A LOCAL CORRESPONDENT WRITES: A strangely moving poem has been found among the possessions of the oft-lamented Brother Isaac McKittery, recently departed. Written in his own hand, it appears to illustrate his state of mind in the period immediately preceding his death.

The second verse apparently announces his intention to depart overseas once more to pursue an old love affair. Neighbours who have seen the poem surmised that he might have intended going back once more to Australia. However, one close friend of the deceased, Ms Heather Bloom, expressed surprise at such a notion since his first visit had scarcely been a "joyous lark", and that there were many fine women "of his own sort" in this district.

Another neighbour, Mr Moses Teggart, the renowned Poet of the Bogland, dismissed the poem as "the dreary and sentimental mutterings of a man who knew his time had come".

Farewell, ye cold black bogs and moors!
Good-bye, ye gold-bloomed whins!
Ye teach me how the love endures
That in friendship fond begins,
Good-bye ye little red-breast all,
That sing so sweet at dawn!
At dusk I hear your pensive call,
And shall when I am gone.

Ye joyous lark that in the blue
Already carols loud.
I know your song is sweet and true
Though I'm with sorrow bowed.
At home across the western wave
Once more I go to seek;
Beside your song so loud and brave
This dirge sounds worn and weak.