DH Larwrence PoemHunter

Classic Poetry Series
David Herbert Lawrence

- 109 poems -
Publication Date:
2012
Publisher:
PoemHunter.Com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive
David Herbert Lawrence (11 September 1885 2 March

1930)
DavidHerbertLawrence,novelist,short-storywriter,poetandessayist,was
borninEastwood,Nottinghamshire,England,in1885.Thoughbetterknown
asanovelist,Lawrence'sfirst-publishedworks(in1909)werepoems,and
hispoetry,especiallyhisevocationsofthenaturalworld,havesincehada
significantinfluenceonmanypoetsonbothsidesoftheAtlantic.Hisearly
poemsreflecttheinfluenceofEzraPoundandImagistmovement,which
reacheditspeakintheearlyteensofthetwentiethcentury.WhenPound
attemptedtodrawLawrenceintohiscircleofwriter-followers,however,
Lawrencedecidedtopursueamoreindependentpath.
Hebelievedinwritingpoetrythatwasstark,immediateandtruetothe
mysteriousinnerforcewhichmotivatedit.Manyofhisbest-lovedpoems
treatthephysicalandinnerlifeofplantsandanimals;othersarebitterly
satiricandexpresshisoutrageatthepuritanismandhypocrisyof
conventionalAnglo-Saxonsociety.Lawrencewasarebelliousandprofoundly
polemicalwriterwithradicalviews,whoregardedsex,theprimitive
subconscious,andnatureascurestowhatheconsideredtheevilsofmodern
industrializedsociety.Tremendouslyprolific,hisworkwasoftenunevenin
quality,andhewasacontinualsourceofcontroversy,ofteninvolvedin
widely-publicizedcensorshipcases,mostfamouslyforhisnovelLady
Chatterley'sLover(1928).HiscollectionsofpoetryincludeLook!WeHave
ComeThrough(1917),acollectionofpoemsabouthiswife;Birds,Beasts,
andFlowers(1923);andPansies(1929),whichwasbannedonpublicationin
England.
Besideshistroubleswiththecensors,Lawrencewaspersecutedaswell
duringWorldWarI,forthesupposedpro-Germansympathiesofhiswife,
Frieda.Asaconsequence,theLawrencesleftEnglandandtraveledrestlessly
toItaly,Germany,Ceylon,Australia,NewZealand,Tahiti,theFrenchRiviera,
MexicoandtheUnitedStates,unsuccessfullysearchingforanewhomeland.
InTaos,NewMexico,hebecamethecenterofagroupoffemaleadmirers
whoconsideredthemselveshisdisciples,andwhosequarrelsforhisattention
becamealiterarylegend.Alifelongsuffererfromtuberculosis,Lawrencedied
in1930inFrance,attheageof44.
Views
CriticandadmirerTerryEagletonsituatesLawrenceontheradicalrightwing,
ashostiletodemocracy,liberalism,socialism,andegalitarianism,though
neveractuallyembracingfascism.SomeofLawrence'sbeliefscanbeseenin
hisletterstoBertrandRussellaroundtheyear1915,wherehevoiceshis
oppositiontoenfranchisingtheworkingclass,hishostilitytotheburgeoning
labourmovements,anddisparagestheFrenchRevolution,referringto
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive
"Liberty,Equality,andFraternity"asthe"three-fangedserpent."Ratherthan
arepublic,LawrencecalledforanabsoluteDictatorandequivalentDictatrix
tolordoverthelowerpeoples.
Lawrencecontinuedthroughouthislifetodevelophishighlypersonal
philosophy.HisunpublishedintroductiontoSonsandLoversestablishedthe
dualitycentraltomuchofhisfiction.ThisisdonewithreferencetotheHoly
Trinity.Ashisphilosophydevelops,Lawrencemovesawayfrommoredirect
ChristiananalogiesandinsteadtouchesuponMysticism,Buddhism,and
Pagantheologies.Insomerespects,Lawrencewasaforerunnerofthe
growinginterestintheoccultthatoccurredinthe20thcentury.
Poetry
Althoughbestknownforhisnovels,Lawrencewrotealmost800poems,
mostofthemrelativelyshort.Hisfirstpoemswerewrittenin1904andtwo
ofhispoems,DreamsOldandDreamsNascent,wereamonghisearliest
publishedworksinTheEnglishReview.Hisearlyworksclearlyplacehimin
theschoolofGeorgianpoets,agroupnotonlynamedafterthereigning
monarchbutalsototheromanticpoetsofthepreviousGeorgianperiod
whoseworktheyweretryingtoemulate.Whattypifiedtheentiremovement,
andLawrence'spoemsofthetime,werewell-wornpoetictropesand
deliberatelyarchaiclanguage.ManyofthesepoemsdisplayedwhatJohn
Ruskinreferredtoasthepatheticfallacy,thetendencytoascribehuman
emotionstoanimalsandeveninanimateobjects.
JustastheFirstWorldWardramaticallychangedtheworkofmanyofthe
poetswhosawserviceinthetrenches,Lawrence'sownworksawadramatic
change,duringhisyearsinCornwall.Duringthistime,hewrotefreeverse
influencedbyWaltWhitman.Hesetforthhismanifestoformuchofhislater
verseintheintroductiontoNewPoems."Wecangetridofthestereotyped
movementsandtheoldhackneyedassociationsofsoundorsense.Wecan
breakdownthoseartificialconduitsandcanalsthroughwhichwedosolove
toforceourutterance.Wecanbreakthestiffneckofhabit...Butwecannot
positivelyprescribeanymotion,anyrhythm."
Lawrencerewrotemanyofhisnovelsseveraltimestoperfectthemand
similarlyhereturnedtosomeofhisearlypoemswhentheywerecollectedin
1928.Thiswasinparttofictionalisethem,butalsotoremovesomeofthe
artificeofhisfirstworks.Asheputinhimself:"Ayoungmanisafraidofhis
demonandputshishandoverthedemon'smouthsometimesandspeaksfor
him."Hisbestknownpoemsareprobablythosedealingwithnaturesuchas
thoseinBirdsBeastsandFlowersandTortoises.Snake,oneofhismost
frequentlyanthologised,displayssomeofhismostfrequentconcerns;those
ofman'smoderndistancefromnatureandsubtlehintsatreligiousthemes.
Inthedeep,strange-scentedshadeofthegreatdarkcarobtree
Icamedownthestepswithmypitcher
Andmustwait,muststandandwait,fortherehewasatthetroughbefore
me.
