Classic Poem

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.