I think of thee!--my thoughts do twine and bud br About thee,as wild vines, about a tree, br Put out broad leaves, and soon there's nought to see br Except the straggling green which hides the wood. br Yet, O my palm-tree, be it understood br I will not have my thoughts instead of thee br Who art dearer, better! Rather, instantly br Renew thy presence; as a strong tree should, br Rustle thy boughs and set thy trunk all bare, br And let these bands of greenery which insphere thee br Drop heavily down,--burst, shattered, everywhere! br Because, in this deep joy to see and hear thee br And breathe within thy shadow a new air, br I do not think of thee--I am too near thee.