In a Garden

Sky! Why are you so very gay To-day? Dimpled with the clouds at play, Blithe with the sun’s vivacious ray.... Why? Moon! Why do you pursue me so? Are you whispering That youth passes over-soon? Don’t you know I’ve buried you a dozen times Behind tall buildings?—Pagan thing! The very Churches clutch at you With grasping spires To tear you from the sky! Veil with clouds your glittering Unholy gaze!... Virgin?... You are an aged courtesan Leering at lovers!... leave me, leave me, then! If you were not half-blind, you’d see I am alone!... Oh, moon ... stop mocking me! Trees! Murmuring to each passing breeze Ancient mysteries⁠— Flowers, Gossiping with drowsy bees In social, chaste amenities⁠— Don’t you know my heart is breaking? Can’t you sympathize with aching Human misery? Are all your little hours Golden as these? Or ... do you hide Your searching, poignant tragedies, Under the hard, bright smile of pride? I think that I shall also go Laughing, ... not too loudly ... Moving with gracious step and slow, Quietly ... proudly ... And then, perhaps, no one will know My heart has died!