Branksome Hall - Slogan Yearbook (Toronto, Ontario Canada)

Page 27 text:

The Branksome Slogan 25 awareness. I stood staring with horror at the staircase. There, the story said, many years before, the old retainer had been found hanged, the rope tied to the bannister at the thirteenth stair. Here my memory fails me. My manner of departure I do not know. But I do remember the hectic flight up the long road and across the field, the nightmarish dash that ended at my own front door. Yes, I smile when I think of that evening — so frightful then, so foolish now. How clearly it all comes back to me! I wonder why I never returned to the house. ORDE SKEELES EVENSONG 1 sing of warm immeasurable days. When up the gleaming river in the haze The ponderous heron flaps on heavy wing; And of the drone of sun-sequest- ered bees From some far distant shadiness of trees I sing. Yet, v hen the thirsty cattle wend their way Here, from their pastures at the close of day. And the smooth pools are ringed with ripples fine, A silence falls about the drowsy herds, A song more beautiful than any words Of mine. For then, as eve her cooling finger draws Across the furrowed brow of earth, a pause Falls quietly as the dews on grasses long — Music too faint for human hear- ing ' s reach ; This is the poetry of earth, her speech, Her song. HONOR PASS.

Page 26 text:

24 The Branksome Slogan to international causes and unity of purpose in promoting the general welfai-e of the world. Yet we ca nnot hope to see the final, workable truth clearly now, in stress and turmoil of war. The reconstruction both at home and abroad calls for sacrifices and co-operation from us all. NANCY MARLOW. An Unusual Evening The vivid memory of that mid-December evening has never dim- med. Now, as I write, I can see again as clearly as if it had been yes- terday, the wall of driving snow outside; hear again the clatter of hail as it pricked the window. Inside, Dick and I were earnestly discussing such a foolhardy adventure. It was entirely Dick ' s idea to visit the place. I remember the icy fingers of fear that crept around my heart when he proposed the plan. He laughed at me then — I can hear his taunting now — he made faces at me and called me a ' ' jelly fish ' . Foolishly I allowed my pride to conquer my fear. The ' ' Black House at the end of the road had two visitors that night. At half past eight we left home. The night had been black for several hours. The wind tore at our jackets as the two of us crossed the dark field. Then down the long road we went until there, before US, stood the gate — high, forbidding. I think Dick, himself felt some inward pang. But, undaunted, with fingers chilled and stiff, we fum- bled with the catch. Groaning heavily, the gate gave way. The house loomed directly ahead. As we stood before the massive door, my fear slipped away like a phantom through the darkness. A voice of adventure seemed to call me from within. I would not have turned back for all of Dick ' s entreat- ies. I can smile now when I think of Dick. Yes, he was afraid ; Dick went home without me that night ; I entered the house alone. My curiosity allowed no room for caution. I explored the house from room to room, from closet to closet, from floor to floor until every corner was familiar. It was only then that I ' became aware of the eeriness that prevaded the whole atmosphere. The rooms were large, the ceilings high. A idusky dampness, intangible, seemed to chill the very soul — and I was alone in this great place. Outside the snow mur- mured, the eaves troughs creaked, the trees stretched white arms into the vast darkness of the sky. The story of the place came back to me then, a foolish story perhaps, but one that I remembered with awful

Page 28 text:

26 The Branksome Slogan ATTENTION, FIRST AIDER! Lady, if you see me lying On the ground and maybe dying, Let my gore run bright and free; Don ' t attempt to bandage me. While there ' s life, there ' s hope, so pet. Don ' t apply a tourniquet; Do not give for my salvation Artificial respiration. Do not stretch my bones or joints, Do not press my pressure points; If queer symptoms you should see, Don ' t experiment on me. If I ' m suffering from shock, Take a walk around the block; If you must be busy, pray, Kelp to keep the crowds away. So whatever my condition, Phone at once for a physician; From First Aid I beg release, Lady, let me die in peace ! MARJORIE FLANIGAN SONNET Do not wish to be old. You who are young Can ' t see the inspiration of your hope To an age-weary world; for now among Our youth we look for leadership. The scope Of all this world is yours to con- quer now. Think, work, and give your gay and vahant youth To guide this unsure kingdom, though it bow Your back with the harsh burden. Then, in truth You may be proud and earn the still content You cannot know, till you have given that trait That you now curs e, your youth, and you have spent Your gaiety and valour all away In service. Then the calm you envy so Achieved, you will wish to regain youth ' s glow. PAT HANSON Remember, even if we get the best of the Japs, we won ' t have much.