I thought it was a plum  
depending with the mystery of its gravid stone  
from the tantalus stick  
to whip the yearning up  
but it was not.  
It was the ball, the jester's ball,  
that carnival creature,  
the great trickster  
of manifold gesture.  

Cunning caps;   
dainty slippers.  

A mountebank upon the stage no one suspects.  
A prestidigitator all employ.  
The impresario importuned.  
The deadly lure of that vanquishing smile  
upon the stage  
upon the stage  
which is never still.  

Cruel trickster.  

Sweet lord      (desired!)  
gentle lady    (desired!)  
The ceaseless manifestations  
cruel and bright  
wind round,   
beckon;  
offer.