First Prize.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18946, 17 December 1929, Page 9 (Supplement)

First Prize.

[SOUTH, SOUTH-EASTWARD, HO! : A BALLAD OF PILGRIMAGE. > " Does any old fellow remember yet?’’ • Ayl For how may a man forget?, > > Ho! Heave ho! ! Out about the world, away • On the greeny blue for a year and a day, > South, south-eastward, ho! • Feel their force as the smoking seas ; Crash on the headland’s crumpled knees, • Heave, yo ho! ; As for a thousand leagues they roll To lift us on to the freeman’s goal. South, south-eastward, ho! Heritage of a thousand years, Ours for ever! The pilgrim hears Ho, heave ho! Hills of Home for ever fade Dim in the night. Her course is laid South, south-eastward, ho! Rich, ah, rich beyond all thought Is that with which she is deeply fraught. Heave, yo ho! Tender maiden, mother, wife, The aged soul and the budding life — South, south-eastward, ho! The hand to steady the furrowing plough, The forceful will and the thoughtful brow — Ho, heave ho! The youth endued for high endeavour, The sire gone forth from Home for ever — South, south-eastward, ho! Freedom’s shrine, dim aisles of dawn To lure them on, and on, and on — Heave, yo ho! Freedom’s shrine, and for ever beside, The maiden’s smile, the woman’s pride — South, south-eastward, ho! Pilgrims and sojourners we, Sons of the Mother who feeds the sea — Ho, heave ho! Insular! Of the Island race, To build and plant in the uttermost place — South, south-eastward, ho! Like to the State that is yet to be, Our good ship rides the rolling sea. Heave, yo ho! And under her crowding canvas spread Is life and loving and hardihead —- South, south-eastward, ho! British, each as a Briton may, Giving his hand and saying his say — Ho, heave ho! British! Ay, we be Englishmen, Onward, outward again and again! South, south-eastward, ho! “ Does any old fellow remember yet?” Till the sea runs dry we will not forget. Heave, yo ho! Heave, yo ho! and three times three? The shearing prow and the pathless sea! South, south-eastward, ho! CHARLES OSCAR PALMER. Kaikoura.