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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A CLOSE-UP by RUSTICUS [PSEUD.]

First Line: A GESTURE FROM THE LAW: THE LIMOUSINE
Last Line: "CRIME-STAINED, INSOUCIANT, HE SMILED, AND PASSED"

A gesture from the Law: the limousine
Paused with the traffic, purring for a space
In hot impatience. Ah, I knew that face,
Those beetling brows, those features, clean-cut, lean,
That black moustache, that hawk-like nose atween
Dark, shifty eyes, the poise of Southern race,
Concealing, with a cloak of easy grace,
All that is vile and villainous and mean!
'Twas he! I knew him, miscreant who hoards
Bonds, heiresses, false currency, and wills,
Who blights a Woman's Love -- to give us thrills --
The friend of cut-throats and the guest of lords!
Aristocratic, fascinating, fast,
Crime-stained, insouciant, he smiled, and passed.



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