You distorted the pattern I had composed

From the certainties of Earth

And left me worse off than any mad-man.

I could have reached the gate of Paradise

Quietly as any five-eight arrives

And taken whatever seat was offered me.

You would not have me walk the comon road

Of children and prayer and what I most loved,

But led me the intenser dance of pain

O woman vain

’Twas always so …

I know why Cleopatra is in Hell

With Eve and Queen Elizabeth and Co.