"Pink May"

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 20, 28 November 1930, Page 32

"Pink May"

A Book of Verses ; Af UST to hand is "Pink May" by "Bob> Lawlor, an acceptable handful of, verses, tuneful and sweet, bound in a neat tinted wrapper, and making a slim and suitable booklet to slip into one’s pocket or suitcase for leisurely perusal during long summer days of the Christmas vacation. Dedicated to "Aunt Tiny," well known to countless listen-ers-in, who have found inspiration in her unfailing cheer, the collection of poems ranges over a fairly wide field; musically-phrased fairy fancies being in juxtaposition with odes to nature’s beauty and an occasional admixture sentiment anent a dream of days past. "The Old Windmill" contrasts other times, other manners, with those of today; effect being heightened by quaint and clever illustration of demure, widehatted, crinolined maiden of yesteryear, greeting chivalrous gallant at romantic rendezvous in the shadow of ancient mili. Then comes gay tribute to "Rambler Roses," the lines tripping along with attractive lilt, the author obviously being attuned to loveliness of colour and atmosphere in each and all of the changing seasons. No deep call is made to human emotion, nor is there to be found any note of pessimistic repining; but rather gentle paeans of thankfulness for the things that are, the everyday beauty and varying moods of nature. "The Little Gray Cat" will strike sympathetic chord in those whose hearts are wrung by mute appeal of derelict dogs and cats; while others will admire vignette of silver-haired card-player, a miniature portrait of patient age, which has: acquired wise acquiescence, yet ever hopes the tangle may unravel"But now she is smiling, all sadness bee guiling, See, dearie, it always comes right at the last." Devotees of YA stations will appreciate reappearance of "The Singer to the Listeners-in," and a special word of praise ig due to aptness and excellent reproduction of the illustrations included in the volume. The work of this New Zealand singer, though not calculated to provoke deep reflection, appeals by virtue of simplicity, candour, and a certain ingenuousness. Taken for all in all, it should find many admirers among those who, re-, jecting all that is "sad and bad and mad" in and out of literature, find plea» sure in joyous verses musically expressed, and to such "Pink May" is eommend-ed.-The Minstrel.