Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 242, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 October 1912 — The ONLOOKER [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

The ONLOOKER

WILBUR D.NESBIT

Would you know him'again today, If he somehow should come to you. If he halted yoft on the way, Would your memory serve you true? With the air of the old boy-days. With the smile that was glad, and free, Would you know, if he met your gaze— Just the boy that you used to be? Ho! The boy that you used to be, Ere you wrinkled with care fret! What a wonder If you could see That boy! Isn’t he living yet? Hoes he never come back in dreams, Made of memory’s witchery? Btralght and fair in Its rosy gleams— Just the boy that you used to be! Ho you never hold speech With him In that past with Its afterglow? See his figure, though blurred and dim? Ask him why did he ever go? Ho you never go hand-ln-hand— Wander back, till again you see All the charm of the old boy-land, With the boy that you used to be? Hoes he know you, when oft he comes . Where you’re dreaming your dreams alone? Is the melody that he hums But the one that to song has grown? Honest-hearted, and white of soul— Ho you know such a one as he? Then you're reaching the greatest goal— Just the boy that you used to be! i .. -i i— .. i