I might have stayed and made pretense
That I was like the rest,
And laughed and drunk and sung their songs
As loudly as the best,
And never have given an answer to,
Not recognized my quest.
Farewell, and onward! Piteous flight
That leaves all friends behind,
That hastes from old familiar scenes
Where love was young and kind.
Oh, petrified Sylvania,
Where shall I others find?
LONELY HEART
Where do you wander far and afield,
Lonely heart? Lonely heart, where is your shield?
Where are your rings and where is your purse?
Love is expensive. It’s cheaper to curse.
Where are your garments? Look at your shoes.
Laughter or sorrow, which did you choose?
Walking the streets, nights that are cold,
Men who are wretched, men who are bold.
Rooms in the shadows, Love me tonight,
Love me and leave me before it grows bright.
Don’t heed the sob of a heartbreak within.
Hold me, and kiss me and teach me to sin!
Into the quicksand, hungry and dark,
Into the grotto, into the park,
Into the depths of the tomb, it is said,
Lovers have cast themselves, living and dead.