(Excerpt,"Snake")
Look!Wehavecomethrough!ishisotherworkfromtheperiodoftheendof
thewaranditrevealsanotherimportantelementcommontomuchofhis
writings;hisinclinationtolayhimselfbareinhiswritings.AlthoughLawrence
couldberegardedasawriteroflovepoems,hisusuallydealintheless
romanticaspectsoflovesuchassexualfrustrationorthesexactitself.Ezra
PoundinhisLiteraryEssayscomplainedofLawrence'sinterestinhisown
"disagreeablesensations"butpraisedhimforhis"low-lifenarrative."Thisis
areferencetoLawrence'sdialectpoemsakintotheScotspoemsofRobert
Burns,inwhichhereproducedthelanguageandconcernsofthepeopleof
Nottinghamshirefromhisyouth.
Thathoughtthawantedterberido'me.
'Appenthadid,an'a'.
Thathoughtthawantedtermarryan'se
Iftercouldnabemasteran'th'woman'sboss,
Tha'dneedawomandifferentfromme,
An'thaknowedit;ay,yetthacomesacross
Tersaygoodbye!an'a'.
(Excerpt,"TheDrainedCup")
AlthoughLawrence'sworksafterhisGeorgianperiodareclearlyinthe
modernisttradition,theywereoftenverydifferenttomanyothermodernist
writers,suchasPound.Modernistworkswereoftenaustereinwhichevery
wordwascarefullyworkedonandhard-foughtfor.Lawrencefeltallpoems
hadtobepersonalsentimentsandthatspontaneitywasvitalforanywork.
HecalledonecollectionofpoemsPansies,partlyforthesimpleephemeral
natureoftheversebutalsoasapunontheFrenchwordpanser,todressor
bandageawound."TheNobleEnglishman"and"Don'tLookatMe"were
removedfromtheofficialeditionofPansiesonthegroundsofobscenity,
whichhefeltwoundedby.Eventhoughhelivedmostofthelasttenyearsof
hislifeabroad,histhoughtswereoftenstillonEngland.Publishedin1930,
justelevendaysafterhisdeath,hislastworkNettleswasaseriesofbitter,
nettlingbutoftenwryattacksonthemoralclimateofEngland.
Othestaleolddogswhopretendtoguard
themoralsofthemasses,
howsmellytheymakethegreatback-yard
wettingaftereveryonethatpasses.
(Excerpt,"TheYoungandTheirMoralGuardians")
TwonotebooksofLawrence'sunprintedversewereposthumouslypublished
asLastPoemsandMorePansies.ThesecontaintwoofLawrence'smost
famouspoemsaboutdeath,BavarianGentiansandTheShipofDeath.
Works:
Novels
TheWhitePeacock(1911),editedbyAndrewRobertson,Cambridge
UniversityPress,1983
TheTrespasser(1912),editedbyElizabethMansfield,CambridgeUniversity
Press,1981
SonsandLovers(1913),editedbyHelenBaronandCarlBaron,Cambridge
TheRainbow(1915),editedbyMarkKinkead-Weekes,CambridgeUniversity
Press,1989
WomeninLove(1920),editedbyDavidFarmer,LindethVaseyandJohn
Worthen,CambridgeUniversityPress,1987
TheLostGirl(1920),editedbyJohnWorthen,CambridgeUniversityPress,
1981
Aaron'sRod(1922)editedbyMaraKalnins,CambridgeUniversityPress,
1988
Kangaroo(1923)editedbyBruceSteele,CambridgeUniversityPress,1994
TheBoyintheBush(1924),editedbyPaulEggert,CambridgeUniversity
Press,1990
ThePlumedSerpent(1926),editedbyL.D.Clark,CambridgeUniversity
Press,1987
LadyChatterley'sLover(1928),editedbyMichaelSquires,Cambridge
TheEscapedCock(1929),laterre-publishedasTheManWhoDied
TheVirginandtheGypsy(1930)
Shortstoriescollections
ThePrussianOfficerandOtherStories(1914),editedbyJohnWorthen,
CambridgeUniversityPress,1983
England,MyEnglandandOtherStories(1922),editedbyBruceSteele,
TheHorseDealer'sDaughter(1922)
TheFox,TheCaptain'sDoll,TheLadybird(1923),editedbyDieterMehl,
StMawrandotherstories(1925),editedbyBrianFinney,Cambridge
TheWomanwhoRodeAwayandotherstories(1928)editedbyDieterMehl
andChristaJansohn,CambridgeUniversityPress,1995
TheRocking-HorseWinner(1926)
TheVirginandtheGipsyandOtherStories(1930),editedbyMichael
Herbert,BethanJones,LindethVasey,CambridgeUniversityPress,2006
(forthcoming)
LoveAmongtheHaystacksandotherstories(1930),editedbyJohn
Worthen,CambridgeUniversityPress,1987
CollectedStories(1994)Everyman'sLibrary
Collectedletters
TheLettersofD.H.Lawrence,VolumeI,September1901May1913,ed.
JamesT.Boulton,CambridgeUniversityPress,1979
TheLettersofD.H.Lawrence,VolumeII,June1913October1916,ed.
GeorgeJ.ZytarukandJamesT.Boulton,CambridgeUniversityPress,1981
TheLettersofD.H.Lawrence,VolumeIII,October1916June1921,ed.
JamesT.BoultonandAndrewRobertson,CambridgeUniversityPress,1984
TheLettersofD.H.Lawrence,VolumeIV,June1921March1924,ed.
WarrenRoberts,JamesT.BoultonandElizabethMansfield,Cambridge
TheLettersofD.H.Lawrence,VolumeV,March1924March1927,ed.
JamesT.BoultonandLindethVasey,CambridgeUniversityPress,1989
TheLettersofD.H.Lawrence,VolumeVI,March1927November1928,
ed.JamesT.BoultonandMargaretBoultonwithGeraldM.Lacy,Cambridge
TheLettersofD.H.Lawrence,VolumeVII,November1928February
1930,ed.KeithSagarandJamesT.Boulton,CambridgeUniversityPress,
1993
TheLettersofD.H.Lawrence,withindex,VolumeVIII,ed.JamesT.
Boulton,CambridgeUniversityPress,2001
TheSelectedLettersofDHLawrence,CompiledandeditedbyJamesT.
