Consider What You Want

Consider what you want, but leave aside
All matters of extrusion, harlequins,
Felt, monasteries, plastic garbage bins,
Initials, restless legates, foolish pride,
Reversion to the mean, moonglow, ebb tide,
And sassafras. We've stayed at pleasant inns
And eaten beans from sixteen-year-old tins,
But no one said to us, "Love will provide."

Love won't provide, you know. Stick in the knife,
Love will bake you in aspic, sear your soul,
Sit in your throat just like a lump of coal;
A large pan wielded by your trouble and strife
Extends your worries and shortens your life.
We are small morsels which love swallows whole.