American poet (1836-1914)
O Fame! A bubble on life's wave,
'Tis tossed about, a worthless thing;
The bubble breaks--'tis lost for aye,
But leaves on heart a poignant sting....
You cut your name on granit block;
As ages come and pass away,
Disintegrated is the stone,
For all in nature must decay.
ARDELIA COTTON BARTON
Thoughts
Time ever mocks all youthful hopes;
He laughs at ever plan youth makes;
He buries fame and honor deep
In grave of hope--too late youth wakes.
ARDELIA COTTON BARTON
"Time's Ravages"
Much too oft we make life gloomy--
When happy we might be,
If we gathered more of sunshine,
And not dark shadows see.
ARDELIA COTTON BARTON
Thoughts
Store well Life's sheaves, the grains of thought--
Your harvest will be good,
If sheaves are bound by ties of love,
And evil you've withstood.
ARDELIA COTTON BARTON
"Gathering of the Sheaves"
Sweet Truth is a queen proud and mighty--
Her throne is in heaven above.
ARDELIA COTTON BARTON
Thoughts
O happy childhood! blessed youth!
But once we know thy potent power;
But once we live all careless free;
No cross to mar our love-lit bower.
ARDELIA COTTON BARTON
"Heart-Yearnings"
Upon the roadway of my life,
A guide-board I will leave of love,
So those who follow in my steps
May guided be to hills above.
ARDELIA COTTON BARTON
"Love's Guide-Board"
The burdens of life I'll take up now,
But never my heart will they stain.
If sorrows of earth fit me for heaven,
No reason have I to complain.
ARDELIA COTTON BARTON
"No Reason Have We to Complain"
When soul to soul can message send--
Dispatched from mind to mind--
All nations will be swayed by thought,
And thought will rule mankind.
ARDELIA COTTON BARTON
Thoughts