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Before the Storm

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 3, 1912

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 40.

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Before the Storm

By Worthie Harris Holden

THE fervent heat of summer's blistering ray Has quaffed the dewdrops that anoint the day; Its subtle spirit hovers o'er the lea In quivering waves of hushed expectancy; The whispering zephyrs drop their drowsy tale, And scarce a leaflet stirs through all the vale; The stifling air has banished labor's zest, And weary toilers seek the shade for rest.
A cloud appears, and with no bugle-cry Anon its marshaled hosts besiege the sky; In dark array the scouts are hurrying round; Aerial cannon in the distance sound; A rifle flash announces drops of rain, Which thicken fast; and soon the ripened grain, For which the laborers aweary toiled, Is flayed by hail, and by the storm despoiled.
So, swift by princely powers of darkness hurled, The final storm will burst upon the world. Look! in the distance see the clouds arise; Erelong the pall of blackness veils the skies. O weary reapers, haste to garner all; For soon the devastating rain will fall. The Master sounds his clarion call today; Arise, and reap for heaven while you may!
Portland, Oregon.