Lizzie
Strip by strip, Christina Rossetti is pasting Pieces of paper over the most arresting lines Of the poet Swinburne. Soon she will start To investigate the respectful, formal Applications of the many composers Who wish to set her poems to music, To make sure they are normal.
Engraving is different and Gabriel is her brother.
There they lie, just as she said, The two girls who went down to goblin market, Golden head to golden head, But also goitrous throat to goitrous throat And a large hand fondling a large shoulder.
A bright porthole reveals the goblins, Bounding downhill, fat, comical, childish.
Wicked men should look older.
How old did the snake look in the Garden of Eden When he pressed sensuous fruit on the first girl? Down in the glen when light was shrinking And the dew swelling, there was no question about it: Laura was tempted and ate, juicily.
Critics have said the fluids were religious heresies. Somehow I doubt it.
The good sister, who fought cool as snow against goblin passion, Christina Rossetti called Lizzie. It was the name Of Gabriel's long-time mistress Who had been very faithful to him after her fashion.
Patricia Beer
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