Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, LA COQUETTE, by ROSE TERRY COOKE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

LA COQUETTE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: You look at me with tender eyes
Last Line: Receive the whirlwind for your gain!
Subject(s): Flirtation; Hearts; Love; Pain; Suffering; Misery


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 is 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!





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