THE GRADUATES

I saw them beautiful, in fair array upon Commencement Day;

Lissome and lovely, radiant and sweet

As cultured roses, brought to their estate

By careful training. Finished and complete

( As teachers calculate ).

They passed in maiden grace along the aisle,

Leaving the chaste white sunlight of a smile

Upon the gazing throng.

Musing I thought upon their place as mothers of the race.

Oh there are many actors who can play

Greatly, great parts; but rare indeed the soul

Who can be great when cast for some small role;

Yet that is what the world most needs; big hearts

That will shine forth and glorify poor parts

In this strange drama, Life! Do they,

Who in full dress-rehearsal pass to-day

Before admiring eyes, hold in their store

Those fine high principles which keep old Earth

From being only earth; and make men more

Than just mere men? How will they prove their worth

Of years of study? Will they walk abroad

Decked with the plumage of dead bards of God,

The glorious birds? And shall the lamb unborn

Be slain on altars of their vanity?

To some frail sister who has missed the way

Will they give Christ's compassion, or man's scorn;

And will clean manhood, linked with honest love,

The victor prove,

When riches, gained by greed, dispute the claim?

Will they guard well a husband's home and name.

Or lean down from their altitudes to hear

The voice of flattery speak in the ear

Those lying platitudes which men repeat

To listening Self-Conceit?

Musing I thought upon their place as mothers of the race,

As beautiful they passed in maiden grace.