Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE DANCING GIRL, by LETITIA ELIZABETH LANDON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE DANCING GIRL, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: A light and joyous figure, one that seems
Last Line: The dust and ashes of a happier time.
Alternate Author Name(s): L. E. L.; Maclean, Letitia
Subject(s): Dancing & Dancers


A light and joyous figure, one that seems
As if the air were her own element;
Begirt with cheerful thoughts, and bringing back
Old days, when nymphs upon Arcadian plains
Made musical the wind, and in the sun
Flashed their bright cymbals and their whitest hands.
These were the days of poetry -- the woods
Were haunted with sweet shadows; and the caves,
Odorous with moss, and it with shining spars,
Were homes where Naiads met some graceful youth
Beneath the moonlit heaven -- all this is past;
Ours is a darker and a sadder age;
Heaven help us through it! -- 'tis a weary world
The dust and ashes of a happier time.





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