Chicago May

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. 13