White Stains

44 A JEALOUS LOVER For I am alone, unloved, in murk and gloom, Unloved, unfriended, fittest for the tomb, Who worshipped golden feet and found them clay. 4 She creeps alive upon the tawny sands, False glittering woman, girt about with lies ! She steals toward me, the tigress sleek and fierce ! Destroying devil, with long sinuous hands And hate triumphant in blue-murderous eyes ! I nerve myself to spring upon and pierce With maddening fangs those firm white bosom towers, To tear those lithe voluptuous limbs apart And glut my ravening soul with vengeance. Heart Quickens as she draws near ; the scent of flowers Breathes round her damnéd presence. Shall she live To triumph with those tainted lips of song— She whispered “ Dearest, I have kept thee long ” I flung myself before her, “ Love, forgive ! ”