Shower me with diamonds mined with tears,
bathe me in the ocean's stolen pearls,
let me travel laughing where day shines with evening's fears,
and have me step in lady's fashion among the naked girls,
and tell my secret by silence bold,
that gravestones lay beneath the glittering gold.
Across the crowded hall I moved in dance,
finding by each sway and slide I was far from where I began,
until my muse had drawn me mesmerized by what I thought was chance,
and wondered why from him others crying ever ran.
Now within the old world walls I live a luxurious trap,
owned by excess of desire, servant to a multiplying rack of foreign shoes;
but though I'm bound by layers of priceless costume wrap,
my spirit remains enriched by hope no matter what my body must yet lose.
I will be free of decadence and plenty's sorrow,
I will in time trade these gems for treasures of the heart,
no longer will I joy from vanity borrow,
but lasting love discover true in contentment's honest art.
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