Ebony and Crystal/Satiety

by Clark Ashton Smith

SATIETY

Dear you were as is the tree of BeingTo the happy dead in heaven's bow'rs.****Whence and what, this evil spell that flings meForth from love with loveless eyes unseeing?

Fair you were as nymph or queen of vision—Bosomed like the succubi of dreams.****All your beauty turns to sad, ironicWeariness, and sorrowful derision.

Lo, of what avail our spent caresses,—Kisses that set the summer night aflame?****Mute, enormous languor without cause—What is this my autumn heart confesses?

All your breast was fragrant like the flowersOf the grape on hills toward the south.****Love is acrid now like staling asters,Sodden with the rain of autumn hours.