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A continuing selection of classic and contemporary poems.

Renunciation

Dorothy Parker

Chloe’s hair, no doubt, was brighter;
Lydia’s mouth more sweetly sad;
Hebe’s arms were rather whiter;
Languorous-lidded Helen had

Eyes more blue than e’er the sky was;
Lalage’s was subtler stuff;
Still, you used to think that I was
Fair enough.

Now you’re casting yearning glances
At the pale Penelope;
Cutting in on Claudia’s dances;
Taking Iris out to tea.
Iole you find warm-hearted;
Zoe’s cheek is far from rough—
Don’t you think it’s time we parted? . . .
Fair enough!
Online text © 1998-2008 Poetry X. All rights reserved.
From Enough Rope | Written c. 1925
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