The eternal essence of all life has fallen on the land;
Washing petal, leaf and grass a picture sharp and grand.
At times a symbol from our God, the Halo does appear;
Entrancing those beholding by refraction through each tear.
Now Bacon measured the angle from its zenith to the ground;
Newtown counted the colours in that arch perfect and round.
Each were equally mystified, like the Greeks of long ago;
Whose thoughts did reel in fury to find why it was so.
The colour Red reminds me of the Shepherd’s sky at night;
And banners of the brave who stand for what is right.
Orange recalls from memory, fragrance of a warmer clime;
Where Crusader faced an enemy in that bygone time.
Yellow is the Whins of spring, or patchwork autumn shades;
That herald the chills of winter as the summer fades.
Sheen of green, it is sweet a blend of plant and tree;
Covering all in glory, the forest and the lea.
Blue reflects the Artist’s brush and lagoons of a southern sea;
Or the mantle of the morning as dark corners flee.
Violet that ethereal tone is also in the fray;
Subtly merging with Indigo in heavenly display.
The Royal tinge of Purple raises thoughts of ‘Patrician Rome’;
And those marching Legions who made the World their home.
Thus, this majestic coloured curve in celestial glowing light;
Has enthralled the mind of man since the flood petered out of sight.
The Rainbow was ordained by God to rise where Eagles fly;
Sealing his promise to Noah, no more floods for all to die.
The indispensable nectar of life now falls as gentle rain;
That Bow in amazing grandeur to appear again and again.
Monty Alexander 20.5.97