LIFE'S FOREST TREES 221 



though it be mid- winter, is ever in her spring, where 

 the moss-grown and decaying trees are not old, but 

 seem to enjoy a perpetual youth; and blissful, inno- 

 cent Nature, like a serene infant, is too happy to 

 make a noise, except by a few tinkling, lisping birds 

 and trickling rills ? 



LIFE'S FOREST TREES 



BY ELLA WHEELER WILCOX 



THE day grows brief; the afternoon is slanting 

 Down to the west; there is no time to waste. 



If you have any seed of good for planting, 

 You must, you must make haste. 



Not as of old do you enjoy earth's pleasures 

 (The only joys that last are those we give). 



Across the grave you cannot take gains, treasures; 

 But good and kind deeds live. 



I would not wait for any great achievement; 



You may not live to reach that far-off goal. 

 Speak soothing words to some heart in bereavement 



Aid some up-struggling soul. 



Teach some weak life to strive for independence; 



Reach out a hand to some one in sore need. 

 Though it seem idle, yet in their descendants 



May blossom this chance seed. 



