The Mad, Sad Dance

12 Replies

The below is dedicated to the poet Ernest Christopher Dowson, who sought solace in the arms of the world’s oldest profession, and died young, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Dowson.

—

Can the kiss, paid for
From a whore
Be sweet?
Can the feet
Of a girl
That whirl
In a sad
Mad dance
Of pseudo romance
Forever seeking the main chance,
Bring real joy
To the man who refuses to leave
The boy
Behind?

I grieve
For the man who refuses to leave
The boy behind.
Yet, if he where strong
In his mind
He would abandon the long
Hours
Spent
In gathering flowers
He will never possess,
Repent,
And seek the caress
Of a true lover,
Or the consolation of poetry.

12 thoughts on “The Mad, Sad Dance”

    1. K Morris Poet's avatarK Morris Poet Post author

      Thank you, Gabriela. Dowson is one of my favourite poets. I can quote by heart his “They are not long the weeping and the laughter”, but in penning this particular poem I had Cynara in mind. It is, in my opinion a pity that Dowson’s work is not better known than it is. Best wishes, Kevin

      Reply ↓
    2. K Morris Poet's avatarK Morris Poet Post author

      Thank you, Gabriela. Its always a pleasure to find a fellow lover of Dowson’s work. I’ve also read some of his stories and plays, but prefer his verse. You too, enjoy the rest of your Friday. Kevin

      Reply ↓

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