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Thomas Cole's poetry

the collected poems of America's foremost painter of the Hudson River School reflecting his feelings for nature and the romantic spirit of the Nineteenth Century

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196

[99. How changeful is the cloud that flits along]

How changeful is the cloud that flits along
From darkling crag to crag, to it belong
Nor fixedness nor rest, ever it moves
As vainly seeking some bright thing which loves—
Thus 'tis with one whose longing bosom beats
Lured on by beauty, but who never meets
The love-glance answering from a modest eye—
No murmuring assent and no responding sigh;
And finds with anguish none can love him well
Though in his bosom love would fainly dwell—