WHEN I, before the altars of repose, Invited Slumber, she refused to stay, But with a broken heart she turned away, Astonished quite. Among the flaunting shows That circled round, she perished like a rose Cast among flames. Oh, bring her back -- I pray! Then sternly to my heart a voice said, "Nay, Thou canst not have her -- tearfully she goes." God might not join us, -- for gorgeous, bright, Adorned, conspicuous, sure, without disguise, Strangely illumined with derisive light They danced -- they danced! Oh, then I was made wise! My foolish deeds, flaming before my eyes, Denied me slumber all the livelong night. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DEAR ELIZABETH: (FOR ELIZABETH DIFIORE) by KAREN SWENSON THE FAERY FOREST by SARA TEASDALE THE HIGH TIDE AT [OR, ON THE COAST OF] LINCOLNSHIRE by JEAN INGELOW MY LITTLE CAPE COD MAIDEN by KATHERINE FINNIGAN ANDERSON THE IMPROVISATORE: LEOPOLD by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES OBSERVATIONS IN THE ART OF ENGLISH POESY: 3 by THOMAS CAMPION |