Mechanic Arts High School - M Yearbook (St Paul, MN)

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I2 THE The Emperor comes next week, does he not? he asked. It is his custom, upon the appointment of a new commander, to do so. Then we must show His Highness an exhibition. Back on the mainland, Jo Sing and his bride were still merry-making, when a messenger brought the private a letter. Open- ing it, he read,- I highly regret my ignoble actions a few days ago, and most humbly beg your pardon. In order to show my love to you, and because I still honor the woman you mar- ried, I have arranged with your captain to have you come at once to Meng, and join our foremost regiment. With sincerest regards, p'AWO LO, Commander, Island of Meng. 4'Meng, E April 13, I9-. Jo Sing was a soldier, and his wife was a soldier's wife, and instead of its injuring their wedding joys, the letter added to them. I will go with you to Meng, said the happy bride, 'Afor the Emperor will be there, and you will doubtless march before him. If the father entertained any suspicions against Wo Lo, he hid them, and sent his children off in happiness. The great day had arrived. The Emperor was seated in his box, overlooking both sea and plateau. The sky overhead was clear and blue: but as ever, the mighty waves be- low tossed in feverish restlessness. The great regiments began their review, their bright colors flashing in the sunlight. They marched in every conceivable forma- tion, making fantastic designs on the green- sward. Great was their work, and great their applause. And, amidst the onlookers, sat Jo Sing's little bride, proud beyond measure of her soldier-husband. pl M JUNE, 1925 After the noon recess, soldiers and wit- nesses once again took their positions, and the afternoon session began. The troops formed a huge dragon, with a tongue of fire, and marched about in a circle, to the loud- voiced admiration of the people. The day passed into dusk, but neither Emperor nor populace moved from their places. Wo Lo, standing in the midst of his men, like the ringmaster in a circus, smiled. The great sun lit up the island and the sea in crimson splendor. A few twilight breezes cooled the heated cheeks of the soldiers. Suddenly Wo Lo's voice rang out. Regiment A, stand forth! The heart of Jo Sing's bride beat fast. The remaining regiments were asked to retire: and enviously, they joined the spec- tators. The whole crowd was tense, for the greatest body of soldiers in China was about to perform, Right face! cried Wo Lo. The men turned, facing the cliff and the sun and the sea. Forward marchl Everyone watched, breathlessly. A bright ray of the parting sun broke through a rift in the clouds, and blinded the eyes of the people. Then the clouds were merciful, and once more covered the great god's face, The Emperor, Wo Lo, the people, and Jo Sing's little bride of seven days saw the regi- ment on the brink of the cliff, marching- on! Again, and for the last time that day, the sun burst forth, In the fulness of its glory, and their uniforms made beauteous by its reflections, the great soldiers of Meng dropped a thousand feet into the hungry sea. And, like the great God of Vengeance, who dies when his work is complete, Wo Lo, with a laugh leaped over the precipice, and linked his fate with theirs. : yi 7 I 1: 51555 -U G' -:Q :y ., VND ug 'lf X: -Q

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14 TH E M JUNE, 1925 Free Verse By THEoDoRE scHM1TT With the coming of night, The lake stretches out Like a tired gray creature. Bright pin-heads of light Spot the deep night Like fallen stars Chained. Black night, Like dark velvet, Soft and thick. Pk Pk Dk Dk Dk I found a hidden ravine, Shaded with tall deep shadowed trees Damp and dark--with bare floor, Of springy turf Musty and cool Smelling of rotting wood and dampness. Pk Dk Pk bk lk Across the lake from me, I can see, A clean-greened, full-grassed hill, With a slash like from a mighty dagger, Slashed and bleeding The blood lies dried upon the beach Beneath .... Open and gaping. ak x wk :sf sk Green, high-piled hills. Silver glistening sheen of water. Yellow, heavy, ripe grain, Checkering the valley in the misty distance. The blood red sun, sinking. I Spills over from its crimson body Vivid crimson flame into the lake Rippling and flashing. The wide expanse grips you like a spell. The high, close-packed, fleece white clouds Seem but arm's length away Ethereal Silence, Magnificence. :sf ff if we wk A lone rower on the windy lake, Struggling and pulling. Ever being pushed back By the thousand hands of the waves. Pk HK Pls Pk ak A pyramid of flame, Fantastically colored Leaping upward Like the red point of a spear Dripping red. all bk elf Bk ak Still, quiet trees Motionless and calm As though life had suddenly vanished Prom the earth, and the trees destined to stand. Forever at mute attention through the count- less ages Fragile and lovely in their stillness, Disillusionment By ADOLPH JOHNSON I dreamed that all the world was gay: All the earth rang: Sweet voices sang As sprightly as the birds in May. I laughed-and all the joys did call For I was King, was King of all. I woke and all the world was sad. An inky pall Hung over all, A shroud to make the gamesome mad. No pleasure came, though loudly I did call- I was not King-not King at all.