Poems (Jackson)/Locusts and Wild Honey

by Helen Hunt Jackson

LOCUSTS AND WILD HONEY.

HOSPITABLE wilderness,
  I know thy secret sign;
All human welcome seemeth less
  To me than thine.

Such messengers to show me where
  Is water for my feet;
Such perfume poured upon my hair,
  Costly and sweet.

Such couch, such canopy, such floor,
  Such royal banquet spread;
Such music through the open door,
  So little said.

So much bestowed and understood,
  Such flavored courtesy,
And only kings of unmixed blood
  For company.

Such rhythmic tales of ancient lores,
  Of sweet and hidden things,
Rehearsed by sacred troubadours
  On tireless wings.

Such secrets of dominion set
  Unstinted for my choice,
Such mysteries, unuttered yet,
  Waiting a voice.

O hospitable wilderness,
  For thee I long and pine;
All human welcome seemeth less
  To me than thine.