SONGS OF A GIRL

I

Perhaps,

God, planting Eden,

Dropped, by mistake, a seed

In Time’s neighbor-plot,

That grew to be

This hour?

II

You and I picked up Life and looked at it curiously;

We did not know whether to keep it for a plaything or not.

It was beautiful to see, like a red firecracker,

And we knew, too, that it was lighted.

We dropped it while the fuse was still burning....

III

I am going to die too, flower, in a little while—

Do not be so proud.

IV

The sun is dying

Alone

On an island

In the bay.

Close your eyes, poppies—

I would not have you see death,

You are so young!

V

The sun falls

Like a drop of blood

From some hero.

We,

Who love pain,

Delight in this.