English poem
THE LIGHT-HOUSE.
by Henry Abbey (1842–1911)
At twilight, past the fountain, I wandered in the park, And saw a closed white lily Sway on the liquid dark; And a fire-fly, perched upon it, Shone out its fitful spark.
I fancied it a light-house Mooned on a sky-like sea, To warn the fearless sailors Of lurking treachery— Of unseen reefs and shallows That starved for wrecks to be.
O Blanche, O love that spurns me, 'Tis but a cheat thou art. I would some friendly light-house Had warned me to depart From the secret reefs and shallows That hide about your heart.