Hester Prynne

The whiteness of her virtue
Bleeds red with scarlet sin;
Her crimson cheeks alert you
To guilt concealed within.

Like sapphires set in ivory,
Or roses wet with snow,
Once-pallid flesh turns fiery:
Her shame for all to know.
10-21-92

Upon Reading of Lovecraft s Death

Sauk City, 1937

Thank Hastur, August Derleth paused
Upon the railroad bridge, and caused
His grief to turn itself around,
Till firm resolve made his heart pound.
A friend’s death, a friend’s book!
And never once a backward look
With each sure step that giant took.
04-02-79