Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 3, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 January 1912 — The Desert. [ARTICLE]

The Desert.

Have you felt the charm of the desert. The lure of the cactus land. When cloud ships white and fleecy Cast shadows o’er the sand? Have you seen the smile of the desert At the close of a restful day? Each breeze goes by like a woman’s sigh. And here you would live alway. Have you felt the fangs of the desert. The sting of Its poisoned days, When the cruel sun is gleaming On spear-lined, dusty ways? Have you felt the breath of the desert When the lips of the wand’rer swell. When the breezes leap o’er the gulches deep From the open dors of hell, Have you felt the breath of the desert In the noontime’s shimmering veil, ) When the sky is molten copper ‘ And the sands have hid the trail? Have you felt the claws of the desert When the old canteen, lie dry. And you quit the fight and pray for night That In darkness you may die? —Denver Republican.