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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE KLEPTOMANIAC by LEONORA SPEYER

First Line: SHE STOLE HIS EYES BECAUSE THEY SHONE
Last Line: SHE DID NOT WANT IT . . . BUT SHE STOLE.
Subject(s): KLEPTOMANIA;

She stole his eyes because they shone,
Stole the good things they looked upon;
-- They were no brighter than her own. --

She stole his mouth -- her own was fair --
She stole his words, his songs, his prayer;
His kisses too, since they were there.

She stole the journeys of his heart,
-- Her own, their very counterpart --
His seas, his sails, his course, his chart.

She stole his strength so fierce and true,
-- Perhaps for something brave to do --
Wept at his weakness, stole that too.

But she was caught one early morn!
She stood red-handed and forlorn,
And stole his anger and his scorn.

Upon his breast she laid her head,
Refusing to be comforted;
"Unkind! Unkind!" was what she said;

Denied she stole; confessed she did;
Glad of such plunder to be rid;
-- Clutching the place where it was hid. --

As he forgave, she snatched his soul;
She did not want it . . . but she stole.



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