The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1885-04-29
ssThat Boy.''
Cedar Rapids Republican. /


Has he crossed your busy pathway-that
visible incarnation of surcharged energy
and vitality; that human representation of
a well developed cyclone; that concentrated
essence of the freedom and power of incipi-
ent manhood2 He wakes up in the moraing
with wild "halloo," takes time by tue fore
lock with determination that deties defeat
goes to bed with bounce that sets the springs
to Gathering like a million csstinets and ia
i've minutes Is sound asleep gathering new
strength for the morrow. He opens doors
with rush and closes them with a bang or
closes them not at all, leaving them quiver-
ing upon their trembling hinges with the
suddenness Of the shock-dances On i'm
promptu Jig upon the slippery csllar doors
to the imminent peril of bis spinal column
and SHES his hat at the chickens until thatar-
ticle is reduced to a hopeless and melancholy
state OF decentralization, He scales the fence
when to enter by the case would be far more
easy, and climbs the pillars of the porch
with reckless disregard of paint and
tenn of ventilation in the knees
and seat OF his NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. broad
cast daily crop of buttons, and keeps up 6
state of perpetual enforcement bstween his
upper and neither garments. He stretches
twine fro ~ every door knob and picture
cord, and when commanded to desist leaves
little eXasperstlng ends and loops dangling
Kittens feet and gees wild with uproarious
glee at Der frantic efforts to unshoe herself
He asks questions until be resolves himself
into sperpetually active Interrogation point.
responding to each reply with satisfied
Obj that is volume of expression in
Itself and a revelation to his listeners. He
blacks his shoes in the family ash pile or the
dust upon the beaten highway, aud adds to
their polish by q generous sprinkling at the
family pump. When reminded that Gle anil
ness is next to godliness, be dips his small
brown hands ia the water. deposits the soil
stains upon the clean end OF the towel and
with hearty rub at his rosy freckled chseks
is off and away without moments warning.
be goes fishing the long day through,
coming home az nlghtfall with tired feet
and empty stomach, dilapidated ward
robe and one torlorn little 'minny"
as the result OF whole days sport de is
The posseesor Of guenchless aDpette-ever
ready to interview the cookie jar always
wondering what is there good to eat, and
prowling round the pantry in search OF what
ne may devour. The school bell rings and
he dasbes away to school with ha;r uu-
combed, his face unwashed and multitude
nous cat hairs clinging to his garments. He
is sincerely repentant for discovered faults,
promises hearty amendment aud in the
tEipkling of an eye the promise is forgotten,
It pssteth away like tale that is told OF
flower cut down at noon tide. Eager rest
less and undaunted, he dsshes on his merry
way, compelling ore 10 perpetual wathf1l
ness. and perpetual wonder Il the cares add
dieniiiss OF life will ever sober bis joyous
face, slGoken his boundirg step or write their
siory in wrinkles on his brow.
Have yol seen "that boy" TO day2 Out
under The summer sky and IN the soft sum-
lighii do you hear hls merry laugh, the pat
ter oil his busy feet or the sweet faint sch0
q bis childish soDgs2 The doors open and
shut quietly enough now; the kitten SUM
bels upmclested up0n the sunny doorstep;
the veiocipede stands idly IN it5 'ssail' and
the busy games are ended
The mellow sun beams fall upon a new
MADE grave; the small brown hands are
folded ano the dancing feet at rest. SOL
smn hush has settled down upon the home
a silence fraught With tears and heavy with
besrtsches and all the world is des oiatel
Mrs l.. III. LATHAM.
Mauon, Iowa.