Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE CUBAN PIRATE by HERMAN MELVILLE

Poet Analysis

First Line: BUCCANEER IN GEMMED ATTIRE
Last Line: YOU FLYING SPARK OF PARADISE?
Subject(s): HUMMINGBIRDS;

Buccaneer in gemmed attire --
Ruby, amber, emerald, jet --
Darkling, sparkling dot of fire,
Still on plunder are you set?

Summer is your sea, and there
The flowers afloat you board and ravage,
Yourself a thing more dazzling fair --
Tiny, plumed, bejewelled Savage!

Midget! yet in passion a fell
Furioso, Creoles tell.
Wing'd are you Cupid in disguise
You flying spark of Paradise?



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