Shoes that danced and other poems / Anna Hempstead Branch [electronic text]

THE THEATRE-CURTAIN

WHAT a happy folk are these— That the artist's hand has wrought On the curtain, gay as thought— Light as folly, how they please! And the play that lived behind Passes, faint as any wind! And we have riot any mind Save for these!

Ah — this theatre-curtain! Think awhile How the faces on it smile! How they dance, Glance, Shine!

Columbine Leads her sportive pageant in With Harlequin! Gay Pierrot! Sweet Pierrette! We forget What's the show Till the lights go out, and lo! Romeo! And Juliet!

And the motley—gone at last! All the gay, jesting throng Fled away! Following after Went the laughter And the past Has their song!

Yet we know they'll come again— That is sure! Strange it is that in this world of men 'T is our laughters that endure! Only tears shall pass away, Sorrow vanish, like the play! When all's said and done there'll fall A healing joy over all! Even so Juliet weeps and Romeo Faints and dies— While following the voice of woe Comes the singing of Pierrot, And the laughter of Pierrette stops the sighs.

Oh, the merriments of earth! We do well— When we dance, sing, and smile! Truly we were made for mirth!

And I love this painted throng! Glad am I to know that after This sad play will come the laughter And the song. And I thank the hand that wrought Such delight with such a thought That the theatre-curtain falls Bringing joy by the hand, Singing dancers in a band— And a voice none can withstand Calls and calls— Like a day In sweet o' June! I forget the inner breath, Parting, fear, despair, and death, And my own feet dance away To the tune!

Dears, who painted here do dwell— Flushed and gay, I love you well! Oh, to bide as one of these! I could dance as well as they, Have my laughter and be gay! And forget the strange old way So beset with mysteries.

Columbine, The fine,

And mocking— Lifts her skirt and shows her stocking! Sweetheart, fie! And foldero! Maids and gallants in a row To the fair! Oh, what are these whisperings, Like a sigh that breathes and clings! If the saddened heart of things Breaks behind us, who 's to care? I forswear Romeo and Juliet! Rest ye, sweets! I must forget How ye sorrowed, when Pierrette Whirls her timbre in the air, Dancing down to seek the fair. How the motley crew comes prancing! How they whirl and pirouette Gay Pierrot, Sweet Pierrette! Swiftly glancing! I forget Some one sorrowed! Is it so? Peace, it was so long ago. Prithee, pipe! And let's be dancing! Faith! This world's a pleasant show! Dears, I love it! Here we go! (But the heart break? Be it so.)

Hi di di and tripping toe All the way! I will kiss thee, one, two, three— An thou 'It give but one to me, And be gay!

(Romeo, Is it thine —this haunting fear? This despair that breathes so near? World-old sorrow What dost thou here?) 'Tis to-morrow! Sweet my dear— Kiss! (Oh, hush thee, Juliet!) This— Pierrette— Is all I ask! Motley and a singing mask, And to forget!