Poetry Archives

A waft of perfume from a bit of lace
   Moved lightly by a passing woman’s hand;
And on the common street, a sensuous grace
   Shone suddenly from some lost time and land.

Tall structures changed to dome and parapet;
   The stern-faced Church an oracle became;
In sheltered alcoves marble busts were set;
   And on the wall frail Lais wrote her name.

Phryne before her judges stood at bay,
   Fearing the rigour of Athenian laws;
Till Hyperides tore her cloak away,
   And bade her splendid beauty plead its cause.

Great Alexander walking in the dusk,
   Dreamed of the hour when Greek with Greek should meet;
From Thais’ window attar breathed, and musk:
   His footsteps went no farther down the street.

Faint and more faint the pungent perfume grew;
   Of wall and parapet remained no trace.
Temple and statue vanished from the view:
   The city street again was commonplace.