Irradiations

Over the roof-tops race the shadows of clouds:
Like horses the shadows of clouds charge down the street.

Whirlpools of purple and gold,
Winds from the mountains of cinnabar,
Lacquered mandarin moments, palanquins swaying and balancing      
Glint of the glittering wings of dragon-flies in the light;
Silver filaments, golden flakes settling downwards;
Rippling, quivering flutters; repulse and surrender,
The sun broidered upon the rain,      
The rain rustling with the sun.


Over the roof-tops race the shadows of clouds:
Like horses the shadows of clouds charge down the street.

Verse I
John Gould Fletcher