Aspirations
We know not; but alas! they soar too-far,
And then, with broken pinions fall to earth.
I would I were a ray of light
To play upon the wave.
With the spirits of the water,
And the Ocean's lovely daughter;
Or down to dart with arrowy flight
To the mermaid's coral caveI
I would I were a dream to glide
Into a poet's brain,
That he might tell of world's unseen,
And flowers and stars that ne'er have been.
And mark the flow of pleasure's tide.
And sapphire skies serene.
I would I were a mellow tone
Of a young lover's lute,
That Zephyr me might onward bear,
And pour me gently in the ear
Of some beloved and lovely one,
Her soft heart to salute.
I would I were a starry gem
Upon the brow of night,
That lovers' eyes might turn to me
To witness all their ecstasy, —
How blest I'd be in blessing them
Though with a trembling light.
I would I were the tear that flows
From woman's pensive eye;
To be on woman's rosy cheek
Were rapture words may never speak,
And when her cheek with passion glows
'Twere sweetest there to lie.
I would I were the hope that fires
A youthful minstrel's breast.
While to his lady's ear he brings
Strains, such as a seraph sings ; —
O! there if ever Hope expires
It sweetly sinks to rest!