Once did my thoughts both ebb and flow, As passion did them move; Once did I hope, straight fear again, -- And then I was in love. Once did I waking spend the night, And tell how minutes move. Once did I wishing waste the day, -- And then I was in love. Once, by my carving true love's knot, The weeping trees did prove That wounds and tears were both our lot, -- And then I was in love. Once did I breathe another's breath And in my mistress move, Once was I not mine own at all, -- And then I was in love. Once wore I bracelets made of hair, And collars did approve, Once wore my clothes made out of wax, -- And then I was in love. Once did I sonnet to my saint, My soul in numbers move, Once did I tell a thousand lies, -- And then I was in love. Once in my ear did dangling hang A little turtle-dove, Once, in a word, I was a fool, -- And then I was in love. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IF IT WERE NOT FOR YOU by HAYDEN CARRUTH JULY IN GEORGY by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON THE CORNUCOPIA OF RED AND GREEN COMFITS by AMY LOWELL DOMESDAY BOOK: THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |