Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ENFANTILLAGE, by RENE FRANCOIS ARMAND PRUDHOMME


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ENFANTILLAGE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: My lady! You were little then
Last Line: Since that spring eve.
Alternate Author Name(s): Sully-prudhomme
Subject(s): Love - Age Differences


MY LADY! you were little then:
Twelve years were mine;
Soon forgotten were your lovers,
All left to pine.

When we played among the others,
You still I sought;
When small hands were intertwining,
'Twas yours I caught.
As in gold and purple glory,
Poised o'er the rose,
Tells the butterfly his story,
All his heart glows;

Leaf by leaf, still nearer drawing,
Is yet too shy
All the honey-dew to gather
She holds so nigh:

So my heart was yearning wildly
Your lips to press;
'Twas your slender fingers only
I dared caress.
Through me thrilled a sudden rapture,
Then keen as woe:
What gave joy and pain such meeting?
Love -- long ago.

Twelve years only -- and a lover!
'Tis not common.
You too, Lady -- were you feeling
Like a woman?

Did there come some thought bewildering
As, half afraid,
With your frock and with your dolly
You stood and played?

If I praised -- too soon a poet --
Your tiny feet,
Too soon fair, you leant and touched me
With magic sweet.

I at least have ne'er forgotten
That even-tide
When we set up house together, --
Bridegroom and bride.

Gems you dreamed of: -- I dreamed over
My vow to you!
Both were older than our years were,
Both different too!

We played at the dance and dinner:
You wished it so, --
Said that proper weddings must have
Some pomp and show.

You enjoyed it as a pastime, --
I thought it true,
Told my love aloud, and whispered
"Dearest" to you.

On your cheek I ventured, dreaming,
One kiss to leave.
Play for me has all been over
Since that spring eve.






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