YPRES.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 27, 17 September 1920, Page 1

YPRES.

—R. B. L.

Through. the long years, stone upon Stone you rose, Wet by m,en's tears; safe from the nation's foes. By moat and wall, guarded, your people dwelt-. In churches tall, saintly your priesthood 1 knelt. Graceful your trees, through tlie long centuries Grew by degrec-s, fanned by the passing breeze, Stately and tall, ease-giving shadows cast; In winter's squall, bared by the iey blast; Now, by the enemy razed to the ground. Gone is security — rain around ; Smashed the Cloth Hall, shattered by Gennan -shells, Broken the wall — ghastly death lurkiirg dweils, Fled are the people, and gone home they knew, Broken church steeple, gone leafy avenue — Cursed b,e they — authors of rain red ; God will repay, blood of thy brave sons shed. Come the day soon when may you rise ■again, Cease soon the fray, and then the sons oi men Build up thy walls, churches, and busy marts, Houses and halls, peace dwelling In their hearts. Flourish your trees— cairn may your future be — Through centuries, God watching over •thee. .