NATURE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2892, 11 August 1909, Page 70

NATURE.

It is pleasant from the valley To tho distant hills to go, And the mountain air is bracing When the fog lies dense below. Lo!^ at dawn a transformation: 'Xeath a snowy surface lie Sorub and tussock, spur and gully; Is it magic meets the eye? 'Tis the magic spell of Nature, Token that she can restore Hops and peace and strength of purpose To tho one who seeks her lore. Shadowed by the cold, grey mountains, By the gorges, dark and lone. Will the soul* attuned to Npture Learn a language of its own? Here the wax-eyes venture fearless, Hopping to the threshold close ; Spring-born streams, dame Nature's voices, Gladden willow, fern, and moss. Haunting sound of falling waters To the wayward fancy brings Fervent dreams of life's sweet morning When we longed for better things. Longed in solitude to ponder On the barren aims of men. Girded round by Ftaid conventions, Forged for other ages when Thought was trained in grooves to travel, Whilo thp few who groped alone After knowledge, truth, and freedom Gave their life's blood to atone. Ftr bsyond the Western summits Is the «un°et glory spread — Go'd«n- hopes of early manhood Ere the bloom of life is sped. Hor>es that strive- for light in darkness. Where ignorance and want have grawn, Strive in vain for man's advancement, Ha\© a patho3 all their own. Surely man hath earned a birthright To the land where he is born, Were the oxen even muzzled Once when treading out tho corn? All may hope to share what nature Gives of blessings to mankind, Light and knowledge, food and freedom, To the body, heart, and icind. — Ansie O'Donnell. Waigaorunga, July 27. v\