VAGRANT VERSE

Southland Times, Issue 19501, 16 March 1925, Page 6

VAGRANT VERSE

ONE TREE. (Written for the Southland Times). I love old trees, But one tree best of all, Facing the southern seas It shares the rise and fall Of immemorial tides, Where a ghost fleet dimly rides. A hundred branches sway, They wave long leafy arms Dappled with tawny spray; Behind are peaceful farms, But my tree has bent its gaze Outward to ocean ways. Rooted in steadfast earth It loves the restless swell, The salt winds are its mirth It stirs in every cell To billows heaving high, And a thunder-ridden sky. Beautiful giant tree, With delicate fine-spun dress, A sheltered place should be Your home of idleness, But, no, your heart-deep passion Is beyond claims of fashion. And every time I see Your proud relentless face, I feel, exquisitely, Your splendid touch of race, I know your secret heart All glamourous, apart. And trees in groves Are huddled out of joy, They have no loves, Each, selfless as a boy, But you hopeless, yet strong, Sing all the ocean’s song. Paeans of wind and rain, Lyrics of dawn and sun, And tortured cries of pain When great ships lie undone, You sing, high plumes a-nod, Self-centred as a god. South**— 0 * Invercargill, March 15.