Words for the Chisel (collection)/Song for Unbound Hair
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Song for Unbound Hair
Oh, never marry Ishmael!
Marry another and prosper well;
But not, but never Ishmael . . .
Marry another and prosper well;
But not, but never Ishmael . . .
What has he ever to buy or sell?
He only owns what his strength can keep,
Only a vanishing knot of sheep,
A goat or two. Does he sow or reap?
In the hanging rocks rings his old ram's bell—
Who would marry Ishmael!
He only owns what his strength can keep,
Only a vanishing knot of sheep,
A goat or two. Does he sow or reap?
In the hanging rocks rings his old ram's bell—
Who would marry Ishmael!
What has he to give to a bride?
Only trouble, little beside,
Only his arm like a little cave
To cover a woman and keep her safe;
A rough fierce kiss, and the wind and the rain,
A child, perhaps, and another again—
Who would marry Ishmael?
Only trouble, little beside,
Only his arm like a little cave
To cover a woman and keep her safe;
A rough fierce kiss, and the wind and the rain,
A child, perhaps, and another again—
Who would marry Ishmael?
The arrogant Lucifer when he fell
Bequeathed his wrath to Ishmael;
The hand of every man is set
Against this lad, and this lad's hand
Is cruel and quick,—forget, forget
The nomad boy on his leagues of sand. . . .
Bequeathed his wrath to Ishmael;
The hand of every man is set
Against this lad, and this lad's hand
Is cruel and quick,—forget, forget
The nomad boy on his leagues of sand. . . .
Marry another and prosper well,
But not, but never Ishmael.
But not, but never Ishmael.