AROUND this tree the floating flies Weave their mysterious webs of light; The scent of my acacia lies Within the circle of their flight; They never perch nor drop from sight, But, flashing, wheel in curves of air, As if the perfume's warm delight In magic bondage held them there. I watch them till I half confound Their motions with these thoughts of mine That no less subtle bonds have bound Within a viewless ring divine; Clasped by a chain that makes no sign My hopes and wheeling fancies live; Desires, like odours, still confine The heart that else were fugitive. Then flash and float thro' tides of June, Ye summer phantoms of my love! Let all the woodlands join in tune While on your gauzy wings ye move! With odour round, and light above, Your aery symbol-circle keep, Till night descends; then may I prove More constant, circling still in sleep. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ABU SALAMMAMM - A SONG OF EMPIRE by EZRA POUND THE LOVER PLEADS WITH HIS FRIENDS FOR OLD FRIENDS by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS THE VOLUNTEER by ELBRIDGE JEFFERSON CUTLER THE PROGRESS OF POESY; A PINDARIC ODE by THOMAS GRAY TO A SKYLARK (1) by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH |