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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TWO LIVES. PART 2: 8 by WILLIAM ELLERY LEONARD

First Line: I FOUND A PAPER ON HER CHIFFONIER
Last Line: OF LOVE WITH LOVE UPON THE PRECIPICE.

I found a paper on her chiffonier --
Manilla wrapping of a scarf or gloves, --
I read in penciling: "He says, my love's
More than my tact . . . a child of fifteen year . . .
He says he wishes I were more like sister. . .
He says he needs" -- and there I saw her stand
In the door, white-plume on head, her shopping in hand,
Smiles on her lips. She came to me . . . I kissed her . . .
She marked . . . Her face fell on my shoulder; so
We clung together. "I'm so sorry, friend,
You found my scrawl." -- "I love you, child." -- "I know." --
"Forgive." -- "'Twas for my good -- and there's an end."
The rest was silence -- the embrace and kiss
Of love with love upon the precipice.



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