| Dialogue on the Headland... Robert Graves... | |
| SHE: | You'll not forget these rocks and what I told you? |
| HE: | How could I? Never: whatever happens. |
| SHE: |
What do you think might happen? Might you fall out of love?- did you mean that? |
| HE: |
Never, never! "Whatever was a sop. For jealous listeners in the shadows. |
| SHE: |
You haven't answered me. I asked: 'What do you think might happen?' |
| HE: |
Whatever happens: though the skies hould fall Raining their larks and vultures in our laps- |
| SHE: |
'Though the seas turn to slime'- say that- 'Though water-snakes be hatched with six-heads.' |
| HE: |
Though the seas turn to slime, or tower In an arching wave above us, three miles high- |
| SHE: |
'Though she should break with you'.- dare you say that?- 'Though she may deny her words on oath.' |
| HE: |
I had that in mind to say, or nearly; It hurt so much I choked it back. |
| SHE: |
How many other days can't you forget? How many other loves and landscapes? |
| HE: | You are jealous? |
| SHE: | Damnably. |
| HE: | The past is past. |
| SHE: | And this? |
| HE: | Whatever happens, this goes on. |
| SHE: |
Without a future? Sweetheart, tell me now: What do you want of me? I must know that. |
| HE: | Nothing that isn't frely mine already. |
| SHE: | Say what is freely yours and you shall have it. |
| HE: | Nothing that, loving you, I could dare take. |
| SHE: | O, for an answer with no 'nothing' in it! |
| HE: | Then give me everything that's left. |
| SHE: | Left after what? |
| HE: |
After whatever happens: Skies have already fallen, seas are slime, Water snakes poke and peer six-headedly- |
| SHE: | And I lie snugly in the Devil's arms. |
| HE: | I said: 'Whatever happens.' Are you crying? |
| SHE: | You'll not forget me- ever, ever, ever? |
this site owned and maintained by James Dempsey...