Dome of Many-Coloured Glass — The Starling

The Starling "'I can't get out', said the starling."

Sterne's 'Sentimental Journey'.

Forever the impenetrable wall Of self confines my poor rebellious soul, I never see the towering white clouds roll Before a sturdy wind, save through the small Barred window of my jail.

I live a thrall With all my outer life a clipped, square hole, Rectangular; a fraction of a scroll Unwound and winding like a worsted ball.

My thoughts are grown uneager and depressed Through being always mine, my fancy's wings Are moulted and the feathers blown away.

I weary for desires never guessed, For alien passions, strange imaginings, To be some other person for a day.