Love's Strategems

I've had a thing for the poet Donald Justice ever since I read The Hotel New Hampshire back when John Irving could still write. One of the reasons I like Justice so well is (was -- he died last year) his ability to speak volumes in just a few words.

So, in honor of the month and other events, I offer you a sample of Mr. Justice's work.

Love's Strategems

But these maneuverings to avoid

The touching of hands,

These shifts to keep the eyes employed

On objects more or less neutral

(As honor, for time being, commands)

Will hardly prevent their downfall.

Stronger medicines are needed.

Already they find

None of their strategems have succeeded,

Nor would have, no,

Not had their eyes been stricken blind,

Hands cut off at the elbow.