Dreams and realities

Dedication

TO MY DARLING MOTHER

THIS FIRST LITTLE VOLUME OF MY POEMS IS MOST LOVINGLY DEDICA TED,

Not for their worth or grandeur, but because of all the world of critics none will judge so tenderly these, my heart children. To you, who have always encouraged and fanned the spark of my ambition; to you, to whom each little manuscript has been taken before sending it out into the world; to you, of whose love and sympathy I am always confident—I tenderly inscribe these, my dearest treasures.

Preface To First Edition

The preparation of these poems for this little volume was begun about six months ago. They have been written from time to time during the last two years. Even when I began selecting from my poems for this volume, 'the idea of having them in book form was only a sweet "dream," but by perseverance it has become a "reality." In presenting them to 'the world I feel, as a fond parent might about a dearly loved child, anxious as to their reception. But if they carry one ray of hope to some troubled heart, one gleam of sunshine to some shadowed life, I shall not have worked in vain. Asking the tender Father of frail humanity to will it so that good may grow out of this small seed, I place them lovingly before the public.

„ „ onP? Lula Belle Cokpier.

December, 1897.

Preface To Second Edition

I think it selfish in me, the mother of the author of these dear little poems, if I do not send them out into the world to cheer some lonely heart and point others to a purer and higher life. My darling is with the angels in heaven. Lula Belle died October 15, 1898. She had begun writing for publication another volume of poems; but leaving her work unfinished, I feel it my duty to have these poems published. I would not call her back to this sin-stained earth, if I could, though sad my heart is without her. I have lived to know that "length of breath is not the sweetest gift God sends to man, but, like the fragile lily, you tear the close-shut leaves apart to find the calyx of gold." So with our lives: the golden thread is twined within. Mattie Grant Corpier.

January, 1909.