The lady fled down steps of dream across a terrace of delight and passed beside the lotus pool reflecting stars -- she stayed her flight an instant -- then the sound of hooves in swift pursuit transversed the night. The lady left the crystal gate of black enchantment swinging wide upon a silent silver hinge and fled with one white moth as guide beyond the hedge of thorn -- to skirt the meadow -- echoing hoof beats died. The lady had returned at dawn. She smiles, but shadows in her eyes are like a domino and mask to wear against too bold surmise -- and time is phantom carnival she threads in permanent disguise. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CHILD AND HER STATUE by LOUIS UNTERMEYER A COMPARISON by WILLIAM COWPER TO SIR HENRY WOTTON (1) by JOHN DONNE SONNET: 87 by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE THE SAILOR BOY by ALFRED TENNYSON ENVOI: DEATH (1) by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) SONNETS OF MANHOOD: 37. NAPOLEON AT ST. HELENA by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) RETIREMENT: AN ODE by JAMES BEATTIE PSALM 137. 'BY THE RIVERS OF BABYLON' by OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE |