The Nepean

Far down the reach a creeping mist Hung dim along the mountain side; On shadowed water, sleek and whist, I let the lazy shallop glide. The ripple scarcely cut the green That edged the central path of grey. I drew the oars, and, all unseen, Gave reverent greeting to the day. Naked I stood with arms outspread That opened wide the gates of dream; Then breathless bent my wondering head And sprang to meet the silent stream. I slid and floated like a seal, And bade my senses revel free, From cheek to footsole I could feel Her soft cool hands caressing me. A noise of tiny wavelets woke, I quenched my drouth with delicate sips, And, as I drank, the surface broke In eager kisses on my lips. The scented breath of morning turned To incense as toward the west At last, rock-altar'd, I discerned The sunshine on the mountain crest. That light of blessing from the sky Made us the fuel of its blaze, And fragrant bush and stream and I Were one aspiring cry of praise.