700

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 t'were 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"