The Poetry Corner

My Desire

By Laurence Hope (Adela Florence Cory Nicolson)

Fate 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. A boat must rock at the laterite steps In a reef-protected pool, For we should sail through the starlit night When the winds were calm and cool. I am so tired of all this world, Its folly and fret and care. Find me a little scented home Amongst thy loosened hair. Give me a soft and secret place Against thine amber breast, Where, hidden away from all mankind, My soul may come to rest. Many a man has a secret dream Of where his life might be; Mine is a lovely, lonely place With sunshine and the sea.