Where The Sunset Meets

The Sea

r:ERE is a dreaming island Where laughing rivers run, And gleaming purple waters Flash, shimmer in the sun.

And always on the island Through vines and palms about Flutes the singing bird, Paquita, Softly flitting in and out.

Through coral deeps the rainbows Of gay tropic fishes twirl; And, puckishly, the waters change, And glint in mother-pearl.

Beyond, the reefs encircle.

With leaping surge of foam, And the music of the rollers Throbs endless magic home.

And when the savage night falls On tranquil shore’s expanse Then the seething plangent surges Lead their phosphorescent dance.

This phantasy of dreaming, Sings the airy spirit free, Till it seeks the misty island Where the sunset meets the sea. —Sheila McHugh, Suva.