The Coral Reef

The sun beneath the wave, like strange dawn shown,
Illumes the unbounded coral forest trees,
Where mix in tepid basins of the seas
The living plants with creatures flower-like blown.

And those that salt's or iodine's tints have known—
Moss, algae, urchins and anemones—
Cover, with purple, sumptuous traceries,
The madrepore's vermiculated stone.

A monstrous fish, whose iridescence dims
Enamel's sheen, across the branches swims.
In lucid shade he indolently preys;

And, sudden, from his fin of flaming hue
A shiver, through the immobile, crystal-blue,
Of emerald, gold and nacre swiftly plays.