Ripe

Beneath these ferns I started my decay;
I closed my teeth and drank the gushing fruit.
I sought the secret men. I chose to pay.

Behind the banks I found their secret way,
My home, my name, my loves lost in pursuit.
Beneath these ferns I started my decay.

That first sweet suckle sent my mind astray,
Its twisting ecstasy so absolute.
I sought the secret men. I chose to pay.

Exquisitely, my flesh has burnt away;
My hair is moon-light white from tip to root.
Beneath these ferns I started my decay.

No sister's love will hold the dawn at bay,
The fires of the fruit are resolute.
I sought the secret men. I chose to pay.

I am not sad to see the rising day -
Upon the breeze! I hear the goblin flute.
Beneath these ferns I started my decay;
I sought the secret men. I chose to pay.