Longings For Homo.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 November 1922, Page 1

Longings For Homo.

ORIGINAL VERSE. (Contributed). Ye tell mo that Zelandia’s Isles Are blest o’er every other place. Hero nature shreds her sweetest smiles, And clasps thorn in her warm embrace. Yo bid me never more regret That 1 have crossed the ocean’s foam ; But this is not dear England’s shorn. It ne’er can bo to me a home. Yo bid me watch at early morn The distant ranges clad in snows, When the first greetings of the dawn Tints every peak with blushing rose. Yet. while I gaze with awe filled eyes To where they kiss bright heaven’s dome, My heart yearns for my native skies— My own dear land—my childhood's home. . The Alaori warrior in his Pali With nurds clothed in poetic garb, Tells tales of war and shows the- soar Left bv some foemnn’s stone-tipped barb; And standing there in savage grace He seems like some romantic gnome, The tracings of his Lntoned face Proclaiming, “this is not my homo.” Thy rocks may hide rich veins ol gold; Thy plains with mighty flocks may teem; Thy harvest wealth may bo untold : On thee the sun may warmer gleam. Nature perchance hath filled thy cup With blessings from her bounteous hand; Yet. gladly would 1 give them up, Once more to see my native land. Oh. England 1 How my heart doth yearn Within thee once again to dwell; How oft my thoughts with longing turn To that dear land I love so well. But, no, alas, it cannot I t Fate hath decreed to mo my lot, In visions only may I see That dearly loved familial spot. Only in dreams may I return Amid it’s scenes once more to roam. Awake, mv lu-art must ever yearn To tread th.v soil my childhood’s home.