TO BE A BOY AGAIN.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 284, 15 June 1917, Page 3 (Supplement)

TO BE A BOY AGAIN.

"I'VE LEARNED THAT JOYS ARE I'LEETING THINGS." I <i like to Lo a boy again, ;i enrc-frco prince of joy .again, I'd liko to t read the Iu IJ 4 and dales tiio \vay 1 used to do; I d like tho tattered shirt- again, tho knickers thick with dirt again, Tiio ugly, dusty foot again that long ago I knew . I'd like to play football again, and •Li' k s " slow lobs'* to IiUT again, I'd like tn climb, tiio way 1 did, a friendly apple tree; For. knowing what 1 do to-day, could I. hut v,under back and play. I (1 got lull measure of tho joy that boyhood avo to me. I'd liko lob" :i lad again, r. youngster, wild and glad again, I'd like to sbvp and oat again tiio uay I ii-0,l to do : l.'d like to rp.co and run again, and drain fr an lifo its fun again, And fitan another round of joy tho moment- one v 's through. Tint caro and strife have eoiuo lo n;o. and ottou days a."O glum to 1110. And d'>cp is 1i• 1 f tho ih'ng it and f 1:«k 1 i'i not t!io same ; And ! have -"ghad, and knawn thai i in list j( itrticy on again to sigh. And I liavo - :it■(i a! envy's -point and heard ti >■ i■ enf shame. I've learned t:.f 1 i<>y-: arc (locting things; that | art'ng puUi oicli mooling br'ngs; That, gain and !o- ; are partner- lioso, and so a 1 0 smile-. and tears ; That on!v boys front day to day con drain and lili t! o ( up of pl.'iv; Tio;t a-je inn i r- • urn for v.Tat is lost 1 ; .roiigh(iuf the 1 oniing vers. f{• 11 buv ( ann.it aiipi'e'"'ato 1 Icir pr cole-, joy until too la.to, And those w lie ( V. 11 1 ho • banns 1 h id will -soon lv- changed to men: And then they too •11 sit, as 1. and I'ickv ard turn to look and sigh. Arid hare- inv longing, vain, to bo a care-l'roe boy again. "Am- \(.ti oooig to the fancy dro--s ball to-nmri'T'.' night, fll.ady.-~?" "I'd love to, but 1 haven't a thing "All tho better. Thyt v". pr.ovant vou fconi b-o'ng con-piciioiis."