Leonora Speyer

From “Reflections”

(I sing with myself)

OUT of my sorrow

I’ll build a stair,

And every tomorrow

Will climb to me there;

With ashes of yesterday

In its hair.

My fortune is made

Of a stab in the side,

My debts are paid

In pennies of pride:

Little red coins

In a heart I hide.

The stones that I eat

Are ripe for my needs;

My cup is complete

With the dregs of deeds.

Clear are the notes

Of my broken reeds.

I carry my pack

Of aches and stings,

Light with the lack

Of all good things;

But not on my back,

Because of my wings!