ASSUMPTA CANIDIA 
 
Written in Mexico City 
 
WATERS that weep upon the barren shore 
Where some lone mystery of man abides ; 
As if the wailing of forsaken brides, 
Rapt from the kiss of love for evermore, 
Impressed its memory on the desolate 
Sounds at its edge ; on such a strand of tears 
I linger through the long forgetful years, 
My sin for mother, and my woe for mate. 
I am a soul lost utterly—forbear ! 
I am unworthy both of tear and prayer. 
 
The mystic slumber of my sense forlorn 
Stirs only now and then ; some deeper pang 
Reminds despair there is a sharper fang, 
Reminds my night of a tempestuous morn. 
For I am lost and lonely :  in the skies 
I see no hope of any sun or star ; 
On earth there blooms no rose, no nenuphar ; 
No cross is set for hope of sacrifice. 
I cannot sleep, I cannot wake ; and death 
Passes me by with his desirèd breath. 
 
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