C. H. Sisson
Sumptuary Laws
Still with the hope of being understood,
Of understanding myself
Or understanding someone else,
I engaged in restless action.
It was no good.
First because
It had no issue, secondly because
If it could have had, I would no longer care.
The problems of age are semblant, one thing
Like another, no thing identical,
The things having been seen, the passions
Expended in better times by a better man.
So outwardly and above
We turn, gracious and empty
The old hypocrites, counting the stars,
Loving the children, counting them like money,
Thanking what stars we have that the wrong turnings
Have all been taken, a life of comfort
Assured, as it may be, to the last deception
I could call this life respectable but
I must call it mine, which is worse.
Page(s) 46
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