I took my soul, and walked the wide world thru, Into the noisy haunts of life, and cruel men, Trying to mingle with the throng again, As once upon a time we used to do. My soul cried out in fright, and mortal pain, "I prithee, let me but once more regain Those cloistered walls I once thought dark and grey. I cannot bear the gibes of men and the glare of day. Unused am I to the loud market place, Unfitted I,—to enter the vain race For fortune's prize and for elusive fame. I am a spirit—pensive, wild and shy; Aloofly reticent, I can only die, Unless you give me back the wind and evening sky." Sadly, I knelt beside her on the ground Eager to listen, if perchance another sound I yet might hear. A change came o'er her face, Her fainting spirit, so full of olden grace, Faded, before my promises could reach her ear; And I was left alone—no more I hear Her whisper, when the stars shine o'er my head, Forlorn, I wander, for my other self is dead. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CENTRAL PARK AT DUSK by SARA TEASDALE THE FRIENDLY WOOD by PAUL VALERY CURFEW MUST NOT RING TONIGHT by ROSE HARTWICK THORPE FANTAISIES DECORATIVES: 2. LES BALLOONS by OSCAR WILDE KEEPERS OF THE SUN by DOROTHY P. ALBAUGH SONNETS OF MANHOOD: 5. ETERNAL by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) TO A LITTLE NIECE by LEVI BISHOP HINC LACHRIMAE; OR THE AUTHOR TO AURORA: 4 by WILLIAM BOSWORTH |