Second Love

"So surely is she mine," you say, and turn

Your quick and steady mind to harder things

To bills and bonds and talk of what men earn

And whistle up the stair, of evenings

And do you see a dream behind my eyes

Or ask a simple question twice of me

"Thus women are," you say; for men are wise

And tolerant, in their security



How shall I count the midnights I have known

When calm you turn to me, nor feel me start

To find my easy lips upon your own

And know my breast beneath your rhythmic heart

Your god defer the day I tell you this

My lad, my lad, it is not you I kiss!