Ar'cady



Golden wings of Ar'cady settle briefly
in the morning sun and reflections come
as after glow in pools of crystal water

the phase of Luna waxes to full
nights' intoxicating dark
this wax and wane of sun and moon
ebb and flow of gold and silver
runs in streams to Arcadian valleys
where sacred rites echo and moulder
in the seams of then and now

the hide-clad shepherder
the tight-bowed nymph of Selene's clan
even the shouts of Dionysus' women
cleave the air in shocking sentiment

the valley is alive with silver with crystal moisture
with seductive mists and murmuring breezes
the ear sings with beauty, the eye sinks in rapture

each tree bush and flower overwhelms
with fragrant essence, exotic odours hang
wisteria over lover's lips, fruits of rainbow hue
satiate the tongue, and Arcadia shivers on the skin
ripples to touch a quivering outstretched arm

this play, of feckless wanton can only rise
in a lover's mind through loves' sweet touch
to the empty vessel




Pamela Sidney 1991