Poetry.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 505, 24 January 1906, Page 2

Poetry.

A SOJCG OF WIJtD AND SEA. IttH wind comes down to the gray-walicd town— A wanderer to and froSeeking for zoom in the glare and gloom, Choking and panting and ruefully ranting Where never a gale can grow; And I fain would be on the great North Sea, Where the wind is free to blow. Vox a fall breath, a cool bieath, A breath that is sweet and strong, Keen with the lost of life, clean of the dost of life— Oh, how I labour and long I

I dream of the dip of a beautiful ship Embraced by tbe waves in turn; I dream of the hiss of the sea's wild kis3, The passionate pressing, the eager caressing, The tears that fa>l icy and burn; And I fain would be on the great North 82a With my shattered desires astern. For a cool breath, a full breath, A breath that is sweet and strong, Keen with the lust of life, clean of the dust of lifeOb, how I labour and long! J. J. Bell.

A MOTHER'S SONG While you sleep, I—watching—hear, Little hearts, how Btrongyou beat With the pure young life blood, sweet, Unpolluted yet by fear; Till my own proud pulses leip, While you sleep.

Hid behind the fast-closed eyes What entranced dreams must lie I Many a lovely fantasy Veiled from us who are grown wise— We, who sometimes watch and weep While you sleep.

Little hands, that olosely hold Favourite toys whioh soothed your rest: Here a doll clasped to the breast, Tbere a book with tale oft told— All your treasure safe to keep, While you sleep.

While you sleep, the ca'm dark night Passes by so oruelly fast. Little heartß I Time seems so vast, Love is fain to hold jou tight. One more kiss: away I oreep While you sleep. Constance Fabmae