I MINGLE with the young and gay, In halls where Fashion holds her sway; I gaze upon the giddy throng, While for some quiet spot I long. They call me heartless. Do they know That mirth us but an empty show? That silvery grandeur often shrouds The storms which lurk within bright clouds? The eye may beam with dazzling light, And shed on all its glances bright, Yet be unburdened of the tears, That shone like diamonds there, for years. The lips may breathe the thoughtless word, And yet, too oft alas! unheard, That word may mingle with a sigh From reckless heart which prays to die. I seek each joy -- I fain would lave My restless mind in Lethe's wave; But memory is ever waking -- I smile, but oh, my heart is breaking. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...JOHNNY SPAIN'S WHITE HEIFER by HAYDEN CARRUTH HIGH PLAINS RAG by JAMES GALVIN HOW THEY GO ON by JAMES GALVIN THE PRODIGAL SON by DAVID IGNATOW DE LITTLE PICKANINNY'S GONE TO SLEEP by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON |