by Coral Frontini

O cross the lea and clear stream sparkling, there would sit I and my darling. 

While the cloudscape above shifted to blue,

We’d listen to sweet butterflies

Converse as to who loved who.

And I placed my hand on his, asking “How lovely was today?” 

But he rose like the Dawn and he fled far away.

O that sunset in the evening spent as lovers do. 

My darling and I sat under moonlight, O so blue 

The night spread out so vast below us,

It felt a scene from the ancient poets;

“Hold me here darling, I’d stay any-way.”

But he rose like the Dawn and he fled far away.

Must I forget the party in June,

My darling so handsome seeming an immortal muse. 

As the orchestra swelled the entire room cheered aloud 

And my darling, his features O so profound.

Our eyes met and I whispered—“Let’s wander till day” 

But he rose like the Dawn and he fled far away.

O but he was a young Adonis, indeed.

His features resembling a harmonious symphony. 

And when the stars shone down upon us,

No longer could I hinder my desire to discuss; 

“You’ve stolen my heart, be that as it may…” 

But he rose like the Dawn and he fled far away.

O last night I dreamed of you, my darling.

Venus sent your visage— forever disarming

You sat upon the rings of Saturn

Looking at once reckless, yet taciturn.

A-thousand lifetimes between you and where I lay, 

But you rose like the Dawn and you fled far away.

-Inspired by W.H Auden’s Johnny