15 DECEMBER 1917, Page 14

POETRY.

THE TWO MAGICIANS,

LIFO was the Good Magician and the friend,. In happier days, while yet behind the- veil Was hid this Desolation without end.

That broke the sequence of our fairy tale.

There-were three sons then, "once upon a time," And one by Life most marvellously crowned, There were no heights to which he might not climb-- All that was best to-seek he sought—and found. All that was good to have he had, and gave, .45id'Iast his life so glorious and so sweet. Now not of Life but Death a boon I crave, The Great Magician with the silent feet.

The kind Magician who will touch my hands, And also my dull eyes to give them grace, So that set free from Life's 'imprisoning bands, I'll hold my dear again and see his face.

CZLIA Calamine