Imperative

Undisturbed, and stubbornly repeating

The most atrocious arguments you know,

Beaten, without the quick quiver of beating,

Eagerly repeating,

Get up now and go.

I hate to see you sillied by a vision

More sure than yours, more flashing in attack.

I offer as armor against sharp derision

Deliberate decision,

And the broad calm of your departing back.