My Love in the South.

In places of charm and enchantment,
Drawn thither in fond beauty's quest,
‘Neath blue skies on foam-flecking waters
I loitered at pleasure's behest.
But a place in the South ever called me,
Where ferns wave and blithe tuis sing;
Where bellbirds with musical chiming,
Sweetest cadence to dawn always bring.
Oh, gay throngs are poor balm for yearning,
When hearts are reproached by love's pang;
Depression was soon turned to gladness
For me as my heart gaily sang:
To my Love in the South I'm returning,
With spirits as light as sea foam;
Dear land of my childhood, I love there—
New Zealand—my birthplace—my home.

—Odey King-Turner

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