Kiama
Towards the hills of JamberooSome few fantastic shadows haste,Uplit with firesLike castle spiresOutshining through a mirage waste.Behold, a mournful glory sitsOn feathered ferns and woven brakes,Where sobbing wild like restless childThe gusty breeze of evening wakes!Methinks I hear on every breathA lofty tone go passing by,That whispers—“Weave,Though wood winds grieve,The fadeless blooms of Poesy!”
A spirit hand has been abroad—An evil hand to pluck the flowers—A world of wealth,And blooming healthHas gone from fragrant seaside bowers.The twilight waxeth dim and dark,The sad waves mutter sounds of woe,But the evergreen retains its sheen,And happy hearts exist below;But pleasure sparkles on the sward,And voices utter words of bliss,And while my brideSits by my side,Oh, where’s the scene surpassing this?
Kiama slumbers, robed with mist,All glittering in the dewy lightThat, brooding o’erThe shingly shore,Lies resting in the arms of Night;And foam-flecked crags with surges chill,And rocks embraced of cold-lipped spray,Are moaning loud where billows crowdIn angry numbers up the bay.The holy stars come looking downOn windy heights and swarthy strand,And Life and Love—The cliffs above—Are sitting fondly hand in hand.
I hear a music inwardly,That floods my soul with thoughts of joy;Within my heartEmotions startThat Time may still but ne’er destroy.An ancient Spring revives itself,And days which made the past divine;And rich warm gleams from golden dreams,All glorious in their summer shine;And songs of half forgotten hours,And many a sweet melodious strain,Which still shall riseBeneath the skiesWhen all things else have died again.
A white sail glimmers out at sea—A vessel walking in her sleep;Some Power goes pastThat bends the mast,While frighted waves to leeward leap.The moonshine veils the naked sandAnd ripples upward with the tide,As underground there rolls a soundFrom where the caverned waters glide.A face that bears affection’s glow,The soul that speaks from gentle eyes,And joy which slipsFrom loving lipsHave made this spot my Paradise!