Moonshine [poem by C.J. Dennis]

[Editor: This poem by C.J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913). Most of the poetry of C.J. Dennis is written in the style of the Australian vernacular. See the Glossary for explanations of words and phrases.]

Moonshine.

I love you, dear; o’ morn and noon,
I love your ev’ry mood and guise;
But, ’neath the soft, enchanting moon
Such loveliness the gods must prize.
’Tis then I long to dare and fight
The world for you, my queen o’ night.

We wander in a jewelled bower;
And, tho’ I be your humble slave,
Within that brief, enchanted hour
I know that I am strong and brave.
’Tis then red war I yearn to make
And conquer worlds for your sweet sake.

And old romance soft-footed comes
From out the hills to linger nigh;
And in our cause, the brave old gums
Stand sentinel against the sky.
’Tis then I would outrival Mars,
For you — the sovereign of the stars.

But in the morning, dearest heart,
I’d play a somewhat milder part.

Source:
C.J. Dennis. Backblock Ballads and Other Verses, E. W. Cole, Melbourne, [1913], page 160