Parting Gift
I cannot give you the Metropolitan Tower; I cannot give you heaven; Nor the nine Visigoth crowns in the Cluny Museum; Nor happiness, even. But I can give you a very small purse Made out of field-mouse skin, With a painted picture of the universe And seven blue tears therein. I cannot give you the Island of Capri; I cannot give you beauty; Nor bake you marvellous crusty cherry pies With love and duty. But I can give you a very little locket Made out of wildcat hide: Put it in your left-hand pocket And never look inside.
Elinor Wylie’s other poems:
