Poems of Narad

Outer Gardens

The Eucalypts of aromatic leaf,
Their patterned trunks a riot of pastels,
And Flame-trees burning in the torrid sky,
Enchanted spots where through the hidden dells

Spirit-voices call to us in prayer.
The Copper-Pods a yellow sea at dawn
Rising in swells above their beds of green,
A lone voice sings of joy that is new-born

And vestal choirs chant among the trees
Harmonies that sound upon our strings,
A music from the far antipodes
And melodies that hymn familiar things.

The orange lamps of Brownea in prayer,
As Cassia's golden chains so lightly sway
Whose sweet perfume enchants the languid air
Call the gods descent to romp and play

While fiery Coral trees, their leafless boughs
Heavy with the burden of their flowers
Bear nectar-cups whose heady draught allows
The swift of wing intoxicating hours.

Now Tabebuias flash their burning gold
Upon a landscape made for God to see
Here is the meeting ground so long foretold
Where conscious man shall find his destiny.