Dante Gabriel Rossetti

Smithereens

UNCERTAIN-AGED Miss Thereabouts,
Tough fossil of her teens,
Has lifted up with saving hand
The ruined Smithereens.
Down the dark steps of debt that hand
Sped like an angel's wing,
Deep—dowered with gold, and for itself
Brought back a golden ring.
Ah lovely Lucy Lovandove,
10 That ring's a snake, and means
Woe without end: therein lies crushed
Thy heart—to smithereens.