Author Description

Excerpt from Chimes of the Times: And Other Rhymes To the readers of Chimes of the Times and Other Rhymes the writer desires to say: This book contains the first three and one-half years' composition of a blind composer and writer as published weekly under the heading, All Spice and Ginger, in a column known as Tom's Corner, in a small weekly news and advertising paper called The Booster which is distributed in nearly three thousand homes. It also contains a number of other poems written by request for schools and organizations, and some that have not appeared elsewhere. Nearly every one who earnestly begins a piece of work has a definite pur pose in view; he must have, or his work would soon result in failure. The writer belongs to the majority of those who so begin, and in placing all the poems under one cover and giving them a name his purpose is three fold, and that the readers may better appreciate his efforts along the road to success, he will state what those purposes are: First: The writer desires to teach the public that intelligence is not in material eyesight - many people do not seem to realize this truth - and those of the blind who are in daily contact with the masses frequently are forced to suppress a smile when they hear expressions that give evidence how deep rooted this thought is in the public mind. Many seem to wonder how it is possible that the blind can add 2 and 2 and get 4, and there are many other thoughtsalmost as absurd. All the blind ask is a fair chance to demonstrate their ability, and after the first few months' shock wears away not many of them will be seen selling lead pencils or turning a hand organ, both occupations, however, being legitimate and show ing willingness, effort and determination. It is not sympathy that the blind seek nor patronizing ways that they desire. To be sure they appreciate a helping hand or pair of eyes to assist them over a busy crossing or an ice covered walk, but when the blind can work out t