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Verse in bloom

By Norman Gale

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131

RESPONSES

Are you happy in the sun,
Dusting partridge?
There's the gun.
Are you happy in the brook,
Dace and gudgeon?
There's the hook.
Are you happy in the oats,
Nimble rabbit?
There are stoats.
Do you suffer any shocks,
Gawky gosling?
There's the fox.
Does your heart go pit-a-pat,
Grey-silk mousie?
There's the cat.
Is your heart a pulse of joy,
Dapper hedgebird?
There's the boy.

132

Are you happy in God's plan,
Subtle woman?
There is man.
Did I hear you catch your breath,
Sinewy Cæsar?
There is death.