Putnam County herald. (Cookeville, Tenn.) 1903-1922, 1917-01-04
SCRAPS or VERSE AND PROSE
BY Clara Cox Epperson.
THE AFTERMATH

THE AFTERMATH.
The little cedar tree grew up by the
aide Of the mother-tree, sheltered By
her protecting branches from the
cold winds, the sleet and snow OF
winter. and the scorching heat OF
summer, untouched By blight or evil,
Shattered thus. 1t grew in strength
and perfect beauty until it was con.
adhered the loveliest tree In the for
ct For that reason when the men
came with cruel axes ON their shoul-
ders. 1t was the little tree that was
chosen to be cut down. and the moth
sr-tree was LETT in the forest alone.
Then We see the little tree In u
church all lighted and decorated. and
With toys and dolls hung upon it3
branches and piled beneath its lovely
Limbs. The children are singing, and
the music revetsrates Though the
bailding and Is carried on the breex-
es to the birds Of the forest who also
send out thrilling notes of JOY to ths
world.
Still later. we see the little tree all
alone In the darkened church. The
sound Of the music has died away:
the happy children have gone home
Adened with toys and dolls and beau
iiful gifts; the lights were one by
one turned out and only the little
tree that has given out SO much Joy.
10 left in the darkness, alone.
The bright morning sun shines on
the little tree cast out of the church.
It's life spent, its purpose fulfilled, Of
no more use to the world: and thu
forest is sad, and the mother-tree
stands silently grieving.
A little child grew up by his moth
ers side. protected from the hurts
and sorrows of the world. Taught of
all things good and true and beauti-
ful. growing In strength. knowledge
and perfection. until when his mother
took him to the temple Of the wise
men he confounded them with his
wisdom. though still but q boy.
Later We see him at the marriage
In Cana Of Galilee. turning the water
into wine for the wedding feast,
while the admiring crowd applauded
and wondered; and his mother re-
NAMED without, alone. 4~
Still later, ON the cross we see his
beautiful body suspended, Saviour
erucined for the salvation Of the
world that knew him not, while his
mother and John the beloved dis.
siple. wept together beneath its shac
0vs.
But the morning of the third day
the sun Of heaven shines upon his
arisen spirit, and peace and Joy and
good will is proclaimed upon the
earth forever. for the spirit OF the
Saviour redeemed from death and ths
grave ascends to heaven to plead
forever for the redemption OF the
world.
So, with our lives. We grow up In |
the JOY and beauty Of youth; we serve
the purpose Of our lives; we suffer
pain and SORROW and many afflictions.
and then We too are cast aside into
the darkness of the grave. and soon.
10 soon forgotten that we sometimes
think, "Is life after all. worth while?"
But il we have served, even little.
worked little, been patient little,
loved little and prayed little for
the good of others and the world. Que
lives are worth while. even though
cast aside by the cruel
hand Of death.
II there were no aftermath of Hea-
ven to this life, our lives would still
be worth while, II spent in service.
and love, for these ara
The wheels that revolve all the good
of the world for all time and eterni-
".
The aftermath Of Christmas is sad,
100. The bells, candles and decora-
ions must come down; the happy
,amily must break UP to go each
heir way. perhaps never to form
3 fSiplete. joyous circle again. but
\ hearts saddened by the parting.
ASst be lifted up with hope and look
IN Joy toward another loving re-
3,ipu. Then with tender smile ip: 7
&:ead Of tears the decorations may
y laid away IA the chest, and the
...nsrsen n the heart with the Law