Classic Poem

Unbind your hair, and let its masses be
Soft midnight on the weary eyes of me.
I faint before the dazzle of your breast;
Make shadow with your hair that I may rest,
And I will cool my fevered temples there:
Let down your hair.

Ah — so! It falls like night upon a day
Too bright for peace. It is a cruel way
That leads to this, alas, which is but pain.
I am athirst — your tresses fall like rain;
Ah, wrap me close and bind me captive there
Amid your hair!

How much my soul has given that my flesh
Might lie a thrall in this enchanted mesh!
Something I grope for that I used to hold;
Something it was bought dearly — cheaply sold;
Something divine was strangled unaware
Here in your hair!

But no — I will not grieve — will not complain.
Let your hair fall upon me like night rain
And shut me from myself, and make me blind!
How can I deem this bondage aught but kind?
And yet — I cannot sleep for some dumb care
Here in your hair.