The Coquette (Wilcox)

by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Alone she sat with her accusing heart,
        That, like a restless comrade frightened sleep,
And every thought that found her, left a dart
        That hurt her so, she could not even weep.

Her heart that once had been a cup well filled
        With love's red wine, save for some drops of gall
She knew was empty; though it had not spilled
        Its sweets for one, but wasted them on all.

She stood upon the grave of her dead truth,
        And saw her soul's bright armor red with rust,
And knew that all the riches of her youth
        Were Dead Sea apples, crumbling into dust.

Love that had turned to bitter, biting scorn,
        Hearthstones despoiled, and homes made desolate,
Made her cry out that she was ever born,
        To loathe her beauty and to curse her fate.