HOW I SHALL DIE

I only wait the eventide,

The rising of the moon—

My little barque I’ll gently slide

Into the still lagoon.

Here storms are fierce and nations wage

Across the seas their strife,

And death’s wild billows break their rage

Against the rocks of life.

I only wait the last, long call—

Perchance a short farewell—

Then gently for the mists to fall

O’er silent hill and dell.

Private Chas. Lowry,

9th Aust. Battalion.