Watauga Democrat

(James Monroe Downum, Boone, N. c.)

The world is swaying to and fro in doubt,
Uncertain what a passing day may bring;
We hold the balance in our trembling hands
Nor know the likely way the trend may be.
We're looking further, deeper for the hidden cause
As though our blinded eyes could see within
The sealed unbroken mysteries and human minds
Could solve or feeble hands remake
the heads
And hearts and ways of men, and form anew
By human plans a peaceful Paradise
Doubt not there is a place for human plans,
A work for every head and heart and hand,
But not through these alone are peaceful ways.
Still darker grows the scene, and truer, firmer hands
Must hold in check the raging storm and truer eye
Must see, and truer heart must find the way.
Only an Eye, a Hand, a Heart Divine can see
The hidden mystery, can stay the threatening storm,
And mould to purer type the souls of men.
These truer, higher, nobler Powers implored
By human hearts, will find the remedy
And bring from troubles dark a glorious end.