The Green Gown

She walked in a green gown over the meadow,

over the fields in a green gown

that rippled down,

the folds like willow hung;

over the fields, like breath of rain and shadow

her clear deluding laughter soared and swung.

The lost gown shone at noon, shed light at night,

a green cloud as the evening fell

and like a bell

* the flesh rang with the deep

presentiment of sea and leaves in flight,

or walked that hour again, and shook, in sleep.

The sun and shouts had set, the night was mild;

in thought she was as far and silent

as grove-clad island

wandering ships desire-

and the green longing of the orchard, wild,

swelled in my veins, to burst with leaves like fire.