Boulton,CambridgeUniversityPress,1997
Poetrycollections
LovePoemsandothers(1913)
Amores(1916)
Look!Wehavecomethrough!(1917)
NewPoems(1918)
Bay:abookofpoems(1919)
Tortoises(1921)
Birds,BeastsandFlowers(1923)
TheCollectedPoemsofDHLawrence(1928)
Pansies(1929)
Nettles(1930)
LastPoems(1932)
Fireandotherpoems(1940)
TheCompletePoemsofDHLawrence(1964),ed.ViviandeSolaPintoand
F.WarrenRoberts
TheWhiteHorse(1964)
D.H.Lawrence:SelectedPoems(1972),ed.KeithSagar.
Plays
TheDaughter-in-Law(1912)
TheWidowingofMrsHolroyd(1914)
TouchandGo(1920)
David(1926)
TheFightforBarbara(1933)
ACollier'sFridayNight(1934)
TheMarriedMan(1940)
TheMerry-Go-Round(1941)
TheCompletePlaysofDHLawrence(1965)
ThePlays,editedbyHans-WilhelmSchwarzeandJohnWorthen,Cambridge
Non-fictionbooksandpamphlets
StudyofThomasHardyandotheressays(1914),editedbyBruceSteele,
CambridgeUniversityPress,1985,Literarycriticismandmetaphysics
MovementsinEuropeanHistory(1921),editedbyPhilipCrumpton,
CambridgeUniversityPress,1989,Originallypublishedunderthenameof
LawrenceH.Davison
PsychoanalysisandtheUnconsciousandFantasiaoftheUnconscious
(1921/1922),editedbyBruceSteele,CambridgeUniversityPress,2004
StudiesinClassicAmericanLiterature(1923),editedbyEzraGreenspan,
LindethVaseyandJohnWorthen,CambridgeUniversityPress,2003
ReflectionsontheDeathofaPorcupineandotheressays(1925),editedby
MichaelHerbert,CambridgeUniversityPress,1988
AProposofLadyChatterley'sLover(1929)Lawrencewrotethispamphlet
toexplainhisnovel
ApocalypseandthewritingsonRevelation(1931)editedbyMaraKalnins,
Phoenix:ThePosthumousPapersofD.H.Lawrence(1936)
PhoenixII:Uncollected,UnpublishedandOtherProseWorksbyD.H.
Lawrence(1968)
IntroductionsandReviews,editedbyN.H.ReeveandJohnWorthen,
LateEssaysandArticles,editedbyJamesT.Boulton,CambridgeUniversity
Press,2004
SelectedLetters,OneworldClassics,2008.EditedbyJamesT.Boulton
Travelbooks
TwilightinItalyandOtherEssays(1916),editedbyPaulEggert,Cambridge
SeaandSardinia(1921),editedbyMaraKalnins,CambridgeUniversity
Press,1997
MorningsinMexico(1927),editedbyVirginiaCrosswhiteHyde,Cambridge
SketchesofEtruscanPlacesandotherItalianessays(1932),editedby
SimonettadeFilippis,CambridgeUniversityPress,1992
WorkstranslatedbyLawrence
LevIsaakovichShestovAllThingsarePossible(1920)
IvanAlekseyevichBuninTheGentlemanfromSanFrancisco(1922),tr.with
S.S.Koteliansky
GiovanniVergaMastro-DonGesualdo(1923)
GiovanniVergaLittleNovelsofSicily(1925)
GiovanniVergaCavalleriaRusticanaandotherstories(1928)
AntonioFrancescoGrazziniTheStoryofDoctorManente(1929)
Manuscriptsandearlydraftsofpublishednovelsandotherworks
PaulMorel(191112),editedbyHelenBaron,CambridgeUniversityPress,
2003,anearlymanuscriptversionofSonsandLovers
TheFirstWomeninLove(191617)editedbyJohnWorthenandLindeth
Vasey,CambridgeUniversityPress,1998
MrNoon,(unfinishednovel)PartsIandII,editedbyLindethVasey,
TheSymbolicMeaning:TheUncollectedVersionsofStudiesinClassic
AmericanLiterature,editedbyArminArnold,CentaurPress,1962
Quetzalcoatl(1925),editedbyLouisLMartz,WWNortonEdition,1998,
ISBN0-8112-1385-4,EarlydraftofThePlumedSerpent
TheFirstandSecondLadyChatterleynovels,editedbyDieterMehland
ChristaJansohn,CambridgeUniversityPress,1999
Paintings
ThePaintingsofD.H.Lawrence,London:MandrakePress,1929
D.H.Lawrence'sPaintings,ed.KeithSagar,London:ChaucerPress,2003
TheCollectedArtWorksofD.H.Lawrence,ed.TetsujiKohno,Tokyo:
Sogensha,2004
A Baby Asleep after Pain

Asadrenched,drownedbee
Hangsnumbandheavyfromabendingflower,
Soclingstome
Mybaby,herbrownhairbrushedwithwettears
Andlaidagainsthercheek;
Hersoftwhitelegshangingheavilyovermyarm
SwingingheavilytomymovementsasIwalk.
Mysleepingbabyhangsuponmylife,
Likeaburdenshehangsonme.
Shehasalwaysseemedsolight,
Butnowsheiswetwithtearsandnumbwithpain
Evenherfloatinghairsinksheavily,
Reachingdownwards;
Asthewingsofadrenched,drownedbee
Areaheaviness,andaweariness.
DavidHerbertLawrence
A Baby Running Barefoot

Whenthebarefeetofthebabybeatacrossthegrass
Thelittlewhitefeetnodlikewhiteflowersinthewind,
Theypoiseandrunlikerippleslappingacrossthewater;
Andthesightoftheirwhiteplayamongthegrass
Islikealittlerobinssong,winsome,
Orastwowhitebutterfliessettleinthecupofoneflower
Foramoment,thenawaywithaflutterofwings.
Ilongforthebabytowanderhithertome
Likeawind-shadowwanderingoverthewater,
Sothatshecanstandonmyknee
Withherlittlebarefeetinmyhands,
Coollikesyringabuds,
Firmandsilkenlikepinkyoungpeonyflowers.
A Love Song
RejectmenotifIshouldsaytoyou
Idoforgetthesoundingofyourvoice,
Idoforgetyoureyesthatsearchingthrough
Themistsperceiveourmarriage,andrejoice.
Yet,whentheapple-blossomopenswide
Underthepallidmoonlightsfingering,
Iseeyourblanchedfaceatmybreast,andhide
Myeyesfromdiligentwork,malingering.
