Across the warm night's subtle dusk,
Where linger yet the purple light
And perfume of the wild, sweet musk,—
So softly glowing, softly bright,
Tremble the rhododendron bells,
The rose-pink rhododendron bells.
Tall, slender trees of evergreen
That know the winds of Puget Sea,
And narrow leaves of satin’s sheen,
And clusters of sweet mystery—
Mysterious rhododendron bells,
Rare, crimson rhododendron bells.
O hearken—hush! And lean thy ear,
Tuned for an elfin melody,
And tell me now, dost thou not hear
Those voices of pink mystery?—
Voices of silver-throated bells,
Of breathing, rhododendron bells.
