after i have dreamed

it is at moments after i have dreamed

of the rare entertainment of your eyes, 

when (being fool to fancy) i have deemed

with your peculiar mouth my heart made wise;

at moments when the glassy darkness holds

the genuine apparition of your smile

(it was through tears always) and silence moulds

such strangeness as was mine a little while;

moments when my once more illustrious arms

are filled with fascination, when my breast 

wears the intolerant brightness of your charms

one pierced moment whiter than the rest

- turing from the tremendous lie of sleep

i watch the roses of the day grow deep

e.e. cummings

photo by irving penn