1. The Kiss Choice
I'd rather have the thought of
I hoped that he you
To hold against my heart,
would love me, My spirit to be taught of you
And he has kissed With west winds blowing,
Than all the warm caresses
my mouth, Of another love's bestowing,
Or all the glories of the world
But I am like a In which you had no part.
stricken bird
I'd rather have the theme of
That cannot reach you
the south. To thread my nights and days,
I'd rather have the dream of
you
For though I know With faint stars glowing,
I'd rather have the alien
he loves me, comfort want of you,
To-night my heart is The rich, elusive taunt of you
Forever and forever and
sad; forever unconfessed
His kiss was not so Than claim the
Of any other's breast.
wonderful
As all the dreams I O lover! O my lover,
That this should come to me!
had. I'd rather have the hope of you,
Ah, Love, I'd rather grope for
you
Within the great abyss
Sara Teasdale Than claim another's kiss-