To The Sonnet Poem by Ameen Rihani

Though cribbed and gyved, thou canst within thy
walls
Unfold a wondrous wealth of worlds unseen.
And flood the soul's abyss with moon-light sheen.
As well as darken passions' gilded halls ;
Thy fourteen outlets are so many falls
From which gush out the prisoned joy, or
spleen —
The silvery cascades, or the billows green.
And either a sea of bliss or grief recalls.
Thou goddess of the gems of Fancy's deep.
Though few thy facets, they reflect the whole
Of inner-self in multi-shaded hues ;
Thou art the couch of dreams that never sleep ;
Thou art the phoenix of the poet's soul.
As well the crystal palace of his muse.