You've seen Balloons set—Haven't You?

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" —