DISSENTIENT

So you would fill your jails with likes of me?

But how can you discover What hopes at heart we cherish, such as we,

And whom we seek for lover?

You may forbid what you consider wrong

And threaten me with jail; The laws of church and state are strong

And who's to go my bail.

But if I keep the law that you decree-

Or if I choose to break it, This image of desire is

part of me

Your laws cannot remake it.

W. K. N.

9