The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-05-31
ncautifu, Northern Neck

To the Editor of The Times Dispatch.
S!F'-Thc Kind words said in the
editorial headed Poetry in the Heart
are very much appreciated, assure
you Let me cay that your article
helped and encouraged me. for hated
70 think that there was no poetry in
one who 50 loves TO commune with
nature and hear rural sounds, and
least upon the beautiful sights Of
woods, wales. hills and fields so album
dani hercabouts. ut this glorious
season. You are Right, true poe
Try Is a thing OF tho heart. and il
we attempt 10 interpret the lessons
which Gods streams. fields flowers
and Slin.ng sunshine teach us. and the
heart be cold and unsympathetic that
We bring 10 the task, the effort Will
be unavailing.
1t IS not possible TO put OH paper the
communings the heart has with nature
when one takes drive on these roads
or saun,ers leisurely along on paths
thar wind over farms and through
woods. We'll may one wonder at the
wealth and grandeur OF these scenes
which tell US so eloquently OF a Hea-
Venly Fathers love and goodness TO
HIS creatures, large and small. AS
sure as We are living. wo don't ap-
preciate as we should the Creators
abundant blessings and riches as We
nave them in lands. streams. forests
and flowers
IN TINS great section Of our grand
oid state there are undeveloped riches
mat would be marvellous in the eyes Of
thoso VINO we're permitted 20 see them
HOW can one have narrow and selfish
views when he looks upon the great
chesapeake Bay or sails up the spien-
did Potomac or gazes upon the beau
tltul Rappahannock? What a rebuke
10 man mercenary spirit selfish
plans and Cnkind deeds and words
are these lavish and magnificent ex-
pressions of Gods generosity and love,
TaIk about poetry. The air is full of
1t hcreabouts and our prosy farmers
sailors and merchants are actors in
the great poetic drama that is being
daily enacted all around us.
1t was over here in historic West-
morcland. at Wakefield where George
Washington was born. and in the SANE
county. at Stratford. in sight OF the
Potomac. the peerless r. F. Lee saw the
hgh:, and others lcss renowned were
natives OF our poetic Peninsula. The
names or villages and residences over
mere smack or poetry and show that
our noble Northern Neckers live to
preserve names and traditions of
classic interest and memory. "Spy
Hill with beautiful view on the
Potomac. the residence OF Henry Gar
nett. is a favorite resort for the Muses.
and "Waverly' suggestive of the Wiz
ard of the North. Willow HILL" pop
Castle" MT. Ida and "Hagley," the
last named suggestive Of witches; but
as the home OF tho Taliaferros, gen
erous and hearty hospitality was dis
penscd under it's ample roof in ante
bellum days.
Time and space will not allow OF
the mention of all these, nor to refer
TO others whose owners made selec-
ton OF curious and unusual names for
their residences that Uncle Sans mails
might come 10 the proper destination
without confusion. Think of one such
named Go BY" another Tgo." while
'Dogue "Ambar," "Gera," etc, help
to make the list
Bryan, Keats. Gray and the gentle
Cowper. If alive. might find over here
abundant inspiration for the strong,
steady flight OF their soaring Muse
am sure that The Times Dispatch
contributor of rhyme who lives at the
Arcad;an Cascade. with Its pure air
and inspiring scenes. would find this
great section fine field. too, from
which to send his poetic illusions.
r. r. PARHAM.