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Blue Mountain Rhymes, Grave and Gay
by R. Ogilvie Rodger,
published by Quin & Rodger, Tapanui 1914, p. 11
Verses on Tapanui Cemetery
Romantic's thy site near the base of the mountain,
Where flaxes and fern-trees the high crest adorn,
While down the ravine rush the falls of the fountain,
And the wild heart is heard to awaken the morn.
Here the young and the old from the district surrounding
Are brought home to rest when their life's toils are done;
And serenely they'll sleep till the last trump is sounding,
For a prettier place is not under the sun.
Even Heaven itself, there where dwells the Creator,
Of all things of beauty, in brightest of hue
Can scarce be more fair than what here lovely Nature,
In grand panorama, presents to the view.
Like a sentry out west towers the blue Hokonui,
With the downs intervening, so bonny and green,
Where the happy like homes around Glenkenich and 'Koi,
Enchanted, I gaze on the whole charming scene.
Some have fancied, at death, they would like to be buried
Where sea billows roll many fathoms there deep;
Whilst, like Cecil Rhodes, some have wished to be carried
Up on hills like Matopa, to take their long sleep.
But contented I'll be by the Blue Mountains ever,
To live and to die in the land I love best;
And be laid with lost friend, here, to part again never,
In the loveliest spot ever mortal found rest.
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