Sonnets from the Cherokee (I)

My heart is like an opal, flashing fire
And flaming gleams of pointed light
At thy approach; or lying cold and white
When thou art gone; robbed of a dream’s desire
Is left moon-white and dull; no darting flame
Or sapphire gleam to mark a sweet suspense.
But only still, benumbed indifference
Unwaked at thy soft whisper of my name.
Come now, I tire of waiting to know love;
Teach me to scorn indifference white and dim
For I would drain fate’s cup of joy or strife;
Would play to the lost chord the vibrant hymn
That passion sings; my heart lifted above
Dull apathy; pulsating; knowing Life.

Credit

This poem is in the public domain. Published in Poem-a-Day on November 7, 2021, by the Academy of American Poets.

About this Poem

Sonnets from the Cherokee” appeared in University of Oklahoma Magazine 10, no. 11 (January 1922).