A 'GAS’ EXPLOSION.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 48, 28 November 1891, Page 637

A 'GAS’ EXPLOSION.

'Tls a curious world that we live in, And curious things come to pass. Where the good that we do lies unheeded, And the evil is blazoned in brass. Where the sweet balm of human forbearance Is a maxim to many unknown, And the people ‘ who live in glass houses' Are always the first with a • stone.’ Where a good word for neighbours around us, Or even for those styled as ‘ friends,’ Seems out of the question with some folk If they once fail to grasp their own ends There are slanderous tongues ever busy Confounding the false with the true ; There are lives that grow dark with the venom Of those who have naught else to do. Who have naught else to do?—so they fancy. But each life has its work to perform, And the proud head to day reared in shelter. To-morrow may bend in the storm. So why should we envy a rival The good we too gladly would share Had it so been ordained ’ Such repining Can but add to the burdens we bear. There are some, it would seem, never happy Save when black’ning another’s fair fame, Tho’ God knows it’s little reliance We can place nowadays in a name. For ’tis only too often ndsleading, Tho’ truth in the long run will out, Be it sooner or later, and justice Will put craven falsehood to rout. So indignant rebellion is useless, For those who have right on their side Can rejoice in a clear easy conscience. And ‘ wait for the turn of the tide ;’ Can just glance at the crowd and pass onward. With a careless, indifferent air, For we each hold our own code of honour, And, if true to ourselves, need we care For the worst they may say ? (Heaven help us, Should we try these good people to please !) For they don’t know themselves what they’re saying, And wouldn’t allow us to sneeze. Without comment and sneer and conjecture— But there, I have written enough, And the many who pore o'er the GRAPHIC May reckon this • commonplace stull'.’ So I only will add in conclusion, May God bless the woman or man Who will say a good word for the absent, And who lighten a load where they can. Vivian Trente. Ti Hangi, Mercer.