Pictures in Rhyme/An Assignation

by Arthur Clark Kennedy

For works with similar titles, see Assignation.

AN ASSIGNATION

A ladder hung snake-like and limp to the breeze;
A figure which steals through the shadow-clad trees,
And sways up the knotted stair;
An open casement which welcomes the air
Of the heavy-browed night; and stranger where
A crescent-cupped light but reveals the gloom
Of four dark corners about the room.

Two steps lead to the lady's bed—
Arras and cloth of red.

Bending to wake her with love's caresses,
He slips one arm 'neath her rich brown tresses,
And whispers words she can never hear,

For her throat is cut from ear to ear.