Love or Fame; and Other Poems by Fannie Isabel Sherrick
page 27 of 149 (18%)
page 27 of 149 (18%)
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But hush--in low sad strains the music dies,
Low at her feet a wealth of flowers lies; She smiles--the world's bright fame is clearly won, Along her veins the quickened fires now run; Her dark eyes flash--Oh! fame, thou art divine! Into her heart, like streams of blood-red wine, The world's sweet homage flows; a deepening strain Of crimson plays upon her face. Oh! fame, Fear not, for she is thine; within thy flame Her soul enraptured burns--and love's sad pain Is all forgotten in this brilliant hour That proves too well her strange and gifted power. But see! still deeper grows the crimson glow Upon her face, for at her feet a crown Is thrown of royal roses; bending down She sees in star-gemmed flowers of purest snow The word "Arline" amid the diadem Of circling red; and in their midst a gem That sparkles with a strange intensive light. She smiles--a smile that rouses all the fire In one young heart; with quick and eager flight His eyes seek hers; unto her face still higher The warm blood flows beneath that ling'ring gaze. Her drooping eyes grow liquid with the rays Of light within their depths; the rippling hair, With burnished hues of brown and amber rare, Falls o'er the shaded brow; while sweeping low, The long, dark lashes hide the deepening glow In downcast eyes. |
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