Three Fragments...

Three of the many Clare ‘fragments’ – poems with very few lines or those started and forgotten.

Sweeter than roses was the face
Sweeter than roses was the face
For whom I pluck'd the flower;
Sweeter than heaven was the place
In that delightful hour.

Beautiful woman, visions dwell
Beautiful woman, visions dwell
Of heaven's joy about thee,
And every step I take is hell
That walks thro' life without thee.

Love's memories haunt my footsteps still
Love's memories haunt my footsteps still
Like ceaseless flowings of the river.
Its mystic depths say what can fill?
Sad disappointment waits for ever