Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO HELENE ON A GIFT-RING CARELESSLY LOST, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I sent a ring - a little band
Last Line: And look on heaven to look on thee.
Subject(s): Jewelry & Jewelers; Rings; Bracelets; Necklaces


I SENT a ring -- a little band
Of emerald and ruby stone,
And bade it, sparkling on thy hand,
Tell thee sweet tales of one
Whose constant memory
Was full of loveliness, and thee.

A shell was graven on its gold, --
'Twas Cupid fix'd without his wings --
To Helene once it would have told
More than was ever told by rings:
But now all 's past and gone,
Her love is buried with that stone.

Thou shalt not see the tears that start
From eyes by thoughts like these beguiled;
Thou shalt not know the beating heart,
Ever a victim and a child:
Yet Helene, love, believe
The heart that never could deceive.

I'll hear thy voice of melody
In the sweet whispers of the air;
I'll see the brightness of thine eye
In the blue evening's dewy star;
In crystal streams thy purity;
And look on Heaven to look on thee.




Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net