Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


DELUSIVE DESIRE by OPAL COTTON

First Line: THE NIGHT-DAMP AIR STRIKES DEEP TO WEARY BONE
Last Line: WHO SET THEIR FEET TO CLIMB A MOUNTAIN WALL.

The night-damp air strikes deep to weary bone
While moonlight coldly shapes the mountainside,
And through clenched teeth cramped muscles force a groan.
I would go back to warmer ways and tried:
Descend to shrilling talk and smoke-filled rooms;
Would warm these veins with bubbling purple wine,
And calm this brain with its be-musing fumes,
Relax and rest, content such ways were mine.
I will return again to tinsel nights
And spun-glass laughter of a careless eve --
Ten-cent-store baubles flashing colored lights,
Bewitching stranger-eyes with make-believe!

This vertigo is one which preys on all
Who set their feet to climb a mountain wall.



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