I am stirred by the dream of an afternoon Of a perfect day -- though it was not June; The lilt of winds, and the droning tune That a busy city was humming; And a bronze-brown head, and lips like wine Leaning out through the window-vine A-list for steps that were maybe mine- Eager steps that were coming. I can see it all, as a dreamer may -- The tender smile on your lips that day, And the glow on your cheek as we rode away Into the golden weather. And a love-light shone in your eyes of brown -- I swear there did! -- as we drove down The crowded avenue out of the town, Through shadowy lanes, together: Drove out into the sunset-skies That glowed with wonderful crimson dyes; And with soul and spirit, and heart and eyes, We silently drank their splendor. But the golden glory that lit the place Was not alone from the sunset's grace -- For I saw in your fair, uplifted face A light that was wondrously tender. I say I saw it. And yet to-day I ask myself, in a cynical way, Was it only a part you had learned to play, To see me act the lover? And I curse myself for a fool. And yet I would willingly die without one regret Could I bring back the day whose sun has set -- And you -- and live it over. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ALIENS (TO YOU - EVERYWHERE! DEDICATED) by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON EILEEN AROON by GERALD JOSEPH GRIFFIN ELEGIAC SONNET: 7. ON THE DEPARTURE OF THE NIGHTINGALE by CHARLOTTE SMITH KITTY NEIL by JOHN FRANCIS WALLER |