Orientale

This poem is a vibrant portrait of a young girl, presenting a fusion of cultural imagery that suggests both exoticism and familiarity. The speaker celebrates her beauty and charm, with the use of lively metaphors and similes. The reference to her as an "enchanting little Israelite" and "starry-glancing daughter of the Bride" sets a tone of admiration and fascination.

The poem’s structure, a sonnet, underscores its romantic and idealistic tone, while the blend of Middle Eastern and British imagery hints at a cultural intersection. Descriptors like "dusky-eyed" and "hair escaped from some Arabian Night," paired with the mention of a "bamboo hat" and "scents of sandalwood," create a rich tapestry of exotic allure. However, the presence of "cockneys loud and crude" and "the dreadful boys / And romping girls" ground the poem in a more familiar, possibly urban, setting. This contrast represents a meeting of different cultures and suggests a broader theme of multiculturalism.

The poem also employs a vivid sensory palette, with auditory ("magian drums") and olfactory ("scents of sandalwood") references enhancing the visual images. The final line "A touch Sidonian - modern - taking - strange!" encapsulates the poem's central tension between the exotic and the familiar, the past and the modern. Overall, the poem is a beguiling blend of cultural references, sensory imagery, and romantic admiration.