Erotica/Francesca

by Arthur Clark Kennedy

Francesca

Stately she moved, my lady, through the wood,
With lingering footfalls following her own thought
Which like a child at random, heeding naught,
Sped on before, one of a merry brood
As yet by Love untaught.

Upon the turf I lay in musing mood,
Pillowed by some gnarl-rooted forest tree,
And watched that vision passing silently
As in a dream, till all at once she stood
Struck still at sight of me.

Twin starry sapphires swinging in her ears
Gave silent challenge to her liquid eyes
Which challenged mine awhile in mute surmise
Or e'er she spake.—Even so across the years
She cometh to me yet, but veiled, alas, with tears.