I have wanted other things more than lovers . . . I have desired peace, intimately to know The secret curves of deep-bosomed contentment, To learn by heart things beautiful and slow. Cities at night, and cloudful skies, I've wanted; And open cottage doors, old colors and smells a part; All dim things, layers of river-mist on river -- To capture Beauty's hands and lay them on my heart. I have wanted clean rain to kiss my eyelids, Sea-spray and silver foam to kiss my mouth. I have wanted strong winds to flay me with passion; And, to soothe me, tired winds from the south. These things have I wanted more than lovers . . . Jewels in my hands, and dew on morning grass -- Familiar things, while lovers have been strangers. Friended thus, I have let nothing pass. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A SONG OF COURAGE by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON BALLROOM DARK by CLARENCE MAJOR IN ROMNEY MARSH by JOHN DAVIDSON THE COUNTY OF MAYO by THOMAS LAVELLE EPODE: 2. THE PRAISES OF A COUNTRY LIFE by QUINTUS HORATIUS FLACCUS |