Poems of Optimism
May not one friend receive more than another?

SHE

Not man from woman and still remain a friend. Life holds but three for her, a father, brother, Lover—against the rest she must contend.

HE

Against the universe I would protect you, With my life even, nor hold the price too dear.

SHE

But not against yourself, should fate select you As Lancelot for foolish Guinevere.

HE

You would not tempt me?

SHE

That is undisputed. We put the question back upon the shelf. My point remains unanswered, unrefuted No man protects a woman from himself.

p. 83HE

p. 83

I am immune: for once I loved with passion, And all the fires within me burned to dust. I think of woman but in friendly fashion: In me she finds a comrade safe to trust.

SHE

So said Mount Peelée to the listening ocean: Behold what followed! Let the good be wise. Though human hearts proclaim extinct emotion, Beware how high the tides of friendship rise.

p. 84A WISH

p. 84

Great dignity ever attends great grief, And silently walks beside it; And I always know when I see such woe That Invisible Helpers guide it. And I know deep sorrow is like a tide, It cannot ever be flowing; The high-water mark in the night and the dark— Then dawn, and the outward going.

But the people who 
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