Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE KISS, by ROBERT HERRICK


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE KISS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Among thy fancies tell me this
Last Line: Love honey yields, but never stings.
Subject(s): Kisses; Love - Beginnings


1. AMONG thy fancies tell me this:
What is the thing we call a kiss?
2. I shall resolve ye what it is:
It is a creature born and bred
Between the lips all cherry red,
By love and warm desires fed;
And makes more soft the bridal bed.
It is an active flame, that flies
First to the babies of the eyes,
And charms them there with lullabies;
And stills the bride too when she cries.
Then to the chin, the cheek, the ear,
It frisks and flies, -- now here, now there;
'T is now far off, and then 't is near;
And here, and there, and everywhere.
1. Has it a speaking virtue? -- 2. Yes.
1. How speaks it, say? -- 2. Do you but this:
Part your joined lips, -- then speaks your kiss;
And this love's sweetest language is.
1. Has it a body? -- 2. Ay, and wings,
With thousand rare encolorings;
And as it flies it gently sings;
Love honey yields, but never stings.




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