We present this work in honor of the poet’s 100th birthday.

Sun, lovelier
Even than my desire,
I turn with your slow disk
And burn in your fierce fire.

In my Egyptian head
Brain suddenly grown wise
Observes lost ritual
Through Western eyes.

I truly call you Sun!
I call your name aloud,
My voice rolls on the sea
My voice is the yellow cloud

On the horizon;
That vapour through which Sun
Blazes a path on the water.
I am alone. I am one.

How long is time enough
To be unsure?
This is the first sunrise
Symmetrical and pure.

No heat can be too great
To burn a mind aware
To obscured rhythms of
First morning’s prayer,

And all the golden banners
So long close furled
Blaze a terrible glory over
Re-created world.