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.  

"Den"
Herald, 15 May 1937
and
The Queenslander, 12 January 1938, p3