HAPPINESS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 230, 29 September 1942, Page 2

HAPPINESS

N.Z. HOSPITAL, MIDDLE EAST

The following tribute, paid by a New Zealand soldier returned from the Middle East, may comfort some of the relatives of soldiers who have been nursed in this hospital:—

First N.Z. General Hospital, Middle East.

Happiness, a merry word,—ringing, wingOut to hearts,—cheer and comfort bringing. What—in all this world of darkness, misery and woe— A miracle it surely is that happiness can grow. What happiness for our good men, sore wounded by the foe, When to your hospital they get, ana blessed comfort know; What happiness it is for you that you can help them so; With loving tenderness relieve the dying, as they go. Pain, of Itself, not always iq the cause of misery. For happiness a victim feels in helping worse than he; So, too, the dying, in his pain, who knows your tenderness. He tries to smile yet once again, and dies in happiness. Yes! happy hospital you are, and thank God It is so. And thanks again, you girls and men, who hurried off to go To help and bless and comfort give To those who cannot hope to live, And yet. Death's dreadful door go through In happiness—because of you. —BILL CRANSTON.