ALWAYS REMEMBER

Many thanks and yet it's not enough. That lump in my throat, the familiar swell of pride I feel when I think of the sacrifices of our own dear brothers and sisters who have served, both those here now and those who are gone. Many long gone. I love you all.

I know I'm a lucky gal to be in my little insulated world which has been made safer and freer because myriad generations going back to the beginning before we were even a country and still to this day put their nation and its people before themselves. Thanks is never enough to capture the depth of my gratitude but this day I want to acknowledge that I am truly grateful for each and every one of you and all you have done.

THOMAS BRACKEN - 1843-1898

Born in Ireland Bracken moved first to Australia at the age of 12 and then New Zealand at 25. He was a poet and a journalist who is famous for having written one of New Zealand's National Anthems.

Thomas Bracken Biography


One of my fave's

Musings in Maoriland


Among the Buds






Oh! leave the buds alone,
Baby,
Leave the buds alone;
Each little flow'ret has a heart
As pure as is thine own.


That violet,
My pretty pet,
Hath borrowed from the skies
Its deepest blue,—
The same bright hue
That sparkles in thine eyes;
And, just like thee,
In purity
And beauty it hath grown;
Then leave the buds alone,
Baby,
Leave the buds alone.


Oh! leave the buds alone;
Baby,
Leave the buds alone;
Those little blossoms are the gems
That stud the garden's zone.


From bell and cup
The sun-sprites sup
The nectar and the dew;
Each morn they drink
From rose and pink
Sweet Nature's freshest "brew"
Of God's own brand;—
Thy tiny hand
To playfulness is prone,
But do not break the cups,
Baby,
Leave the buds alone.


Oh! leave the buds alone,
Baby,
Leave the buds alone;
They are thy younger sisters, and,
Like thee, they have but known
The sweets of Spring,
When everything
Evolves God's purest breath;
They have no fear
For Autumn's sere,
Nor Winter's tint of death;
Affinity
Links them and thee
To heaven's eternal throne.
Ye are the stainless ones,
Baby,
Leave the buds alone.






Artwork

Andy Duroe

Beatrice Goldsmith