Penalty

Because of the fullness of what I had, All that I have seems poor and vain. If I had not been happy, I were not sad-- Tho' my salt is savorless, why complain? From the ripe perfection of what was mine, All that is mine seems worse than naught; Yet I know, as I sit in the dark and pine, No cup can be drained which has not been fraught. From the throb and the thrill of a day that was, The day that now is seems dull with gloom; Yet I bear the dullness and darkness, because 'Tis but the reaction of glow and bloom. From the royal feast that of old was spread I am starved on the diet that now is mine; Yet, I could not turn hungry from water and bread If I had not been sated on fruit and wine.