TWO

SONGS OF MOROCCO

I

Startling like sudden fires sapping sedges,
Upon the desolate plain along the sea,
The yellow daisies strike out everywhere,
With flaming gaiety across the land.

And all the wistful countryside is changed
From gray into a golden singing choir,
And fresh sensations riot in the blood of life,
Stirring to action every living thing.

A ripened passion tints the women's keening,
And of the barren olive trees the birds
Have made a sanctuary and from the creek,
The fishes leap up like tumblers in the air.

The burros lift their tails with blatant braying,
And dogs abuse the freedom of the road,
Amusing children innocent of shame,
While decent people pass with eyes averted.

Oh daisies making with the sea-washed breeze,
Brief songs of gold between a flash of life,
Attune to the rejuvenated land,
Bending my mind like a bow of melody.

CLAUDE MCKAY