From the Poets

Southland Times, Issue 20496, 26 May 1928, Page 22 (Supplement)

From the Poets

PART 111. OF “DUCKS.” When God had finished the stars and the whirl of the coloured suns He turned His mind from big things to fashion little ones: Beautiful tiny things (like daisies) He made and then He made the comical ones in case the minds of men Should stiffen and become Dull, humourless and glum, And so forgetful of their master be As to take even themselves—quite seriously. Caterpillars and cats are lively and excellent puns: All God’s jokes are good—even the practical ones! And as for the duck, I think God must have smiled a bit Seeing those bright. eyes blink on the day He fashioned it. And He’s probably laughing still at the sound that came out of its bill. —Frederick W’. Harvey. —Sent in by Cousin Catherine Thomson. THE DANGER SIGNAL. I’ve found a splendid bumble bee— • Velvety and fat; I’ve caught him, and caged him, see, In Aunt Amelia’s hat. I know he’s safe inside of it—‘Cos I can hear him humming; So now I’ll run and hide a bit, ‘Cos Aunt Amelia's coming. She’s Very near me I can tell— O dear I often wish; That other people’s clothes as well, As hers went, “Swish, Swish, Swish.” —Author Unknown. —Sent in by Cousin Viola May Hallman.

TREASURE TROVE. I found it myself where the grass grows high, Just under the garden wall, It belongs to a mouse who is little and shy, And its cosy and round and smalL It’s a dear little nest, and cuddled inside Are eight tiny mice in a heap. The mother makes nine—but she goes, to hide Whenever I pry and peep. I asked Nanny yesterday what people do When they find some wonderful thing; And she said—and I think she was speaking true— That treasure belong to the King. I want to be loyal and do my best For the King (and the Prince of Wales); But what could they do with a mouse’s nest An’ eight little mice with tails? If I felt certain the King would say, “Oh, Tony, just keep two or three!” I’d not mind him taking the others away— But would he leave any for me? —Author Unknown. —Sent in by Cousin Eulalie Hanson.