Versamelde gedigte

[p. 442]

The flamingo

Flamingo with the dawn-red flush and polished black of wing,

Standing so stately in the shallow tide,

What message from afar off dost thou bring

To those that watch thee at the water's side?

The beauty that the soul requires to satisfy its need

For strength to bear the burden of the day;

The quiet joy that comes to them that heed

Life's pulsing echoes ere they pass away.

Then let my tendered thanks be thine, Flamingo, for all these -

For that one glimpse of greater worth I gain -

To feel the fleeting beauties ere they cease,

Nor deem what fades flamed, ere it fades, in vain.