From the Castle in the Air, To the Little Corner of the World
1737.1.29-1809.6.8
In the region of clouds, where the whirlwinds arise,
My castle of fancy was built;
The turrets reflected the blue from the skies,
And the windows with sunbeams were gilt.
The rainbow sometimes, in its beautiful state,
Enamel'd the mansion around;
And the figures that fancy in clouds can create,
Supplied me with gardens and ground.
I had grottoes, and fountains, and orange tree groves,
I had all that enchantment has told;
I had sweet shady walks, for the Gods and their - Loves,
I had mountains of coral and gold.
But a storm that I felt not, had risen and roll'ds
While wrapp'd in a slumber I lay;
And when I look'd out in the morning, behold
My Castle was carried away.
It pass'd over rivers, and valleys, and groves,
The world it was all in my view;
I thought of my friends, of their fates, of their loves,
And often, full often of You.
At length it came over a beautiful scene,
That nature in silence had made;
The place was but small, but 'twas sweetly serene
And checkered with sunshine and shade.
I gazed and I envied with painful goodwill,
And grew tired of my seat in the air;
When all of a sudden my Castle stood still,
As if some attraction was there.
Like a lark from the sky it came fluttering down,
And placed me exactly in view,
When whom should I meet in this charming retreat,
This corner of calmness, but You.
Delighted to find you in honor and ease,
I felt no more sorrow, nor pain;
But the wind coming fair, I ascended the breeze,
And went back with my Castle again.
DayPoems Poem No. 2591
<a href="http://www.daypoems.net/poems/2591.html">From the Castle in the Air, To the Little Corner of the World by Thomas Paine</a>
The DayPoems Poetry Collection, www.daypoems.net
Timothy Bovee, editor
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