I YEAR after year unto her feet, She lying on her couch alone, Across the purple coverlet, The maiden's jet-black hair has grown; On either side her tranced form Forth streaming from a braid of pearl; The slumberous light is rich and warm, And moves not on the rounded curl. II The silk star-broidered coverlid Unto her limbs itself doth mould, Languidly ever; and amid Her full black ringlets, downward rolled, Glows forth each softly-shadowed arm, With bracelets of the diamond bright. Her constant beauty doth inform Stillness with love, and day with light. III She sleeps: her breathings are not heard In palace chambers far apart. The fragrant tresses are not stirred That lie upon her charmed heart. She sleeps; on either hand upswells The gold-fringed pillow lightly prest: She sleeps, nor dreams, but ever dwells A perfect form in perfect rest. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE FACE ON THE [BAR-ROOM] FLOOR by HUGH ANTOINE D'ARCY RELIGION by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR A SNOW-STORM; SCENE IN A VERMONT WINTER by CHARLES GAMAGE EASTMAN NORTHERN FARMER, OLD STYLE by ALFRED TENNYSON TO A GENTLEMAN & LADY ON THE DEATH ... CHILD NAMED AVIS by PHILLIS WHEATLEY |