"Lament" I have been faithful To you, my language, Language of my dreams, My sex, my laughter, my curses. How often have I Stumbled, catching you Short when you should be Free, snagging on curves, Till fools have called me Fool. How often have you Betrayed me, faithless! Disowned me -- a woman You could never marry, Whom you have tired Of long ago. I have been faithful Only to you, My language. I choose you Before country, Before what eyes see, Mouth, full hearted, taste. I choose you before Lover and husband, Yes, if need be, Before child in arms, Before history and all It makes, belonging, Rest in the soil, Although everyone knows You are not mine. They wink knowingly At my stupidity -- I, stranger, foreigner, Claiming rights to What I have no right -- Sacrifice, tongue Broken by fear.