Poems By Arjava

OUT of a hazy stillness

Softly the bird notes call :

" Shatter your tired chillness,

Stay not within the wall."

Unicorns play through the morning,

Phoenix is lord of the noon,

Centaurs give delicate warning

Under a huge red moon.

Unicorn uncreated,

Time may grow tired—not you !

For changes of rhythm are dated

By the clang of your topaz shoe.

Custom shall never confine you ;

Tame less the sweep of your horn :

Nor shall the future define you,

Song of a world new born !

Shadow less splendour of heaven—

Sapphire of endless extent;

Eldest Day of the Seven :

Immaculate bird that is sent

From the high noon descending

To foster the questing flame

(For far beyond comprehending

ShinesThat from whence you came).

Fearing no sword that may sever,

Diamond serene on the height—

Blissful beyond our endeavour,

Invisible Day of our night:

For still from the ruby beacon

Faintly your rays are shed

And the ancient fetters weaken,

And the young god lifts his head—

His ivory shoulders gleaming

Are tinged with the ruby glow,

His eyes of a far sun dreaming

Give aim to asteadfast bow ;

And under the feet of his living

Is the glint of a topaz shoe ;

And fragrant the flame of self-giving

That the phoenix comes to renew.