I heard a noise and wished for a sight, I looked for life and did a shadow see Whose substance was the sum of my delight, Which came unseen, and so did go from me. Yet hath conceit persuaded my content There was a substance where the shadow went. I did not play Narcissus in conceit, I did not see my shadow in a spring: I know mine eyes were dimmed with no deceit, I saw the shadow of some worthy thing; For, as I saw the shadow glancing by, I had a glimpse of something in mine eye. But what it was, alas, I cannot tell, Because of it I had no perfect view; But as it was, by guess, I wish it well And will until I see the same anew. Shadow, or she, or both, or choose you whither: Blest be the thing that brought the shadow hither. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...PEACE (2) by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON MONODY ON THE DEATH OF WILLIAM MARION REEDY by EDGAR LEE MASTERS THE RAND MCNALLY ATLAS by KAREN SWENSON SACRED ELEGY: 5. THE SEPARATION OF MAN FROM GOD by GEORGE BARKER SUPPLICATION by JOSEPH SEAMON COTTER JR. TWO RIVERS by RALPH WALDO EMERSON |