On Coconut Leaves Poem by Daniel Trevelyn Joseph

Wow! that is the exact description!
I just read that in a poem of Hardy.
I read when there is nothing pressing.

I saw that phenomenon
When I was in college
Nearly fifty years ago.

It was in Madurai where we lived
And I studied for my B A English
On the open terrace, unbuilt on top.

Lying supine, flooded with moonlight
I used to be thrilled looking around
Especially at stars and the palm trees.

Those coconut trees had grown
Just above the level of the terrace,
Like young girls, looking out eagerly.

Ready to sweep wavy their wings,
And fly out of the charmed casements,
Into the world of youth, love and kisses.

But the trees were rooted, inviting
Our tender glances at their body-parts,
Hazily dancing or meditating under the Moon.

I have often thought of the moonlight
On the back of those green fronds,
But never gave them the phrase due.

In his poem ‘Former Beauties’
Hardy recalls treading till the sod
Under the moon had 'a satin sheen', wow!