I love this poem.
Danse Russe
by William Carlos Williams
If I when my wife is sleeping
and the baby and Kathleen
are sleeping
and the sun is a flame-white disc
in silken mists
above shining trees,--
if I in my north room
dance naked, grotesquely
before my mirror
waving my shirt round my head
and singing softly to myself:
"I am lonely, lonely.
I was born to be lonely,
I am best so!"
If I admire my arms, my face,
my shoulders, flanks, buttocks
again the yellow drawn shades,--
Who shall say I am not
the happy genius of my household?
5 comments:
I have always love W.C.W. since I discovered him in a poetry anthology when I was a child. As he was also a physician, I don't suppose he'd actually do something like it, but it's delightful to imagine it. A lovely choice of his poetry.
Brought a smile, thanks for scheduling this one. :)
What a fantastic image! And what a joyful poem.
I hope you are too busy to read your comments, but if you do happen to catch a moment, you had better be having a wonderful trip!
Hi John,
That's a beautiful poem! Have never read this author before. I have finished 3 more books for the 2nd Canadian Reading Challenge. They are:
Detective - Arthur Hailey
Someone Else's Ghost - Margaret Buffie
Airborn - Kenneth Oppel
Have a great evening!
Sherrie
Sandra: I've read little by him, but have enjoyed and/or found thought provoking those that I have. I really need to pick up a collection.
Wanda: Certainly smile inducing, eh?
Barbara: I didn't get to check them once, but I had a ball so it's okay.
Sherrie: You've probably come across some of his poems before but just not paid attention to the name of the poet. Maybe "This is Just To Say" or "The Red Wheelbarrow" ring a bell?
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