The old bush homestead by the sea

Still stands, the front door swings

As on the tall, gaunt, dead gum-tree

The magpie sits and sings.

There, by the door, the stockman sits

And smokes; as on her rug

His pale wife sits just by and knits—

His beard three children tug!

And as I stand and, dreaming, gaze,

The years have taken wing,