NUI.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 173, 2 August 1901, Page 4

NUI.

I shall tend thy tiny loot Where the grey sands shining meet; Wrack and pebble, weed and flower Tossed from out old Ocean’s bower, Whore strange lovelinesses dwell In rare convoluted shell. Now the evening sun doelines Westward, where the wool-pack lines Heaven’s embroidered mantlo blue, * Tinged with purple’s daintiest hue. I shall watch thy tiny hand Trace droll figures in the sand With a slender willow wand ; And approving say, “ Well done ! ” To thee merry laughing one. On this sand-heaped log we’ll rest Andjook over Ocean’s crest, Heaving like a thing of life With a motion void of strife, Calmly massive, wondrous grand, As it wreathes thy native laud ; All are lovely, bottom, top, But more sweet this lolly-pop Which thy cherry lips do press, With their cuddling warm caress.

Now the chilly air has spread O’er thy cheeks her kisses red, - Painting with her lavish wealth Thy sweet smile with glowing health : Careless, heedless of the hour How it passes, hence the dower Pleasuro such as thine do give, Such as thee, who wisely live, Joying in life’s sunny school, Heedless who may play the fool. I shall watch thy gambolling, Wriggling, dancing down to spring Info glittering crinkled foam, As the breakers shoreward come ; Skipping lamb-like when the brine Almost doth thy feet entwine ; Hear thy silvery birdie laugh, As the bracing breeze doth quaff Health to thee, thou winsome child, Gone this eve most pranksomo wild ; Wild with frolic’s innocence, Gentle with sly pretence. Holy, ’tis to watch thy glee; Holy, thou art, child, to mo; Angels bo my darling near,. Ever keep my Nui dear. —On tho Waikanae beaches, July 7, 1901 Geo. H. Wilson.