Poems (Jordan)/The Rainbow

by Rebecca Queen Jordan

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!