Harriet Monroe, ed. (1860–1936). The New Poetry: An Anthology. 1917.

Parasite

GOOD woman:

Don’t love the man.

Love yourself,

As you have done so exquisitely before.

Like that tortoise-shell cat of yours

Washing away the flies; or are they fleas?

You’ve hurt him again?

Good!

Do it often.

No—

He’ll love you the more—

Always.

Remember how he forgave you the last time,

And how he loved you in the forgiving.

Give him an adventure in godhood

And the higher moralities.

Hurt him again.

Fine!