FIRST time he kissed me, he but only kissed The fingers of this hand wherewith I write; And ever since, it grew more clean and white, Slow to world-greetings, quick with its 'Oh, list,' When the angels speak. A ring of amethyst I could not wear here, plainer to my sight, Than that first kiss. The second passed in height The first, and sought the forehead, and half missed, Half falling on the hair. O beyond meed! That was the chrism of love, which love's own crown, With sanctifying sweetness, did precede. The third upon my lips was folded down In perfect, purple state; since when, indeed, I have been proud and said, 'My love, my own.' | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: ELMER BARR by EDGAR LEE MASTERS OZYMANDIAS REVISITED by MORRIS GILBERT BISHOP FOR 'THE WINE OF CIRCE' (BY EDWARD BURNE JONES) by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI CIRCUS AT NIGHT by MADELEINE AARON MAY 30, 1893 by JOHN KENDRICK BANGS THE SKY-GYPSY by WALTER BARDECK SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGUESE: 12 by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING |