Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1893-11-30
A SPRING POEM.
Why the Editor of the Monthly
Messenger Accepted It

y
the manuscript of poem-the first
fruit Of her literary lubor-entcred the
editorial sanctum OF the Monthly Mes.
senger with fear and trembling. A
young man seated at desk looked up
and smiled apprcciatively-for Elaine
was sweet and winsome and her confu.
sion made her positively charming.
Can ! sec the editor?" asked the
girl. trying unsuccessfully TO seem un.
concerned. as II such visits were Of
daily occurrence.
~ nm the editor, at your service, 4"
said the young man, politely. pray be
seated"
"Youl" she exclaimed. then checked
herself. and said, with flaming cheeks:
you see, had supposed that editors
were all old and wore spcctacles !
don't know what gave me such a ridicu-
lous idea, I'm sure"
I'VE sometimes find our preconceived
notions are wrong" said Mr.. Horace
Winthrop. when | wns boy
thought that q bald head and a wart
on the nose were the distinguishing
characteristics OF all doctors, because
the only one ] happened to know had
them"
They both laughed, and Elaine was
at her ease again.
DO you accept poetry from an UNI
known author2" 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"
al have poem here which would
like TO read TO you" said the girl, pro-
ducing her manuscript You see, II Is
a spring poem"-this last half apollo
getically-"and suppose you get
plenty of those. wrote II while visit
ing in the country last spring, when |
was SO enthused with the charm Of the
place and the season that felt 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 II to you. II prob
ably doesn't amount TO much, for IL Is
so difficult to write poetryl II could
only express myself as ! desired"
THAT is difficult art indeed" said
Mr.. Winthrop. II suppose all poets
have found their finer conceptions too
subtle TO transcribe in black and white.
They are like the evanescent charm OF
o beautiful sunset-glorious to behold,
but hard to describe. and soon gone.
Will you read your poemP"
Elaine read, in voice that TO Mr.
Winthrop seemed very sweet the fol-
lowing:
IAN day the sunshine, clear and soft
Has FURNISHED earth with golden sheen;
AL day the balmy breezes watt
Sweet promises from land Of greeni
All day has como the rapturous voice
OF tuneful birds from every tree
IT'S sprng-all nature doth rejoice
And why not wei
IAN day the distant mist.wreathed hills
Have taken yet greener huoi
All day the placid lake reveals
cloudless heavens cerulean blue;
All day the brook It's Joy has told
While fastening TO the distant sea
The world forgets that II Ia Old
And why notwe'
IAN day from yonder grassy plain
Has come the lowing OF the herd;
Aud softly falls the low refrain
or insect, bee and tuneful bird.
Oh. why should man alone be sadf
All shows Its happiness but he
The world is brlght-creatlon's glad
Aud why not WEI
During the reading of the poem Mr.
Winthrop, 1t is but true 10 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,
'Will you leave II with me? | should
like TO read it carefully
Certainly" said Elaine, rising TO go,
As the editor opened the door for her.
he said. 81 hope you will cali again.
Miss -"
Gray" she said.
- Miss Gray, and submit any con.
tributions you may have You seem 70
possess talent"
She murmured her thanks, gave him
her sweetest smile and tripped out, very
happy
by Jove!" was the editors mental
exclamation when she had gone, that's
pretty girl Why didn't | think 70
take her address2 She may not call
again. guess she will, though, for
she seems TO have the literary fever in
mild form Let's see--l didn't pay
much attention TO her poem-too busy
observing the color OF her eyes Some
thing about spring--like most Of the
rest OF them"
lie read II critically
mot so bad" was his comment;
considerably above the average for a
beginner 1t is commonplace, how
ever; too much So to publish But II
NEi4 paxer do 10 retlaAs v, for " do