Lo—we are working out the curse of Cain,

Who never felt the fire of passion's sway.

Ah—show us crimson in some tragic way

That we may live!—Fate laughed in her disdain.

A thread of scarlet clashed upon mine eyes

Hung for a moment and was swept behind,

And blankly I beheld the hopeless skies

For day by contrast now is grimmest night—

Remembering light as do the newly blind

I pray for death to hide the bitter sight.