Page:A Treasury of South African Poetry.djvu/224

 O glad tranquillity, whose healing thrill No other hour in weary hearts can wake! Soft steals the golden sunlight down the slope, As it would catch the dark pool unaware. Bush after bush its glowing kiss receives, And grey old thorn-trees grasp it eagerly In their rough arms, as though its warm embrace Might bring back verdure to each withered bough. And now the leader of the shining herd Sets a shy foot upon the crumbling bank, And straight the leaden water is bespread With a swift dawn and flush of wavering light That weaves a smile across its sullen front, Like Hope surprising some despairing soul. Spread, sunshine! o'er the gladdened waters spread, Until each lurking shadow is displaced; And take as thanks the incense offering Of slowly drifting vapour-wreaths that smoke From its sun-smitten surface.Come at last Where I that sing of thee stand, and through my frame Strike a quick ecstasy of sensuous bliss. Strike through the flesh and reach my inmost soul, And slay its shadows with thy glorious light! Pure from the pool, anointed by thy beams, And soul-fed with sweet visions of the morn. The better shall I live and work this day, Feeling through hours of toil remembered thrills Of sunlight kisses, soft and warm as love's. Herbert Tucker.