BEFORE THE DAWN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12757, 29 September 1919, Page 9

BEFORE THE DAWN.

Wrapped in the shadows of the leafy wood T brood* day 8 C ° PS ’ whilc all hcr downy Of fearless birds, close nestled to hcr breast, In safe content within their shelter rest. Then from the dusk where woods and waters meet A little wind steals out, with noiseless feet, Whispering:, O happy birds! the world is new; With stainless skies, and balm of summer dow. They are all gone, those noisy, hurrying men, ” Whoso heavy feet tread loud on moor and fen; Whose hands break through your bowers, in haste to spy ’ Your woodland secrets with a curious eye. “ The thin air floats in silence rare and sweet, For your pure harmonies again made meet; No jarring sound the perfect stillness breaks; Sing, happy birds! before the day awakes.” The little wind runs on, and one swift note Leaps, low and glad, from some soft pulsing throat, Yet tremulous, as if, from visions deep, A child laughed out, and turned again to sleep. •An answering call, and then a peal of song From a far covert ringing, full’and strong; Then song on song the widening chorus grows, A flood of music, swelling as it flows. Swift waves of melody that breaks in spray Of-silver’notes tossed up, and caught away Tijll the sweet tumult slowly sinks at last, To silence, trembling with its rapture past! —Emily 'Huntington MiLUr.,