Harriet Monroe, ed. (1860–1936). The New Poetry: An Anthology. 1917.
DilemmaJohn V. A. Weaver
G
And shiny, like the street-lights do at night
When rain is on the sidewalk. They’s a somethin’
About the way her whole face has that light
“I believe in you! Oh, I believe in you!”
That face like a little flower, starin’ at me—
It scares me! What should I do? What can I do?
I ain’t no fine guy, and I tell her so;
She keeps on thinkin’ I’m just kiddin’ her
And answers back, “You can’t fool me! I know!”
Has got to smash all up some awful day
When she finds out the way that I am really….
It’ll hurt her so … I ought to get away
Before that dream and all that sweetness dies….
But can I do it? Can I do without her?
Can I stand not seein’ that lovin’ in her eyes?