HER ABSENCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2720, 2 May 1906, Page 66

HER ABSENCE.

Hushed and -still is the little room, Gone is the light of her eyes; I sit alcne in the gathering gloom As the daylight slowly dies. Gone are her o.uiet, wifely ways— Her looks of love or care; Neglected the little basket lays, And BtHl is i&e rocking chair. No foot is set on the lowly stool, No babe is rocked on the- kne,e. The breeze comes in at the window cool As the breath of the open sea. I lift the sash and look abroad, Their summits alone axe bright — The mountains give their praise to Gdo, ! Weird, dim, in the waning light. "" The forests are lulled by falling streams, The daylight wholly dies; The moon looks forth with milder beam Where the fragrant night-wind sighs-. Do I hear at the door her eager feet? Do I feel her arms again About my neck. Does she whisper, "Sweet, What causeth that look of pain?" I turn, and the cheek of a faithful wife By my car«-worn face is set; Her lov& doth nerve for the battle of lifej | X will, toil and conquer yet. . ■ " ' - — Chasi.es Oscar Vamixk* ' 3£akikitea terrace, Kaikoura, Aprils 1906.