The old moon is tarnished br With smoke of the flood, br The dead leaves are varnished br With colour like blood. br br A treacherous smiler br With teeth white as milk, br A savage beguiler br In sheathings of silk br br The sea creeps to pillage, br She leaps on her prey; br A child of the village br Was murdered today. br br She came up to meet him br In a smooth golden cloak, br She choked him and beat him br to death, for a joke. br br Her bright locks were tangled, br She shouted for joy br With one hand she strangled br A strong little boy. br br Now in silence she lingers br Beside him all night br To wash her long fingers br In silvery light.