Douglas Goldring

I REMEMBER so well how the table looked that night;

The shaded candle-flames were gentle and bright,

Caressing the wine and silver. Jewels glowed,

And bosom and wrist moved softly; light words flowed,

And the surface chatter of dinner ran charmingly on.

Then you told me of your dream cities, that Venice was one;

And looking up quickly, at eyes now gray now blue

(For Venice belongs to me, as well as to you),

I thought, for a moment, I saw your soul shine through!

Is it odd for an hour’s companion to think such things?

Swift? But, dear, see—how Love and the Soul have wings!