NEW ZEALAND VERSE.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 10, 12 January 1929, Page 1 (Supplement)

NEW ZEALAND VERSE.

THE SEA -WOOD.

Still and sweet Is the air In the confines of the wood, The sea through the grej tree stems rises an azure wall, Or a curtain woven of silk, In Tyrlan dyes ejnbrued; Its heavy stirless folds enclosing this windless hall.

The paths of the sea wood are steep, and untrodden, and dry ; The stiff wind-warped etems stand from each other aloof; They are the temple pillars lifting up to the sky. And the leafy storm-driven tops lean close like a roof.

Us scent Is not of flowers. Dot the '*ean ■cent of the sea, Of salt weed, and rocks, and earth, and the burning summer air, Of wood smoke, and roots, and bark, and resin of the tree. And the deep swathes of old leaves de caying everywhere.

Little grows in the eea wood, out lacy fern trails coil Wherever branch or rock or root gives their furry stems a hold. And tufts of bleached and shining grass cling to the scanty soil, And here and there thick glossy leaves from fallen seeds unfold.

And on the stony outcrops where the faintest moisture drains Are tiny mimic flowers, gay coloured, dry, and bright; In delicate firm pencillings, the fairy lichen stains, And little frills of fungus in orange, red. and white.

The colour of the eea wood, a glamour on the eyes, Is a paJe brownish grey like smoke wreaths on the hill; And the shadow of it on the ground as thin as vapour lies. And in its sun-warmed quietude a restless heart grows still.

It l-ys upon the mind tbe peace of age without decay. Of tbe stark strength that speaks of storm, of earth grown old. and night. Though tbe sea is still and dark and bright in the white blaze of day. And the unclouded noon sky a flame of sapphire light. —A. A. KENNX. t Paeroa.