Page:Last Poems.djvu/71



has given me many a gift To which men most aspire, Lovely, precious and costly things, But not my heart's desire.

Many a man has a secret dream Of where his soul would be, Mine is a low verandah'd house In a tope beside the sea.

Over the roof tall palms should wave, Swaying from side to side, Every night we should fall asleep To the rhythm of the tide.

The dawn should be gay with song of birds, And the stir of fluttering wings. Surely the joy of life is hid In simple and tender things!

At eve the waves would shimmer with gold In the rosy sunset rays, Emerald velvet flats of rice Would rest the landward gaze.

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