THE PRICE

We are so tired of merely being human,

Loving or loved, the sweet imperfect woman.

Masters, you know not what your lips have missed,

On the rose mouths you keep but to be kissed.

We are Astarte, we are Lilith, we

Know the blue veils which you have named the sea

Cover the eyes of Isis; that the sky

Is the white body of Neith, arched so on high.

Ours is a secret language, when we smile,

Dreams are denied at birth, all to beguile

Your earthy substance. Ah, at what fell cost

We pay you, so our heritage is lost.