Browning, Elizabeth Barrett; Leeson, Adelaide H. [Ill.]: Sonnets from the Portuguese (London, [circa 1916])

XXIX

THINK of thee!—my thoughts do
twine and bud
About thee, as wild vines, about a
tree,

Put out broad leaves, and soon

there's nought to see
Except the straggling green
which hides the wood.
Yet, O my palm-tree, be it understood
I will not have my thoughts instead of thee
Who art dearer, better! Rather, instantly
Renew thy presence; as a strong tree should,
Rustle thy boughs and set thy trunk all bare,
And let these bands of greenery which insphere thee
Drop heavily down,—burst, shattered, everywhere!
Because, in this deep joy to see and hear thee
And breathe within thy shadow a new air,
I do not think of thee—I am too near thee.