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Home  »  New Poems  »  40. Narcissus

D.H. Lawrence (1885–1930). New Poems. 1916.

40. Narcissus

WHERE the minnows trace

A glinting web quick hid in the gloom of the brook,

When I think of the place

And remember the small lad lying intent to look

Through the shadowy face

At the little fish thread-threading the watery nook—

It seems to me

The woman you are should be nixie, there is a pool

Where we ought to be.

You undine-clear and pearly, soullessly cool

And waterly

The pool for my limbs to fathom, my soul’s last school.

Narcissus

Ventured so long ago in the deeps of reflection.

Illyssus

Broke the bounds and beyond!—Dim recollection

Of fishes

Soundlessly moving in heaven’s other direction!

Be

Undine towards the waters, moving back;

For me

A pool! Put off the soul you’ve got, oh lack

Your human self immortal; take the watery track.