Friday 3 April 2009

I'll come to thee by moonlight


He rose upright in the stirrups; he scarce could reach her hand,
But she loosened her hair i' the casement! His face burnt like a brand
As the black cascade of perfume came tumbling over his breast;
And he kissed its waves in the moonlight, (Oh, sweet black waves in the moonlight!)
Then he tugged at his rein in the moonlight, and galloped away to the west.

... Alfred Noyes (1880-1959) ...

[Fountain outside Botanic Gardens, opposite Mitchell Library]

14 comments:

Mo said...

Lovley. You romantic you.

Bergson said...

I find this picture beautiful and I can explain it. But is it important ?

brattcat said...

Julie, thank you for your kind words. This photograph looks like something the angels left behind.

Julie said...

Romance is ALWAYS important, Bergson! It helps to have a flight of fancy when times are tough: to let oneself be carried away with the possibilities rather than weight down by the realities.

Lowell said...

Very sweet! Are you into Romance novels?

Julie said...

Hardly, Jacob! I am a romantic in the fullest sense of the word: I am hopeful when all hope is lost; I trust when bonds have been broken; I love when double-crossed.
Romance novels are about unequal power and extreme neediness.

Lowell said...

What a great counterpoint, Julie...

Love your understanding of romance, and your explication of romance novels, which I have not read, except for short excerpts here and there long ago.

Have a great day!

Owen said...

Oh... The Highwayman ! What a pleasure to find an extract of that poem here ! When I was little in grade school one year we all had to memorize a poem and recite in front of the class... this is the one I picked, and have loved it, and poetry in general, ever since... thank you Julie !

stromsjo said...

Thanks for articulating the inner voice in such a lovely way. Just woke up with my old friend the allergy so I do feel quite fragile myself at the moment.

Z said...

I can't read this poem without hearing Loreena McKennitt's song in my head. I wonder what you think of it. Link.

Joan Elizabeth said...

I know the fountain but what on earth are those flowers? I like that poem, you have used it wonderfully well in this post.

Julie said...

The most wonderful aspect of this romantic post is that more men than women have commented. Thank you, gentlemen. Lays that myth to rest - at least in this company.

Per: Allerties are unpleasant. Hope it clears soon.
Z: have not managed to play it yet. Long story: don't ask!
Joan: I don't know the flower but am assuming some sort of lillie. It was floating listlessly on the surface, I gave it a twirl and shot a few images. This one gave me inspiration.

Joan:

Unknown said...

Beautiful composition, Julie!

Diederick Wijmans said...

How beautiful, Julie!!