From the Archives #20: National Poetry Month

These photos and the accompanying caption were originally posted to our Facebook page (link to external site) on April 7, 2023.

April is also National Poetry Month. This lovely poem from our archives was written by Florence Seymour to her brother, Walter, in 1923. It was donated by Janet Seymour.

Transcription of cursive:

When spring unlocks the flowers to paint the laughing soil;

When summer's balmy showers refresh the mower's toil;

When winter binds in frosty chains the fallow and the flood,--

In God the earth rejoiceth still, and owns his Maker good.

The birds that wake the morning, and those that love the shade,

The winds that sweep the mountain or call the drowsy glade,

The sun that from his amber bower rejoiceth on his way,

The moon and stars their Master's name in silent pomp display.

Shall man, the lord of nature, expertant (sic) of the sky --

Shall man, alone unthankful, his little praise deny?

No; let the year forsake his course, the seasons cease to be,

Thee, Master, must we always love, and Saviour honor thee.

The flowers of spring may wither, the hope of summer fade,

The autumn droop in winter, the bird forsake the shade,

The winds be lull'd, the sun and moon forget their old decree, --

But we, in nature's latest hour, O Lord, will cling to thee!

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From the Archives #21: Jordan Hall

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Spotlight #7: Consuelo Bailey