CHICAGO MAY
The ache and spasm of this hate is such
That it blots out myself and you; it flows
Impersonal, ecstatic; at the touch
Of language,it is broken up. God knows
How, when He spake the Word, the Absolute
Burst—hence Chicago. Would He had been mute!
No, by the Lord! This hate is a pure joy
Like everything
that’s pure . . . (the great
sow snores/)
That's the catastrophe that breaks the boy!
n in sleep this hoariest of whores
Maintains her reputation. Keep away
‘The breath of scandal from Chicago May!
xiv
T nicknamed you Chicago May because
‘Your husband was a broker in the “Pi
And mother called you Mary; but the clause
Holds yet another attribution. It
Was a thief, prostitute, assassin—ch ?—
Who rots in prison as “ Chicago May.”
Her name I give you, hers! She walked the streets,
And picked the pockets of her men ; blackmailed
‘Them, failing that ; a knife-thrust to complete
Her repertory. That's all. I think she failed
To match your speech and breath : and you could rise
To steal the pennies offa dead man's eyes.
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