Lost, A Little Child: A Poem

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222 IMPROVEMENT ERA

of the great men of the world have come to the front and have left behind them an inspiration and an example. If our character is firm, the motive pure and strong, the will determined, we are in the line of truth; we have but to go straight forward and be true to ourselves and our fellowmen. This certainty of being in the right path which comes of a high aim and the will to carry it out for the good of all, not only of self — is of itself a wonderful power. It is not easy of attainment, for it rests upon a living consciousness of the presence of God in all things and events and faith in our union with him. As J. G. Holland says, "Character must stand behind, and — back up, everything the sermon, the poem, the picture, the play. None of them is worth a straw without it." Sugar City, Idaho

Lost — a Little Girl Has any one seen a dear little girl With a smile on her sunny face? I've looked for her in her favorite haunts, But find her not in the place; I've peered in the face of each little child, As I've passed along on the street; I've listened to hear her merry laugh Among the children I meet. Her dolly is just where she left it last, Her clothing still hangs in the hall, And, though I have searched for her everywhere, She does not answer my call! Oh, help me to find her, won't you please, That I may soon look on her face, That this pain in my heart shall cease at last, When I clasp her in fond embrace. She came last night to me in a dream, With the light of God on her face; And I knew my darling was safe, at last, In that bright and glorious place Where pain and death can never more come, And grief is all banished away In that beautiful "Home not made with hands," Where it ever is glorious day. H. C. McDonough

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