PREFACE

PREFACE

The candlelight sweeps softly through the room, Filling dim surfaces with golden laughter, Touching with mystery each high hung rafter, Cutting a path of promise through the gloom. Slim little elves dance gently on each taper, Wistful, small ghosts steal out of shrouded corners— And, like a line of vague enchanted mourners, Great shadows sway like wind-blown sheets of paper. Gently as fingers drawn across your hair, I see the yellow flicker of it creep— And in a silence that is kin to sleep, I feel a world away from pain and care. Roads stretch like arms across the world outside, Roads reach to strife, to happiness, to fame— Here, in the candlelight, I speak your name, Here we are at life's cross way, side by side! OH, THERE ARE BROOKS THERE, AND FIELDS THERE AND NOOKS THERE— NOOKS WHERE A SEEKER MAY FIND FOREST FLOWERS; BLUE IS THE SKY THERE, AND SOFT WINDS CREEP BY THERE, SINGING A SONG THROUGH THE LONG SUMMER HOURS.