Gleams of Sunshine: Optimistic Poems

_TO The memory of my beloved wife, MARY MATILDA McKIM Who, by her gentle disposition, cheerful spirit, sound judgment, and earnest Christian life, not only proved herself my tru...

Reduced their strength through lack of food, And fever germs on vitals preyed; Yet they o'er trouble did not brood, By night or day of cheerful mood; This burden on them weighed...

It rested once on its crystal bed; Neither wind, nor wave, occasioned dread; Admired by all as they passed it by, Though the contrast oft produced a sigh; In purer soil than aff...

The hills are clad in purple and in gold, The ripened maize is gathered in the shock, The frost has kissed the nuts, their shells unfold, And fallen leaves are floating on the l...

Each human life with mysteries is replete; They press upon us in its early dawn, And multiply apace as years roll on, And at each turn we must their problems meet. Reason is bli...

And show my love by yielding him his due; For sentimental love is ever vain, It cannot peace, much less heaven's favor gain; But those who love in deed are blessed and true.