I watched you from a distance-a maiden lost at sea-
(Hardly fair or bewitching to one as amply endowed as thee)
But how could I avoid the olive brown skin-your motions so lithe-
The brown hair which fell over deep sea-green eyes?

You ne’er glanced my way but once-
Caught me in mid-stare and smiled
Courteous gentleman looked at a lady dunce
You turned away and I sighed, beguiled.

May I propose a prose to your hair?
The coarseness of which lies betwixt softness and rough pagan locks-
Falling serenely-unknown to it is my plight-on skin so fair
And bounces over your head in a way that shocks

Your eyes-what may I say of them (being a gentle lady-not a bold commoner) ?
Warm-with chips of golden, which dance when merry-and spark when enraged
Languorously slumberous and I feel my heart begin to stir
Your one look has left my burning skin grazed

Boots made of steel eat the noise of the smooth floor,
As you walk towards me, green eyes pleasantly confused
I smile with baser instincts than one of my birth might possess
But what can I call it (save instincts) when but a look has left me thus bruised?

You lean over my hand and place the perfunctory kiss-
Managing to muster your disgust into a look of delight-
Ah but for a cactus to (for once) feel beautiful, so she may not miss
What the pretty daffodils by the pond-side (as a rule) invite