“I do not seek Wealth, Fame or Place, among the great ones of my race, but I would pen in letters bold some thoughts perhaps to cheer the soul.”

Stating a modest purpose for verse after losing sight and finding poetry · Preface, Thoughts of Idle Hours, 1915

• Consolation
• Purpose
• Simplicity

“I send out my first little book trusting it may find kind, considerate friends.”

Humble hope for reception after personal hardship and sudden poetic awakening · Preface, Thoughts of Idle Hours, 1915

• Friendship
• Hope
• Humility

“Every line and verse in this little volume has been composed and written with my own hand notwithstanding the loss of my eyesight.”

Affirming authorship and agency after blindness from overwork · Preface, Thoughts of Idle Hours, 1915

• Authorship
• Creativity
• Resilience