By rows of tight-sheathed Chinese parasols, Glossy, slender, shining richly dark, To dream of opening one I was intrigued, And visioned green, dull coraline, and gold, Pale backgrounds with faint traceries to mark Free outlines not defined, sweet fol-de-rols In tints to rest eyes vividly fatigued. I held my breath, in slow delight to unfold Such hidden splendor -- for so small a price! Wistaria bloom and lantern glow, I dreamed, And tall, fair, tasseled plumes of blossoming rice. The thought came to me then, -- it somehow seemed Like this when I was introduced to you . . . Your glance, your smile, your calculated grace, Perhaps were but the sheath that might encase A folded flame, a spirit rare and true That being set free, for me could spread such glow On life again as happy children know. Forget the memory! Speed the unwelcome thought! More luck this time! The parasol was bought. But, Oh! before such flood of melon pink And purpled blues, what dream could help but sink! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IN TIME OF 'THE BREAKING OF NATIONS' by THOMAS HARDY TO THE PLIOCENE SKULL by FRANCIS BRET HARTE THE INCHCAPE ROCK by ROBERT SOUTHEY A SONG OF LABOUR; DEDICATED TO MY FELLOW-WORKERS WITH PICK AND SHOVEL by ALEXANDER ANDERSON TO LORD BYRON by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD |