FIAMETTA walks under the quincebuds
In a gown the color of flowers;
Her small breasts shine through the silken stuff
Like raindrops after showers.
The green hem of her dress is silk, but duller
Than her eye’s green color.
Her shadow restores the grass’s green
Where the sun had gilded it;
The air has given her copper hair
The sanguine that was requisite.
Whatever her flaws, my lady
Has no fault in her young body.
She leans with her long slender arms
To pull down morning upon her
Fragrance of quince, white light and falling cloud.
The day shall have lacked due honor
Until I shall have rightly praised
Her standing thus with slight arms upraised.
(John Peale Bishop)
More Poetry from John Peale Bishop:
John Peale Bishop Poems based on Topics: Body, Flowers- The Hours (John Peale Bishop Poems)
- Speaking Of Poetry (John Peale Bishop Poems)
- The Return (John Peale Bishop Poems)
- A Recollection (John Peale Bishop Poems)
- Admonition (John Peale Bishop Poems)
Readers Who Like This Poem Also Like:
Based on Topics: Flowers Poems, Body PoemsBased on Keywords: fiametta