Chester Firkins

Chester Firkins Poems

Chester Firkins Biography

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, June 30, 1882. Received his education in the public schools of that city and at the University of Minnesota. He was an active journalist, having been associated with the press of Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio, and of Chicago before coming to New York, where he served on the staff of the "New York American" until his death, March 1, 1915. He was a contributor of stories and verse to well-known magazines, but his volume of poems was brought out posthumously in 1916.)

The Best Poem Of Chester Firkins

On A Subway Express

I, who have lost the stars, the sod,
   For chilling pave and cheerless light,
Have made my meeting-place with God
   A new and nether Night --

Have found a fane where thunder fills
   Loud caverns, tremulous; -- and these
Atone me for my reverend hills
   And moonlit silences.

A figment in the crowded dark,
   Where men sit muted by the roar,
I ride upon the whirring Spark
   Beneath the city's floor.

In this dim firmament, the stars
   Whirl by in blazing files and tiers;
Kin meteors graze our flying bars,
   Amid the spinning spheres.

Speed! speed! until the quivering rails
   Flash silver where the head-light gleams,
As when on lakes the Moon impales
   The waves upon its beams.

Life throbs about me, yet I stand
   Outgazing on majestic Power;
Death rides with me, on either hand,
   In my communion hour.

You that 'neath country skies can pray,
   Scoff not at me -- the city clod; --
My only respite of the Day
   Is this wild ride -- with God.

Chester Firkins Comments