A Secret Glen

A dim and lovely region full of shade,

Brown leaves that spread a carpet for the feet;

An aisle between tall trees, lit with jade,

And merrily singing water, clear and sweet.

 

A filigree of sunlight on the ground

Where beams of light break through the roof above.

There soft and haunting floats the gentle sound

Of a wood-pigeon cooing to his love.

 

The flowers like stars shine in a verdant gloom,

Crushed by the feet to fill with scent the air;

White lilac, wild rose, hyacinth and broom

Make with their banners a rich pageant there.

 

The world is hushed, the glen expectant lies.

Then comes a blessedness born not of these—

The light of happiness in lucent eyes,

And whispered words of age-old mysteries.