I Feel a Feeling Never Felt
With apologies to "I taste a liquor never brewed" by Emily Dickinson.
I feel a feeling never felt—
From any wayward Muse—
Not all the Lovers in the world
Could furnish such a bruise!
Inebriate of crookedness—
Through endless, wintry days—
Alarming honest citizens—
My purple stain ablaze—
When anger turns another's fists
And throws me out of doors—
I shall maintain my righteousness—
I shall but feel the more!
Till I am here to say no more—
Of Dignity and Truth—
Come, see the Poet take a punch
A privilege of— Youth!