Seager, Alexandrine – January 1917
Caressingly the willows wave along the homestead creek,
While lazily beside them in the sun,
They’re browsing there contentedly – the cows so grave and sleek,
Nor heed the cool clear water’s gurgling run.
A tree had fall’n across the creek one stormy night long dead,
When Molly was an elfish thing of ten,
The grim grey giant left a bridge for Molly’s feet to tread,
And the merry boys – now at the war and men.
She shades her eyes and watches for the boy who rides the mail,
And pats the collie that belongs to Jim;
How infinitely precious e’en the curlew’s eerie wail
And all – or anything that speaks of him.
A car goes by; she heeds it not – her thoughts are far away;
She stands in reverie, a figure slim.
A kindly voice disturbs her: – God! What is that you say?
Bad news! Be brave, for Molly, dear it’s Jim.
The cows still browse – a magpie sings, the sun shines just the same;
A gleeful puppy gaily frisks about –
This smiling, mocking sunlight! Her brave soldier but a name,
And one more heart with all its life crushed out.
January 13th 1917
