CAMELOT FANTASIES

First Love



 by John Clare



 I ne'er was struck before that hour
 With love so sudden and so sweet.
 Her face it bloomed like a sweet flower
 And stole my heart away complete.

 My face turned pale, a deadly pale.
 My legs refused to walk away,
 And when she looked what could I ail
 My life and all seemed turned to clay.

 And then my blood rushed to my face
 And took my eyesight quite away.
 The trees and bushes round the place
 Seemed midnight at noonday.

 I could not see a single thing,
 Words from my eyes did start.
 They spoke as chords do from the string,
 And blood burnt round my heart.

 Are flowers the winter's choice
 Is love's bed always snow
 She seemed to hear my silent voice
 Not love appeals to know.

 I never saw so sweet a face
 As that I stood before.
 My heart has left its dwelling place
 And can return no more.