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Poems (Scudder)/California Poppies

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For works with similar titles, see California Poppies.
4532442Poems — California PoppiesAntoinette Quinby Scudder

CALIFORNIA POPPIES
You crinkled, burnished shells of thinnest gold,
Within your curves might nestle safe from harm
A Venus of the western seas whose form
More rounded-lithe, more lovesome to behold
Than hers of Cyprus, shapen not from cold
White foam, glows sweetly with the changeful, warm
Tints of rose-pearl and amber. Never storm
To shatter her frail refuge would be bold.
—Or else, an Indian sprite with tawny cheek,
With locks of fine-spun copper, and with eyes
Of melting topaz might a shelter seek
From fierce pursuit of tiger-butterflies.
Such urgent loveliness as yours must speak
Of beauty greater still that hidden lies.