A poem of the imagination*

Which once was she
           a phantom of delight
a lovely apparition
           sent to startle
and to haunt
           a dancing shape
her dusky hair
           eyes noble and serene
in love and kisses
           tears and smiles
endurance foresight
           strength and skill
free from simple wiles
           her temperate will
to firm reason held
           with something of

a moment’s ornament
           much more than—
in a world
           of transient sorrows
journeying
           between life and death
a spirit still
           a voice to warn
to comfort and command
           the angelic light
the very pulse of love
           promise full
as of the stars
           without praise or blame
her being breathing
           thoughtful breath

John Lyons

*After William Wordsworth