UP those Museum steps you came, And straightway all my blood was flame, O Lallie, Lallie ! The world (I had been feeling low) In one short moment's space did grow A happy valley. There was a friend, my friend, with you ; A meagre dame, in peacock blue Apparelled quaintly ; This poet-heart went pit-a-pat ; I bowed and smiled and raised my hat ; You nodded -- faintly. My heart was full as full could be; You had not got a word for me, Not one short greeting ; That nonchalant small nod you gave (The tyrant's motion to the slave) Sole mark'd our meeting. Is it so long ? Do you forget That first and last time that we met ? The time was summer ; The trees were green ; the sky was blue ; Our host presented me to you -- A tardy comer. You look'd demure, but when you spoke You made a little, funny joke, Yet half pathetic. Your gown was grey, I recollect, I think you patronized the sect They call "aesthetic." I brought you strawberries and cream, I plied you long about a stream With duckweed laden ; We solemnly discussed the -- heat. I found you shy and very sweet, A rosebud maiden. Ah me, to-day ! You passed inside To where the marble gods abide : Hermes, Apollo, Sweet Aphrodite, Pan ; and where, For aye reclined, a headless fair Beats all fairs hollow. And I, I went upon my way, Well -- rather sadder, let us say ; The world looked flatter. I had been sad enough before, A little less, a little more, What does it matter ? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TOWARD THE GULF; DEDICATED TO THEODORE ROOSEVELT by EDGAR LEE MASTERS THE INVITATION by GEORGE HERBERT THE OLD FAMILIAR FACES by CHARLES LAMB WILLIAM COWPER by WILLIAM BLAKE THE CROSS TRIUMPHANT by HARRY HOWE BOGERT |