I see the airplane rise and soaring
    On all bright days and fair;
  The tiny specks go roaring out
    Across the hills from care.

  If my good pilot friend is landing
    On some star world up there. 
  He might bring back some silver
    Or flowers for my hair.

PROMISES

  On New Year’s day
    Mankind makes promises
  Of gossamer film.

IN BOASTFUL PRIDE

  He walked quite proudly on the rocky ledge
  And shouted, “I am standing here so high! 
  How fine the valley and the flowing rye,
  I see the barn that’s near the osage hedge;
  Come look—­it’s splendid from this shaly edge!”
  He leaned far out and slipped—­the foolish guy. 
  Where he had stood was only murky sky. 
  To face great danger is a privilege. 
  Don’t dare for show, my boy, the rock might slide. 
  For worthy cause the brave will stand or fall,
  But watch the stepping where the bluff is steep;
  Remember too when flushed with boastful pride,
  Men take most careless risks—­don’t reckon all;
  And then—­a life goes out in just one leap.

IN THE STORM

  Hear the gale roaring through woods! 
      Trees bend and snap and sway,
      They race and break on this dark day. 
  If I could fashion some sturdy hoods
      To hold the storm at bay,
      Then trim and straight would all trees stay. 
  But great trees knotted by winds’ moods
      —­Like men who face their care—­
  Stand scarred yet staunch and bravely there.

THE PRESS OF FLOZARI

COLOPHON

This is number 107 of the Torchbearers’ Chapbooks, printed by hand at the Pegasus Studio, from hand-set 10 point Century on Eggshell paper, in an edition of 110 copies and the type distributed.

  Copies may be secured from the author, at 75c each, postpaid
  Clara M. Beede, 146-1/2 North College, Tulsa 4, Okla.