Berkeley High School - Olla Podrida Yearbook (Berkeley, CA)

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Of stately fern and dainty maidenhair; A tinkling brook flung to the fragrant air Perpetual laughter; farther on and deep Lay a still pool in which the brook could sleep. Thither I made my way, and at the brink I knelt upon the flower-gemmed moss to drink. One draught I took, delicious, cool, and clear, When sudden fell upon my startled ear A chorus of faint sounds from all around, Amidst the green, and close by from the ground There spoke a voice like music faint and sweet. Startled, I sought its source, and at my feet Spied a small lily, frail and waxen white, And, poised upon its tip a fairy, light As thistle-down, and daintier than the flower The elfin mistress of this sylvan bower. Welcome, oh maiden, spake this gauzy sprite, To this our magic glade of pure delight; Thy crystal draught shall make thee understand The sweet word-music of this fairy-land. A vale of joy untroubled this must be ; II aught of mortal sorrow burdens thee Call on the bird-folk, who my subjects are, Thy heart ' s desire they ' ll bring, tho ' near or far. Hither, my birds, she said, and at the word A fluttering of myriad wings I heard, And, hastening to the faint sound of her call, There flocked her feathered subjects, one and all. The fairy then her light wings folded up And disappeared within the lily cup. A gaudy blue jay, bolder than the rest, Said, Luckless mortal, what may be your quest? What brings you here within the enchanted shade Which we, the birds, our paradise have made? Then spake I, wond ' ring, Oh, ye little birds, What I most ardently desire is words; I am, indeed, a damsel in distress, — Behold in me the High School Prophetess. Tell me, I pray, what fortunes shall be wrought To cheer the brilliant class of Naughty - Naught ? Then rose a clamor, it was strange to hear, Of sweet-toned, flute-like voices high and clear. Send out our heralds; let them fly and see 26

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S I was walking out one April day Among the Berkeley hills, I lost my way. The sun was shining, all the hills were green, And lovely little valleys smiled between; Wild flowers were blooming ' mid the poppies red, Golden with sunshine in their verdant bed. In dazzling splendor to the westward lay The silver sheen of San Francisco bay, While Tamalpais and Mt. Diablo stood Majestic, grand, in silent brotherhood. The ferry-boats, like ants that come and go, Busy as bees, were plying to and fro Past stately ships with cargoes from afar, Riding at anchor safe within the bar. I stood and gazed and drank in with delight The scene of beauty in its glow of light. When lo, the cold gray fog in solemn state Came rolling landward through the Golden Gate, Effacing all that late had seemed so bright, Enshrouding me within the gloom of night. Surprised and startled I retraced my way Seeking the homeward path through mists of gray. As on I hastened, unfamiliar grew The path I trod, until at last I knew That I was lost. So on a mossy bank Discouraged, warm, and tired, I weakly sank. When lo, the fog uplifting, to the view Disclosed a greenwood glade. The sun shone through Upon an alder grove, whose feathery crest, Shadowed below a leafy tangled nest 2 5

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With instant swiftness, what the names may be Of these poor innocents who have been taught As members of the class of Naughty- Naught. Then said the blue jay, Maiden, would you know Which one of us can heal your mortal woe? In yonder hollow tree trunk you can trace A dim and shadowy figure, and a face Heavy with sleep. The centuries gone by And all the years that in the future lie Can hold no secrets from this sage old bird; Him we ' ll awake, his verdict shall be heard. We neared the old owl ' s twilight shelter dim, With summons shrill the blue jay wakened him Out of his slumber. Now the heralds came, And as each tiny bird pronounced a name, Deep from the tree trunk e ' en my mortal ear The hollow voice of prophecy could hear, Telling what future fate should come to pass To every member of the dear old class. To-whit, to-whoo! In wonderment I heard The solemn voice of this prophetic bird ; To-whit, to-whoo! Give me but time for thought And I ' ll supply the information sought. JAMES FOZARD This youth, whose name is dear to every heart, Will take in life a brave and noble part. Before his touch fly every pain and ache; He will a rich and kindly doctor make. LESLIE DOBBINS A well-known judge, in legal lore profound, In future years this schoolmate shall be found; His fame for equity and wisdom be Worthy example to posterity. AMY MOTT Her helpful life humanity shall bless, She ' ll wear the simple garb of deaconess. SEYMOUR HALL Although he ' s said the ladies to adore, This dapper youth shall be a bachelor, Live in a club, with no home of his own, And die a multi-millionaire, alone. 2 7