THE QUIET LIFE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16940, 15 January 1923, Page 7

THE QUIET LIFE.

(By WALT MASON). 1 lead a sane and normal life, or strive to lead it thus; J shun all argument and strife, all bitterness and fus. and in my belt I pack no knife for any human cuss. My neighbour Johnsing holds some views that I don’t entei tain, and now and then, in creaking, shoes, he comes adown the lane to exercise his vocal thews, his theories to explain. This Johnsing’s an aggros sivo wight, he hankers for the- fray, and we might wrangle round all nigh:, and likewise half the way; but I re mark, “You’re doubtless right,” to all he. may say. He soon grows tired expounding things when 1 will not dis F-utc ; a little while the welkin rings and then the blamed thing’s mute; and on his way my neighbour swings *o bore some new galoot. It is no use to call on me if one. would seek a row : I sit beneath my banyan tree, a wreath upon my brow, and many though my winters be, I’m happy n.s a cow. I do not fret about my rights, nor vet about my wrongs; I spend my tranquil days and nights a-playing harps and gongand you will find no gayer wight among the surging throngs. They say there’s sorrow in the land, they say there’s sin and care, but would these things be sooner banned if T should rip and swear? Ah. no: J take my hrte in hand and play a Jim-Orow air.