California Literature: Ina Coolbrith


The California Poppy

California Gold

    Thy satin vesture richer is than looms
    Of Orient weave for raiment of her kings.
    Not dyes of old Tyre, not precious things
    Regathered from the long forgotten tombs
    Of buried empires, not the iris plumes
    That wave upon the tropic's myriad wings,
    Not all proud Sheba's queenly offerings,
    Could match the golden marvel of thy blooms.
    For thou art nurtured from the treasure veins
    Of this fair land; thy golden rootlets sup
    Her sands of gold -- of gold thy petals spun.
    Her golden glory, thou! on hills and plains
    Lifting, exultant, every kingly cup,
    Brimmed with the golden vintage of the sun.