Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Walter Murdoch (1874–1970). The Oxford Book of Australasian Verse. 1918.

54. Dawn Song

WHILE the earth is dark and grey

How I laugh within. I know

In my breast what ardours gay

From the morning overflow.

Though the cheek be white and wet

In my heart no fear may fall:

There my chieftain leads and yet

Ancient battle trumpets call.

Bend on me no hasty frown

If my spirit slight your cares:

Sunlike still my joy looks down

Changing tears to beamy airs.

Think me not of fickle heart

If with joy my bosom swells

Though your ways from mine depart,

In the true are no farewells.

What I love in you I find

Everywhere. A friend I greet

In each flower and tree and wind—

Oh, but life is sweet, is sweet!

What to you are bolts and bars

Are to me the arms that guide

To the freedom of the stars,

Where my golden kinsmen bide.

From my mountain top I view:

Twilight’s purple flower is gone,

And I send my song to you

On the level light of dawn.