Your lips upon some foggy glass,

and a hand in wave for me did pray,

was the last time I ever saw, upon that damned train.

Your love like dew upon the grass,

gone in the light of day.

A thousand miles between to put to the test,

a heartpained ache for the absence in store,

never thought you’d turn away, my legs in ball and chain.

Once you said, “I love you the best!”

Now it’s time to “Think of me no more.”

I spent my years and paid my dues,

the mem’ of your touch to me a tunnel’s light,

to this my one day’s return, my neck to see I did strain.

Never knew your love was one to lose,

so sorry to have lost without a fight.

The years I gave were meant for us,

stolen by folly when I stole that porter’s cup,

that time cast behind forever gone, to make this unspeakable pain.

How quick, I wonder, did you marry thus?

How quick, for yarded two-story and a newborn pup?

Beneath the twinkle starlight of heaven’s blue nightfruit,

upon a claydust humid overlook I see

a feather bed in a quiet house wherein to watch the moon wax and wane.

Therein you lie, by and by, you who gave the boot,

Beside he, side by side, he who washed your thoughts of me.

A pistol near, my dearest dear,

and you and him do sleep.

Heartbeats of the second-best love in slumber under the soon-to-be-slain.

I’ll take your love with your fear,

and I shall lay us low and deep.