Wayside musings poems

Preface

In this little collection of various subjects, put in verse, the author claims no credit for superiority, or for any thought not expressed before by others. The verses were written over a period of about Mty years and were composed simply for the gratification or pleasure they gave at the time. Many of the reading public labor under a mistaken idea, and seem to think the poets write mostly of themselves ; but a more erroneous conclusion could hardly be entertained. They, of course, write of some things that have more or less to do with their oa^ti experience but mostly of what they have read, or events that happen around them in ordinary, everyday life. Many of the poems are true in their entirety while others are a compilation of various circumstances, others, idle dreamings. The author has tried to avoid plagiarism, but has used the style of verse, which we are inclined to regard as common property. They w'ere written with no thought of remuneration except as stated above, and until within six months no serious thought was entertained by the author for their publication, and now it is only by the earnest solicitation of friends that consent was given. The verses were composed under all sorts of condi- 5

6 PREFACE

tions pertaining to a busy farm life. Neither eulogy nor criticism is invited.

"Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee. ' ' — Acts 3 : 6.

Whether good or indifferent they had their origin in the following manner :

When in the fields behind my team,

Or in my sleigh or wagon, Many a line would come to mind.

But none I wish to brag on; No den, or sanctum I possessed. My knee, or dashboard was my desk, And when a theme much me impressed

I simply tacked a tag on.

Whether good or ill, I cannot tell.

But as a general rule.

Parents love their children just as well,

Be they deft, deformed or fool. So I've gathered up at my command, My offsprings in this little band. And sent them forth to fall or stand,

By critics wise and cool.

L. A. B.