Beauty

Billy Blakes' house is a tumble down
in a back street row for the poor
There are broken panes and clapping boards
And splintery, crooked floors.
The side door trellis is broken down
And a rose vine clambers through.
The kitchen stoop has lost a board
The old cellar door lacks two
The weeds really push their way
among broken bottles and tin cans to get to the light of day.
But pansies bloom in a corner nook.
A lovely elm sways over the lot
And on it's top most branch there sways
A cardinal gay with red topknot.
He whistles a love tune for a mate.
He sings: "My Dear, if you'll come to me
We will build our home in the lovely spot
And be as happy as Billy must be.

Copyright © David Christensen 1969

Friends are Like Buttons

Friends are like buttons in a way….

They hold the love-cloak fast against the day

When life storms buffet us with cruel strength,

And rend the garment to its entire length.

We lose them one by one, nor understand

That time was when our staying hand

Could hold and comfort them alone….

Surprise is ours when they are really gone.

The topmost button, always loose from too much use

Is like the friend whose kindness we so oft abuse…

The one our thanks are always slow to reach,

‘till lost he is and slipped from friendship’s leash.

The second button truly represents the one

We never miss until he is really gone.

Capable, kindly, filled with friendship’s grace

He comes so near to filling topmost’s place.

The third is like the friend who’s far away,

We do without yet need him every single day.

Careless we were when he was here

To smile and make each day less drear.

The fourth, so heedless how it holds the lap

Is like the carefree one who can fill up the gap

When real vicissitude comes down our way…

He … it is who longest stays to save the day.

All gone … yet cast not the love-cloak aside,

But wrap it tightly round with greatest pride

That worthy you have been of any friends….

It will comfort you …aye … unto the end.

Copyright © David Christensen 2001