Classic Poem

Why deck yourself with such unholy art
When none of all this beauty is for me?
I have two eyes; also, a living heart
That takes some impress from the things I see.
Wherefore, I say, this cruelty tonight? —
When you came forth in low-cut sweeping dress,
With flaming lips, pale shoulders, eyes alight, —
A cry of youth, a lamp of loveliness!
O what an evil in you has its nest
That my poor writhings should assuage your will!
A serpent coils within your warm white breast
And sucks the nectar of this flower of ill.
Yet ... when I come, meet me, as thus tonight, —
With flaming lips, pale shoulders, eyes alight!