ROSA DECIDUA 
135 
 
Were too like heaven—and heaven’s somehow to earn 
No doubt—no way that I know !  Hell’s enough 
If hell would only burn 
And silence the one devil-word of love. 
 
Ay !  death slinks off. 
I have a child that claims my life 
To keep from knowledge of her mother’s fate, 
To keep from heritage thereof, 
To shield from the world’s scoff, 
To watch, stamp out the seeds of madness in her. 
God !  that hast held me back from hate, 
Be merciful to me a sinner 
And ward me, warding her !  As it is written :   
Excepting Adonai build the house, they labour 
In vain that build it.  And Again : 
Excepting Adonai keep the city, 
The watchman watcheth but in vain. 
God, if there be a God, be Thou my Neighbour ;   
And if that God have pity, have Thou pity !   
For never man was smitten as I am smitten ;   
Nor from Time’s yesterday to Time’s to-morrow 
Was there a sorrow like unto this sorrow !   
How many hours was Christ upon the cross ?   
How many days in hell ?  But I have hung 
From the day of infinite loss 
Watching her degradation into dung 
Three years. 
Three years !   
And now who asks me to shed tears ?