Erotica/Francesca

by Arthur Clark Kennedy

Francesca

Stately she moved, my lady, through the wood, With lingering footfalls following her own thoughtWhich like a child at random, heeding naught,Sped on before, one of a merry brood As yet by Love untaught.

Upon the turf I lay in musing mood,Pillowed by some gnarl-rooted forest tree,And watched that vision passing silentlyAs in a dream, till all at once she stoodStruck still at sight of me.

Twin starry sapphires swinging in her earsGave silent challenge to her liquid eyesWhich challenged mine awhile in mute surmiseOr e'er she spake.—Even so across the yearsShe cometh to me yet, but veiled, alas, with tears.