Lady Weeping At The Crossroads

"Lady Weeping at the Crossroads" 
  by WH Auden 

  Lady, weepinng at the crossroads, 
  Would you meet your love 
  In twilight with his greyhounds, 
  And the hawk upon his glove? 

  Bribe the bird then on the branches, 
  Bribe them to be dumb, 
  Stare the hot sun out of heaven 
  That the night may come. 

  Starless are the nights of travel, 
  Bleak the winter wind; 
  Run with terror all before you 
  And regret behind. 

  Run until you hear the ocean's 
  Everlasting cry; 
  Deep though it may be and bitter 
  You must drink it dry, 

  Wear out patience in the lowest 
  Dungeons of the sea, 
  Searching through the stranded shipwrecks 
  For the golden key, 

  Push on to the world's end, pay the 
  Dread guard with a kiss 
  Cross the rotten bridge that totters 
  Over the abyss. 

  There stands the deserted castle 
  Ready to explore; 
  Enter, climb the marble staircase, 
  Open the locked door. 

  Cross the silent empty ballroom 
  Doubt and anger past; 
  Blow the cobwebs from the mirror, 
  See yourself at last. 

  Put your hand behind the wainscot, 
  You have done your part; 
  Find the penknife there and plunge it 
  Into your false heart.