Sarah Maria "Sally" (Fenner) Maxson

"Sally" Fenner Maxson , a devout Seventh Day Baptist, was quite active in the Women's Suffrage Movement and the Women's Christian Temperance Union of which she served as its president in New London County. She was over 90 years old when this poem of hers was published in the WTCU's publication, The White Ribbon Banner.

                                     ''A Tidal Wave''  by Sarah Maria Fenner Maxson

A great wave of intemperance is flowing far and near;

    It causes consternation, and fills the soul with fear.

Now it strikes our own town, and Mystic's once fair name

    is stained with alcoholic fumes; we mourn and flush with shame.

It never would have happened, could we have had our way;

    but then as circumstances were, what could we do or say?

We could pray and plead with voters, and Scripture we could quote;

    but with all of this our hands were tied; we could not cast a vote.

Now the children are in danger,

     the wave is big and strong,

Cast an influence around them

     that will keep them from the wrong.

Tell them of evil places, that a something lurks within,

     that will bite them like a serpent, like an adder it will sting,

And not look upon it, it might allure and hold them fast.

     Its looks are so deceiving, and its bite is sure to last.

Teach them total abstinence, and from all evil to abstain,

     hold them safe within the fold, 'til the wave recedes again.

Time is flying swiftly, and these boys will soon be men;

     If we teach them well, our work will tell if they are true and loyal then.

If they cast their ballots for the right, as we hope and pray they may,

     Then there will be another wave that will sweep this one away.

Then let us not be wary, nor think our work is done,

     there are battles to be fought, and Victory to be won.

Let us fight the fight of faith, and press onward to the right,

     With a firm and steady trust in God, and work with all out might.