My Desire

Fate has given me many a giftTo which men most aspire,Lovely, precious and costly things,But not my heart's desire.

Many a man has a secret dreamOf where his soul would be,Mine is a low verandah'd houseIn a tope beside the sea.

Over the roof tall palms should wave,Swaying from side to side,Every night we should fall asleepTo the rhythm of the tide.

The dawn should be gay with song of birds,And the stir of fluttering wings.Surely the joy of life is hidIn simple and tender things!

At eve the waves would shimmer with goldIn the rosy sunset rays,Emerald velvet flats of riceWould rest the landward gaze.

A boat must rock at the laterite stepsIn a reef-protected pool,For we should sail through the starlit nightWhen the winds were calm and cool.

I am so tired of all this world,Its folly and fret and care.Find me a little scented homeAmongst thy loosened hair.

Give me a soft and secret placeAgainst thine amber breast,Where, hidden away from all mankind,My soul may come to rest.

Many a man has a secret dreamOf where his life might be;Mine is a lovely, lonely placeWith sunshine and the sea.