The Pathway

THE PATHWAY 29 Then said the boy — with head held high, And the twinkle of mirth in his clear, bright eye; "I did not notice the day was long, Beguiled was I by the bird's sweet song, "And when I came to the steep incline, A thrill of eagerness was mine, For new visions that I might gain, Far above the level plain. "And as I gazed from the lofty height My heart was full of sheer delight, And I saw how by effort man might rise To a clearer view of heavenly skies. "The rocks were stepping-stones to me O'er which I bounded light and free. On the grassy mounds I idly lay, And watched the insect world at play. "I laved my feet in the sun-kissed sands And thought of Arabia's desert lands, With its legends, loves and old romance, Where the Gypsies round the campfires dance. "For a moment I was a bandit bold, Holding my prisoners for ransom gold, Then I thrilled with the thought that with freedom and health I was richer than bandit king with his wealth. "To me the night was a holy time, For I felt my nearness to the sublime. And as I lay 'neath the moon's soft gleam I dreamed a wonderful, beautiful dream — "I saw myself as a conqueror bold, But not as the kings and knights of old, Not as one who fights for pelf, But one who is Master of himself. "Then morning came, and the rising sun Turned dew drops to diamonds, one by one; And the beautiful flowers, so rich and rare, Shed forth a perfume beyond compare. "And even the brambles and the thorns Bespoke to me of Easter Morns — When the Master triumphed o'er the grave, And assurance of life eternal gave. "The crown of thorns he meekly wore Was replaced by the haloed light he bore. As he triumphed over death and sin, So can I a mighty victory win. "And these were the thoughts that shortened the way, Made the journey a pleasure, night and day, Mere gold could not induce me to part With the good resolves that filled my heart. "The way is clear, my path is plain If I the lofty heights would gain; I see life as it is, and I must not fail — And these were the lessons I learned on the Trail." Pheonix, Arizona. ROBERTA FLAKE CLAYTON