| |
Blue Mountain Rhymes, Grave and Gay
by R. Ogilvie Rodger,
published by Quin & Rodger, Tapanui 1914, p. 45
Elm Bank
"Elm Bank," unrecorded in tale, yet, or story,
neglected, forgotten in Ferguson's sang;
fair gem of Otago, it's pride and it's glory-
I will lilt thee a stave as I journey alang.
With an escort I was on my way towards Heaven,
When I looked up and saw thee, thou inviting home;
And I said, "Here for tarrying I must be forgiven,
For I'll find here a foretaste of Heaven to come.
A right royal welcome was unto me given,
From the head of the house even down to young John;
And the fact is I've found "Elm Bank" such a haven,
I'll be loath, very loath, when I've got to move on.
The household consisteth of Peter, the father,
And Lizzie, his wife, a dear, douse, kindly dame;
And four bouncing boys, who around the hearth gather-
It just reminds me, it does, of the old hearth at hame.
But the hour's on the wing, though the time's not just given,
When again I'll be forced for to take flight and roam;
For no place of abiding have I under Heaven-
Not "Elm Bank" even can long be my home.
|
|
