Poems (Scudder)/California Poppies
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CALIFORNIA POPPIES
You crinkled, burnished shells of thinnest gold,
Within your curves might nestle safe from harm
A Venus of the western seas whose form
More rounded-lithe, more lovesome to behold
Than hers of Cyprus, shapen not from cold
White foam, glows sweetly with the changeful, warm
Within your curves might nestle safe from harm
A Venus of the western seas whose form
More rounded-lithe, more lovesome to behold
Than hers of Cyprus, shapen not from cold
White foam, glows sweetly with the changeful, warm
Tints of rose-pearl and amber. Never storm
To shatter her frail refuge would be bold.
—Or else, an Indian sprite with tawny cheek,
With locks of fine-spun copper, and with eyes
Of melting topaz might a shelter seek
From fierce pursuit of tiger-butterflies.
Such urgent loveliness as yours must speak
Of beauty greater still that hidden lies.
To shatter her frail refuge would be bold.
—Or else, an Indian sprite with tawny cheek,
With locks of fine-spun copper, and with eyes
Of melting topaz might a shelter seek
From fierce pursuit of tiger-butterflies.
Such urgent loveliness as yours must speak
Of beauty greater still that hidden lies.