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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


VENICE by JOHN ADDINGTON SYMONDS

Poet Analysis

First Line: VENICE, THOU SIREN OF SEA CITIES, WROUGHT
Last Line: MAN'S SOUL, AND WAFT HER ON STORM MELODIES!
Subject(s): VENICE, ITALY;

VENICE, thou Siren of sea cities, wrought
By mirage, built on water, stair o'er stair,
Of sunbeams and cloud shadows, phantom-fair,
With naught of earth to mar thy sea-born thought!
Thou floating film upon the wonder-fraught
Ocean of dreams! Thou hast no dream so rare
As are thy sons and daughters, -- they who wear
Foam flakes of charm from thine enchantment
caught.
O dark brown eyes! O tangles of dark hair!
O heaven-blue eyes, blonde tresses where the breeze
Plays over sunburned cheeks in sea-blown air!
Firm limbs of moulded bronze! frank debonair
Smiles of deep-bosomed women! Loves that seize
Man's soul, and waft her on storm melodies!



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