Ah,then,uponmybedroomIdodraw
Theblindtohidethegarden,wherethemoon
Enjoystheopenblossomsastheystraw
Theirbeautyforhistaking,boonforboon.
AndIdoliftmyachingarmstoyou,
AndIdoliftmyanguished,avidbreast,
AndIdoweepforverypainofyou,
Andflingmyselfatthedoorsofsleep,forrest.
AndIdotossthroughthetroublednightforyou,
Dreamingyouryieldedmouthisgiventomine,
Feelingyourstrongbreastcarrymeoninto
Thepeacewheresleepisstrongereventhanwine.
10
A Passing Bell
Mournfullytoandfro,toandfrothetreesarewaving;
Whatdidyousay,mydear?
Therain-bruisedleavesaresuddenlyshaken,asachild
Asleepstillshakesintheclutchofasob
Yes,mylove,Ihear.
Onelonelybell,oneonly,thestorm-tossedafternoonisbraving,
Whynotletitring?
Therosesleandownwhentheyhearit,thetender,mild
Flowersofthebleeding-heartfalltothethrob
Itissuchalittlething!
Awetbirdwalksonthelawn,calltotheboytocomeandlook,
Yes,itisovernow.
Calltohimoutofthesilence,callhimtosee
Thestarlingshakingitsheadasitwalksinthegrass
Ah,whoknowshow?
Hecannotseeit,Icannevershowithim,howitshook
Dontdisturbhim,darling.
Itsheadasitwalked:Icannevercallhimtome,
Never,heisnot,whatevershallcometopass.
No,lookatthewetstarling.
11
A Sane Revolution
Ifyoumakearevolution,makeitforfun,
don'tmakeitinghastlyseriousness,
don'tdoitindeadlyearnest,
doitforfun.
Don'tdoitbecauseyouhatepeople,
doitjusttospitintheireye.
Don'tdoitforthemoney,
doitandbedamnedtothemoney.
Don'tdoitforequality,
doitbecausewe'vegottoomuchequality
anditwouldbefuntoupsettheapple-cart
andseewhichwaytheappleswouldgoa-rolling.
Don'tdoitfortheworkingclasses.
Doitsothatwecanallofusbelittlearistocraciesonourown
andkickourheelslikejollyescapedasses.
Don'tdoit,anyhow,forinternationalLabour.
Labouristheonethingamanhashadtoomuchof.
Let'sabolishlabour,let'shavedonewithlabouring!
Workcanbefun,andmencanenjoyit;thenit'snotlabour.
Let'shaveitso!Let'smakearevolutionforfun!
12
A Spiritual Woman
Closeyoureyes,mylove,letmemakeyoublind;
Theyhavetaughtyoutosee
Onlyameanarithmeticonthefaceofthings,
Acunningalgebrainthefacesofmen,
AndGodlikegeometry
Completinghiscircles,andworkingcleverly.
IllkissyouovertheeyestillIkissyoublind;
IfIcanifanyonecould.
Thenperhapsinthedarkyoullhavegotwhatyouwanttofind.
Youvediscoveredsomanybits,withyourclevereyes,
AndImakaleidoscope
Thatyoushakeandshake,andyetitwontcometoyourmind.
Nowstopcarpingatme.ButGod,howIhateyou!
DoyoufearIshallswindleyou?
DoyouthinkifyoutakemeasIam,thatthatwillabateyou
Somehow?sosad,sointrinsic,sospiritual,yetsocautious,you
Musthavemeallinyourwillandyourconsciousness
Ihateyou.
13
A Winter's Tale
Yesterdaythefieldswereonlygreywithscatteredsnow,
Andnowthelongestgrass-leaveshardlyemerge;
Yetherdeepfootstepsmarkthesnow,andgo
Ontowardsthepinesatthehillswhiteverge.
Icannotseeher,sincethemistswhitescarf
Obscuresthedarkwoodandthedullorangesky;
Butsheswaiting,Iknow,impatientandcold,half
Sobsstrugglingintoherfrostysigh.
Whydoesshecomesopromptly,whenshemustknow
Thatshesonlythenearertotheinevitablefarewell;
Thehillissteep,onthesnowmystepsareslow
Whydoesshecome,whensheknowswhatIhavetotell?
14
A Youth Mowing
TherearefourmenmowingdownbytheIsar;
Icanheartheswishofthescythe-strokes,four
Sharpbreathstaken:yea,andI
Amsorryforwhat'sinstore.
Thefirstmanoutofthefourthat'smowing
Ismine,Iclaimhimonceandforall;
Thoughit'ssorryIam,onhisyoungfeet,knowing
Noneofthetroublehe'sledtostall.
Asheseesmebringingthedinner,helifts
Hisheadasproudasadeerthatlooks
Shoulder-deepoutofthecorn;andwipes
Hisscythe-bladebright,unhooks
Thescythe-stoneandoverthestubbletome.
Lad,thouhastgottenachildinme,
Laddie,amanthou'ltha'etobe,
Yea,thoughI'msorryforthee.
15
After Many Days

Iwonderifwithyou,asitiswithme,
Ifunderyourslippingwords,thateasilyflow
Aboutyouasagarment,easily,
Yourviolentheartbeatstoandfro!
LonghaveIwaited,neveronceconfessed,
Eventomyself,howbittertheseparation;
Now,beingcomeagain,howmakethebest
Reparation?
IfIcouldcastthisclothingofffromme,
IfIcouldliftmynakedselftoyou,
Ofifonlyyouwouldrepulseme,awoundwouldbe
Good;itwouldlettheachecomethrough.
Butthatyouholdmestillsokindlycold
Aloofmyfloatingheartwillnotallow;
Yea,butIloatheyouthatyoushouldwithhold
Yourpleasurenow.
16
Anxiety
Thehoar-frostcrumblesinthesun,
Thecrispingsteamofatrain
Meltsintheair,whiletwoblackbirds
Sweeppastthewindowagain.
Alongthevacantroad,ared
Bicycleapproaches;Iwait
Inathawofanxiety,fortheboy
Toleapdownatourgate.
Hehaspassedusby;butisit
Reliefthatstartsinmybreast?
Oradeeperbruiseofknowingthatstill
Shehasnorest.
17
At the Window
Thepine-treesbendtolistentotheautumnwindasitmutters
Somethingwhichsetstheblackpoplarsashakewithhystericallaughter;
Whileslowlythehouseofdayisclosingitseasternshutters.
