Classic Poem

With rose-lipped laughter and bright-feathered jest
We meet and part as happy comrades should.
But of my speech I weave a shining hood
To veil the hungers that besiege my breast,
Yet wait subservient to my will's behest,
A mute, leashed, patient, poignant multitude,
While my heart gleans the colour of your mood
To dye a leaf of memory's palimpsest.

Give nought to me, but to the world, winged words
Of Vision, Valour, Faith — like carrier birds
Bearing your message o'er all lands and seas,
Scatter the lustre of resplendent deeds
O'er journeying world winds like immortal seeds
Of sheaves enriching Freedom's granaries.