Of Dante Gabriel Rossetti and his Wombat

Of Dante Gabriel Rossetti and his Wombat

When I look close into your broad and smiling face

I can see all of my transgressions now forgiven.

Your barrel of a body covered so well

In a forest of coarse grey hair

Is my bulwark against life’s cruel shocks

And a warm comfort to place

My fearful arms tight around.

On my cheek I feel your strong breaths

Perfumed sweet with gum and eucalyptus;

A calm force drawing in all the varied world,

Exhaling only peace and goodness.

But it is in your exquisite eyes that Christ the Saviour died

And is forever risen and in beauty eternal made.

Oh glorious wombat, stay and sing awhile with me

That by contemplation I might better myself in thee.

By Paul Pickering           ©Paul Pickering