Are they shadows that we see? And can shadows pleasure give? Pleasures only shadows be, Cast by bodies we conceive, And are made the things we deem In those figures which they seem. But these pleasures vanish fast, Which by shadows are expressed; Pleasures are not, if they last; In their passing is their best. Glory is most bright and gay In a flash and so away. Feed apace, then, greedy eyes On the wonder you behold; Take it sudden as it flies, Though you take it not to hold. When your eyes have done their part, Thought must length it in the heart. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE GRAVE OF LOVE by THOMAS LOVE PEACOCK I HAVE SEEN THE STARS AGAIN by PAUL SOUTHWORTH BLISS FAR EAST by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN FRIENDSHIP'S BLACK AND WHITE by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT SEA LAVENDER by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT COMFORTERS by ABBIE FARWELL BROWN GOING CROSSLOTS IN VERMONT by DANIEL LEAVENS CADY THE ONLY ORNAMENT by PHOEBE CARY THE CANTERBURY TALES: THE PHYSICIAN'S TALE by GEOFFREY CHAUCER |