RE-INCARNATION

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 723, 24 July 1929, Page 16

RE-INCARNATION

First Prize I think that once, long years ago, I lived Beneath the bleakness of a winter sky; I saw the hand of Autumn pluck the leaves, And heard them rustle as they drifted by. I think that once, before this world was born, I saw* tall trees, etched on great clouds of white. I saw slim poplars, tall and straight and green, Bending in homage to a strong wind’s might. I think that once I knew the purple dusk, Laden with the incense of wild flowers; I think that once I knew the golden stars. Which crown the beauty of the twilight hours. I saw the loveliness of dewkissed grass— And, oh, before this world was made, I heard The silver music as the raindrops passed—• The lovely fluting of a lonely bird. For sometimes in my heart I feel the stir Of some soft yearning, some vague, nameless pain. . . It may be a white cloud which wakes it there, Or just a vibrant bird song after rain. I think that long ago I knew and saw The bleak grey skies, the swelling hills that roll, And still a glimpse of these will wake it there, That sudden poignant memory in my soul. —Red Star (Jean Mclndoe, aged 14).