DISCONTENT.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2251, 11 December 1886, Page 1 (Supplement)

DISCONTENT.

What is my life ? 'Tis just a narrow space Hedged in on either side by duties' walls I cannot Ret beyond. With smiling face To me in vain sweet Nature loudly calls. Each dancing' wilful leaf the sunbeams gild; The birds flit twittering across my way, 1' or they are free— but I— l must not stay To let their joyous life inspire. Heartchilled, To my dull tasks I turn— for what ? For bread— For life that is not meat. My famished soul is fed On husks— and you— you think I should be bright, Grateful for what I have ; well, let that pass. You'd prison a poor fire-fly in a glass, And wonder that he gave no larger light. * * * * 4c * The sun paints the heart of the rainbow With wonderful luminous tints, And gives the roots of the plantlet A thousand helpful hints. There are stones in the path of the brooklet, Yet it laughs in spite of all ; Do the iHotes in the sunbeam hinder Its blessing the vine-clad wall ? Each light has its varying shadow, Each life its meed of toil : Have you thought how the tine gains beauty, Out of the common soil ? 1 know that your lot is irksome, A weary struggle for bread ; And oft when you'd climb the mountain Your feet thro' the valley are led. But, darling, the vale is gladdened By many a flower's fair hue ; And Heaven, I think, will be brighter For the small plain duties wo do.