SELECTED VERSE

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21224, 21 September 1940, Page 11

SELECTED VERSE

BY THE SEA There are such lots of lovely things Down beside the sea, All spread out upon the shore For little boys like me. Rocks and shells and coloured stones, And. when the tide goes down, Little crabs in little pools, And seaweed pink and brown. I'm sure there’s room upon the sands (They arc so wide and big) For all the children in the world To paddle and to dig. —Rose Fyleman “ THE SHOOTING STAR" A star grew bright and brighter in his glow. Then shot one night into the gulf below; His comrade sighed and murmured “ He should know.” Unto the stars there reach no golden stairs; He'll end on earth as dust, and in her cares The busy wife will brush him from her chairs. lie will be missed by all our magnitude. The star, till now, of right and rectitude, He led the Magi to the manger rude. Here was a star born horoscopes to rule, Whom prophecy had taught in heaven’s school, Who fell on earth in dust—like any fool. —J. Binge, Rotowaro

PROMISE When I came back to Sharon The lilacs were in bloom. Hedges that had been barren Waven many a purple plume. Where the great snow had drifted Along each country lane, The tall horse chestnuts lifted Their lustrous lights again. There was a token given To mark this blessed hour, Stranger than fire from Heaven— The Burning Bush in flower ! Once on the rod of Aaron Buds opened for a sign, When I came back on Sharon, That miracle was mine. —Sara King Carleton GO TO A TREE When you grow weary of the boasts of men, Go to a'tree, my friend—one that has stood Long, patient years within a silent wood. Beneath its branches you will find again A thing long lost. Trees are content to be As God created them. No bough that turns Its golden thoughts to Autumn ever yearns Beyond a hillside’s immortality. Go to a tree in silence. You will find In the soft eloquence of bud and leaf Serenity beyond the voice of grief. And faith above the reach of humankind. Man spends his noise days in search of gain, While trees find God in sunlight, soil and x*ain. —Dr. Anderson M. Scruggs