Chapter I: Preface

In submitting “Canadian Battlefields and Other Poems” to a discerning public, I realize it may be marred by many errors; the harp may not always be in tune--some chords may jar upon the fastidious ear. Rhythm and harmony may not always present that mysterious appeal to the soul that approves, and proves the worth of all. Yet, withal, I feel that some thoughts and emotions of patriotism, love of home, the song of nature, the mystery of creation, and the impenetrable depths of infinitude, may be found and approved.

The subtle voice of nature, the voices of love, home, and country, have ever appealed to me, and impelled me to sing my humble song. And thus, in doubt and uncertainty, I cast it out on the world--the reading, critical public--asking that the pure, white veil of charity may conceal its rough edges and inequalities.

Seek but to benefit thy fellowman;
Let smiles, not frowns, his rugged path assail;
Better with blinded eyes his faults to scan
Than let the sin of wrong and scorn prevail.
J. R. WILKINSON.

LEAMINGTON, 1899.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

What Shall I Sing? 9

Speak Now 12

The Battle of Chateauguay 14

The Deep Mines 16

Laura Secord; or, The Battle of the Beaver Dams 18

The Sea and the Soul 21

The Battle of Lundy’s Lane 22

My Wife 26

Niagara 28

The Ojibways 29

Wrecked 47

The Battle of Chrysler’s Farm 49

Summer Twilight 51

Canadian Homes 52

Think of Me 63

Dulac des Ormeaux; or, The Thermopylæ of Canada 64

Golden Hair 69

The Convict 70

The Battle of Lacolle Mills 72

The Nineteenth Century Maiden 74

Music 76

Waterloo 78

The Dove’s Song 95

Blinded Eyes 96

The Veterans’ Reunion 97

Discredited 100

The Battle of Stony Creek 102

Voices 104

Divided 106

The Hurons 107

On the Headland 117

Only a Vision 118

The World Wants a Smiling Face 120

The Voice of Tears 122

The Garden 123

The Battle of Queenston Heights 123

A Forest Dream 127

Woman 128

The Jesuit 129

Under the Stars 136

Unexplained 137

Life’s Highway 139

The Battle of Abraham’s Plains 153

Minnie Lee 158

The Soul 159

The Prodigal Son 160

Autumn Rain 161

The Battle of the Canard River 163

The Taking of Detroit 165

The Dandelion 166

The Death of Summer 168

“Big Mike Fox” 169

Winter Time 173

I Saw Her Face To-day 175

The Flight of Time--