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Today's poem is by Mary Makofske

Viola, to Olivia

Olivia: I would you were as I would have you be.
Viola: Would it be better, madam, than I am? (3.1.142-43)

In Cesario's breeches, I fell in love
with swaggering. Under a cocked hat
my wit came loose, my words made flesh
tremble. I walked dark streets and learned
to laugh aloud. Though you slipped,
supple as a lie, into my brother's bed,
you won't forget the way I wooed.
Sister, it was not in spite of
my soft cheek you loved me.



Copyright © 2005 Mary Makofske All rights reserved
from In a Fine Frenzy - edited by David Starkey and Paul J. Willis
University of Iowa Press
Reprinted by Verse Daily® with permission

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