LIKE putting forth upon a sea On which the moonbeams shimmer, Where reefs and unknown perils be To wreck, yea, wreck one utterly, It were to love you, lady fair, In whose black braids of billowy hair The misty moonstones glimmer. Oh, misty moonstone-coloured eyes, Latticed behind long lashes, Within whose clouded orbs there lies, Like lightning in the sleeping skies, A spark to kindle and ignite, And set a fire to love alight To burn one's heart to ashes. I will not put forth on this deep Of perilous emotion; No, though your hands be soft as sleep, They shall not have my heart to keep, Nor draw it to your fatal sphere. Lady, you are as much to fear As is the fickle ocean. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A DEPOSITION FROM LOVE by THOMAS CAREW THADDEUS STEVENS by PHOEBE CARY SONNET TO THE AUTUMNAL MOON by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE TO THE AUTHOR OF 'THE ROBBERS' (SCHILLER) by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE THE CELLO by RICHARD WATSON GILDER |