Classic and Contemporary Poetry
AESTHETIC, by ELLA WHEELER WILCOX Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In a garb that was guiltless of colors Last Line: "I was thinking of nothing in space." Alternate Author Name(s): Wilson, Robert, Mrs. Subject(s): Beauty; Faces; Praise; Women | ||||||||
In a garb that was guiltless of colors She stood, with a dull, listless air -- A creature of dumps and of dolors, But most undeniably fair. The folds of her garment fell round her, Revealing the curve of each limb; Well proportioned and graceful I found her, Although quite alarmingly slim. From the hem of her robe peeped one sandal -- "High art" was she down to her feet; And though I could not understand all She said, I could see she was sweet. Impressed by her limpness and languor, I proffered a chair near at hand; She looked back a mild sort of anger -- Posed anew, and continued to stand. Some praises I next tried to mutter Of the fan that she held to her face; She said it was "utterly utter," And waved it with languishing grace. I then, in a strain quite poetic, Begged her gaze on the bow in the sky. She looked -- said its curve was "aesthetic," But the "tone was too dreadfully high." Her lovely face, lit by the splendor That glorified landscape and sea, Woke thoughts that were daring and tender: Did her thoughts, too, rest upon me? "Oh, tell me," I cried, growing bolder, "Have I in your musings a place?" "Well, yes," she said over her shoulder: "I was thinking of nothing in space." | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ARISTOTLE TO PHYLLIS by JOHN HOLLANDER A WOMAN'S DELUSION by SUSAN HOWE JULIA TUTWILER STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN by ANDREW HUDGINS THE WOMEN ON CYTHAERON by ROBINSON JEFFERS TOMORROW by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD LADIES FOR DINNER, SAIPAN by KENNETH KOCH |
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