"Life's Greatest Handicap is Being Contented."

-Anne Nichols (cousin)

"I believe that love and prayer are the most important things in life," -Anne Nichols

Excerpt from "Abie's Irish Rose:

FATHER WHALEN. Sure, we're all trying to get to the same place when we pass on. We're just going by different routes. We can't all go on the same train.

RABBI. And just because you are not riding on my train, why should I say your train won't get there?

— Anne Nichols (1891-1966), American playwright; from Abie's Irish Rose (play), 1922

HAUNTING EYES (A poem written by me)

Haunting eyes peering at me

Through the veiled, forgotten past;

Spirit voices, phantom actors

Beckon me to join their cast...

Time unravels ancient stitches

As I vainly grasp each thread;

Scattered whispers, faded photos

Tell the tale of those long dead...

Withered memories pressed like flowers

Speak of young love once in bloom;

Scented traces faintly linger

Over long-neglected tomb...

Ghostly chanting leads me blindly

Down each darkened corridor..

As I ponder things that once were

-Things that are will be no more...

One of my favorite poems by Alan Seeger:

"I Have a Rendezvous with Death"

I have a rendezvous with Death

At some disputed barricade,

When Spring comes back with rustling shade

And apple-blossoms fill the air--

I have a rendezvous with Death

When Spring brings back blue days and fair.

It may be he shall take my hand

And lead me into his dark land

And close my eyes and quench my breath--

It may be I shall pass him still..

I have a rendezvous with Death

On some scarred slope or battered hill.

When Spring comes round again this year

And the first meadow-flowers appear.

God knows 'twere better to be deep

Pillowed in silk and scented down.

Where love throbs out in blissful sleep,

Pulse nigh to pulse and breath to breath,

Where hushed awakenings are dear--

But I've a rendezvous with Death

At midnight in some flaming town,

When Spring trips forth again this year,

And I to my pledged word am true,

I shall not fail that rendezvous.

-Alan Seeger (1888-1916)

"The Time Is Now"

If you are ever going to love me,

Love me now while I can know

The sweet and tender feelings,

Which from true affection flow.

Love me now, while I am living...

Do not wait until I'm gone

And then have it chiseled in marble,

Sweet words on ice-cold stone.

If you have tender thoughts of me, please tell me now...

If you wait until I am sleeping, never to awaken,

There will be death between us and I won't hear you then.

So, if you love me , even a little bit,

Let me know while I am living so I can treasure it.