A New Year's Reverie: A Poem

2i4 IMPROVEMENT ERA

Hilo, situated on the eastern coast of the Island, has a vicious member of the volcano family to contend with, however, in the volcano Mauna Loa which lies far up on the mountain that bears the same name. A recent eruption of this member took place in 1880. The first evidence of its activity was the appearance of a light in the crater. The following day a stream of lava made its appearance at a point eleven thousand feet above sea level, on the eastern or Hilo side of the mountain. It continued to flow for nine months, and finally stopped three quarters of a mile from the town. The last eruption of Mauna Loa was in 1886, following some severe and very frequent earth quakes. As before, a light was first seen in the crater as a warning, this time on the western side of the Island. The outbreak was this time but twenty miles from the sea, and the stream of lava reached the sea at noon of the next day. It continued to flow for some time. Luie, Oahu, II. I.

A New Year's Reverie Great fire-tongues flame up the chimney tonight, And to the strains of gay music young feet trip light, In welcome to him who will reign in your stead, Hut, Old Year, 'tween us there is much to he said.

Draw near, then, more near, and as heart speaks to heart, Hold converse ere your life from mine shall depart! Although cherished dreams you have failed to bring true, Oh, many the thanks that I owe unto you!

For blessings your bounty has given unsought, For lessons, though hard, that your wisdom has taught. Rut what of the hopes that meet withering blight? Like worn, tangled skeins they appear to my sight.

Old Year, I am weary, ah, fain would I rest, Would fain, like a child, lay my head on your breast, Till your each ebbing breath, with slow pulsing lay, Rear me up on soft wings of slumber away.

You flee, and a stranger bids me to arise And gird me with courage. He views with surprise My wavering will. "Come, awaken," says he, "You had faith in the Old Year; have faith in me." Grace Ingles Frost. Salt Lake City