Fall the shadows on the gullies, fades the purple from the mountain; 
And the day that's passing outwards down the stairways of the sky, 
With its kindly deeds and sordid on its folded page recorded, 
Waves a friendly hand across the range to bid the world "good-bye." 
Comes a buoyant peal of laughter from the tall, white, slender timber, 
Rugged mirth that floods the bushland with the joy of brotherhood, 
With the rustic notes sonorous of a happy laughing chorus, 
When the kookaburras bless the world because the world is good. 

Oh, 'tis good and clean and wholesome when we take the sheep-track 
homewards, 
And the kindly kitchen chimney flaps its homely bannerets; 
All our twigs of effort, shooting golden promise for the fruiting, 
Bring a night in peace enfolded that a useful day begets. 
Hopeful dreams, their visions weaving, steel our hearts against to- 
morrow, 
And we dare the challenge, strengthened by today's assaults withstood; 
Beam the pregnant days before us; and another laughing chorus 
Wraps the world in rippling revelry, because the world is good. 

Loving eyes to watch our coming, loving arms to twine around us-- 
Tender tendrils, soft and silken, firmer far than iron stay-- 
All our little world upholding, gentle hearts and home enfolding, 
And a cheery, friendly neighbour dropping in upon his way: 
Mellow joy the soul refreshes with the scented breath of heaven, 
With the whispered songs of other spheres, hereafter understood: 
Angels keep their sure watch o'er us: and another laughing chorus 
Flings a vesper blessing round the world, because the world is good. 

J. O'Brien