The Poet’s Mission: A Poem

VOYAGE OF THE SHIP "BROOKLYN." 893

the diligent "Mormons" should be commended and encouraged to go ahead — as Canada and Mexico have encouraged them — and build up the waste places, make the desert fruitful, improve the country, make other valuable discoveries, etc., that peace on earth and good will to man may prevail.

Pauilo, Hawaii

(the end.)

THE POET'S MISSION. (For the Improvement Era.)

"What shall I write?" I asked the Muse. "So let thy words attune the heart, She aswered low and sweetly: That from them it may borrow "From ev'ry inspiration choose, Some joy of life, to ease the smart Interpret it discreetly. Of some one's deepest sorrow.

"The song birds ev'ry year return ' 'So let thy faith bring happy things

To sing again their chorus; That faith is ever bearing Though oft we hear, we cannot spurn And let thy hope bring offerings The music floating o'er us. Of hope to the despairing.

"If thou canst, sing a low, sweet song "So let thy charity assuage Like one the finch is singing; The failings of a brother. Though but a voice within the throng And let thy love bring heritage It swells the chorus ringing. Of love for one another.

" 'Tis not the loudest singing bird "The thoughts that live in after years, That has the greatest mission, The sentiment that lingers, The low, sweet song, less often heard, The songs that move the heart to tears, Yet makes one pause and listen. Were sung by humble singers."

Payson, Utah. J. L. Townsend.