Furtherdownthevalleytheclusteredtombstonesrecede,
Windingabouttheirdimnessthemistsgreycerements,after
Thestreetlampsinthedarknesshavesuddenlystartedtobleed.
Theleavesflyoverthewindowandutterawordastheypass
Tothefacethatleansfromthedarkness,intent,withtwodark-filledeyes
Thatwatchforeverearnestlyfrombehindthewindowglass.
18
Baby Tortoise
Youknowwhatitistobebornalone,
Babytortoise!
Thefirstdaytoheaveyourfeetlittlebylittlefromtheshell,
Notyetawake,
Andremainlapsedonearth,
Notquitealive.
Atiny,fragile,half-animatebean.
Toopenyourtinybeak-mouth,thatlooksasifitwouldneveropen,
Likesomeirondoor;
Tolifttheupperhawk-beakfromthelowerbase
Andreachyourskinnylittleneck
Andtakeyourfirstbiteatsomedimbitofherbage,
Alone,smallinsect,
Tinybright-eye,
Slowone.
Totakeyourfirstsolitarybite
Andmoveonyourslow,solitaryhunt.
Yourbright,darklittleeye,
Youreyeofadarkdisturbednight,
Underitsslowlid,tinybabytortoise,
Soindomitable.
Nooneeverheardyoucomplain.
Youdrawyourheadforward,slowly,fromyourlittlewimple
Andsetforward,slow-dragging,onyourfour-pinnedtoes,Rowingslowlyforward.
Whitheraway,smallbird?
Ratherlikeababyworkingitslimbs,
Exceptthatyoumakeslow,agelessprogress
Andababymakesnone.
Thetouchofsunexcitesyou,
Andthelongages,andthelingeringchill
Makeyoupausetoyawn,
Openingyourimperviousmouth,
Suddenlybeak-shaped,andverywide,likesomesuddenlygapingpincers;
Softredtongue,andhardthingums,
Thenclosethewedgeofyourlittlemountainfront,
Yourface,babytortoise.
Doyouwonderattheworld,asslowlyyouturnyourheadinitswimple
Andlookwithlaconic,blackeyes?
Orissleepcomingoveryouagain,
Thenon-life?
Youaresohardtowake.
Areyouabletowonder?
19
Orisitjustyourindomitablewillandprideofthefirstlife
Lookinground
Andslowlypitchingitselfagainsttheinertia
Whichhadseemedinvincible?
Thevastinanimate,
Andthefinebrillianceofyoursotinyeye,
Challenger.
Nay,tinyshell-bird,
Whatahugevastinanimateitis,thatyoumustrowagainst,
Whatanincalculableinertia.
Challenger,
LittleUlysses,fore-runner,
Nobiggerthanmythumb-nail,
Buonviaggio.
Allanimatecreationonyourshoulder,
Setforth,littleTitan,underyourbattle-shield.
Theponderous,preponderate,
Inanimateuniverse;
Andyouareslowlymoving,pioneer,youalone.
Howvividyourtravellingseemsnow,inthetroubledsunshine,
Stoic,Ulysseanatom;
Suddenlyhasty,reckless,onhightoes.
Voicelesslittlebird,
Restingyourheadhalfoutofyourwimple
Intheslowdignityofyoureternalpause.
Alone,withnosenseofbeingalone,
Andhencesixtimesmoresolitary;
Fulfilledoftheslowpassionofpitchingthroughimmemorialages
Yourlittleroundhouseinthemidstofchaos.
Overthegardenearth,
Smallbird,
Overtheedgeofallthings.
Traveller,
Withyourtailtuckedalittleononeside
Likeagentlemaninalong-skirtedcoat.
Alllifecarriedonyourshoulder,
Invinciblefore-runner.
20
Ballad of Another Ophelia

Ohthegreenglimmerofapplesintheorchard,
Lampsinawashofrain!
Ohthewetwalkofmybrownhenthroughthestackyard,
Ohtearsonthewindowpane!
Nothingnowwillripenthebrightgreenapples,
Fullofdisappointmentandofrain,
Brackishtheywilltaste,oftears,whentheyellowdapples
Ofautumntellthewitheredtaleagain.
Allroundtheyarditiscluck,mybrownhen,
Cluck,andtherain-wetwings,
Cluck,mymarigoldbird,andagain
Cluckforyouryellowdarlings.
Forthegreyratfoundthegoldthirteen
Huddledawayinthedark,
Flutterforamoment,ohthebeastisquickandkeen,
Extinctoneyellow-fluffyspark.
OnceIhadaloverbrightlikerunningwater,
Oncehisfacewaslaughinglikethesky;
Openliketheskylookingdowninallitslaughter
Onthebuttercups,andthebuttercupswasI.
What,then,istherehiddenintheskirtsofalltheblossom?
Whatispeepingfromyourwings,ohmotherhen?
Tisthesunwhoasksthequestion,inalovelyhasteforwisdom;
Whatalovelyhasteforwisdomisinmen!
Yea,butitiscruelwhenundressedisalltheblossom,
Andhershiftislyingwhiteuponthefloor,
Thatagreyone,likeashadow,likearat,athief,arain-storm,
Creepsuponherthenandgathersinhisstore.
Ohthegreygarnerthatisfullofhalf-grownapples,
Ohthegoldensparkleslaidextinct!
Andoh,behindthecloud-sheaves,likeyellowautumndapples,
Didyouseethewickedsunthatwinked!
21
Bat
Atevening,sittingonthisterrace,
Whenthesunfromthewest,beyondPisa,beyondthemountainsofCarrara
Departs,andtheworldistakenbysurprise...
WhenthetiredflowerofFlorenceisingloombeneaththeglowing
Brownhillssurrounding...
WhenunderthearchesofthePonteVecchio
Agreenlightentersagainststream,flushfromthewest,
AgainstthecurrentofobscureArno...
Lookup,andyouseethingsflying
Betweenthedayandthenight;
Swallowswithspoolsofdarkthreadsewingtheshadowstogether.
Acircleswoop,andaquickparabolaunderthebridgearches
Wherelightpushesthrough;
Asuddenturninguponitselfofathingintheair.
Adiptothewater.
Andyouthink:
'Theswallowsareflyingsolate!'
Swallows?
Darkair-lifelooping
Yetmissingthepureloop...
Atwitch,atwitter,anelasticshudderinflight
Andserratedwingsagainstthesky,
Likeaglove,ablackglovethrownupatthelight,
Andfallingback.
Neverswallows!
Bats!
Theswallowsaregone.
