One Perfect Summer's Day

One perfect summer's day I walked o'er field and
   country lane.
The sights and sounds of nature in her glory filled me
   fain.
Strolling through these environs would lighten any load,
So on I went, till presently I found a winding road.

It led up to a grassy knoll, which seemed to beckon me,
And then a gentle breeze did blow, as if to say, "Come,
   see!"
I trod along the rising path with easy, measured stride,
And soon upon the crown I stood, to view the other side.

The vista there revealed to me was wonderful indeed,
With rolling hills, a glistening stream, and fields of
   flowering seed.
There on the slope before me, a maiden I did find;
Her beauty was beyond compare in all of womankind!

An angel without wings was she, with hair as black as
   night;
Her eyes, the colour of the skies in cool, clear morning
   light.
She turned and looked — my heart stood still! One word
   escaped from me:
"Beautiful!" was all I said, barely audibly.

She smiled and walked toward me; with graceful gait she
   flowed.
And then she spoke in dulcet tones, this strange,
   romantic ode:
"I am the woman of your dreams; I knew you'd climb
   this hill.
But you've not truly found me yet; perhaps you never
   will!"

I reached out then to touch her, but woke up with a
   start!
The room was dark and silent; I only heard my heart!
I thought that I could see her, standing in the gloom.
She wasn't there, but still, I swear, I smelt her sweet
   perfume!

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Copyright © Robert Haigh 1995