Villanelle for a Brown-Haired Girl

Villanelle for a Brown-Haired Girl

Now I begin to know you; now I see
As one who comes to sight and knowledge late,
Who was distracted, abstract, cursory.

For each discerning moment came to me
From far-off visions. I was obstinate.
Now I begin to know you; now I see.

Can you forget, forgive my reverie?
The honest mind within will inculpate
The heart distracted, abstract, cursory.

You grow to womanhood, all eyes agree.
Nature contends, contrives; I contemplate.
Now I begin to know you; now I see.

Your brown hair crowns the evening beauty;
Warm air gathers; my senses estivate,
Not now distracted, abstract, cursory.

But daylight changes, charms, alarms, sets free:
I wake from sleep, do not somnambulate.
Now I delight to know you, yes, to see--
I, once distracted, abstract, cursory.