Classic Poem

I

My heart is a bright dagger no hand may draw
From the sheath of his love — save that
Of my Lover.


II

Like a fountain pool
The yellow leaves have shrouded,
His kisses stifle my laughter.


III

The cadence of the fountain is a secret ever
Between falling water
And my dreaming passion —
The drops fall on my heart — as I listen
Again I am with him ...
The cadence of the fountain is a secret ever,
A spell binding love and a Lover.


IV

Tears in my eyes have become as precious pearls
Since they bought me the kiss
Of a Lover.


V

One beam of light gleams and is gone,
The night is a desert without Him —
Crouching down,
The darkness folds close arms about me,
On my mouth hot fragrance lies sultry —
Here slumber is deep,
Wide-winged birds tropic-plumed
Flash in silence —
Bright dreams mating dreams —
Restless and wanton —
Where passion wakes wild in the jungle.


VI

At dawning the sun reaches deep to the heart
Of the Pine trees —
As the Lover's hands grope toward the Beloved
On waking.


VII

All night the Moon watched at my window —
Jealous Queen!
Half-masking in treetops — half-openly leaning
Beside me.
Then seeing no evil she paled away Westward
Ere morning.
And fain would I smile at her thwarted suspicion
Were I not more sad than she, that in vain
Was her vigil.


VIII

Strange —
Noon parches for midnight —
Kissing his footsteps in the temple shade,
The Yasmin droops for the Sun,
I wait for my Lord.
Strange!
Since now all forget us —
Then reaching, consume us
Till we are no more —
Slave girl, nor Noontime nor the Yasmin flower.
Strange!


IX

'Neath a white wall gold-meshed by tangerines,
A garden pagod shivers, as the winds
Blow furtive sunbeams where
Once pressed by amorous figures —
Discreet to murmured sighs —
Lies but a drift of yellow yasmin leaves.
Alas!
Pleasure has gone from the garden —
Nor longer the young crescent lingers —
Nor lovers are hid there —
Only pale fountains calling —
And my heart echoes footsteps withdrawing.


X

" Who bound these cords about your naked breast,
Fond Captive?
Who your owner? Speak,
That I may give bright gold and free you."

" Loose me not, High my Lord! 'Tis so I rest —
Dreaming his arms still bind me to him, who
Went from me to the temple.
'Tis Love you seek!
What his hand bound none other shall undo."