Eleanor, 18-July 24 The Alps, Sunday Worship

July 24

THE ALPS

I wish I could enjoy the Alps in peace,
"Look girls! Just see! How wonderful they are."
Such exclamations never, never cease.
While all the forms of beauty pass the car
While I am wondering at the giant force
That set rock-strata twisting and atilt.

My meditations must be jarred, of course
"My girls! Just see the bridge Napoleon built."
While I am gasping at the thousand hues,
Of tiny flowers that cover fields and banks
I'm wakened from my spell by "See the views!
That power dam has cost ten million Francs."

Until at last when someone says to me
"Oh, girls, you don't know nothing," I agree

July 25

LUCERN

I like the Lion of Lucern; He has a friendly face.
He lies in majesty asleep, set in a lovely place.
I'd like to take him by the paw, and say, "Good Mr. Lion,
Guard well those consecrated shields That brave Helvetians die on."

July 26

SUNDAY WORSHIP

When I am home and days all fall in line,
And Tuesday comes next after every Monday,
One thing to me that's going to seem divine,
Is having Sunday feel just like a Sunday.

This morning like a Christian I arose,
And donned my Sunday clothes and disposition.
And went to church as when at home one goes,
In attitude of humblest submission.

First the Cathedral in a Solemn High,
Woke my soul to prayer and adoration.
The music opened windows in the sky,
And filled my heart with mystic contemplation.

Then in another little church I heard,
A service held for those who know no German.
A good old Scotchman read the Holy Word,
And led familiar hymns and preached a sermon.

But when to the hotel I made my way,
I lost the Sabbath feeling of devotion.
The day became another timeless day,
Set in a timeless space of ceaseless motion.