Poems (Scudder)/California Poppies
For works with similar titles, see California Poppies.
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.