The lovely things that I have watched unthinking,
Unknowing, day by day,
That their soft dyes have steeped my soul in colour
That will not pass away -
Great saffron sunset clouds, and larkspur mountains,
And fenceless miles of plain,
And hillsides golden-green in that unearthly
Clear shining after rain;
And nights of blue and pearl, and long smooth beaches,
Yellow as sunburnt wheat,
Edged with a line of foam that creams and hisses,
Enticing weary feet.
And emeralds, and sunset-hearted opals,
And Asian marble, veined
With scarlet flame, and cool green jade, and moonstones
Misty and azure-stained;
And almond trees in bloom, and oleanders,
Or a wide purple sea,
Of plain-land gorgeous with a lovely poison,
The evil Darling pea.
If I am tired I call on these to help me
To dream -and dawn-lit skies,
Lemon and pink, or faintest, coolest lilac,
Float on my soothed eyes.
There is no night so black but you shine through it,
There is no morn so drear,
O Colour of the World, but I can find you,
Most tender, pure and clear.
Thanks be to God, Who gave this gift of colour,
Which who shall seek shall find;
Thanks be to God, Who gives me strength to hold it,
Though I were stricken blind.
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A National Treasure.
One of our National Treasures is that poem and the exceptional Dorothea McKellar who is an inspiration to not only Oz poets but those from other lands as an example of beauty with written words. -
I was recently asked to find this poem for one the Aged Ladies I care for and all she knew was the poet and that is about 'colour'. It was easy to find in our own search on Oldpoetry. What I didn't expect was to read such a beautiful poem of the Country I live in portrayed in such an exquisite way. This poet, so talented in her ability to share Australia's beauty and diversity has excelled herself here.
I feel she's saying in the last stanza that, the colours are so vivid and beautiful that if stricken blind they would stay with her forever.
Quite an extraordinary description wouldn't you say?
~Von~ -
Wonderful poem, especially the end!
Paul -
There is something soothing about this poem. Lines 21-21 are a particular favorite of mine. The closing of the poem is perfect: makes me think of Milton's thoughts about his impending blindness.
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this poem is so good that it moved me(i usually am depressed and not movable) and i think should get an award for that magnificent effort.it is GREAT!!!!
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A beautiful poem
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