I KNEW thee not! then wherefore gaze Upon thy silent shadow there, Which so imperfectly portrays The form thy features used to wear? Yet have I often look'd at thee, As if those lips could speak to me. I knew thee not! and thou couldst know, At best, but little more of one Whose pilgrimage on earth below Commenced, just ere thine own was done; For few and fleeting days were thine, To hope or fear for lot of mine. Yet few and fleeting as they were, Fancy and feeling picture this, They prompted many a fervent prayer, Witness'd, perchance, a parting kiss; And might not kiss, and prayer, from thee, At such a period, profit me? Whether they did or not, I owe At least this tribute to thy worth; Though little all I can bestow, Yet fond affection gives it birth; And prompts me, as thy shade I view, To bless thee, whom I never knew! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ITALIAN PICTURES: JULY IN VALLOMBROSA by MINA LOY REMEMBRANCE by EMILY JANE BRONTE TWO POEMS TO HANS THOMA ON HIS SIXIETH BIRTHDAY: 1. MOONLIGHT NIGHT by RAINER MARIA RILKE TO JANE: KEEN STARS by PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY CHRISTMAS EPITHALAMIUM by WILLIAM HERVEY ALLEN JR. COMPLAINS OF THE COURT by PHILIP AYRES EMBLEMS OF LOVE: 30. THE HUNTER CAUGHT BY HIS OWN GAMER by PHILIP AYRES |