Can bag more wily victims

Than all his kindred strains.

I have seen these imps of Satan
Chasing shepherd dogs at night;
I have seen them boldly bluffing
Just as though they'd really fight;
But for all the art of cunning
The Coyote of the Plains

Has gotten all other canines

Beat a mile for cunning brains.

—1921

In Love With Life?

In love with life?

No, not I—
Although I do not care to die;
For life has held in store for me
More than my share of misery.

What is life

But a struggle severe?

A struggle that goes on year by year,

Rending sore the heart o’erpowered in the strife
For mere bread and butter just to sustain life.

Then struggle on, tired heart, and fight,
Though the toil extend through day and night;
And joy shall supplant your misery,

For the best of life is yet to be—

Mayhap reserved for Eternity.

—1927