THANKSGIVING.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1553, 17 June 1882, Page 1 (Supplement)

THANKSGIVING.

ByPhcebbOaby.

°h, men I grown siok with toil and oare, Leave for awhile the crowded mart; Oil, women 1 sinking with despair, Weary oi limb and hint of heart, Forget your oares to-day, and oome As children baok to ohildnood's home { Follow again the winding rills; Go to the places where yon went, When, climbing up the summer hills, In their green hp you sat, content; And loiily leaned yonr head to rest On Nature's calm and peaoefal breast. Walk through the sere and fading wood, So lightly trodden by yonr feet, When all yon knew of life was good, And all yon dreamed of life was sweel, And let fond memory lead yon baok, O'er youthful love's enohanted track. Taste the ripe fruit of orchard boughs, Drink from the moasy well once more ; Breaibe fragranoa from the orowded mows, With fresh, sweet olover running o'er; And oonnt the treasnreß at your feet, Oi fcilver rye ana golden wheat. Go sit beside the hearth again, Whose circle onoe was glad and gay; And if from oat the preaioas chain Some shining links have dropped away, Then guard with tenderer heart and hand Tae remnant of your household bund. Draw near the board with plenty spread, And if in the aoonstomed plaoe Yon see the father's reverent heatf, Or mother's patient loving face ; Whate'er your life may have of il), Thank God that these are left you still. And though where home hath been yon atand To-day in alien loneliness; Though yon may clasp no brother's hand, And olaim no sißtGr's tender kiss :J Though with no friend or lover nigh, The past is all your oompany — Thank God for friends your life has known, For every dear departed day. The blesdtid past is cafe aloneGod gives, but does nos Uko away ; He only unfely keeps above For ub the treasures that we love.