VAGRANT VERSE

Southland Times, Issue 18830, 25 May 1920, Page 4

VAGRANT VERSE

ALAS'. FOR LONDON TOWN. (Written for the Southland Times.) We saw the lights in splendour flam* Far in the distance as we came Elate in heart, but hungry, lame. Alas! for London Town. For Londo*. Town, for London Town, Alas! Alas! for London Town; Our hopes are gone, we’re sunken down. Mere waifs and strays in London Town, We search the city' thro’ and thro’. But never golden street could view; The marvel? told were all untrue, Alas! for London Town. We saw the haughty in their pride Sweep down Park Lane; the Embankment side Showed those who slunk their rags to hiae, Alas! for London Town. Lust stalked abroad in Leicester Square, Painted and powdered; debonair, Lip-laughter mocking hearts’ despair, Alas! for London Town. May after May has passed since then— May after May and in this den We’ve grown to gray', soured, desperate men, Alas! for London Town. Who, loving us, sad warning gave, Lie long, long since in grass-grown grave; Would we could their forgiveness crave I Alas! for London Town. Flotsam and jetsam at the best, Would God we were like them at rest - But death comes only to the blest, Alas! for London Town. Woe, woe, was ours that fatal day We, reckless, flippant, scornful, gay Took wilfully our head-strong way, Alas! for London Town. ROBERT FRANCIS Bluff. May 24.