Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BAXTER PRINT, by JOHN FREEMAN


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BAXTER PRINT, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Against a tree that might be any tree
Last Line: If she dare read it—all her story tell.
Subject(s): Hearts; Love


AGAINST a tree that might be any tree,
Mid leaves of every season, sits a lady
In silk and velvet, with equable soft eyes.
Her hair is like a shell smooth with the sea,
Her face is porcelain; and in that shady
Green stirless bower she sits, beyond surprise,
And in her lap an unread letter lies.

Is it that colour makes the loveliness?
Is it that never-recoverable serene?
Is it the fingers lying gently laced?
Is it the mingling light and shadowiness
That draws my eyes, the ever-living green
That draws my heart?—Never to be embraced,
Maybe, by warm soft hands her hidden waist.

Love loves not reasons, and I know not why
I love her; maybe but because she is mine,
Or because first on her my questions fell
As I peered at her with a childish eye,
And hers looked down at me with tranquil shine,
While I thought of the letter that might well—
If she dare read it—all her story tell.





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