The Kitten and Falling Leaves

EE the kitten on the wall,that fall, Withered leaves-one-two-and threeFrom the lofty elder tree! Through the calm and frosty air Of this morning bright and fair, Eddying round and round they sink Softly, slowly: one might think, WHAT THE WIND BRINGS From the motions that are made, Every little leaf conveyed Sylph or fairy hither tending- To this lower world descending, Each invisible and mute, In his wavering parachute. But the kitten, how she starts ! Crouches, stretches, paws and darts! First at one, and then its fellow, Just as light and just as yellow ; There are many now-now oneNow they stop and there are none. What intenseness of desire In her upward eye of fire! With a tiger-leap, half-way Now she meets the coming prey; Lets it go as fast, and then Has it in her power again: Now she works with three or four, Like an Indian conjuror; Quick as he in feats of art, Far beyond in joy of heart.