Classic Poem

'Tis past midday. Exhausted by the heat
The peacock plunges in the scanty pool
That feeds the tall tree's root: the drowsy bee
Sleeps in the hollow chamber of the lotus
Darkened with closing petals: on the brink
Of the now tepid lake the wild duck lurks
Amongst the sedgy shade; and even here,
The parrot from his wiry bower complains,
And calls for water to allay his thirst.