Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1879-06-01
For the Sunday Appeal
Old Waterford on the Creek; a sketch
of Earlier Scenes

For the SUNDAY Appedl.I
Old waterford on the Creek; a sketch
OF Earlier Scenes.
This old Waterford of the new world ESQ
distinguished from the modern depot is, you
know, some nine miles south of Holly
Sprlngs-my natal plaee-on Spring creek.
Near decade has elapsed since | saw it last,
but herein evince my recollections of the
better part of bygone times there. Ny faith
err, always high in his profession as pnysi-
clan, and man OF power and qualities, l
may be pardoned for adding, removed to
Waterford from Holly Springs in 1848, and
there spent many years of heroic toll in the
business of his life. He has SINCE, with moth
er, "entered into rest, and their works dc
follow them" in the heart of their boy, at
least. Why, then, methinks, should not
"Old Waterford on the Creek" be measur-
ably famed as well, in ''son2 and story" as
Camp Douglass by the Lake." or "Man-
chester by the Sea-" since there was one
peaceful, oiodel home, at least. Then war
rolled Ger 1t its pillows of blood, leaving but
monumental chimneys standing, like grim
sentinels amid the charred remains of once
happy home. Romance may be fact, as fact
- ''@' '''-- - JOHN B. OSWALD.
For who to dumb forgetfulnes5 prey,
This pleasing. anxious being ere resigned
Left the warm precincts of the cheerful day,
Nor cast one longing. lingering look behind"
Or who In life advanced pace,
Nor loved nor priced the former things;
Methinks beyond cen heavens great grace.
That soul TO which no reverence clings.
Ye earlier scenes! How true IDS shown.
How craven on each beings make
Attachment for the early known!
love the past for pastlme'S SAKE
Then mem'ry bring thy holy train
Come, spirit or the past, Teplete,
And sing OF Joy, ana sing of pain,
And Sing OF life a song complete.
Old waterford close by the creekI
How rife that time 10 mem'Ty's ear
Bringing the flush to both heart and cheek,
Reyiving recollectlons dear.
Twas there 1 spent my boyhood days;
-, Twas there my parents cherished me-
Twas there gamboled In my ways
There my sister played with me!
Alas! that sister left US soon
she dWelIs with God, trust by grace
She basks, both morn and eve, and noons
In realms OF light, In spheres OF peace.
To this place my father came to seek
For work a larger, ampler field;
Aud here, with skill most wisely meek,
He sought to garner labor's yield.
And there, In stately church sedate,
| My mothers voice was wont to sing
And there, from love to God innate,
| The preachers tones were wont 10 ring.
Here. in home of plentiest board,
| With truest, saintliest mother,
Joined with father most adOTed,
We dwelt-my sister and my brother.
Each meal was graced By prayer and thanks;
Each morn and night we knelk in love;
| Our childhood'S sports were pious pranks-
| We loved, yet feared, the power above!
Here came the rich. here came the poor
| Here to this hOSpttG0e home;
| None e'er repulsed from Fathers door,
Whose portal words were, ''Welcome-eoIne!'
Nor let ambition mock this ''naive,"
| Nor ''fusksn culture" rOdely Sneer
| At home Of love and of him brave
| At home OF her, OF best the peer
| boast not aught of wealth or lore
only k7lOlG my soul sincere!
reverence that that's gone before,
But look for fruit not here, not here.
On stepping stones of our dead selves
We rise and rise to higher things,
Look not for comfort In yourselves
| But to the source-al nature sings.
Long years have passed, still 1 sigh;
But in ashes yet for those
Who leaving earth, assembled high.
| Nor shall l see. til all, all lifes close.
Not that neither Joy nor hope;
| Nor am subject all to sadness;
| Our lives were never made TO NOPE
| when strung with chords of real gladneSS.
Nor could find flaw with Him
| Whose throne embraces every sun,
! 'LuminiDg CREATIONS utmost rim,
We all our Ssprate portions run.
Yet time, nor desth, nor sea or land,
Nor all the varied change of earth,
Can distance me from D. or Bland,
Or those from whom drew my birth.
Aud tho some thIfigs were rude about
| The Sub1ecs of these feeble lines,
| ere shall prize the place throughout
L-A no hafEz %