POETS’ CORNER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2634, 16 October 1909, Page 9 (Supplement)

POETS’ CORNER.

THE WORLD’S SECRET

We took no thought, deer Love, we took no tnought! We only knew oar sunqner-tiine was come— Tk.e birds were nesting, orchards were abloom, And joy burned in us like a holy flame. And now, behold our little miracle! Our shining star, come to us wondrously From out the farther dark! Our mystery. Too soft and sweet to bo called anything— Or miracle or mystery—but just Our babe! Our own —yet net our own! A gift, uncomprehendinglv to prize! His laughter, bright as sunshine on a wave, Sets our whole world aslmnmer, and his dreams. Darkening his liquid eyes, are drawn, I think, From those drop cisterns of our secret prayers, Which, we nave rtrangly hidden, each from each. And yet. at, times, his pretty whi ms.v-thou gilts Shut soft the door on us and close us out! We clasp him close and probe his lips for sweets — Great, greedy bees upon* a tender flower—- ' Yet cannot reach the little sacred self That, like a god, is shrined in his bright shell. Ah, Love, ah, Love, lot us not call him ours! Let us confess he cannot wonder more At the amazing world than we at him. —How can we voice our awe-in-grati-tude— Our poignant heart of sorrow-in-do-

Silence indeed is best! Look deep, dear one, In liis sweet eyes and learn there what you may— That love, is service; yes, and mystery : And in this lovely, wordless babe We hold Is hidden safe the secret of the' world. —Elia W. Peattie, in Harper’s Magazine.

CONTRIBUTED VERSE. WHAT GERMANY SAID*. “Good-morning, John,” said Germany.. “I wish you a Happy New Year. Will you take a whisky and soda, Or a glass of Laager Beer? ( “Thank you, Germany,” said John,. “It’s all tlie same to me. I'll take a whisky and soda now. And some Laager alter tea.” “Fm feeling very well.” said Germany, “Very well, indeed, friend John-, Tt‘s quite three years since I saw you; •- last. How’ve you been getting on?”' “I can’t complain,” said old John Bull. “I can’t complain at all. New Zealand gave me a Dreadnought. It’s lielned met from going to thewall.” I “I like Now Zealand,” said Germany* “I was out there once with Pa. We stayed at a place called “The Cabstand,” Up near the Waiinata., I couldn’t get Pa to come away, When he heard of the old age pension. It was God’s Own Cbuntry to Pa alright, And claimed his close attention.”' “It’s a good little, place,'” said old John Bull; It’s loyal and it’s true. And whenever New Zealand wants my help I’ll gladly see her through.’’' “If there’s any trouble,” said Germany, “Be sure and look: after Pa. He "wouldn't know how to get away Up there in the Waimata.

And now good-bye,” said Germany, “I’m off 'home to tea; Mind you finish the Laager Beer * And rule the blooming sea. 5 ’ —David Scott. THE MANGATU. Away in the heart of the mountains, Where the fresh winds love to sweep, Whore the dead trees like silent sentinels Seem guarding the cattle and sheep, And over the limestone boulders The Mangatu waters leap.

I have lived in the heart of the moun- / tain's, Where sunbeams and shadows play As at hide-and-seek round the old dead, trees; ; Then over the ridges away; While ever through gorge and gully The Mangatu waters stray. And I found away in the mountains A people loyal and true, Women and men of refinement ana skill Who are working and winning too. Honor is prized, and hearts are big On the banks of the Mangatu. —Mrs. John Gallie.