Atawaveringinstanttheswallowsgavewaytobats
BythePonteVecchio...
Changingguard.
Bats,andanuneasycreepinginone'sscalp
Asthebatsswoopoverhead!
Flyingmadly.
Pipistrello!
Blackpiperonaninfinitesimalpipe.
Littlelumpsthatflyinairandhavevoicesindefinite,wildlyvindictive;
Wingslikebitsofumbrella.
Bats!
22
Creaturesthathangthemselvesuplikeanoldrag,tosleep;
Anddisgustinglyupsidedown.
Hangingupsidedownlikerowsofdisgustingoldrags
Andgrinningintheirsleep.
Bats!
Notforme!
23
Bavarian Gentians
Noteverymanhasgentiansinhishouse
inSoftSeptember,atslow,SadMichaelmas.
Bavariangentians,biganddark,onlydark
darkeningthedaytimetorchlikewiththesmokingbluenessofPluto's
gloom,
ribbedandtorchlike,withtheirblazeofdarknessspreadblue
downflatteningintopoints,flattenedunderthesweepofwhiteday
torch-floweroftheblue-smokingdarkness,Pluto'sdark-bluedaze,
blacklampsfromthehallsofDis,burningdarkblue,
givingoffdarkness,bluedarkness,asDemeter'spalelampsgiveoff
light,
leadmethen,leadmetheway.
Reachmeagentian,givemeatorch!
Letmeguidemyselfwiththeblue,forkedtorchofaflower
downthedarkeranddarkerstairs,whereblueisdarkenedonblueness
downthewayPersephonegoes,justnow,infirst-frostedSeptember
tothesightlessrealmwheredarknessismarriedtodark
andPersephoneherselfisbutavoice,asabride
agloominvisibleenfoldedinthedeeperdark
ofthearmsofPlutoasheravishesheronceagain
andpiercesheroncemorewithhispassionoftheutterdark
amongthesplendourofblack-bluetorches,shedding
fathomlessdarknessonthenuptials.
Bavariangentians,tallanddark,butdark
darkeningthedaytimetorch-likewiththesmokingbluenessofPluto'sgloom,
ribbedhellishflowerserect,withtheirblazeofdarknessspreadblue,
blownflatintopoints,bytheheavywhitedraughtoftheday.
24
Beautiful Old Age

Itoughttobelovelytobeold
tobefullofthepeacethatcomesofexperience
andwrinkledripefulfilment.
Thewrinkledsmileofcompletenessthatfollowsalife
livedundauntedandunsouredwithacceptedlies
theywouldripenlikeapples,andbescentedlikepippins
intheiroldage.
Soothing,oldpeopleshouldbe,likeapples
whenoneistiredoflove.
Fragrantlikeyellowingleaves,anddimwiththesoft
stillnessandsatisfactionofautumn.
Andagirlshouldsay:
Itmustbewonderfultoliveandgrowold.
Lookatmymother,howrichandstillsheis!Andayoungmanshouldthink:ByJove
myfatherhasfacedallweathers,butit'sbeenalife!
25
Bei Hennef
Thelittlerivertwitteringinthetwilght,
Thewan,wanderinglookofthepalesky.
Thisisalmostbliss.
Andeverythingshutupandgonetosleep,
Allthetroublesandanxietiesandpain
Goneunderthetwilight.
Onlythetwilightnow,andthesoft'Sh!'oftheriver
Thatwilllastforever.
AndatlastIknowmyloveforyouishere;
Icanseeitall,itiswholelikethetwilight,
Itislarge,solarge,Icouldnotseeitbefore,
Becauseofthelittlelightsandflickersandinterruptions,
Troubles,anxietiesandpains.
YouarethecallandIamtheanswer.
Youarethewish,andIthefufilment.
Youarethenight,andItheday.
Whatelse?Itisperfectenough.
Itisperfectlycomplete,
YouandI,
Whatmore--?
Strangehowwesufferinspiteofthis.
26
Belief
Forevernameless
Foreverunknwon
Foreverunconceived
Foreverunrepresented
yetforeverfeltinthesoul.
27
Birdcage Walk
Whenthewindblowsherveil
Anduncoversherlaughter
Icease,Iturnpale.
FromthewoesIbewail
Ofloveandhereafter:
Icease,Iturnpale.
28
Blue
Theearthagainlikeashipsteamsoutofthedarkseaover
Theedgeoftheblue,andthesunstandsuptoseeusglide
Slowlyintoanotherday;slowlytherover
Vesselofdarknesstakestherisingtide.
I,onthedeck,amstartledbythisdawnconfronting
Mewhoamissuedamazedfromthedarkness,stripped
Andquailinghereinthesunshine,deliveredfromhaunting
Thenightunsoundedwhereonourdaysareshipped.
Feelingmyselfundawning,thedayslightplayinguponme,
Iwhoamsubstanceofshadow,Iallcompact
Ofthestuffofthenight,findingmyselfallwrongly
Amongthecrowdsofthingsinthesunshinejostledandracked.
Iwiththenightonmylips,Isighwiththesilenceofdeath;
AndwhatdoIcarethoughtheverystonesshouldcrymeunreal,thoughtheclouds
Shineinconceitofsubstanceuponme,whoamlessthantherain.
DoIknowthedarknesswithinthem?Whataretheybutshrouds?
Thecloudsgodowntheskywithawealthyease
Castingashadowofscornuponmeformyshareindeath;butI
Holdmyowninthemidstofthem,darkling,defy
ThewholeofthedaytoextinguishtheshadowIliftonthebreeze.
Yea,thoughtheverycloudshavevantageoverme,
Enjoyingtheirglancingflight,thoughmyloveisdead,
Istillamnothomelesshere,Iveatentbyday
Ofdarknesswhereshesleepsonherperfectbed.
AndIknowthehost,theminutesparklingofdarkness
Whichvibratesuntouchedandvirilethroughthegrandeurofnight,
Butwhich,whendawncrowschallenge,assaultingthevividmotes
Oflivingdarkness,burstsfretfully,andisbright:
Runslikeafrettedarc-lampintolight,
Stirredbyconflicttoshining,whichelse
Weredarkandwholewiththenight.
Runstoafretofspeedlikearacingwheel,
Whichelsewereaslumberalongwiththewhole
Ofthedark,swingingrhythmicinsteadofa-reel.
Ischafedtoanger,burstsintoragelikethunder;
Whichelsewereasilentgraspthatheldtheheavens
Arrested,beatingthickwithwonder.
