DOMINION, 



AN ARBOR DAY POEM. 



"Let ns make man in our image, after our likeness ; and let them have dominion over 

 the fish of the sea/ and over the fowl of the air, and over all the earth." 



Coming from far to greet us, 



Coming with brave good cheer, 

 Sure of his way though spring delay 



To bring the violets here ; 



Filled with the gladness of summer, 



Pouring his soul into song, 

 Soaring on high through the pathless sky 



With a pinion free and strong ; 



Slight is the frame that enfolds it, 



This breath of the infinite Life, 

 This pulse-beat that's part of an infinite heart 



Of Love behind all strife. 



Cruel? or careless? What matter? 



A flutter of wings in pain, 

 Seeking the shade where a nest was made. 



And the bright- winged joy is slain. 



Man may exult in dominion, 



Playing his mightier part. 

 But, surely, dower of regal power 



Demands a royal heart. 



For still the Father pities. 

 And heeds the sparrow's fall. 



His love must be with bird and tree, 

 His life is in them all. 



The Master of the vineyard. 



The Teacher, day by day, 

 Found lilies fair and birds of air 

 all His way. 



Befriending 



And in His hour of anguish 



And mortal sorrow dim, 

 Beneath the shade the olives made 



The angels came to Him. 



Through Nature's sweet revealings 



Perhaps to us, some day. 

 When we have eyes grown tender-wise. 



The angels will come oiu^ way. 



— Alice M. Dowd. 



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