Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-07-30
Much too secret 10 be- guessed,
And It's fanCies that attend
Aprils passion unexpressed.

OF n more serious character IS long
poem. an "Aposthophe to Greece" which
contains some impressive and beautiful
lines. The group of poems about Italy
rank among Mr. .Johnson's higher flight
OF fancy, and contain many passages
that tempt one to quote. II the exigen-
c.es If space did not forbid,
Part Of the volume is developed 10
para phrases from the Servian." Nikola
Tesla the Inventor made some literal
TRANSACTIONS from the works of Znai, the
chief Seryian poet OF to-day. and Mr..
johnson has given them a poetic zen
dering. Zmai like most Of the singers
OF the Balkan States. Is inspired by
fierce passions tragic love. and at times
by tho spirit os good-natured satire. We
have onV space to afford to one poem
by the Serv!an master. which expresses
one Of his serious inspirations. AMI
possesses much OF the semi oi rbarlc.
Oriental favor, the primitive passion.
found in much poetry OF the Russian
people It is called THE Two Dreams"
Deep on the bosom OF Jell-Begzad
darling daughter OF stern Bidar),
Sleeps tho rose Of her lover lad
1t brings this word: When the zenith
Melts in the full moons rising light
Then shall her Goaur cometo might.
What is the odor that fills her ROOM
All, It's the dream of the sleeping rose:
To feel his lips near it's velvet bloom
In the secret shadow no moonbeam
knows.
TIL the maiden passion within her
Kindl.s to fame where the kisses rest.
BY the stealthy fingers of old Bdar
Savage father of Jeel- Begzad)
Never bloodless In peace or war
Was handpar sheathed, and each one
had
Graved on It's handle a Koran PRAYER
He can feel IT now In his ambush there!
The moon rides pale in the quiet night:
II puts out the stars. but never thu
CLEAN
OF tn. waiting blades forehodng light
Astir in its sheath in a horrid dream
OF pain OF blood. and OF sasping breath.
OF the thirst OF vengeance drenched in
death.
The dawn did the dream OF the rose
undo.
But the dream of the sleeping tadc
came true.
The poetry OF Robert Underwood john
son is free from the pessmistc strain,
which too often mars some Ct the best
American poetry OF the day. We writes
Ike a man who feels that it is good to
live. and that this Is a very beautiful
world after all, and would have you
share in the same genial outlook. An
tdealist and lover OF anture. he draws
his inspirations from people and places
or from the crowded drama OF NE "a
IL Is unrolied before him rather than
from the past. While some OF his best
lines have been inspired by the grand
cur that was Greece, and the glory that
was Rome" land few poets have capcd
their influence II is on such subjects ds
the home the hearth, friendship ana
the changing pageant OF the seasons that
nc deserves best to be remembered IL
his poetry never rises to great heights.
| II Possesses n quiet charm and artless
grace that soothes II It docs not violent
! " stir the senses; qualities not to be
| underyalued in these days OF tumultuous
| Ufe. The poetical ranks will never be too
| crowded TO admit one whose songs 'bea;
with light wing against the ivory gate
! hut who brings no less message OF
| hope and cheer to tired hearts