HYSTERIA
by: T.S. Eliot (1888-1965)

AS she laughed
I was aware of becoming involved


in her laughter and being part of it, until her


teeth were only accidental stars with a talent


for squad-drill. I was drawn in by short gasps,


inhaled at each momentary recovery, lost finally


in the dark caverns of her throat, bruised by


the ripple of unseen muscles. An elderly waiter


with trembling hands was hurriedly spreading


a pink and white checked cloth over the rusty


green iron table, saying: "If the lady and


gentleman wish to take their tea in the garden,


if the lady and gentleman wish to take their


tea in the garden ..." I decided that if the


shaking of her breasts could be stopped, some of


the fragments of the afternoon might be collected,


and I concentrated my attention with careful
subtlety to this end.

"Hysteria" was originally printed in Catholic Anthology, November 1915.

Def Leppard - Hysteria
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