I wonder why I don't begin! I see
That I have still not...damnit!...yet begun.
To what end tarry I? Confirmation
I do exist? The proof! Here's rivalry!
Unwelcome as I've felt this body be,
Betimes, I wonder how 'tis I, the one
Who's dar'd to roll in competition
These dice of Virtue and ability.
Doth shameless declaration merit make?
What's promis'd first, deliver'd later, earn
Meeds prudent truths would too soon obviate?
I know not, now. To say I know, doth break
Self naked 'gainst what I may fail to learn.
Honor's a thing like Love: barter'd with Fate.
Retrieved
Extract my ammunition from my wound.
For valor dig, try to remember, and
On failing that, invent. I understand
The thing retrieved, found again. I found...
O my America! Discovery!...
My happiness on present pleasure still
Contingent on exertion of my will
For its own continence and constancy.
A faithful hound my fetch familiar is
In this: he'll tree illusions elusive
Ere they may skip, the most just as he lest...
Not for my sake. Nor will I none of his,
Save such illusions my own skill can give
Shots thrown with balls pulled from my own breast.
Precipitation
Advance my folly's payment, red-rimm'd eyes;
Precipitate sweet April's cruelties.
Made we our sun to fly thus through the trees
That bow, heavy with blooms, as I with sighs?
Am I so fond? Come, Sorrow, make me wise!
Pain, I invite thy flood where once was ease,
Suffer in blood diluted by degrees
A loss I claim, precocious, as a prize.
I would weep now, not then. If all be giv'n
Before, no hope will tarry, time extend.
Tender'd, refus'd, and cut, the flow'ry limb
Doth sap and heal it o'er as soon as riv'n:
A fair and shining face I'd show my friend,
Th'appointed hour I bid farewell to him.
Rosamunde del Shore A.S. XXXII