Oh, I have waited long for you, my sweet,
In these cold dungeons far from light or day;
And wondered if your eyes were blue or gray,
And how your face would look, my face to meet.
Yet his stern vengeance cannot be complete.
Who holds me here as pris'ner in his sway;
And, as a panther lurks about his prey.
Lurks he about us now, with noiseless feet.
Oh, kiss me once upon the lips, and bow
The solemn beauty of your face to mine;
Laugh as you laughed of old; but why turn pale,
And why does such sweet, rising music fail?
Ah, he hath fill'd the cup to overflow,
And I must drink your tears for my last wine.
I am busy working to bring Philip Bourke Marston's "In Bondage" to life through some unique musical arrangements and will have a full analysis of the poem here for you later.
In the meantime, I invite you to explore the poem's themes, structure, and meaning. You can also check out the gallery for other musical arrangements or learn more about Philip Bourke Marston's life and contributions to literature.
Check back soon to experience how "In Bondage" transforms when verse meets melody—a unique journey that makes poetry accessible, engaging, and profoundly moving in new ways.