by Ernest Dowson (1867-1900)




Flos Lunae


I would not alter thy cold eyes,
Nor trouble the calm fount of speech
With aught of passion or surprise.
The heart of thee I cannot reach:
I would not alter thy cold eyes!


I would not alter thy cold eyes;
Nor have the smile, nor make thee weep:
Though all my life droops down and dies,
Desiring thee, desiring sleep,
I would not alter thy cold eyes.


I would not alter thy cold eyes;
I would not change thee if I might,
To whom my prayers for incense rise,
Daughter of dreams! my moon of night!
I would not alter thy cold eyes.


I would not alter thy cold eyes,
With trouble of the human heart:
Within their glance my spirit lies,
A frozen thing, alone, apart;
I would not alter thy cold eyes. 

 

 

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Poetry by Editorial Team The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 1172 times
Written on 2016-11-29 at 18:25

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I commend the Team for highlighting this sorely underrated 1890s poet, who also gave us the line "They are not long, the days of wine and roses ..." (Spelling note: Dowson, not Downson.)
2016-12-03


shells
I just love the rythmn of this and the repitition works well, the title I think means flower of the moon??
2016-11-29