From the Poets

Southland Times, Issue 20496, 26 May 1928, Page 23 (Supplement)

From the Poets

BETE HUMAINE. Riding through Ruwu swamp, about sunrise, I saw the world awake; and as the ray Touched the tall grasses where they sleeping lay, Lo, the bright air alive with dragonflies: With, brittle wings aquiver and great eyes Piloting crimson bodies, slender and gay. I aimed at one, and struck it, and it lay Broken and lifeless with fast fading dyes. . . Then my soul sickened with a sudden pain And horror, at my own careless cruelty, That in an idle moment I had slain A creature whose sweet life it is to fly: Like beasts that with tooth and claw . . . . Nay, they Must slay to live, but what excuse had ' I? —Francis Brett Young. —Sent in by Cousin Catherine Thomson. THE GREAT DAY. “Now don’t forget,” said Elizabeth Ann, Nodding her golden head, “To ’member all vat happens to-day, And tell it to me in bed,” So she came with us down to the garden gate, And waved us till we were gone: Elizabeth Ann for the firstest time, Parted from Michael John. Bright red pencil and fountain pen, Indian rubber, and string, Shiny knife and a bag of sweets, Three new keys on a ring All on the honour of Day of Day’s Leaving the Nursery Rule, Michael John is coming with me To very-first-day-at-school. “There’s lots of shops an’ a football field, An’ a hall where we go for prayers, An’ we’s have to take off our outdoor shoes. ’Efore we may go upstairs An’ here’s my cap an’ I want a tie,” A flushed little face had shone, “Oh, Elizabeth Ann, it’s awful fun—“l love it,” said Michael John. New black shoes and a flannel suit, With -pocket at hip like men, Twelve new pennies to last the week (Now there are only ten), All in the honour of Day of Day’s, Leaving the Nursery Rule — Michael John has returned with me From very-first-day-at-school. —Author Unknown. —Sent in by Cousin Eulalie Hanson. THE SINGING KETTLE. Someone’s little maid you see Helping mother to get the tea; Now a cup, a spoon she brings, While the cheery kettle sings, ‘Work is done— Milk for one — Quite time too— Tea for two.’ Mum and Dorothy and Dad Their delicious meal have had; Hear the humming kettle say, ‘Time for just a little play; Work is done, Now for fun. After tea, Romps for three!’ Kettle, kettle, you’re a tease, With your husky, whining wheeze; All too soon you whisper low, ‘Dorothy to bed must go— Rest for all, Big and small! Playtime’s done, Bed for one!’ —Lillian Holmes. —Sent in by Cousin Viola M. Hallman.