Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A CHINESE GARDEN by MARGARET HOLLAND

First Line: PASSION FLOWERS ENTWINE THE ORANGE TREES
Last Line: PAY HOMAGE TO ARBUTUS FAIR AND BRIGHT.
Subject(s): GARDENS & GARDENING;

Passion flowers entwine the orange trees --
Gay buds nod and whisper in the breeze.
Peacocks flaunt along the dewy grass,
And ivory carvers kowtow as they pass.

Blue kingfishers sing in almond trees,
A speckled trout swims in a jade-green pool.
A vagrant butterfly sways, poised on wing,
And drowsy children seek the shadows cool.

Fireflies flicker in the tallow trees --
"Lamps of mercy" shedding their faint light.
Where dwarf oaks, on prayerful knees,
Pay homage to arbutus fair and bright.



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