Jasper County Democrat, Volume 10, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 September 1907 — FORTY-FOUR. [ARTICLE]

FORTY-FOUR.

Time goes ou a little faster, though my steps are growing slow, But the sun still shines in splendor and still sets in golden glow; And old friends, old times, old mem'ries grow still dearer unto me As X walk the sunset roadway leading to eternity. Home scenes grow a little dearer with the close of each long day, Sweeter grows iny children’s laughter as I watch them at their play, And I take my ease at twilight, sitting by my cottage door, Thanking God that life is spared me and I'm young at forty-four. Sweeter grows the soff caresses as my children’s Ungers twine Through the silver threads that gl’.sten in this graying head of mine; Softer, sweeter grows the music as Dame Nature sweeps the strings Of the windharpsin the forests till the earth with rapture rings; Softer grow the suuset colors as the sun sinks into rest In a couch of fleece-olouds downy in the dim and distant west; And I sit while twilight shadows oreep across my cottage floor, Thanking God for home and loved ones at the age of forty-four. Life is always what you make it—you may build for weal or woe. Rough the road; or smooth, my brother—it depends which way you go. Love anil laughter smooth the pathwaysighs and groans will make it rough; You can see more flowers blooming if you’ll just look long enough. And as you pursue your journey, hand in hand with those you love. You will seethe sun shine brightly though the dark clouds hang above. Swift the years go gliding by me, but I heed their flight no more— .■ ■ __ I’m too thankful for my blessings at the age of forty-four. -Ex.