In the engulfing tempest rain,
No honest question I would deign.
Why dampness left another stain
Upon the rust of heavy chains?
For my heart was already slain
Confronting indifference's reign
Alongside the petty and the vane.
For this love had already lain
With the ugly and the insane.
My passion had been drained,
With my back against the cane.
The injuries made me strain.
I hobbled just to remain.
Repetition had beat the same
Until the scars became plain:
You will never love again.
You cannot wash away the pain.