Vain Woman

You distorted the pattern I had composed
From the certainties of Earth
And left me worse off than any mad-man.

I could have reached the gate of Paradise
Quietly as any five-eight arrives
And taken whatever seat was offered me.

You would not have me walk the common road
Of children and prayer and what I most loved
But led me the intenser dance of pain
O woman vain
'Twas always so…

I know why Cleopatra is in Hell
With Eve and Queen Elizabeth & Co.

§ Marked: ’34 Unpub’.