WHEN I, before the altars of repose, Invited Slumber, she refused to stay, But with a broken heart she turned away, Astonished quite. Among the flaunting shows That circled round, she perished like a rose Cast among flames. Oh, bring her back -- I pray! Then sternly to my heart a voice said, "Nay, Thou canst not have her -- tearfully she goes." God might not join us, -- for gorgeous, bright, Adorned, conspicuous, sure, without disguise, Strangely illumined with derisive light They danced -- they danced! Oh, then I was made wise! My foolish deeds, flaming before my eyes, Denied me slumber all the livelong night. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE LOVER MOURNS FOR THE LOSS OF LOVE by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS ANIMAL CRACKERS by CHRISTOPHER DARLINGTON MORLEY TO MY SISTER by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH TO MARIE by JOHN BENNETT (1865-1956) THE ANT-HEAP by ARTHUR CHRISTOPHER BENSON SONNET: MAN VERSUS ASCETIC. 5 by LOUISA SARAH BEVINGTON |