He leaned far out and slipped--the foolish guy.
Where he had stood was only murky sky.
To face great danger is a privilege.
Don't dare for show, my boy, the rock might slide.
For worthy cause the brave will stand or fall,
But watch the stepping where the bluff is steep;
Remember too when flushed with boastful pride,
Men take most careless risks--don't reckon all;
And then--a life goes out in just one leap.




IN THE STORM


Hear the gale roaring through woods!
Trees bend and snap and sway,
They race and break on this dark day.
If I could fashion some sturdy hoods
To hold the storm at bay,
Then trim and straight would all trees stay.
But great trees knotted by winds' moods
--Like men who face their care--
Stand scarred yet staunch and bravely there.



THE PRESS OF FLOZARI