The Poet and the Woman

A Study in Memories

The poet speaks.
That night beneath a waning moon a pallid pool
Slumbered in lotus-burdened beauty, crystal cool.
Do you remember . .

The woman answers.
I remember that at first your lips were cool
But warmed to the ardent flame of mine, there by the pool.

The poet speaks.
Clusters of stars were mirrored there like jewels of light
And pale moonflowers mocked the moon with perfumed white.
Do you remember...

The woman answets.
I remember two hot stars blazed in your eyes.
The fragrance of your flesh was sweeter than a flower could devise.

The poet speaks.
All through the swooning night a lonely night-in-gale
Sang the mad rapture of its heartbreak ’til the moon grew pale.
Do you remember ...

The woman answers.
I remember that the silent singing of my heart
Held thrice more poignant sorrow than a bird’s song could impart.