True, I’m only half in earnest—I touch the cool, wet brim—

He’d laugh if he could see me—

I’m glad he doesn’t see me,

As alone with my queer gladness,

I stoop to drink—to him.

Edna Wahlert McCourt

LOVE ME AT LAST

Love me at last, or if you will not,

Leave me;

Hard words could never, as these half-words,