Classic Poem

Her limbs are lithe and supple as the sea;
Jet hair in perfumed waves is windward whirled;
And, below tinted lashes, crisp and curled,
Her gold-black glances glitter like a bee!

Graceful and flexile as the desert tree,
Her frame voluptuous, sapphire-starred and pearled,
Slips in dusk radiance from its veil unfurled,
A luring vision of guile and ecstasy.

A Rajah's ransom glistens on a breast
Burning with ardor as the timbrels boom;
And cruel eyes flash fire into the gloom,
Stirring the senses to a vague unrest;
While, in her pagan passion uncontroled,
Her dreams are red like blood and bright like gold!