A Variation

by James Whitcomb Riley

I am tired of this!
Nothing else but loving!
Nothing else but kiss and kiss,
Coo, and turtle-doving!
Can't you change the order some?
Hate me just a little -- come!

Lay aside your dears,
Darlings, kings, and princes! --
Call me knave, and dry your tears --
Nothing in me winces, --
Call me something low and base --
Something that will suit the case!

Wish I had your eyes
And their drooping lashes!
I would dry their teary lies
Up with lightning-flashes --
Make your sobbing lips unsheathe
All the glitter of your teeth!

Can't you lift one word --
With some pang of laughter --
Louder than the drowsy bird
Crooning 'neath the rafter?
Just one bitter word, to shriek
Madly at me as I speak!

How I hate the fair
Beauty of your forehead!
How I hate your fragrant hair!
How I hate the torrid
Touches of your splendid lips,
And the kiss that drips and drips!

Ah, you pale at last!
And your face is lifted
Like a white sail to the blast,
And your hands are shifted
Into fists: and, towering thus,
You are simply glorious!

Now before me looms
Something more than human;
Something more than beauty blooms
In the wrath of Woman --
Something to bow down before
Reverently and adore.