REST SHALL I NEVER,

Bleeding for rest; Hunted forever;

Pitied, a pestHaunted by feelings And strange desires, That provoke dealings In tempting fires. Passions prevail the Hours of light;

Rest won't avail me Peace in the night, Tortured forever, Love's lonely guest: Rest shall I never, Never to rest.

Heart-ache and error Follows my days, Thoughts of cold terror With me always: My imposition

And time's demands Takes my condition Out of my handsWhat is my gender, What is my sex? Love is not tender; Life is complex. Terrible longing Crushes my heart,

All my thoughts thronging Tear me apart: What am I good for, What is my test? Rest will I no more, Nevermore rest.

Great is my longing, Far is my search: What am I wronging? Whom shall I smirch By my desiring

Sweetness of love? Love is inspiring All things above.

Names without reason, Hollow and crude; Life is a season Flaming and lewdAll the green hours. And yellow days Quiver like flowers Seeking always Lovely things after, Cherished and blestAnguish in laughter, Languish in rest.

So quick the days, So long the nights; So queer the ways Of my delights: So wild the wave, So high the crest; So near the grave, So far off rest.

Rest will I ever, Ever to rest? Still as the clever Poets of zest, Taking life's pastime Quietly in-

Love for no last time; Joy no first sin?

No longer haunted By my sweet viceCared for and wanted, Cozy and nice;

Happy forever, Feeling my best Always? But never,

Oh, shall I rest.

DEL

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