The Devil's Cut Poem by James McLain

When I was young
I asked,
And was told by a women
to inhale this sweet smell at the bottom
of the hill
near the front of the white dover cliff.

Traditional beauty has said
that I would be attracted to her.
The first time out in the dark
lightning the bright light it flashed.
Growing numb it was then
I passed out.

I could not tell up from down.
The men back from the sea
eating fresh tuna fish.
There is no greater fragrance
than the salty blue waves.
Each woman's beauty
when seen by me is.
No smile fills the air better
than hers.
I was told by an old man
young once he like me.