Party Trick

What long dread phantom

Of lost ways

Could trip your cause

To weep your want

When I have sought

Un-numbered days

For all that you

In conscience lent.

 

No slight despair

Could wake your need

Before I tressed

Your loss in dream,

And no cold comfort

Bought your creed,

And no pretence

Your essence gleaned.

 

For you lent ravage

To your grace

By cutting men

With every quick,

You veiled each aspect

To my trace,

And laid in waste

My party trick.

 

David Lewis Paget