Leapslikeafountainofbluesparksleaping
Inajetfromoutofobscurity,
Whicherstwasdarknesssleeping.
Runsintostreamsofbrightbluedrops,
29
Waterandstonesandstars,andmyriads
Oftwin-blueeyes,andcrops
Offlourygrain,andallthehostsofday,
Alllovelyhostsofripplescausedbyfretting
TheDarknessintoplay.
30
Brooding Grief
Ayellowleaffromthedarkness
Hopslikeafrogbeforeme.
WhyshouldIstartandstandstill?
Iwaswatchingthewomanthatboreme
Stretchedinthebrindleddarkness
Ofthesick-room,rigidwithwill
Todie:andthequickleaftoreme
Backtothisrainyswill
Ofleavesandlampsandtrafficmingledbeforeme.
31
Brother and Sister

Theshornmoontremblingindistinctonherpath,
Frailasascaruponthepalebluesky,
Drawstowardsthedownwardslope:somesorrowhath
Wornherdowntothequick,soshefaintlyfares
Alongherfoot-searchedwaywithoutknowingwhy
Shecreepspersistentdowntheskyslongstairs.
Somedaytheysee,thoughIhaveneverseen,
Thedeadmoonheapedwithinthenewmoonsarms;
Forsurelythefragile,fineyoungthinghadbeen
Tooheavilyburdenedtomounttheheavensso.
Butmyheartstandsstill,asanew,strongdreadalarms
Me;mightayounggirlbeheapedwithsuchshadowofwoe?
SinceDeathfromthemothermoonhasparedusdowntothequick,
Andcastusforthlikeshorn,thinmoons,totravel
Anunchartedwayamongthemyriadthick
Strewnstarsofsilentpeople,andluminouslitter
Ofliveswhichsorrowslikemischievousdarkmicechavel
Tonought,diminishingeachstarsglitter,
SinceDeathhasdeliveredusutterly,nakedandwhite,
Sincethemonthofchildhoodisover,andwestandalone,
Sincethebeloved,fadedmoonthatsetusalight
Isdeliveredfromusandpaysnoheedthoughwemoan
Insorrow,sincewestandinbewilderment,strange
Andfearfultosallyforthdowntheskyslongrange.
Wemaynotcrytoherstilltosustainushere,
Wemaynotholdhershadowbackfromthedark.
Oh,letushereforget,letustakethesheer
Unknownthatliesbeforeus,bearingtheark
Ofthecovenantonwardswhereshecannotgo.
Letusriseandleavehernow,shewillneverknow.
32
Butterfly
Butterfly,thewindblowssea-ward,
strongbeyondthegarden-wall!
Butterfly,whydoyousettleonmy
shoe,andsipthedirtonmyshoe,
Liftingyourveinedwings,liftingthem?
bigwhitebutterfly!
AlreadyitisOctober,andthewind
blowsstrongtothesea
fromthehillswheresnowmusthave
fallen,thewindispolishedwith
snow.
Hereinthegarden,withred
geraniums,itiswarm,itiswarm
butthewindblowsstrongtosea-ward,
whitebutterfly,contentonmyshoe!
Willyougo,willyougofrommywarm
house?
Willyouclimbonyourbigsoftwings,
black-dotted,
asupaninvisiblerainbow,anarch
tillthewindslidesyousheerfromthe
arch-crest
andinastrangelevelflutteringyougo
outtosea-ward,whitespeck!
Anonymoussubmission.
33
Conceit
Itisconceitthatkillsus
andmakesuscowardsinsteadofgods.
UnderthegreatCommand:Knowthyself,andthatthouartmortal!
wehavebecomefatallyself-conscious,fatallyself-important,fatallyentangledinthe
Laoconcoilsofourconceit.
Nowwehavetoadmitwecan'tknowourselves,wecanonlyknowaboutourselves.
AndIamnotinterestedtoknowaboutmyselfanymore,
Ionlyentanglemyselfintheknowing.
Nowletmebemyself,
nowletmebemyself,andflickerforth,
nowletmebemyself,inthebeing,oneofthegods.
34
Conundrums
Tellmeaword
thatyou'veoftenheard,
yetitmakesyousquint
whenyouseeitinprint!
Tellmeathing
thatyou'veoftenseen
yetifputinabook
itmakesyouturngreen!
Tellmeathing
thatyouoftendo,
whendescribedinastory
shocksyouthroughandthrough!
Tellmewhat'swrong
withwordsorwithyou
thatyoudon'tmindthething
yetthenameistaboo.
35
Craving for Spring

Iwishitwerespringintheworld.
Letitbespring!
Come,bubbling,surgingtideofsap!
Come,rushofcreation!
Come,life!surgethroughthismassofmortification!
Come,sweepawaytheseexquisite,ghastlyfirst-flowers,
whichareratherlast-flowers!
Come,thawdowntheircoolportentousness,dissolvethem:
snowdrops,straight,death-veinedexhalationsofwhiteandpurplecrocuses,
flowersofthepenumbra,issueofcorruption,nourishedinmortification,
jetsofexquisitefinality;
Come,spring,makehavocofthem!
Itrampleonthesnowdrops,itgivesmepleasuretotreaddownthejonquils,
todestroythechillLentlilies;
forIamsickofthem,theirfaint-bloodedness,
slow-blooded,icy-fleshed,portentous.
Iwantthefine,kindlingwine-sapofspring,
gold,andofinconceivablyfine,quintessentialbrightness,
rarealmostasbeams,yetoverwhelminglypotent,
stronglikethegreatestforceofworld-balancing.
Thisisthesamethatpicksuptheharvestofwheat
androcksit,tonsofgrain,ontheripeningwind;
thesamethatdanglestheglobe-shapedpleiadsoffruit
temptinglyinmid-air,betweenaplayfulthumbandfinger;
oh,andsuddenly,fromoutofnowhere,whirlsthepear-bloom,
uponus,andapple-andalmond-andapricot-andquince-blossom,
stormsandcumuluscloudsofallimaginableblossom
aboutourbewilderedfaces,
thoughwedonotworship.
Iwishitwerespring
cunninglyblowingonthefallensparks,oddsandendsoftheold,scatteredfire,
andkindlingshapelylittleconflagrations
curiouslong-leggedfoals,andwide-earedcalves,andnakedsparrow-bubs.
Iwishthatspring
wouldstartthethunderingtrafficoffeet
newfeetontheearth,beatingwithimpatience.
