ORIGINAL VERSE

Southland Times, Issue 21820, 24 September 1932, Page 19

ORIGINAL VERSE

Although there were very few original verses this week, Cousin Chrissie Ross has sent me a poem that fills my present for me. “The Seasons of Life” is one of the most significant poems a Little Southlander has yet attempted. It is beautifully felt. Can you understand what I mean when I say that, cousins ? Read the poem, and you will feel even a little of what Chrissie was feeling, I think. It is finely conceived by one who is as young as she is, and her phrasing has a growing maturity in its selection and use of words. The “freeing of the senses,” that is autumn, was worth the writing of the poem. Well done, Chrissie. You have made this week one of fulfillment for me. THE SEASONS OF LIFE. —Springtime— Sweet awak’ning To greet a new-born day, Dazzled with the wonder, The happiness of all; Glib promises of life-time, So urgent, bright and gay, Thrilling, trembling, to the great eternal call. —Summer— Sweet fulfillment, When joy’s deep flagon brims Full of potent nectar, That trembles on the lip. Ambrosia we’re dr" I ig Sheer joy that never dims, And still the thirsty senses slowly sip. z —Autumn— Restless yearning For something never known; Freeing of the senses From pride’s last tattered shred. False youth, fast speeding from us, Now leaves us sad and lone, At last we realize that joy has fled. —Winter— Stark and barren, Far rosy fancies roll, Grim disillusionment, Stands naked, cold and grey. While Death’s gaunt, icy fingers, Are clutching at the soul, We sleep: To wait new dawning of the day. —4 marks to Cousip Chrissie Ross (13), 66 Stafford street, Dunedin. Cousin Hannah Skerrett writes verses so infrequently that it is a wonder to me that her lines run so smoothly as they do. But there are one or two lines in “The Break of Day” that arenot quite smooth, and practice, I am sure, would have improved them. THE BREAK OF DAY. The shadows of night have faded away, The long hours of sleeping are done; The birds in their nests with a glad wild song Awake with the rising sun. The bright flowers lift up their sunsplashed blooms ’Midst bright beams of sunshine above, While high in the Heavens with laughter and joy The lark sends his message of love. The bright rays of dawn have crept o’er the land, With Nature’s wild children to play, The cool winds are calling; so rise from sleep And join in the breaking of day. Awake with courage and joy in your heart; A heart that will try its best To help one good friend o’er a stony path Before you lie down to rest. —3 marks to Cousin Hannah Skerrett (14), Pahia.