Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


YOUNGLINGS by PAUL VERLAINE

Poet Analysis

First Line: HIGH HEELS IN A STRUGGLE WITH A LONG SKIRT
Last Line: THAT OUR SOULS FOREVER HOLD THEIR EAGER QUALMS.
Subject(s): YOUTH;

High heels in a struggle with a long skirt,
As the wind roused or as the land lay,
Twinkled a glimpse above, if we were alert—
Intercepted!—and we loved that gulls' play.

Sometimes the sting of an insect bolder
Than we, sought a fair neck to scrutinize,
And there was the sudden lightning of a shoulder
And that feast overwhelmed our young fools' eyes.

Twilight came, an uncertain autumnal glow:
The fair ones, clinging dreamily to our arms,
Spoke words that were so specious and so low
That our souls forever hold their eager qualms.



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