"We have the receipt of fern-seed; we walk invisible." I SMILE -- yet better might I sigh than smile -- At my young waywardness that wished to try "Receipt of fern-seed"; for some little while To walk unseen of any prying eye. I said 'twas but detachment that I sought, To better know my own good comrade, Thought. I added, I had made, must keep, the tryst With Beauty, who had counseled Solitude -- I would be back again ere I was missed; Whoever loved me would indulge my mood, Nor would they strive the veiling charm to break, Nor turn aside my hidden path to take. And then, I moved untroubled by the crowd. I softly stepped, and silence lapped me round. I was but young -- God knows I was not proud! My venture was to me enchanted ground Where I might pass unseen, but, soon as fain, Into my human world return again. I went my way, I kept me far from sight, From jostling touch and ill-timed greeting free ... I, who was more beholden to the night Than any charm that could sequester me! Now, deeper night and elder solitude Begin to close around my errant mood. And when I walk invisible, indeed, Who knows, I may the genius be of all Who out of trodden ways their spirit lead? Then I will answer to their lonely call Who, straying, have strayed wider than they wist, Who walk invisible -- and are not missed. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MY CRYSTAL BRIDE by WILLIAM EDWARD ADAMS ANTIMENIDAS by ALCAEUS OF MYTILENE THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH MOCK EPITAPH ON MR. AND MRS. ESTLIN by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD |