Walter Murdoch (1874–1970). The Oxford Book of Australasian Verse. 1918.
5. The Hermit
N
Nestles deep my heart within;
Friendships new and strange have birth
Since I left the city’s din.
Like a big kind brother plays,
Romps and pauses here awhile
From its immemorial ways.
Slipping through the leaves that fleck
My one window, hurries on,
Throws its arms around my neck.
Lays her chin upon the roof,
And her burning seraph eyes
Now no longer keep aloof.
Holds its hands out day by day,
Takes a chair and croons with me
By my cabin built of clay.
By the chimney nook I see
Where the old enchanter sits,
Smiles and waves and beckons me.