You look at me with tender eyes, That, had you worn a month ago, Had slain me with divine surprise: -- But now I do not see them glow. I laugh to hear your laughter take A softer thrill, a doubtful tone, -- I know you do it for my sake. You rob the nest whose bird is flown. Not twice a fool, if twice a child! I know you now, and care no more For any lie you may have smiled, Than that starved beggar at your door. He has the remnants of your feast; You offer me your wasted heart! He may enact the welcome guest; I shake the dust off and depart. If you had known a woman's grace And pitied me who died for you, I could not look you in the face, When now you tell me you are "true." True! -- If the fallen seraphs wear A lovelier face of false surprise Than you at my unmoving air, There is no truth this side the skies. But this @3is@1 true, that once I loved. -- You scorned and laughed to see me die; And now you think the heart so proved Beneath your feet again shall lie! I had the pain when you had power; Now mine the power, who reaps the pain? You sowed the wind in that black hour; Receive the whirlwind for your gain! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE SPARROW by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR THE ROSARY by ROBERT CAMERON ROGERS THE AFFLICTION OF MARGARET by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH JOHN MAYNARD by HORATIO ALGER JR. LOOKING DOWNWARDS by LOUISA SARAH BEVINGTON MEN OF VERDUN by LAURENCE BINYON |