The Builders.

Yes, they builded for the future, these our splendid pioneers,
With an ever-widening foresight for the ever-changing years,
For they built with seasoned timber from the heart of giant trees,
And beneath a north-end gable fashioned sunny nurseries;
And upon the windy stretches of the unprotected plain
Set long lines of pine and blue-gum by great open fields of grain;
And through patient years of growing lit a never-dying flame
Of a vision of the future in the little hearts which came.
So when you and I are building, shall we plan a future too,
With a little of the wisdom that our early fathers knew …
As their worthy son and daughter plant some sturdy little tree,
And beneath our north-end gable build an old-time nursery?

—Essie S. Summers.