I THOUGHT you loved me.

In the Orchard

photo: http://www.stuartallen.info

I THOUGHT you loved me.

No, it was only fun.

When we stood there, closer than all?

Well, the harvest moon

Was shining and queer in your hair, and it turned my head.

That made you?

Yes.

Just the moon and the light it made

Under the tree?

Well, your mouth too.

Yes, my mouth?

And the quiet there that sang like the drum in the booth.

You shouldn't have danced like that.

Like what?

So close,

With your head turned up, and the flower in your hair, a rose

That smelt all warm.

I loved you. I thought you knew

I wouldn't have danced like that with any but you.

I didn't know. I thought you knew it was fun.

I thought it was love you meant.

Well, it's done.

Yes, it's done.

I've seen boys stone a blackbird, and watched them drown

A kitten -- it clawed at the reeds, and they pushed it down

Into the pool while it screamed. Is that fun, too?

Well, boys are like that -- Your brothers --

Yes, I know.

But you, so lovely and strong! Not you! Not You!

Muriel Stuart