28 JUNE 1919, Page 15

POETRY.

VERONICA.

(Born May 13th, 1919.)

Wm shall remember this night for you, Veronica—

The mild May night when a south wind blew, And the stars were big and bright and few, With pulsing purple void between; And the moon, high-riding, cast her sheen Where Pyramids of chestnut bloom Reached up to her from splendid gloom; And along the quiet ways beneath Came floating, here and there, a breath From the little May flowers that were new Like you.

We have forgotten the ways you shall know, Veronica— But, well content, we shall watch you go Through fairyland with your eyes aglow; Nor deem the years too swift in flight That bear you on to fresh delight. And when for us the times grow late

— When in some tranquil hour we wait Your sudden coming with tidings gay Of a world where youth keeps holiday; —When, with blithe words and heart forlorn, We wake you on your marriage-morn: — When (may God grant this crowning good)

We see you blest in motherhood—

We who grow old shall wisely smile And think: 'tis but a little while Since the night in May when for you All things were new.

A. M. 0114XPNBY9.