The world looked beautiful in the glow
That heaven flung on the hills below.
 
 
Ah me, if that ride could but last a week,
Her gold hair blowing against his cheek!
 
 
The road to the mill, says worldly wise —
Nay, nay, the road to Paradise!
 
 
Travel it once if you wish to know
Something of heaven here below.
 
 
Though your eyes grow dim, and locks grow white,
You'll not forget this journey – quite.
 
 
But Neil must go to the old home place,
Meet his stern father face to face.
 
 
Altho' his cheek was a trifle pale,
Boldly enough he told his tale.
 
 
He would marry Kate – and Kate alone —
He could not love the other one.
 
 
Her eyes were crooked, her hair was red,
Freckles over her face were spread,
 
 
And the whole world held no lass for him
But Kate. Then laughed the old man grim.
 
 
"Your mither, she was a stubborn lass,
Self-willed, handsome – but let that pass.
 
 
"In a' oor battles 'twas she who won,
And Neil, you're juist your mither's son.
 
 
"But I hae na lived these mony days
Wi'oot walking in wisdom's ways.
 
 
"I saw your Kate, and like't her weel —
In luiks she's like your mither, Neil;
 
 
"The same blue een, and the same gowd hair —
But no sae fair, Neil, no sae fair.
 
 
"I tou'd your uncle to let Kate be
The lassie poor, o' low degree,
 
 
"And gie ye at once to understand
'Twas Jane who owned baith flocks and land.
 
 
"Why gie mysel' sic a senseless task?
I wunner, lad, ye've hairt tae ask.
 
 
"Gin ye was driven ye wouldna' move,
Too stubborn to even fa' in luve!
 
 
"Like a' the Campbells, ye'll hae your way —
Your mither has hers every day.
 
 
"'Tis prood ye should be, upon my word,
Tak' time to yoursel' and thank the Lord
 
 
For plans that gat ye a bonny bride —
An' heaps o' wardly gear beside."
 
 
Ah! thankful enough was Neil that day —
Joy flashed in his eager eyes of gray.
 
 
'Twas not for the land, not for the gold,
Not for the flocks that slept in fold,
 
 
Not for the wealth – the worldly gear —
But something wonderful, sweet and dear.
 
 
"Thank heaven," he cried, with a glow and thrill,
"Thank heaven for the day I rode to mill!"
 

THE OLD MAN'S VISIT

 
Joe lives on the farm, and Sam lives in the city,
I haven't a daughter at all – more's the pity,
For girls, to my mind, are much nicer and neater;
Not such workers as boys, but cuter and sweeter.
Sam has prospered in town, has riches a-plenty,
Big house, fine library – books written by Henty,
And Kipling, and Cooper, and all those big writers —
Swell pictures and busts of great heroes and fighters.
His home is a fine one from cellar to garret,
But not to my notion – in fact, I can't bear it.
I'm not hard to please, but of all things provoking
Is a woman around who sniffs when you're smoking.
 
 
Last springtime Sam said: "Now, Father, how is it
I can't coax you oftener up on a visit?"
I couldn't think up any plausible reason,
So off I went with him to stop for a season.
Sam said with a laugh as we stepped from the ferry,
"You won't mind my wife; she's particular, very."
It wasn't like home, that house in the city,
Our Sam took his fun at the club – more's the pity.
 
 
It is in his own house, when he has the leisure,
A man should find comfort and freedom and pleasure.
It wasn't so bad for me in the daytime,
Sam took me all over and made it a playtime;
But evenings were awful – we sat there so proper,
While Sam's wife, if nobody came in to stop her,
Read history to us, or, column by column,
A housekeeping journal, or other dry volume.
I used to wish someone would give me a prodding,
My eyes would go shut and head fall a-nodding.
She's an awful good housewife, nothing gets musty,
Or littered about, or untidy, or dusty;
But a little disorder never did fret me,
And these perfect women they always upset me.
I can stand her dusting, her shining, her poking,
But wilt like a leaf when she sniffs when I'm smoking.
 
 
I got so blamed homesick I couldn't be jolly;
I wanted our Joe, and his little wife, Molly,
My old corner at home, and all the old places;
I wanted the youngsters – who cared if their faces
Were smeared up a trifle? I didn't, a penny.
Molly tends to 'em, though she has so many.
I was tickled to death when I got a letter
From Joe, which ran: "Dear Dad, I think you had better
Get back to the farm in pretty short order.
Molly's papered your room and put on a border;
The baby, she says, has two new teeth to show you —
If you don't hustle back the dear thing won't know you.
She says to inform you that Bob, Sue, and Mary
Are good as can be, but your namesake's contrary,
Wants granddaddy's story, and granddaddy's ditty —
And granddaddy off on a trot to the city."
I packed my belongings. They tried to dissuade me —
Sam's wife said so proper: "I'm really afraid we
Have not succeeded in our entertaining."
"Oh, yes!" said I – some things won't stand much explaining.
She really meant well, but of all things provoking
Is a woman so perfect she sniffs when you're smoking.
 
 
I was glad to get home; it made me quite silly
To hear the loud whinny of Starling and Billy;
And here was the farm with its orchards and meadows,
The big maple trees all throwing their shadows,
The stubble-fields yellow, the tall stacks of clover,
The wag of the stub of a tail on old Rover.
And here came dear Mary, her hat on her shoulder,
With Sue trying hard to catch her and hold her;
Here came Tommy and Joe, always foot in their classes,
And Bob, with his features all crumbs and molasses,
Carrying a basin with fishworms and dirt in —
Oh, that scalawag, Bob, I'm morally certain
Is a chip of the old block – it just seemed to strike me
They'd named the boy rightly, for he was so like me —
All laughing and calling: "Here's grandpa to play with!"
And Bob supplementing: "And sleep 'ith and stay 'ith!"
And then such a hugging, with Molly behind me,
The tears came so fast that they threatened to blind me.
My heart overflowed with sorrow and pity
For the boy I had left back there in the city.
His lot is a hard one – indeed, I'm not joking —
He lives with a woman who sniffs when he's smoking.
 
 
The supper we had, sir, and when it was over
The walk round the homestead close followed by Rover,
Who's most like a human. You'd fancy him saying:
"See those stacks? Oh, yes, we have finished the haying!
That colt should be broken. Old friend, I'd just mention
This farm stands in need of our closest attention."
And when, the lamp lighted, with Mary's beside me,
The boys at my feet, and Bob up astride me,
I felt like a king – I really can't write it —
Molly must take my pipe and fill it and light it,
Then plump herself down in her own little rocker
For a visit with me. Oh, she is a talker
Worth the listening to. The threshing was over,
Joe had got ten dollars a ton for the clover,
Deacon Hope had had a sharp tiff with the preacher
Over immersion, and the pretty school-teacher
Intended to marry – resigned her position.
Yes, most of the church folks had signed the petition
Against granting a license to Baker's saloon,
The Thanksgiving service would be coming on soon,
The neighbors were hearty, had every one missed me —
Right here Molly stood on her tip-toes and kissed me.
Sho! Sam's wife is handsome and cultured and clever,
But she's not the woman that Molly is – never.
Molly's smile is so kind, and her hair is so glossy,
Her brown eyes look at you so sweet and so saucy!
Yes, Joe's richer than Sam, though Joe's but a farmer,
For his home atmosphere is brighter and warmer.
Sam has lots of money, there's no use denying;
Has made himself wealthy, and that without trying;
But what chance has a man – indeed, I'm not joking —
Who lives with a woman who sniffs when he's smoking!