Walter Murdoch (1874–1970). The Oxford Book of Australasian Verse. 1918.
32. Natural Magic
W
Phantasy and truth that flies:
You with only look and laughter
Stain our hearts with richest dyes.
Vanish all our frosty cares;
As the diamond deep grows ruddy,
Filled with morning unawares.
But an empty house we build:
Glooms we are ourselves afraid of,
By the ancient starlight chilled.
Still our wisdom envies you:
We who lack the living beauty
Half our secret knowledge rue.
Veil the light with mist about;
Joy, as through a crystal gleaming,
Flashes from the gay heart out.
Hearts like cloisters dim and grey,
By your laughter lured, awaking
Join with you the dance of day.