OWNERLESS

He comes when the gullies are wrapped in the gloaming

And limelights are trained on the tops of the gums,

To stand at the sliprails, awaiting the homing

Of one who marched off to the beat of the drums.

So handsome he looked in the putties and khaki,

Light-hearted he went like a youngster to play;

But why comes he never to speak to his Darkie,

Around at the rails at the close of the day?

And why have the neighbours foregathered so gently,