Soliloquy

"In a June garden, long ago
"Driven by passions I could not comprehend
"In visions I ravaged you
"While we walked, gloved hand in hand."
      But those stone steps have born others.
      Who else has tread them? What father,
      What brother, what son of mine?
"It was a casual, oblivious day I first met you,
"Like a petal on a tree meeting rain.
"Nothing said, nor remembered——
"I cannot so much place it now."
      Have I drunk the living water?
      Water of life unending, have I drunk?
      Did you lead me, deceive me, redeem me?
"I was a peaceful, quite man.
"You called me kind, and you yearned for my return.
"Days I could not sleep, you held me;
"Nights I could not dream, you laid me down."
      Now I am nothing but regret and knowledge.
      I am opened and closed, and my eyes
      Are in my head, but my tears
      Are on the road.