The Water Nymphs

Ellis Parker Butler

They hide in the brook when I seek to draw nearer,
  Laughing amain when I feign to depart;
Often I hear them, now faint and now clearer—
  Innocent bold or so sweetly discreet.
Are they Nymphs of the Stream at their playing
  Or but the brook I mistook for a voice?
Little care I; for, despite harsh Time’s flaying,
  Brook voice or Nymph voice still makes me rejoice.

Next 10 Poems

• Ellis Parker Butler : The Whale
• Ellis Parker Butler : The Wood Nymph
• Ellis Parker Butler : To G. M. W. And G. F. W.
• Ellis Parker Butler : To Jessica, Gone Back To The City
• Ellis Parker Butler : To Kate. ( In Lieu Of A Valentine )
• Ellis Parker Butler : To Lovers
• Ellis Parker Butler : To Marguerite
• Ellis Parker Butler : To May
• Ellis Parker Butler : To Phyllis And May
• Ellis Parker Butler : Trespassers

Previous 10 Poems

• Ellis Parker Butler : The Twenty Hoss-power Shay
• Ellis Parker Butler : The Tearful Tale Of Captain Dan
• Ellis Parker Butler : The Sheep
• Ellis Parker Butler : The Secret Combination
• Ellis Parker Butler : The Romance Of Patrolman Casey
• Ellis Parker Butler : The Rich Boy's Christmas
• Ellis Parker Butler : The Poor Boy's Christmas
• Ellis Parker Butler : The Hunter
• Ellis Parker Butler : The Golf Walk
• Ellis Parker Butler : The Final Tax