I took my soul, and walked the wide world thru, Into the noisy haunts of life, and cruel men, Trying to mingle with the throng again, As once upon a time we used to do. My soul cried out in fright, and mortal pain, "I prithee, let me but once more regain Those cloistered walls I once thought dark and grey. I cannot bear the gibes of men and the glare of day. Unused am I to the loud market place, Unfitted I,—to enter the vain race For fortune's prize and for elusive fame. I am a spirit—pensive, wild and shy; Aloofly reticent, I can only die, Unless you give me back the wind and evening sky." Sadly, I knelt beside her on the ground Eager to listen, if perchance another sound I yet might hear. A change came o'er her face, Her fainting spirit, so full of olden grace, Faded, before my promises could reach her ear; And I was left alone—no more I hear Her whisper, when the stars shine o'er my head, Forlorn, I wander, for my other self is dead. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...COLORS by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET TWO IN THE CAMPAGNA by ROBERT BROWNING THE HURRICANE by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT THE ARAB by CHARLES STUART CALVERLEY HERMES OF THE WAYS by HILDA DOOLITTLE IN THE SHADOWS: 19 by DAVID GRAY (1838-1861) THE TREASURES OF THE DEEP by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS THE SONG OF HIAWATHA: HIAWATHA'S DEPARTURE by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW |