THE FIRST NIGHT
In the deep December night, When each sandalled wind was still, To the listening ear of earth t Spoke the Bell-bird from the hill: “ 0 my bubbling peal of bells, 0 my little melody, Let me chime your coming in, Let me bless you from g tree.'” Said the Hihi, glowing gold: “ With my stitch that comes and goes, O my naked little Christ, Let me stitch Your bits of clothes!” Said the Bittern, booming deep: “ Little Soldier, in that night When the spears shall crowd you thick, ' Let me drum your foes to flight." And the Tern, with sailor wing: “ Little Salt, Who’ll choose to be Friend of all poor fishermen, Take a blessing from the sea.” /■ Sang the Tui —God how clear — “ Little Love, oh, come away! Come into the hush to-night; We shall love you more than they." So into the quiet dripped The great tender, fluting words, And a cross of stars burned blue At the blessing of the birds. —Eileen Duggan, in ‘ New Zealand Bird Songs.’
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ESD19311222.2.17
Bibliographic details
Evening Star, Issue 20982, 22 December 1931, Page 4
Word Count
174THE FIRST NIGHT Evening Star, Issue 20982, 22 December 1931, Page 4
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