Forest Ways.

Forest Ways.
116.5

I wandered down a forest path
With arching branches over me.
My soul within me burned with w wrath
And, blind with hate, I could not see,

From scenes of strife I went that day,
From turmoil and from heavy care,
And sought the quiet forest way
And tried to nurse my anger there.

But all my comrade trees were calm,
The ferns and flowers spoke of peace,
And o’er my soul there fell a balın
That bade the angry tumult cease.

And. wearied with my walk, at last
I flung myself upon the ground;
My bitter thoughts away I cast;
My fettered soul grew free, unbound.

The leaves were whispering to me,
Sweet birds were singing in the boughs;
The demon cares began to flee
As sun and shadow kissed my brows,

Full length upon the earth I lay
And through green branches saw blue skies
So all my hatred passed away.
While tears bedewed my desert eyes.

I put a flower in my breast
When I went back to town once more,
And peace has been my constant guest
Here in the mighty tumult’s roar.

Here pent within the garish town
Through all the hot and sultry days,
Beyond these walls that grimly frown,
I see those quiet forest ways.

I hear the bluebird and the thrush,
I see the cool, green branches wave,
And in my soul there comes a hush
As sweet and soothing as the grave.
-Will Reed Dunroy.”