The shepherd's song

Down the dusty road together

Homeward pass the hurrying sheep,

Stupid with the summer weather,

Too much grass and too much sleep,

I, their shepherd, sing to thee

That summer is a joy to me.

Down the shore rolled waves all creamy

With the flecked surf yesternight;

I swam far out in starlight dreamy,

In moving waters cool and bright,

I, the shepherd, sing to thee

I love the strong life of the sea.

And upon the hillside growing

Where the fat sheep dozed in shade,

Bright red poppies I found blowing,

Drowsy, tall and loosely made,

I, the shepherd, sing to thee

How fair the bright red poppies be.

To the red-tiled homestead bending

Winds the road, so white and long

Day and work are near their ending

Sleep and dreams will end my song,

I, the shepherd, sing to thee:

In the dreamtime answer me.