Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, MONODY TO THE SOUND OF ZITHERS, by KAY BOYLE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

MONODY TO THE SOUND OF ZITHERS, by                    
First Line: I have wanted other things more than lovers
Last Line: Friended thus, I have let nothing pass.
Subject(s): Desire; Wishes


I have wanted other things more than lovers . . .
I have desired peace, intimately to know
The secret curves of deep-bosomed contentment,
To learn by heart things beautiful and slow.

Cities at night, and cloudful skies, I've wanted;
And open cottage doors, old colors and smells a part;
All dim things, layers of river-mist on river --
To capture Beauty's hands and lay them on my heart.

I have wanted clean rain to kiss my eyelids,
Sea-spray and silver foam to kiss my mouth.
I have wanted strong winds to flay me with passion;
And, to soothe me, tired winds from the south.

These things have I wanted more than lovers . . .
Jewels in my hands, and dew on morning grass --
Familiar things, while lovers have been strangers.
Friended thus, I have let nothing pass.





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