I ne'er was struck before that hour <br />With love so sudden and so sweet, <br />Her face it bloomed like a sweet flower <br />And stole my heart away complete. <br />My face turned pale as deadly pale. <br />My legs refused to walk away, <br />And when she looked, what could I ail? <br />My life and all seemed turned to clay. <br /> <br />And then my blood rushed to my face <br />And took my eyesight quite away, <br />The trees and bushes round the place <br />Seemed midnight at noonday. <br />I could not see a single thing, <br />Words from my eyes did start -- <br />They spoke as chords do from the string, <br />And blood burnt round my heart. <br /> <br />Are flowers the winter's choice? <br />Is love's bed always snow? <br />She seemed to hear my silent voice, <br />Not love's appeals to know. <br />I never saw so sweet a face <br />As that I stood before. <br />My heart has left its dwelling-place <br />And can return no more<br /><br />John Clare<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/first-love/
