Sisters

Sisters

if i were but a sister of mercy
i’d have no disgrace in this death of bed

if i were but a sister of mercy
i’d have not the regrets of love unsaid

if i were but a sister of mercy
i’d have not the rot of love unwed

if i were but a sister of mercy
all that is outside would not fight its way inside
to burn coals into my carrion heart

if i were but a sister of mercy
i’d not live this perpetual death of the soul and the flesh