Tumult of

Oh! what name is it? What temper is this
That tremors the bridge of my torrid spine?
'Tis not green as the religious mantis
But the same covetous lustre does shine.
What lingers 'neath this terrible torso?
What horror masticates the jealous veins?
It plagues me! I tell you, sweet Calypso;
Love's miser at the base of my mind reins.
What violence burns at the grasp of my touch?
What wile leash keeps the deterrent enticed?
What bruised tender knows the strength of my clutch
Through vastitude ... then slips again, sufficed?
And what pinions and limbs should I resign
To embrace yours?—as spires and stalks entwine.

Dale Chou
2006-01-01