With No Ring

 

With No Ring

People pass with averted eyes--
For I'm the sort their creeds despise.

No one believes I'd send you away.

Everyone thinks I begged you to stay.

The nicest women pass me by.

With questioning brows they wonder, "Why?"

They hold their skirts aside with care

Though the walk is broad with room to spare.

For a lady must wear a wedding ring:

A woman who can't is a leprous thing!

Why did you leave me alone like this?

An outcast because I loved your kiss.

CLARE HARNER.

As published in Eros (Henry Harrison, 1939), edited by Lucia Trent.