Three Little Strophes Poem by David Stern

Don't sin by saying I've hurt thee or that I still do
For I withdrew from thee for six thousand miles
And buried my tears in the ocean depths
From which there will be pearls new...!

And don't think how in the world they taught thee
Festive-worshippers of festive-affections
Don't say the earthly goals are just vanity
And live for once!

And think when they start talking of me
That he is a tomb only, which cloaks the dead
But tell them... that my star was desperate
And fare thee well...