EVENING SONG

I do not want to be worshipped,

From a distance;

Like some idol carved in wood,

Or stone.

I want to be loved

As every real woman

Wants to be loved!

And so....

Lay aside the book that you are reading from —

What if Leander did swim the Hellespont?

And what if burning Sappho

Did sing?

What do I care for

Launcelot and Elaine,

Or Tristram and Isolt,

Or Aucassin and Nicholette?

Lay aside the book that you are reading from,

And cross the room quickly,

And take my cold hands between your two

Warmer ones....

And here, in the vivid dusk,

We will make our own love songs!