Classic Poem

Vestured in gauzy mists and purple vapours—
God's peerless altar pyre—
Too soon the sun gives place to starry tapers,
Sheathing his blades of fire.

The bulwarks and the bastions of the thunder
Smile golden in the light;
The woods and waters blush to tints of wonder
Burning in beauty bright.

The mystic silences are windows lifting
Their blinds into the blue,
That so, the light of the Eternal drifting,
May pass unhindered through.

The Lakes that with their amethystine splendour
Reflect the saffron skies,
Caress the island shores with ripples tender:
Day in the distance dies.

But Nature's glowing sheen and iridescence
That stream and starlight lend
Bring fullest joy in the soul-thrilling presence
Of one unfailing friend.