BECAUSE I dreamed with open eyes and watched the stars at night, Because I loved the forest and wandered there alone, The Little Faery People that mock at human might They set a spell upon me and chose me for their own. THE Little People told me of a country strange and sweet -- Builded with words of beauty I saw its towers rise; But I knew my mother listened for the coming of my feet -- In tears the vision darkened and vanished from mine eyes. THE Little People bade me choose -- to cast with them my lot, Or nevermore to see them for mine own kindred's sake. Their deep eyes yearned upon me, but I could heed them not. My people were my people -- what choice was mine to make? MY people are my people and dear they are to me; Yet sometimes comes a longing till I hardly dare to pray, For that far land of wonder that I shall never see And for the Little People from whom I turned away. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HOLY POEMS: 1 by GEORGE BARKER THE MARIPOSA LILY by INA DONNA COOLBRITH ACCOUNTABILITY by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR CHRISTMAS by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR A SEA STORY by EMILY HENRIETTA HICKEY A PAINTED FAN by LOUISE CHANDLER MOULTON THE OLD MEN ADMIRING THEMSELVES IN THE WATER by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS |