James Merrill Quote

Each thirteenth year he married. When he died
There were already several chilled wives
In sable orbit—rings, cars, permanent waves.
We'd felt him warming up for a green bride.
He could afford it. He was 'in his prime'
And three score ten. But money was not time.


'The Broken Home' (1966)


Each thirteenth year he married. When he died There were already several chilled wives In sable orbit—rings, cars, permanent waves. We'd felt him...

Each thirteenth year he married. When he died There were already several chilled wives In sable orbit—rings, cars, permanent waves. We'd felt him...

Each thirteenth year he married. When he died There were already several chilled wives In sable orbit—rings, cars, permanent waves. We'd felt him...

Each thirteenth year he married. When he died There were already several chilled wives In sable orbit—rings, cars, permanent waves. We'd felt him...