The Poetry Corner

Her Vivien Eyes

By Madison Julius Cawein

Her Vivien eyes, - beware! beware! Though they be stars, a deadly snare They set beneath her night of hair. Regard them not! lest, drawing near As sages once in old Chaldee Thou shouldst become a worshiper, And they thy evil destiny. Her Vivien eyes, - away! away! Though they be springs, remorseless they Gleam underneath her brow's bright day. Turn, turn aside, whate'er the cost! Lest in their deeps thou lures behold, Through which thy captive soul were lost, As was young Hylas once of old. Her Vivien eyes, - take heed! take heed! Though they be bibles, none may read Therein of God or Holy Creed. Look, look away! lest thou be cursed, As Merlin was, romances tell, And in their sorcerous spells immersed, Hoping for Heaven thou chance on Hell.