Poems (Scudder)/Narcissus
NARCISSUS
Frail gold of locks unbound the timid breeze Scarce moves at all, and wide blue eyes that seem To draw into their depths the misty gleam From drowning buds of iris. Now, he sees Star-poised against the sombre loom of trees Whiteness of brow and neck, red lips apart As though to tempt from the sweet-brier's heart A poolward swirl of over-daring bees. One elbow sunk in argent-beaded cress, He lies; nor heeds the glinting dragonfly That hangs above his drooping head so light—A silver shred from some brook-naiad's tress But wastes his being in sigh on perfumed sigh And dwindles to a flower starry white.