Born Under Virgo

You were bom under Virgo, while the Sun
Swam between the Fishes,
So that all your wishes
Dart ever from this to that other one.

Your feet touch ground and yet the undertow
Hinders your reaching shore;
The more you clutch, the more
Moon draws the tide and you must still let go.

Venus you understand too little
And practise overmuch;
The flower’s marked “Do not touch,”
But every passing bee may settle.

You turn to priests, because their talk of sin
Gives appetite its edge;
Yet even in joy you lodge
With Saturn at the Melancholy Inn.