THE DOORKEEPER

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 104, 23 July 1927, Page 27

THE DOORKEEPER

HAPPY DAYS The first rays of dawn tinge the sky with rose and amber. In the distance the great castle of Happy Town stands out against the sky, built upon a mighty cx*ag facing the sea, where the breakers dash themselves to fragments against the dull grey rocks that fringe the coast. Inside the castle itself dwells the Dawn Lady and her many subjects. The great gates of Happy Town swing to and fro as the Pixie Postmen enter again and again with letters from the happy Sunbeams. Everything is busy at this particular moment. The Little Thought rushes to the Dawn Lady with some wonderful news. The Dawn Lady hei*self is seated *in a pleasant open glade, surrounded by shady oaks and elms. Through it gurgles a small rivulet, its cool, limpid waters sparkling in its shallow bed. The birds, too. pour forth their joyous songs, their shrill, clear notes echoing again and again through Happy Town. This continues throughout the day until, when night comes, the large yellow moon rises slowly above the treetops and the cool, sighing wind hushes Happy Town to sleep. —Joseph Dobbyn (aged 14). THE COUNTERSIGN If I should see a little bear Upon the stairs to-night, I’d say. •Hello, who’s going there? Stand still with all your might.” Then he would say, “I am a friend,” I’d answer. “Friend of mine. Step forward like a soldier, sir. And give the countersign.” Then little bear would come to me Across the gloomy hall. And as for being frightened, why I would not be at all. Then he would grunt and say to me, “I love you. little brother. That is oxir only countersign: We soldiers need no other.” Then I would say, “Good-night to you, Come often for a call, 1 like to meet you on the stairs, And in the gloomy hall.” A CONUNDRUM The first’s a pronoun—you or me. A preposition next you see. The whole is red, or black or blue, And. if ’tis spilt, I grieve for you! Xow shuffle all the letters round \nd your relations will be found. . An swer; —IN K.