Bird of Paradise by Warwick Goble [1862-1943]
Birds of Paradise
How could this creature be so fair
To halt the fairies' flight?
A splendid crow, an avian prince
Majestic winged-knight?
Flowing robes of royal bue
Trimmed by wisps of gold
Such regal affectation
Diversity unfold!
O, prehistoric wonder
Sweet paradisal bird
Let me join the chorus
To praise you, undeterred.
Brave Melanesian spirits
I worship how you plume
Mother's sacred messengers
In polychromic bloom.
***
Theo J. van Joolen©2012
