Angels and Women (1924)

18 ANGELS AND WOMEN
quickly I scarce saw him. He too was beautiful
but filled me with terror. Will he seek
the dove’s nest l I must follow ....
O, my dear birds! The father and mother
are gone; one little white trembler remains
alone. But I have taken thee as my special
care, pretty dove; the serpent shall do thee
no harm. These venomous beasts always
come forth in the night; we must leave this
place and retire to my chamber where we
shall be safe.
No--I will stay, and repeat solemnly,
"God alone is Almighty. Depart, Evil One!"
That will be a protection.
How lovely is the grove in the twilight!
The palms wave in the soft wind; the flowers
exhale their odors; the insects chirp lazily;
the birds are silent; the Euphrates sparkles
in the fading light.
The river (now that I think of it) appears
unreal tonight, not placid and calm, but
agitated, and swelling upward; like a voice
it seems to say: "Coming, coming."