New Zealand Verse/Emigravit
VII.
Emigravit.
Mountain lilies shine Far up against the snow,And the ratas twine On wooded slopes below.Rata and clematis Sweet as bush may hold;While honey-loving wild birds kiss The kowhai’s cups of gold.Dear and fair shall all of these Henceforth to children be:But ah! my childhood’s flowers Are far away from me.
In an English lane, Where the primrose patches blow, And the sweet spring rain Hangs jewels high and low.
Homely flowers set Where our farmsteads rise,Make an England yet Under sunny southern skies.Lilac scent is blown With wattle on the breeze;September bids the leaves grow broad On happy English trees;And apple-orchards smile again In sweet, familiar show—But in my heart is mourning For the scenes of long ago.
When the reeds grew high, And the cowslips in the grass; And my young love and I Saw the springtime pass.
Homely blossoms grow In our graveyard near the sea,Where my love lies low, With a place beside for me.Pansy blooms and pinks ; The columbine’s quaint bell;Rosemary for remembrance (Pray, love, remember well !);But ah! my happy ghost must walk, If happy ghosts may be,In an English lane or meadow With wild flowers growing free.
In an English lane, Where the primrose patches blow, And the sweet spring rain Hangs jewels high and low.