Explore "Helen" by Madison Cawein on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
Heaped in raven loops and masses / Over temples smooth and fair, / Have you marked it, as she passes, / Gleam and shadow mingled there, -- / Braided strands of midnight air, -- / Helen's hair?
Deep with dreams and starry mazes / Of the thought that in them lies, / Have you seen them, as she raises / Them in gladness or surprise, -- / Two gray gleams of daybreak skies, -- / Helen's eyes?
Moist with dew and honied wafters / Of a music sweet that slips, / Have you marked them, brimmed with laughter's / Song and sunshine to their tips, / Rose-buds whence the fragrance drips, -- / Helen's lips?
He who sees her needs must love her: / But, beware! avoid love's dart! / He who loves her must discover / Nature overlooked one part, / In this masterpiece of art -- / Helen's heart.