Massachusetts College of Art and Design - Palette and Pen Yearbook (Boston, MA)

Page 18 text:

“A dove? — Oh, yes, peace is there, “With peace — happiness, too. “A dove? Perhaps — I puzzle — “No, the dove would never do! “You have asked for the bluebird, my sad friend, “True she plays a gladsome part — “And happy? Oh, ’tis not our place “To read another’s heart!” When other desires were answered with care. She came to the wise man’s plea, “Well chosen,” she said, “Yet tarry awhile, “I ask you to judge with me.” “Think of the swan as she sails along “In might and in majesty — “She is peaceful, happy and quiet — “Supreme — in her royalty. “What is more fine, when all is done, “Than a glistening snow-white swan “Floating imperially on through life — “Floating, and floating on, “Cresting each rise or subtle swell “With a graceful lift of her head, “And resting in purple shadowed pools “When sun from the world is fled?” “Yet — seeing such beauty, we wonder then “And listen for signs of song. “Can loveliness standing so supreme “Be idle or sUent so long? “Then with a sudden turn of the mind, “Another thought is stirred — “When the swan is waddling up the bank, “She resembles another bird! “No need to carry my thought along, “Let the swan in her beauty remain. “May it sufiBce that she floats away “While we think of the song with pain.” “Now judge — does the thought of the swan “Bring just a thought to you — “Can’t you see that your fervent pleas “Would never, never do? “Not wisdom, or might, or peace alone “Can bring the world success; “But some of each, with beauty and love, “Will establish happiness. “Wish not for the joys of others, “Make the best of whatever you start, “Remember the swan and her idle life “And ask not another’s part!” — Dorothy Sharpies « 12 »

Page 17 text:

A SWAN SONG Once when the world was trouhled and rife And wished it might change for awhile. An angel came down from the Heaven above. And greeted the place with a smile. There, with infinite wisdom gleaned from on high. She spoke with her words ringing true, “Suppose,” said she, “You could change your place “What would you rather do ? “Supposing that nature had made you a bird, “What kind would you choose to be ? “Think of the birds you have known all your life ‘‘And then give your preference to me.” After a pause in the puzzled world, A judge raised his head with a cheer — “I speak for the owl and sagacity — “For there’s need but for wisdom here!” A general gazed o’er the rank and file And his words were piercing and trite. “My vote for the eagle,” he said with a sigh, “An eagle for strength and for might ! ” A mother who guarded her irksome brood Waited for others to cease. Then in trembling tones she gently said, ‘‘Make me a dove of peace.” Then one who had sorrowed for many a year. In silence, alone and apart. Said, “My greatest wish would be but this — “A bluebird of happy heart.” So on and on the pleadings went And the angel listened to each. She listened to pleas and to wishes That were far above mortal reach. Then after a pause, when all were done, A wise man tired and drawn. Rose from the ranks and approached her, “Make me”, he said, “a swan!” The angel thought and her face was grave. As she dwelt on each earnest plea. She said, “Well done! YOU have told me all, “But listen a moment to me. “An owl is fitting in his own place “And his wisdom aids distress, “But wisdom can never conquer all — “Or bring you happiness. “The eagle is mighty, I will admit, “He stands alone on a height. “Power: we need to carry on — “But you can’t rule a world with might!” C 11 9

Page 19 text:

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