STRANGER.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 28, 24 September 1920, Page 1

STRANGER.

(By Robert NIicholas).

Never am I so alone As when I walk among the crowd — • Blurred masks of stern or grinning stone, Unmeaning ey.es and voices loud. Gaze dares not encounter gaze, . . . Humbled, I turn my head aside; When suddenly there is a face . . Pale, subdued, and grievous-eyed. Ah, I know that visage meek, Those trembling lips, the eyes that shine But turn from that which they would seek With an air piteous, divine ! There is not a line or scar, Sea! of a sorrow or disgrace, But I know like sigils are Burned in my heart and on my face. Speak ! O speak ! Thou art the one! But thou hast passed with sad head bowed ; N And never am I so alone As when I walk among the crowd.