It Is Not So Strange

It is not so strange -- Do you think? --

that tempted hearts, chronically sought,

would tan with the constant sunlight,

and the soul of another,

neglected by all but father,

and mother, and brother,

would fiercely blush amid starlight.

No, it is not so queer, I think,

that a bronzed soul should be brazen

and steer from timid displays,

for just as the opiate

addicts the pitiful and pained,

a shy love is immaterial

to one aquainted with fame.