PRESENCE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIII, Issue II, 14 July 1894, Page 28

PRESENCE.

A crescent moon in a primrose sky ; Pale half-tints from the setting sun : A faint sweet-bird note out of the woods, Telling the even the day is done.

A red rose bending low on its stem, Heavy with perfume and diamond dew ; Only half-blown for the nightingale Sitting and singing the whole night through.

A hope, vague, tender and half-informed ; A prayer to God that it might be so— To God whose presence here in the night The listening soul would almost know.

A round gold moon in an azure vault, Circled with diamonds soft and bright; A burst of song from the nightingale, Filling the dreamlike summer night.

A crimson rose with unfolded heart Listening rapt to the swelling song That fills all earth and air and heaven Leaving no spot for thought of wrong.

An answered prayer and a perfect joy ; The prayer unsaid now the boon is won • The presence of God has been forgot ’ Now that His work of love is done.

A moon deep hid in a sullen sky Clouds by a moaning north wind blown ; The thrush with his breast against a thorn Sits in the silence all alone.

A withered rose with its dry, dead leaves Stirred as the fitful winds sweep by A dripping rain like human tears As the leaves whirl softly down and die.

The memory of a joy now dead ; A passionate prayer and weeping eyes • Yet never before was the weary soul ’ So near to its God in Paradise.