You’ve seen Balloons set – Haven’t You?
So stately they ascend –
It is as Swans – discarded You,
For Duties Diamond –
Their Liquid Feet go softly out
Upon a Sea of Blonde –
They spurn the Air as ’twere too mean
For Creatures so renowned –
Their Ribbons just beyond the eye –
They struggle – some – for Breath –
And yet the Crowd applaud, below –
They would not encore – Death –
The Gilded Creature strains – and spins –
Trips frantic in a Tree –
Tears open her imperial Veins –
And tumbles in the Sea –
The crowd – retire with an Oath –
The Dust in Streets – go down –
And Clerks in Counting Rooms
Observe – “‘Twas only a Balloon” –
The Bard on the Hill 