The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1893-12-28
A SPRING POEM.
Why the Editor Of the Monthly
Messenger Accepted It.

Elaine Gray, carrying in her hand
the manuscript of a poem-the first
fruit of her literary labor-entered the
editorial sanctum of the Monthly Mes
senger with fear and trembling. A
young man seated at a desk looked up
and smiled appreciatively-for Elaine
was sweet and winsome and her confu-
sion made her positively charming.
Can l see the editor?" asked the
girl, trying unsuccessfully to seem un-
concerned, as if such visits were of
daily occurrence.
'T am the editor, at your service"
said the young man, politely. Pray be
seated"
Your sic exclaimed, then checked
herself, and said, with flaming cheeks:
"You see, had supposed that editors
were all old and wore spectacles. ]
don't know what gave me such ridicu-
lous idea, I'm sure"
I'VE sometimes find our preconceived
notions are wrong" said Mr.. Horace
Winthrop when l was boy l
thought that a bald head and a wart
on the nose were the distinguishing
characteristics of all doctors, because
the only one l happened to know had
them"
They both laughed, and Elaine was
at her ease again.
do you accept poetry from an un-
known author?" she asked
Very seldom" said the editor. 1--WE
receive so much verse from authors Of
established reputation that only by
reason of especial merit can we accept
contributions from unknown authors.
/ am always willing to read and pass
Judgment upon manuscripts, however"
81 have poem here which l would
like to read to you," said the girl, pro-
ducing her manuscript. You see, it is
spring poem"-this last half apollo
getically-"and / suppose you get
plenty of those. l wrote it while visit
ing in the country last spring, when l
was so enthused with the charm of the
place and the season that l felt l must
offer some tribute-and only verse was
in harmony with my feelings. read
this to friend the other day, and she
advised me to bring it to you. 1t prob
ably doesn't amount to much, for 1T is
SO difficult to write poetry! If could
only express myself as ] desire!
''That is difficult art indeed" said
Mr.. Winthrop. 81 suppose all poets
have found their finer conceptions too
subtle to transcribe in black and white.
They are like the evanescent charm of
a beautiful sunset-glorious to behold,
but hard to describe, and soon gone.
Will you read your poem?"
Elaine read, in a voice that to Mr..
Winthrop seemed very sweet, the fol-
lowing:
"Al day the sunshine, clear and soft,
Has FURNISHED earth with golden sheen;
All day the balmy breezes watt
Sweet promises from land OF green;
AL day has come the rapturous voice
OF tuneful birds from every tree.
IT'S spring-all nature doth rejoice
And why not WEI
All day the distant mist-wreathed hills
Have taken yet greener hue;
AL day the placid lake reveals
cioudlcss heavens cerulean blue;
All day the brook its JOY has told,
While fastening TO the distant sea-
The world forgets that II is old
And why not wef
can Gay from yonder grassy plain
Has come the lowing OF the herd;
Aud softly falls the low refrain
OF insect, tcc and tunefEl bird.
Oh, Why should man alone be sad:,
All shows its happiness tmt he
The world IS bright--creation's glad
Aud why not we.
During the reading of the poem Mr..
Winthrop, it is but true TO say, paid lit.
tie attention to the literary merit of the
production-he was too busily engaged
in studying the living, breathing poem
before him for that.
at is very pretty indeed" he said.
"Win you leave 1t with me? / should
like to read it carefully"
Certainly" said Elaine, rising to go
As the editor opened the door for her
he said: II hope you will call again
Miss -"
Gray" she said.
- Miss Gray, and submit any con
tributions you may have. You seem Il
possess talent"
She murmured her thanks, gave hin
her sweetest smile and tripped out, yer,
happy.
s.By Jove!" was the editors menta
erclam nfiou vvheu she had 0orHa uthng