Jesting At Scars

	"Why the devil came you between us?
	I was hurt under your arm."
                          - Mercutio

	"I thought all for the best."
                          - Romeo

                          WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE,
                          'Romeo and Juliet'


I never thought to die for you, my lord,
Though, God be my witness,
I lived for thy good word.

When the poets speak of love,
Of Romeo, of Juliet -
I protest, my lord.
Of Juliet and I, I loved thee best.

You heard it not; I spoke as in jest -
Conceal'd my heart.

Romeo, Romeo - I was hurt under your arm.
I never thought to die for you.


January 6, 1997
© Lela Kaunitz