For the Birthday of William Dean Howells

March 1, 1912 Seventy-five glad years of blessing, And the hope of blessing more; Memories the heart caressing, Dreams that beckoning wait, before;

Life—full life, made rich by giving: Life that can create, and lend To the poor—delight in living, To the lonely—many a friend

Wisdom that can teach through laughter— Seeming but to entertain, Or through pathos which, thereafter, Leaves no dull, regretful pain;

Years of blessing, years of kindness, And the courage that can smile Though the eyes be dim to blindness With a sorrow, hid the while,—

These are thine, thou selfless schemer, Chanter of brave carmina: These thy gifts to us, dear dreamer,— Traveler from Altruria.