Never Again

An honest wind assails this impotent imposture
decrying never again, never again, never again.

No voice have I for aught save this dull refrain
which like autumn leaves does wither and fade.
This aggrieved heart has surely known its share
and will at last in gentle peace for a time repose.
If ever thou didst love me, pray leave it be.

The honeyed words of fair Venus drip no more
across this dusty corpse, but congeal like blood
clenched tight in a heart that has shivered its last
while she, beauteous she, in mortal state does lie.
If ever thou didst love me, pray leave her be.

Beside her in alabaster pose poor Erato too
reclines, barren, her spring of once immortal
inspiration now desiccated, like promises left
unfulfilled till time ingloriously sweeps them away.
If ever thou didst love me, pray leave them be.

And in their passing rises yet an unheeded voice
pleading never again, never again, never again.