AN OYSTER'S LAMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 78, 1 April 1922, Page 17

AN OYSTER'S LAMENT.

This world is but a dim and narrow cloister. Where we move iv solemn penance to and fro: And the heart of man is soft as any oyster, Most sensitive to every touch of woe. But I.Fie. bus stUl some solace it can lend us, Some comfort in the depth of our distress. Some adage which tbe hoary past doth send us, To reconcile, to,mollify, or bless. And of all the sayings tender. Which can strength and healing render. When Life's clamour overwhelms us and the soul Is tempest-tossed, The most useful to remember, In July or December. Is—"Though any sort of noise annoys an ' oyster. A noisy noise annoys an oyster most." You are lying on a sick bed in the morning. And are hoping sleep will come to you at Inst. When at seven the alarum clock gives warning. Tbe household wakes, and hope of rest is past. For the milkman and tbe newsboy come a-banging. There's the busy housemaid's clatter iv •between. And you hear the missus volubly slangwhanging The Chlnkie with the "cabbagee" and "gleen." When the breakfast din is over Once'more your senses hover. But right ticneath your window a band takes up its post; As It strikes up "My Dolores," You ejaculate. "O mores! Though any sort of noise annoys an oyster, A noisy noise annoys an oyster most." At a concert you'd enjoy a feast of harmony; You cast behind you all that might annoy. And you listen to the songs not "made in Sharmany'' With feelings of unmitigated joy. But in front'some silly girls begin a-talking. And their giggling fills the pauses in the score, While behind a fractions baby keeps a-squawking. And a fat man by your side begins to snore. Then some music Incidental Is announced — 'tis instrumental. But it's Wagner, and all hope of soothing melody is lost: In sackcloth a.nd in asbes. l'ou exclaim between the crashes— "Oh. any sort-of. noise-annoys an oyster. But a noisy noise annoys an oyster most." —J. LIDDELL KELLV.