Alas, the moon should ever beam <br />To show what man should never see!— <br />I saw a maiden on a stream, <br />And fair was she! <br />I staid awhile, to see her throw <br />Her tresses black, that all beset <br />The fair horizon of her brow <br />With clouds of jet. <br />I staid a little while to view <br />Her cheek, that wore in place of red <br />The bloom of water, tender blue, <br />Daintily spread. <br />I staid to watch, a little space, <br />Her parted lips if she would sing; <br />The waters closed above her face <br />With many a ring. <br />And still I staid a little more, <br />Alas! she never comes again! <br />I throw my flowers from the shore, <br />And watch in vain. <br />I know my life will fade away, <br />I know that I must vainly pine, <br />For I am made of mortal clay, <br />But she's divine!<br /><br />Thomas Hood<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-water-lady/
