AN ACROSTIC
Reading edition
Written to Miss Minnie Freeman in 1888 by Mrs. Ellis of St. Paul, Nebraska. Mrs. Ellis was then seventy-eight years old—now deceased
'Midst driving winds and blinding snows, Impending dangers round her close; No shelter from the blast and sleet, No earthly help to guide her feet. In God alone she puts her trust, Ever to guide the brave and just. Fierce and loud the awful storm, Racking now her slender form, Eager to save the little band Entrusted to her guiding hand. Marshalled her host, see, forth she goes And falters not while tempest blows; Now God alone can help, she knows. See them falling as they go; Angry winds around them blow. Is there none to hear their cry? Now her strength will almost fail; Tranquil, she braves the fearful gale. Preëminent her name shall stand, A beacon light o'er all the land, Unrivalled on the page of time; Let song and story swell the chime.