Childhood

Blue depths of sky

Where the white clouds pass

Shadows of leaves

On the soft green grass;

Low drowse of bees

In the noon-tide hush;

Laughing of waves

Where the waters rush.

Couple of kids in the noon-tide heat

Watching the turkeys out of the wheat?

Couple o’ thieves

In a cavern dim.

‘Ware of the outlaws

Dick and Jim.

Glory of God

In the sunset’s glare;

Clovery scents

In the warm June air;

Whispers of birds

Sinking soft to rest;

Glory of God

On the river’s breast.

Couple o’ kids by the river’s side

Driving the cows to the pasture wide?

Couple o’ braves

In the prairie glades

Stalking their prey

While the daylight fades.

Reek of the muck

In the alder swamp;

Croak of the frogs

In the pasture damp;

Strawberry’s red

‘Midst the hillside’s green;

Rollicking song

Of a bird unseen;

Couple o’ kids with a berry pail

Hustling to fill it and go and sail?

Couple o’ pirates

Burying gold—

Glamour o’ childhood,

Wealth untold.

-       A. L. McBeath

Richibucto, N. B.