I Have Begrudged the Years

Perhaps the years will get me after all,

Though I have sought to cheat them of their due

By documenting in beauty’s name my soul

And locking out of sight my revenue

Of golden rapture and of sterling tears,

Let others give to Caesar Caesar’s own:

I have begrudged the dictatorial years

The right usurious to tax me to the bone,

Therefore behold me now, a Timon bent

On hoarding each coin of love that should be spent

On you and you, and hushing all display

Of passionate splendour lest I betray

My wealth, lest the sharp years in tithes retrieve

Even the heart not worn upon my sleeve.