Poems of Passion — 76 - Penalty

PENALTY.

Because of the fullness of what I had All that I have seems void and vain.

If I had not been happy I were not sad;

Though my salt is savorless, why complain?

From the ripe perfection of what was mine, All that is mine seems worse than naught;

Yet I know as I sit in the dark and pine, No cup could be drained which had not been fraught.

From the throb and thrill of a day that was, The day that now is seems dull with gloom;

Yet I bear its dullness and darkness because 'Tis but the reaction of glow and bloom.

From the royal feast which of old was spread I am starved on the diet which now is mine;

Yet I could not turn hungry from water and bread, If I had not been sated on fruit and wine.