The Bubble

By William Allingham

    See the pretty planet!

      Floating sphere!

    Faintest breeze will fan it

      Far or near;

    World as light as feather;

      Moonshine rays,

    Rainbow tints together,

      As it plays.

    Drooping, sinking, failing,

      Nigh to earth,

    Mounting, whirling, sailing,

      Full of mirth;

    Life there, welling, flowing,

      Waving round;

    Pictures coming, going,

      Without sound.

    Quick now, be this airy

      Globe repelled!

    Never can the fairy

      Star be held.

    Touched--it in a twinkle

      Disappears!

    Leaving but a sprinkle,

      As of tears.