Three Teasdale Songs

   I  saw the sunset-colored sands,
The Nile like flowing fire between,
Where Rameses stares forth serene,
And Ammon's heavy temple stands.

   I saw the rocks where long ago,
Above the sea that cries and breaks,
Bright Perseus with Medusa's snakes
Set free the maiden white like snow.

   And many skies have covered me,
And many winds have blown me forth,
And I have loved the green bright north,
And I have loved the cold sweet sea.

   But what to me are north and south,
And what the lure of many lands,
Since you have leaned to catch my hands
And lay a kiss upon my mouth.

Pierrot stands in the garden
Beneath a waning moon,
And on his lute he fashions
A [fragile]1 silver tune.

Pierrot plays in the garden,
He thinks he plays for me,
But I am quite forgotten
Under the cherry tree.

Pierrot plays in the garden,
And all the roses know
That Pierrot loves his music, --
But I love Pierrot.

I would live in your love
  as the sea grasses live in the sea,
Borne up by each wave as it passes,
  drawn down by each wave that recedes;
I would empty my soul of the dreams
  that have gathered in me,
I would beat with your heart as it beats,
  I would follow your soul as it leads.