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"Well, man, why do you take it? Do like me-go find a new life'
somewhere else."

"But I'm gettin' too old for that. I best stay here and die in the-
town that gave me so much."

"Suit yourself. I gotta be pushin' on. Good luck, Josh."
As Billy rode into the mist of the night, Josh turned on toward
town, drawn by its reeking evil. Trash was littered everywhere and
the unsavory stench of vermin stifled the air about the village. As.
Josh passed by the old church, he noticed the stained-glass windows.
had been shattered and the once-glistening whiteness was peeled and
faded.

As he reached the stairs leading to a dimly-lit opening in the
tavern, he stopped motionless, feeling the blood rush from his face
and an icy chill tingle through his body. Again he heard the deep,
rumbling sound-a sound the old man knew and feared. Josh's first
impulse was to hurry to the safety of his hill. But, quickly he re-
membered the lives of the others. "I can't let them die like this. I
have to warn them."

The next morning Josh looked out beyond the shade of his win-
dow and saw the destruction. This time there were no survivors. The
people of the town of Friendship were too keen-witted to fall for the
prank of an old man living in the past.

encompassed

by dorothy groshon.

Encompassed by great nature's second course
I meditate, while all about the smell
Of night jJrevails. But you feel no remorse.
It matters not t'were I in heav'n or hell.
I bear this cumbrous burden like the tree
Whose boughs are laden and heavy with snow.
I have not its fruit, just a memory
Of caresses and smiles of long ago.
T~en: each day was at its morn, and peace reigned
Wzthzn my whole. But, then, the morning dies
And now my tomorrows are nought but feigned
Impressions I give to keep my pride.
T he light of each new dawn brings forth to me
The thought: That what was, can no longer be.

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