To an Unreal Mistress

Dearest unreachable miss, i do not amend my worldly lust
    nor tread the path of prudence for your sake
to bear your silent scoldings with despair
    that ears now deaf to hope's address would me mistake

You feign indifference whether i may come or go
    yet tempt me more, though i can never bind
your flesh to mine by sound or touch or sight
    as living mistresses the feast, not goal i'd find

No, i forswear both kisses loose and fond
the grave lies deep in eyes that seek that bond

mcmlxii (rev. mmi)