Poems (Jordan)/The Rainbow
For works with similar titles, see The Rainbow.
THE RAINBOW
Turquoise; topaz; emerald; Pearl; rose; opal; amethyst,By each other paralleled In a Creature of the Mist.
*****
But what is this wondr'ous Thing,— Tinted feather of the light,Dropt unheeded from his wing By the Sun in sudden flight?
Is't some dainty flower form Blown from garden tempest-ploughed,Or his seven-stringed lyre, the Storm— His song done—leaned on the cloud?
Loosened jewels fallen there From the Day-king's diadem,—Or lace, wrought of light and air, 'Broidered on his garment's hem?
Or is it the mystic chain Fettering the Sun's fleet foot,'Gainst the which he strives in vain To escape the Earth's pursuit?
Nay, 'tis his baptismal gown Which, 'ere he his throne shall mount,Carefully the Sun lays down As he rises from the fount.
*****
And, for ages Storm and Sun Have together fashioned This—This unfailing, All-in-One Symbol of God's faithfulness!