New Life, New Love

Henry Lawson, 1903

      The breezes blow on the river below,
             And the fleecy clouds float high,
      And I mark how the dark green gum trees match
             The bright blue dome of the sky.
      The rain has been, and the grass is green
             Where the slopes were bare and brown,
      And I see the things that I used to see
             In the days ere my head went down.

      I have found a light in my long dark night,
             Brighter than stars or moon;
      I have lost the fear of the sunset drear,
             And the sadness of afternoon.
      Here let us stand while I hold your hand,
             Where the light's on your golden head —
      Oh! I feel the thrill that I used to feel
             In the days ere my heart was dead.

      The storm's gone by, but my lips are dry
             And the old wrong rankles yet —
      Sweetheart or wife, I must take new life
             From your red lips warm and wet!
      So let it be, you may cling to me,
             There is nothing on earth to dread,
      For I'll be the man that I used to be
             In the days ere my heart was dead!