PLEASURE in thought, in weeping ease I find; I catch at shadows, grasp air with my hand; On seas I float are bounded with no land; Plough water, sow on rocks, and reap the wind. The sun I gaz'd so long at, I became Struck with its dazzling rays, and lost my eyes; I chase a nimble doe that always flies, And hunt with a dull creature, weak and lame. Heartless I live to all things but my ill, Which I'm solicitous to follow still; And only call on Laura, Love and Death. Thus twenty years I've spent in misery, Whilst only sighs, and tears, and sobs I buy, Under such hard stars first I drew my breath. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...GROWING GRAY by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON THE ADMIRER by CLAUDIA EMERSON LAUS DEO! by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER PESSIMIST AND OPTIMIST by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH EMBLEMS OF LOVE: 36. GOLD THE PICKLOCK by PHILIP AYRES AFFINITES: 3 by MATHILDE BLIND ON THE PORTRAIT OF A COLONEL; G.H.H. by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN |