Slavery

(To E. A. P.)

Love I am a slave, Yet free as birds above, Sold into bondage By the tender kiss of love.

Lust I am a slave In the rat trap of disgust, Sold into bondage By the lurid kiss of lust.

Hate I am a slave Prisoned by the walls of fate, Sold into bondage By the cruel kiss of hate.

Crime I am a slave Behind the bars of time, Sold into bondage By the leprous kiss of crime.

Death I am a slave No longer in my breath, Given sight of freedom Through the graciousness of death.

Still am I a slave In the hand of destiny, Thought alone enslaved me And thought alone can free.