Classic Poem

(To the author of " The Flowery Scroll " )

The sculptural masses of box-shrubs crowding close together,
Are like a carving in night-green jade
After curdled mountains
In a picture by Chao Meng-Fo;
Against their superb stolidity
Flights of yellow acacia leaves flit glittering
Borne on the south-west wind...

O golden acacia leaves,
Could I but follow you to your ultimate destination
As the pilgrim of olden time
Followed the blowing petals of peach-blossoms,
I am convinced that also like him
I should discover a garden of clear delights
Beyond a stream of celestial ensorcelment.