Poetry.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 653, 9 December 1908, Page 2

Poetry.

, LEAVING THE FARM. By A. L. Vermilya. With hopeful hearts they packed their goods, The farmer and his faithful wife, Their thoughts turned to'rd the citv great. J With all its tumult and its strife. AM city is the place," he said, Where all is gaietv and joy. And everything is made to please. "Where we, with years and labour worn. May dwell in tranquil happiness." f pat,ent belpjneet only smiled, And went on folding coat and dress. As from the farm they slowly drove, To take the speeding railway train, The robins piped a mournful lay, As if to call them back again. The cherry blossoms softly fell, Like white down from an angel's wing; The horses whinnied in the field; The cattle drowsed around the spring;

And e'en the gentle springtime breeze Seemed whispering a sad farewell; The good wife heaved a parting sisrh, While down her cheek a teardrop tell. The citv to this rustic pair.

As through its busy streets they'd roam, Brought disappointment, day by day, "Twas so unlike their country home. The evening brought no peaceful calm, And filled with clamour were the days; Unused to aught but rural scenes, They felt like lonely castaways. The crowded town oppressed them sore, They could not find its fancied charm; All day they thought of trees and fields; At night they dreamed about the farm. With weariness their hearts grew numb, As sadness timed the rhythmic beats; A lonelier place they ne'er had found Than those congested city streets. Again they quickly packed their things. This time with buoyant, happy hearts; Back to the country they would go. Far from the city's crowded marts! And as they neared their loved abode. And passed each field and copse and glen, The wife breathed softly, "Here is rest!" The husband cried, "Home, home again I"