Page:Lippincotts Monthly Magazine-40.djvu/313

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RECONCILED.
299

let down from the flies into the full view of the spectators. The Sophomores are always on the alert for these manifestations, and will sacrifice clothing and even expose themselves to considerable personal danger to secure the hated emblem defiantly flung in their faces by the "Freshies."

The Senior Promenade is held every year during Commencement week by the members of the graduating class. It is generally given in Alumni Hall, an historic old building situated in one corner of the Campus. Amid the music and the flowers, the winning smiles and the beautiful faces, a feeling of sadness creeps upon the Senior as he looks about upon the old, familiar walls and realizes that he must soon leave behind him the scenes that long association has rendered dear, and go forth into the world to fight life's battles single-handed and alone.

He has won his sheep-skin; he has, perchance, gained signal honors in his university course; and now he stands on the threshold of the door toward which he has long directed his steps, yet which, reached, he hesitates to cross. Life for him has only just begun. Upon the advantage he has taken of the opportunities afforded him depends in a large measure the success or failure of his future career.

Arthur Edmands Jenks (Class of '89).




RECONCILED.

IN no more fitting place could we have met,
At no more fitting time,—a wailing night,—
We who for years have shunned each other's sight,
Who strove to bury Love beyond Regret,
Who begged of God the power to forget
Each other's eyes, voice, lips; who did so blight
And bruise the flower of Love with all Pride's might.

Just the dead body of our friend—warm yet—
Divides us. . . . We could feel each other's breath
Should one lean low to scan the patient lace
Of her who prayed so hard before her death
For us to be at peace. . . . See, Love! I place
My hand near yours. . . . You clasp and hold mine fast
Such tears as wet her dead face drown our past.