ORIGINAL VERSE.

Southland Times, Issue 19900, 19 June 1926, Page 22 (Supplement)

ORIGINAL VERSE.

The verses, my Cousins, must Save been affected in number by the weather, though there is no trace of its chilly cold in their lines. Lately I have been receiving such a sheaf of verses from you that it has been impossible to include them all—this time I have not been so fortunate. Cousin Daphne has written a very fine dedication to Trogress,” which is too often deplored by the poets with wailings and gnashings of teeth. The grammar in the last two lines is rather involved, and Daphne has not made her meaning as clear as she generally does. There is an atmosphere of peacefulness about the first stanza which is very effective. It is in the second stanza that the meaning is rather too elusive. “Frolic” is a delightfully rhythmical poem, and one in which the rhythm is very effective. But Annie has left one or two things undecided in my mind, chiefly, the identity of Frolic.” Is she or is she not the personification of frolic ? Or is she the goddess Frolic? Or is she somebody of Annie’s acquaintance or imagination of that name? Charmed by the lines, and the several splendid phrases and word pictures which the poem contains, lam yet undecided about the inspiration of it! And, even yet I think Annie must watch her adjectives and their suitability. “In the Twilight” is a very delightful piece of work, with''just that atmosphere of mystery about it which one feels in the thrill of twilight. Unfortunately the metre is very uncertain—as a matter of fact there is very little metre at all!—it is just a series of very dainty word fancies, cloaked in the elusive mystery of the twilight. I should like Daisy to set to work on this and improve it, for future use. Over “Jolly Winter Time” Cousin Elsie has taken a number of pains, and it was sent to me without any mistakes whatever. It is written in a smoother style than that of some of her earlier work, and I certainly think there is a great improvement in it. ‘The Union Jack” is written well, and Cousin Millident has treated her subject intelligently and effectively. But I would much rather she looked at it from the angle of her own age, and not from a “grown up” standpoint! Beware of becoming dull and sophisticated, 0 my Cousins! PROGRESS. There is a, magic in the forest dim, Born of some sylvan shadows, folded in, Where trackless acres stretching free and far Are known by none, save sun and moon and star. Here in the dawn the mating song-bird sings, And here at dusk she spreads her weary wings; Tired with the very sweetness of the day, Seeking her nest to sleep the night away. Mothers that rock their little ones to sleep, The silent trees, untiring vigil keep; And in their kindly arms that sway to sea The wand’ring breezes croon in harmony. But peering far into the future dim, I see these monarchs shattered limb from limb; And birds that haply in their* branches nest Shall seek new homes, still farther to the west. And where to-day is mystic forest land, The sombre buildings of a city stand; And crowds shall tramp along the dusty street On soil that yet has felt no human feet. And then, as now, the sun and moon and star. Shall shed their brightness to the world afar; But gazing with the wisdom of the years, Tell then, a tale of progress to the spheres! j—4 marks to Cousin Daphne Godward (16), “Rockhaven,” 397 Elies Road, North Invercargill. FROLIC. Tripping on a sunbeam, dancing in the dew, Rising with the skylark, laughing in the blue, Hesitating shyly, when the flowers say: “Come along and sing a song for Frolic’s out to-day.” Crooning with the ocean, floating in the foam, Following the sea-birds to their rocky home, Dancing in the sunset ere the day departs, Flitting round from star to star to kiss their pulsing hearts. Rhythmically moving, down the wings of night, Flitting through the darkness, maiden of delight, Playing with the moonbeams, down upon thej bay; Laughing when the light begins to fade to silver-grey. Welcoming the morning, fanciful and lair, Falling as a snow-flake, through the fragrant air; Speaking with the lilies, singing to the rose, Listening to the secrets that the sweet viola knows. Wakening the dreamers, playing with the breeze, Mimicking its music, swaying in the trees, Full of joy and mischief, gladdening the hours, Messenger of loveliness and sister of the flowers. Murmuring a love-song, all along the way, Making all the world more wonderful and gay; Romping with the children, sharing in their fun, Flitting off towards the sea to watch the setting sun. Frolic is so lovely, clad in robes of green, ♦ Shimmering with sequins, merry yet serene; Loved by smiling Nature, ever on the go, Frolic is a treasure nymph it’s beautiful to know. —4 marks to Cousin Annie Playfair (15), “Bonniefield,” Gummies’ Bush. IN THE TWILIGHT. The sun has set behind the purple hills And all the lovely colours softly fade, Bright red becomes the faintest rose and dullest green, a jade. The deep bronze colour of the mellowed sky Reflects and burnishes the tiny lake. A white swan, gliding o’er, scarce leaves a ripple in her wake. The dark etching of a fishing boat Shows clear and fine against the sky, The world seems to stir and gently seems to sigh. Then comes the mystery of the night, Soft sounds of earthly moving things, And with it cometh Peace, on velvet wings. —3 marks to Cousin Daisy Ward (15), Awarua Plains. JOLLY WINTER TIME. Come children, be happy, Though Winter has come; Put on your warm jackets, And we’ll go for a run. One, two, are you ready, Then off we shall go; We’ll race old Jack Frost, He’ll nip if we’re slow. No need to be sad, Though Winter has come; Cheer up, and be glad, We’ll have such fine fun. Though Summer is lovely, And the sun warm and bright, Winter, too, has its beauties, Even a cold frosty night. In the morning, quite early, . W T hen the ground’s white with snow, We’ll put on warm jackets, And a-snow-balling go. —3 marks to Cousin Elsie Amos (13), Mabel Bush. THE UNION JACK Most‘noble flag that floats above Fair lands of liberty and love, That shades no tyrant’s hand below Whose colours stand against a foe. Whose colours n’er will hide a lie Nor let the unavenged go by. Which proudly flutters o’er the brave, The loyal and the great who have The purer, better, higher aim Nor think to look afar at fame. It waves o’er those who duty do, Who in all things are pure and true. This flag, our flag, has fluttered free O’er many lands and every sea. , It stands supreme o’er every foe, Whichever way the war clouds blow. And flutt’ring over winds and waves Cries “Britains never shall be slaves!” Thou flag of liberty Rule over land and sea ’Till all the world shall be One in its aims with thee. Rise, loyal hearts, and make For this thy country’s sake Honour and truth the wake For all the world to take. f —4 marks to Cousin Millicent Broadbent (14), 5 Compton Road, Trafalgar, Invercargill * THE BAZAAR. I hope to go to your bazaar with sister, brother, ma and pa, I hope the weather will be fine, and then We’ll have a real good time, I hope the money you get will be a lot, Enough to buy the Little Southlanders’ cot. —2 marks to Cousin Frank Britton (10), 6 Herbert street, Gladstone