May 19, 2010

word love: Lilian

Airy, fairy Lilian,
Flitting, fairy Lilian,
When I ask her if she loves me,
Claps her tiny hands above me,
Laughing all she can;
She'll not tell me if she loves me,
Cruel little Lilian.

When my passion seeks
Pleasance in love-sighs
She, looking thro' and thro' me
Thoroughly to undo me,
Smiling, never speaks:
So innocent-arch, so cunning-simple,
From beneath her gather'd wimple
Glancing with black-beaded eyes,
Till the lightning laughters dimple
The baby-roses in her cheeks;
Then away she flies.

Prythee weep,
May Lilian!
Gaiety without eclipse
Wearieth me,
May Lilian:
Thro' my very heart it thrilleth
When from crimson-threaded lips
Silver-treble laughter trilleth:
Prythee weep,
May Lilian.

Praying all I can, If prayers will not hush thee,
Airy Lilian,
Like a rose-leaf I will crush thee,
Fairy Lilian.

by: Alfred, Lord Tennyson (English poet, 1809-1892; Lilian first printed in 1830)

I love lyrical poetry. My mind is simplistic and often is attracted to whimsy.

1 comment: