A Song of the Bush

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, Volume V, Issue 1, 1 October 1901, Page 22

A Song of the Bush

Strong stand the trees ot the Lord Almighty Far on the trackless hills, Drawing life from the golden sunbeams, Drinking the mountain rills, Where no sound of the woodman's warfare Ever the sad air fills. All through the long fair days when summer Holdeth her ancient sway, Soft sweeps the breeze through the tangled bi'anches, Winging from far away, Secrets strange of untravelled countries Whispering night and day. %

Loud howls the wind of relentless winter, Smiting the boughs amain, Wailing' far through the lonely bush-land Tidings of loss and pain, Like the tears of the sad wind's weeping ITalleth the wintry rain. Fair smiles the Spring, and the storm-tried forest Smiles in the face of Spring ; Mating birds through the leafy branches Flutter on happy wings : Death, the foe spreads his dusky pinions, ' Fleeing from love the king.

Spring-time, Summer and mournful Winter, Whether the storm-blasts blow, Whether the wind through the young leaves sweeping, Murmureth soft and low, Strong stand the trees of the Lord Almighty, Sturdy and straight they grow. Charles Forrest.