Vivien

 Her eyes under their lashes were blue pools 
Fringed round with lilies; her bright hair unfurled 
Clothed her as sunshine clothes the summer world. 
Her robes were gauzes -- gold and green and gules, 
All furry things flocked round her, from her hand 
Nibbling their foods and fawning at her feet. 
Two peacocks watched her where she made her seat 
Beside a fountain in Broceliande. 
Sometimes she sang. . . . Whoever heard forgot 
Errand and aim, and knights at noontide here, 
Riding from fabulous gestes beyond the seas, 
Would follow, tranced, and seek . . . and find her not . . . 
But wake that night, lost, by some woodland mere, 
Powdered with stars and rimmed with silent trees.

Form: Sonnet Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace