Harriet Monroe, ed. (1860–1936). The New Poetry: An Anthology. 1917.
In the OrchardMuriel Stuart
I
No, it was only fun.
Well, the harvest moon
Was shining and queer in your hair, and it turned my head.
That made you?
Yes.
Just the moon and the light it made
Under the tree?
Well, your mouth too.
Yes, my mouth?
You shouldn’t have danced like that.
Like what?
So close,
With your head turned up, and the flower in your hair, a rose
That smelt all warm.
I loved you. I thought you knew
I wouldn’t have danced like that with any but you.
Well, it’s done.
Yes, it’s done.
I’ve seen boys stone a blackbird, and watched them drown
A kitten … it clawed at the reeds, and they pushed it down
Into the pool while it screamed. Is that fun, too?
Yes, I know.
But you, so lovely and strong! Not you! Not you!
They don’t understand it’s cruel. It’s only a game.
No, still in a way it’s the same.
It’s queer and lovely to have a girl …
Go on.
And you laugh and kiss her, and maybe you give her a ring;
But it’s only in fun.
But I gave you everything.
When a girl does that.
Yes, he talks of her over his drinks
And calls her a—
Stop that, now—I thought you knew.
I thought you were like the rest. Well, what’s to be done?
Is it all right?
Yes.
Sure?
Yes, but why?
I don’t know—I thought you were going to cry—
You said you had something to tell me.
Yes, I know.
It wasn’t anything really … I think I’ll go.
Fell on my hand in the dark. I’ll see you again
At the dance next week. You’re sure that everything’s right?
Well, I’ll be going.
Kiss me …
Good night.
Good night.