The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1884-05-23

Our genial Scotch friend, who 70
many years past has been engaged il
the cult va ton of fruits and flowers
a mile or so 0 Inside the city limits, ad
dresses the following poetic petition t.
the authorities of the city:
PETITION OF THE GODDESS OF FLOWERS, THE Woo
AND WATER NYMPKs, TO THE HONORABLE MAYO
AND COMMON COUNCIL OF THE Cry OF KENosHA.
Fair May morn, and passing fair,
Out of the lake the sun did rise;
The morning dew and morning air
Were sweet to all as morning skies.
The lowering mist that morning brings,
By golden beams of early light
Up-lifted was, on unseen wings;
Off fed the darkness of the night
The Goddess Of the flowers had come,
Upon the gentle southern breeze,
To find some where q summer home
Mid flowers and shrubs and noble trees.
She hover'd DER Kenosha fair;
Its rural beauty much admired,
And gardens filled with flowers rare,
1t seemed the place so much desired.
And circling round on Fairy wings,
She lighted on the bright green sward,
With stately oaks and flowers of spring,
For such she has great regard.
The Water Nymph she first did meet
Near by long and narrow pool
Now weedy grown, and incomplete,
Where boys play when out of school.
And strange to tell, the Wood Nymph came
Down from a round-topped maple tree,
No need to introduce by name,
For of such nymphs there are but three.
" GOMEZ the Goddess then did say,
y To ind sweet, summer home:
This might be one for many day,
But of sweet flowers, alas there's none.
Your words are good,n the Wood Nymph said,
'sBut that being, man. he's fallen low,
For self his plans are always laid
Look where you will you find it So"
81 know, I know the Goddess said,
Sinful and short-sighted he may be,
But when the truths before him laid.
He's not SO blind but he may sce.n
If nymphs of pure and perfect mind,
Who love the beautiful and good,
Can with your Honors favor find;
We come in humble, hopeful mood.
Long years ago this plat of land
Was gifted to this city fair
By one among the early band
Who's home-love ever centred there
The gift you have the giyer's gone.
His face no more again we see
No effgy or sculptured stone
AS fair memorial meier could be.
To think, oh, friends, to only think,
The gift he gave from purest love
In your esteem so low should sink
No end but self your hearts can move.
You make your pathways smooth and good,
And bridges build for good of trade,
And love to see the coal and wood
Brought to the harbor you have made.
The useful is the shrine you love-
70 which you grateful homage pay,
The beautiful as cheerful giver
You kindly aid without delay.
For beauty great value has,
Great as the useful it may be,
And spreads all round byAnatures laws
An increased worth on all we see.
A lovely park there cannot be
At each mans door DER al the town,
No reason why we may not see
This one all lovely; it's your own.
Then treat this gift with loving care,
Make winding paths among the trees,
Plant flowers and shrubs, aud everywhere
Build seats where age may lake its ezse.
And through the long bright summer drss
There little feet will love to roam,
Whose happy laugh and cheerful ways
In shaded bowers may find home.
And at the twilight's golden hour -
There love may stray by limpid lake,
Or rest in lovely rose-clad bower,
And love it for the giyer's sake. "A
And name 1t. friends. the Dnrkee Park, y
Nor change that name through coming tim1A
OF your regard no less mark
This scribe thinks worthy of his rhyme.
Selma, May lst, 1884,.