ESSAYS INVERSE.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 88, 15 April 1911, Page 13

ESSAYS IN VERSE.

THE FORESTS. I must forget the forests, the forests where I lay A-dream in midmost wonderland . Alas, I cpuld not stay Within their sacred alleys secluded from the day, Secluded from the vivid press of duty and the day ! And now my eyes are sick with light, and they are far away — My sombre soothing forest aisles— for ever and for aye. Stately were the forest trees, thick and straight stood they, Thatching out with subtle leaves each perplexing ray, And all below was sober cool, green and tranquil grey, As curled among their twisted roots snugly once I lay A-dream in midmost wonderland . . . Woe's me ! I long to pray : "God give me back my forest glooms, I will not pine for day ; I'll not regret life's aching stress of duty and the day !" Must I forgot the forests? 'Are they so far away? — Lee Wilson Dodd. Outlook (N.Y.) SHADOWS. "Evensong, York Min6ter, 31st December." What Shadows troop into the holy place; I think they are the Shadowß of the Years — The long, long Years that with slowfooted pace, Bear ,to Eternity the whole world's tears. And they are massed about the silent nave, And at the windows veil the aying light. One I have met beside the open grave, That chilled my heart and turned my day to night, And one that comes with hooded visage 6 ad When some sweet child gives me its wondering eyes. Others like fairies are in lightness clad, These pass like clouds across the summer skies. 8o they await the '■hadow of this year — The hand that creeps across the dial face, The year that lies beyond our present fear From the Shadows that old sorrows tract. — Alfred Turner. Westminster Gazette. THE DAYBREAK. A dying stai above, and snows as. wan As faces of the dead ! But look ! The East is golden ; night is gone; Yon peak will soon be red. Truth broadens o'er the world. Old heights grow cold, Old lights fade one by one. Nay, fear not ! Though our eyes may not behold, Our children shall have sun. — F. W. Bourdillon. The "Spectator."'