You look at me with tender eyes, That, had you worn a month ago, Had slain me with divine surprise: -- But now I do not see them glow. I laugh to hear your laughter take A softer thrill, a doubtful tone, -- I know you do it for my sake. You rob the nest whose bird is flown. Not twice a fool, if twice a child! I know you now, and care no more For any lie you may have smiled, Than that starved beggar at your door. He has the remnants of your feast; You offer me your wasted heart! He may enact the welcome guest; I shake the dust off and depart. If you had known a woman's grace And pitied me who died for you, I could not look you in the face, When now you tell me you are "true." True! -- If the fallen seraphs wear A lovelier face of false surprise Than you at my unmoving air, There is no truth this side the skies. But this @3is@1 true, that once I loved. -- You scorned and laughed to see me die; And now you think the heart so proved Beneath your feet again shall lie! I had the pain when you had power; Now mine the power, who reaps the pain? You sowed the wind in that black hour; Receive the whirlwind for your gain! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ASOLANDO: SUMMUM BONUM by ROBERT BROWNING THE FLAMING HEART by RICHARD CRASHAW TALES OF A WAYSIDE INN: THE FIRST DAY: ROBERT OF SICILY by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW THE BIRTHDAY CROWN by WILLIAM ALEXANDER (1824-1911) THE GODODDIN: CONAN by ANEIRIN ROAD AND HILLS by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET |