31 JANUARY 1920, Page 15

POETRY.

A MID-WINTER DAY.

THE day was mine, was all my own to spend, The- road, the shining road, was mine at last, The forest leaned towards me as a friend—

Let me recall my day and hold it fast.

This have I seen which left me satisfied, Men and brave horses, comrades of the plough, Red gold of withies by the riverside, And russet oak-leaves on the sheltered bough.

This have I heard which filled me with content, The welcome of two children on the way.

Two little children hand in hand who went And shyly whispered "Happy Christmas-day."

This have I felt; the self which hears and sees

Passed, and my inmost self became a part Of sunset welling from the soul of trees And colour lareathed from every bracken: heart.