The Poetry Corner

The Monastery Croft.

By Madison Julius Cawein

1 Big-stomached, like friars Who ogle a nun, Quaff deep to their bellies' desires From the old abbey's tun, Grapes fatten with fires Warm-filtered from moon and from sun. 2 As a novice who muses, Lips a rosary tell, While her thoughts are - a love she refuses? Nay! mourns as not well: The ripe apple looses Its holding to rot where it fell.