Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO VIVIENNE, by ADRIAN SMITH


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO VIVIENNE, by                    
First Line: You lie back with delicate insolence, against pale
Last Line: On a pale pink rosette!
Subject(s): Poetry & Poets


You lie back with delicate insolence, against pale satin cushions frosted
with lace—a fragile water-color—clouded in the blue too-sweet incense

of hyacinth-blossoms. ...
I read (you suggested it, yesterday, in that tone that drowns my senses,
like the hyacinth-fragrance) my last verses to you. ... that, too, you
suggested. The words beat their passion upon you. ... you smile, like a drowsy
Columbine at whom Pierrot tosses rose-petals. ...
Words hot with passion I hurl against the crystal of your self-possession.

...
The last verse is ended. ... And you smile, delicately insolent, against
the satin paleness of the cushions wreathed in the blue hyacinth perfume. ...
"Is that all. ... Why do you always write such odd things? .... But
you're rather adorable when you're angry." .....

II.

You wear that chain tonight,
That chain I sent you. ...
Old carved gold—barbaric—
Turned—twisted. ...
A serpent writhing in yellow gold,
Flashing his single eye
Like the Buddha

And there it gleams
Red—baleful—sultry—
Aainst the massaged pink-and-white
Of your throat. ...
Fool!
Why should I drop blood
On a pale pink rosette!





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