Muse and Mint

Chapter 45: PHILOSOPHY

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About This Book

A varied collection of short lyrical poems that observes nature and rural life, using seasonal imagery—sap, snow, rivers, cherries—and simple domestic scenes to reflect on change, beauty, and small joys. Sections shift between fireside recollections, sentimental and philosophical meditations, homiletic and religious pieces, and light humor, blending devotional songlike verses with moral aphorisms and affectionate memory. The voice moves between wistful and buoyant moods, finding consolation and ethical insight in commonplace experiences, while concise stanzas and vivid images emphasize mood and moral reflection rather than a continuous narrative.

PHILOSOPHY

THE HILL-TOPS

There are cloudy, sullen skies,

But what of that?

There are discontented eyes,

But what of that?

When the day is gloomiest,

Over on the hill-tops west

There is sunshine. Brother, best

Think of that.

There are dour looks enough,

But what of that?

Tasks forbidding, hard and rough,

But what of that?

Though the vale the weather spoils,

On the hill-tops there are miles

Of old Sol’s unconquered smiles;

What of that?

Living in the valley long,

Maybe that

Quenched the laughter and the song;

But for that,

Hearts might look to higher hills,

Kissed by sun and full of rills,

Smiling over cares and ills.

Think of that!