The Washington herald., 1908-03-17
THE OPTIMIST-

II il is the Lenlen seasOn-a season for
looking backward and repenting as We
may for the opportunities missed. the
kind word not spoken. the duties unful-
hlled-let Us who in the last few days
have heard the trees almost sing with
their sWaying branches. rejoicing at the
first tremulous CULVER Of awakening sap,
who have seen our friends the birds re-
turning from the Southland, and the
squirrels once more al play in the parks
let US. as true brothers OF the craft OF
optimism. rejoice at the signs Of return
ing spring.
think that spring is essentially the
season for optimism. Who could be a
.pessimist in that season of great prom
Use? In winter. indeed. We have 10 fall
back on the reserve strength OF our souls
and the hope that is in our hearts. FOR
the bleak winds and the furrying SHOWS
do not speak a message Of joyous hope
In summer. the fun season. We are almost
content with the goodness Of the earth
and all that therein is. and life as il
comes 10 US during summer days seems
almost sufficient without the need OF hope
for better time. And in autumn, when
the granaries are piled high with grain
and the earth has given forth her album
dance. is a season for rejoicing at the
gifts; but spring. All. that is the very
season Of hope. Hammerton. that keen
philosopher. who was not always an op-
timist, taught us that
What delights as in the spring IS more a sensz-
ton than an APPEARANCE; more a hope than any
visible reality There IS something IN the softness
Of the air IN the frightening OF the days IN rhe
very sounds and odors Of the sweet time that
oareSses US and consoles after the rigorous weeks
Of winter.
Is not that a true saying? Spring does
not come upon US IN a bound. II is
not one day winter and the next joyous
spring. Instead. as the days 80 by there
Is always excitement of uncertainty To-
day We are quite sure that il is time 70
con winter garments; anxiety as 10 the
next coal bill seems quite absurd: IL is
time TO shink Of visiting the tailor. of
coming out. a. the birds do. in new
fnery- And then, behold, the night that
was all balmy and soft ana dangerous
when we went 10 bed has passed, and
through the open window the wind blows
chill and there seems a touch OF tears
in IL. Outside there is a sprinkle Of rain
and-yes, il does look as II IL might.
indeed, turn TO one more snowstorm.
But still, We have had some perfect
days. The sun has shone and the green
grass has smiled az US, and the earth
has seemed fair We look at the trees.
and even though the day be cold. we can
see where the buds have already sweIled
under the influence Of time. They are
large with hOpe-as the season is. and
as our hearts should BE-, II they are 10
be in sympathy with God and nature
The bud is IN the bouEh and the leaf Is in the bud
And Earth beginning now IN her veins 10 feel the
blood
Which. warmed by sumner sips in the alezabie Of
the vine
Prom her founts VIII orerrun in a rudy gIsh q
The perfume and the bloom that shan decorate the
aouer
Are quicEeuins in the gloon q their subssrranean
bower.
And The aioss mean to feed trees. Vegetables. fruits
JnerTlngiy prUceed % Their pTe-appoiHted roots
That is spring in its influence on in
animate nature At its first touch the
note OF all nature seems 10 be one OF
rejoicing. The birds sing as they set
about their wooing. the trees crackie for
very joy. the winds have changed their
wailing for a perfume-laden song. Shall
we-with our petty sorrows and aches
and anXieties be the only things on
earth that shall not hail the coming OF
the spring as a hope time. No. let US.
too, take the spring days that come with
a cry Of gladness There shall be wet
DAYS yet. and dreary and chlIl-but these
cannot rob US OF the spring days We
have had. or deprive Us OF the hope that
the touch of spring We have already en-
joyed has given US So, with Thomson,
let Us sing.
stin let my song q nobcr note assume
And sing n intrusive force Of spring on man.
When heaven and earth. as If contending We
To TAisc his being and scrrne his soul
Can he t0Tbear 20 JOIN the general smile
OF natrrei Can len rnssinns Wy his hreast1