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1876–1944

ARABESQUE

Helen Hay Whitney

Gold fish, rose and red As lady Lillith's hair, Mauve and blue as curling smoke And water-sapphires there.

At the fountain's brim I built a little dream, As a goldsmith cunningly I made it flash and gleam.

I wrought a maiden shape, I colored it with love, Scarlet mouth and breast of pearl And eyes of turtle dove.

Thro’ hours of moony dark, I woo'd her for my bride But ah! I could not build her soul, So with the dawn she died.

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ARABESQUE · Helen Hay Whitney · Poetry Cove