Last night I was in India awhile! I saw a young girl with a Kashmir shawl— A lovely, fragile thing Of creamy background bordered with bright hues— Henna, and brilliant orange, and lapis blues. And, all at once, the Kashmir valley lay In fertile beauty at my feet. Today My heart runs to it still, I seem to see Gaunt, giant mountains beckoning to me! Last night the Jhelum sparkled on its way, The herds grazed lazily along the slopes, I saw Srinagar again— That dreamy Indian city; doubtless there, The lovely shawl I saw my young friend wear Was woven by brown fingers with deft skill— Slim fingers, fashioning loveliness at will. That shawl was quite a magic thing to see For it brought far-off Kashmir back to me! |