Flowers－Well－if anybody 1
Can the ecstasy define－
Half a transport－half a trouble－
With which flowers humble men:
Anybody find the fountain
From which floods so contra flow－
I will give him all the Daisies
Which upon the hillside blow.
Too much pathos in their faces 9
For a simple breast like mine－
Butterflies from St. Domingo
Cruising round the purple line－
Have a system of aesthetics－
Far superior to mine.
Can the ecstasy define－
Half a transport－half a trouble－
With which flowers humble men:
Anybody find the fountain
From which floods so contra flow－
I will give him all the Daisies
Which upon the hillside blow.
Too much pathos in their faces 9
For a simple breast like mine－
Butterflies from St. Domingo
Cruising round the purple line－
Have a system of aesthetics－
Far superior to mine.
(F.95/J.137)
[1] Flowers:: the menstrual discharge (OED n. 2b).
[5] find:: to perceive, understand.
[6] Contra:: contrary, in opposition; the blood should flow inside the body, not outside.
[9] their:: those who can perceive.
[12] purple:: a) imperial, grand; b) blood-red, a hint on menses. line:: a route, path.
[13] system:: a) a regular method, the migration of butterflies; b) body system, the periodic flow of blood from female generative organs.