TO EVE

BECAUSE I knew you fickle as the flame

And sweet as music irresponsible,

Because I knew no walls could tame

Your vagrancy within their certain shell,

I raised for you a palace on a hill

Where all the spirits generous and free

Might drift at their unchidden will,

Or tarry to salute you carelessly.

A windy palace most fantastical,

Whose halls stood full of light and resonance,

Where slender fountains lyrical

Spilled water like a stream of bright romance,

And, high above the many spires, I hung

A company of bells; with wanton hands

The happy wind shook out and swung

Their dimpling music over level lands.