White Houses

Your door is shut against my tightened face,

And I am sharp as steel with discontent;

But I possess the courage and the

To bear my anger proudly and unbent.

The pavement slabs burn loose beneath my feet,

A chafing savage, down the decent street;

And passion rends my vitals as I pass,

Where boldly shines your shuttered door of glass.

Oh,

I must search for wisdom every hour,

Deep in my wrathful bosom sore and raw,

And find in it the superhuman

To hold me to the letter of your law!

Oh,

I must keep my heart

Against the potent poison of your hate.