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.