(Still Life with Puppies by Paul Gauguin,
1848-1903, French Post-Impressionist
painter)
A sonnet.
PRETTY WORDS
Poets make pets of pretty, docile words:
I love smooth words, like gold-enameled fish
Which circle slowly with a silken swish,
And tender ones, like downy-feathered birds:
Words shy and dappled, deep-eyed deer in herds
Come to my hand, and playful if I wish,
Or purring softly at a silver dish,
Blue Persian kittens fed on cream and curds.
I love bright words, words up and signing early.
Words that are luminous in the dark, and sing;
Warm lazy words, white cattle under trees;
I love words opalescent, cool, and pearly,
Like midsummer moths, and honied words like
Gilded and sticky, with a little sting.
~ Elinor Wylie (1885-1928), American poet and novelist
Excellent poem and good thought for the day. The poet loves the taste and feel and sound of his words, this poem expresses it well. Our best poems are laden with such wealth.
ReplyDeleteIn love with words: Written, Heard.
ReplyDeleteOther words I take to bed ~
To be read!
Image is perfect match to the poem - great poem.
ReplyDelete