Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ROUND by FRANCIS VIELE-GRIFFIN

Poet Analysis

First Line: IN LIGHT OF DAY OR FULL OF MOON
Last Line: KISS HER WHOM YOU WILL.
Subject(s): DANCING & DANCERS; MOON;

In light of day or full of moon,
With women's laughter and dance tune
Swirl the roundelay childhood dreams:
The breeze is snowy, the gay lawn streams
With white petals that the branches spill.
Pass the brunette, pass the blonde!
They turn; of one alone you're fond:
@3Kiss her whom you will.@1

A big bouquet upheld like a torch
Sheds, like sparks, the blood of roses
That with the lilies under the porch
In pink and white beds the wind disposes;
I know the embarrassment and thrill
As you lean and laugh and rejoice;
The round turns, and you make your choice:
@3Kiss her whom you will.@1

The fife sounds, and the laughter fleeting
Turns there still like leaves astray;
You are afraid of her kiss of greeting;
You are seeking for words to say.
The coquette with a laugh would strike you still
If she saw the bashfulness clutch at your heart,
So don't say a word if you just can't start:
@3Kiss her whom you will.@1



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