Publication: Melbourne Herald
Date: 15 May 1937
Oh, yesterday I was a happy man; All life seemed moulded to a perfect plan. The earth, the air, the sky, the birds in song. All were in harmony and nothing wrong; The gentle wind that crooned among the trees Reminded me of long-lost melodies.; It found all things of earth supremely sane And saw fresh beauty in the shining rain. Oh, I was glad. All that I had, All that I hoped to hold Comprised gifts far beyond desert and blessed a thousandfold. My fellow man was generous; his heart was kind and pure And I was very sure Friendship was real, peace had come to stay. Oh, I was very happy yesterday. To-day I am a miserable man; All life seems crazy, and there is no plan. The earth, the sky, the birds' discordant song Screaming so aimlessly all, all are wrong. The howling wind that blusters in the trees Reminds me of some fiend's cacophonies. I find all things of earth simply inane With drear depression in the sodden rain, Oh, I am sad. All I have had Or ever hope to bold Comprises evanescent gifts, impalpable and cold. My fellow man is treacherous, his kindness but a lure, And I am very sure Friendship is hollow; peace has flown away My income tax assessment came to-day.