"DAD."

Otago Witness, Issue 2255, 20 May 1897, Page 51

" DAD."

His ragged hair had turned to grey, His form was bent with age and care ; He brushed a glistening tear away, And stood with humble, rev' rent air. And as he watched me whilst I played He deeply sighed, as if in pain ; And then he apoke— l thought ho prayed— "I would that I were young again 1" He deeply sighed, as if in pain ; A. saddened look was in his eye ; It touched my heart to hear him sigh— " I would that I were young again 1 " - " To feel the same electric beat That signifies the heart is young, That tells of joys both pure and sweet— Bayond the power of pen or tongue ; To feel the same sustaining hope That beat within my youthful breast, And know with trouble I might cope Would surely bring me sweetest rest. No longer sad should I remain, I'd taste the joys that pleaimre bring \ I'd do a lot of clever things If I were only young again 1 " I laughed, but in my mirth I ceased — This rough old man had onco been young, And as the weary year 3 increased His heart with grief had oft been wrung. And there he stood before menow, A remnant of his former pride ; Full three-score years upon his blow — What man with heart could him doride? I from my mirth did then refrain : "Ah 1 Dad, old man, your hair is grey. You can't cpinplain, you've had your day — You never will be young again J " A long, deep sigh, and Dad had gone. And I was standing there alone ; A sadness seemed to rest upon My heart and claim it as its own. The future's mystic haze now cleared, And visions strange rushed through my brain 1 And as on Fancy's wings I steered, I heard that old man's wail again. I, too, some day may seek in vain For joys I knew when quite a lad. And then, perhaps, like poor old Dad, I'll wuh that I were young again I n-nadin. May 13. 189 ft •*&, M,