As I walked in a crowded fair I saw my own life dawdling there, But did not stop nor give a sign— I would not say the thing was mine. I passed a counter, and saw life's face Beseech me through a mound of lace; A satin slipper caught my eye, I heard my name ring in a cry; A scarf lay shimmering and blue And every lovely thing I knew Called with life's voice, but on I fled, Defied it with a lowered head. I said a verse, I crossed an aisle, And heard it whimpering all the while— I stopped to stroke a bright green feather, And there denied life altogether. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE POOR by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS FORBIDDEN FRUIT: 2 by EMILY DICKINSON TO JOSIAH ROYCE by BRENT DOW ALLINSON |