I
Loved …
I loved illustrious cities and the crowdsThat eddy through their incandescent nights.I loved remote horizons with far cloudsGirdled, and fringed about with snowy heights.I loved fair women, their sweet, conscious waysOf wearing among hands that covet and pleadThe rose ablossom at the rainbow’s baseThat bounds the world’s desire and all its need.Nature I worshipped, whose fecundityEmbraces every vision the most fair,Of perfect benediction. From a boyI gloated on existence. Earth to meSeemed all-sufficient and my sojourn thereOne trembling opportunity for joy.