Songs of the Soul/Part 2/Vanishing Bubbles

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VANISHING BUBBLES

Many unknown bubbles float and flow,
Many ripples dance by me
And melt away in sea.
I like to know, ah, whence they come or whither
   go—

The rain drops and dies,
My thoughts play wild and vanish quick,
The red clouds melt in skies;
I stake my purse or slave all life their motive
   still to seek.

Some friends, though not their love,
Some dearest thoughts I ne’er would lose, I said,
And last night’s surest stars, seen just above,-—
All, all are fled.

The crowds of lilies, the linnet,
Perfumed blossoms, honey-mad bees,
Did meet on yonder bowered trees;
Now the lonesome field alone is left.
The bubbles, lilies, friends, dramatic thoughts—
They all their part did play and entertain,
And now beneath the grassy screen, to change
   their displayed coats,
They quiet, concealed remain.