Iwishitwerespring,thundering
delicate,tenderspring.
Iwishthesebrittle,frost-lovelyflowersofpassionate,mysteriouscorruption
werenotyettocomestillmorefromthestill-flickeringdiscontent.
Oh,inthespring,thebluebellbowshimdownforveryexuberance,
exultingwithsecretwarmexcess,
boweddownwithhisinnermagnificence!
36
Oh,yes,thegushofspringisstrongenough
totosstheglobeofearthlikeaballonawater-jet
dancingsportfully;
asyouseeatinycelluloidballtossingonasquirtofwater
formentoshootat,penny-a-time,inaboothatafair.
Thegushofspringisstrongenough
toplaywiththeglobeofearthlikeaballonafountain;
Atthesametimeitopensthetinyhandsofthehazel
withsuchinfinitepatience.
Thepoweroftherising,golden,all-creativesapcouldtaketheearth
andheaveitoffamongthestars,intotheinvisible;
thesamesetsthethrostleatsunsetonabough
singingagainsttheblackbird;
comesoutinthehesitatingtremoroftheprimrose,
andbetraysitscandourintheroundwhitestrawberryflower,
isdignifiedinthefoxglove,likeaRed-Indianbrave.
Ahcome,comequickly,spring!
comeandliftustowardsourculmination,wemyriads;
wewhohaveneverflowered,likepatientcactuses.
Comeandliftustoourend,toblossom,bringustooursummer
wewhoarewinter-wearyinthewinteroftheoftheworld.
Comemakingthechaffinchnestshollowandcosy,
comeandsoftenthewillowbudstilltheyarepuffedandfurred,
thenblowthemoverwithgold.
Comaandcajolethegawkycolts-footflowers.
Comequickly,andvindicateus.
againsttoomuchdeath.
Comequickly,andstirtherottenglobeoftheworldfromwithin,
burstitwithgermination,withworldanew.
Comenow,tous,youradherents,whocannotflowerfromtheice.
AlltheworldgleamswiththeliliesofdeaththeUnconquerable,
butcome,giveusourturn.
Enoughofthevirginsandlilies,ofpassionate,suffocatingperfumeofcorruption,
nomorenarcissusperfume,lilyharlots,thebladesofsensation
piercingthefleshtoblossomofdeath.
Havedone,havedonewiththisshuddering,deliciousbusiness
ofthrillingruinintheflesh,ofpungentpassion,ofrare,death-edgedecstasy.
Giveusourturn,giveusachance,letourhourstrike,
Osoon,soon!
Letthedarknessturnvioletwithrichdawn.
Letthedarknessbewarmed,warmedthroughtoaruddyviolet,
incipientpurplingtowardssummerintheworldoftheheartofman.
Arethevioletsalreadyhere!
Showme!Itremblesomuchtohearit,thatevennow
onthethresholdofspring,IfearIshalldie.
Showmethevioletsthatareout.
Oh,ifitbetrue,andthelivingdarknessofthebloodofmanispurplingwithviolets,
37
ifthevioletsarecomingoutfromundertherackofmen,winter-rottenandfallen,
weshallhavespring.
PraynottodieonthisPisgahblossomingwithviolets.
Praytolivethrough.
Ifyoucatchawhiffofvioletsfromthedarknessoftheshadowofman
itwillbespringintheworld,
itwillbespringintheworldoftheliving;
wondermentorganisingitself,heraldingitselfwiththeviolets,
stirringofnewseasons.
Ah,donotletmedieonthebrinkofsuchanticipation!
Worse,letmenotdeceivemyself.
38
Cruelty and Love

Whatlarge,darkhandsarethoseatthewindow
Lifted,graspingintheyellowlight
Whichmakesitswaythroughthecurtainweb
Atmyheartto-night?
Ah,onlytheleaves!Soleavemeatrest,
InthewestIseearednesscome
Overtheevening'sburningbreast-Fornowthepainisnumb.
Thewoodbinecreepsabroad
Callinglowtoherlover:
Thesunlitflirtwhoalltheday
Haspoisedaboveherlipsinplay
Andstolenkisses,shallowandgay
Ofdalliance,nowhasgoneaway
--Shewoosthemothwithhersweet,lowword,
Andwhenaboveherhisbroadwingshover
Thenherbrightbreastshewilluncover
Andyeildherhoney-droptoherlover.
Intotheyellow,eveningglow
Sauntersamanfromthefarmbelow,
Leans,andlooksinatthelow-builtshed
Wherehangstheswallow'smarriagebed.
Thebirdlieswarmagainstthewall.
Sheglancesquickherstartledeyes
Towardshim,thensheturnsaway
Hersmallhead,makingwarmdisplay
Ofreduponthethroat.Herterrorssway
Heroutofthenest'swarm,busyball,
Whoseplaintivecriesstartupassheflies
Inonebluestoopfromoutthesties
Intotheevening'semptyhall.
Oh,water-hen,besidetherushes
Hideyourquaint,unfadingblushes,
Stillyourquicktail,andlieasdead,
Tillthedistancecovershisdangeroustread.
Therabbitpressesbackherears,
Turnsbackherliquid,anguishedeyes
Andcroucheslow:thenwithwildspring
Spurtsfromtheterroroftheoncoming
Tobechokedback,thewirering
Herfranticeffortthrottling:
Piteousbrownballofquiveringfears!
Ahsooninhislarge,hardhandsshedies,
Andswingsallloosetotheswingofhiswalk.
Yetcalmandkindlyarehiseyes
Andreadytoopeninbrownsurprise
39
ShouldInotanswertohistalk
Orshouldhemytearssurmise.
Ihearhishandonthelatch,andrisefrommychair
Watchingthedooropen:heflashesbare
Hisstrongteethinasmile,andflasheshiseyes
Inasmileliketriumphuponme;thencareless-wise
Heflihgstherabbitsoftonthetableboard
Andcomestowardsme:ah,theupliftedsword
Ofhishandagainstmybosom,andoh,thebroad
Bladeofhishandthatraisesmyfacetoapplaud
Hiscoming:heraisesupmyfacetohim
Andcaressesmymouthwithhisfingers,smellinggrim
Oftherabbit'sfur!God,Iamcaughtinasnare!
Iknownotwhatfinewireisroundmythroat,
IonlyknowIlethimfingerthere
Mypulseoflife,lettinghimnoselikeastoat
Whosniffswithjoybeforehedrinkstheblood:
Anddownhismouthcomestomymouth,anddown
Hisdarkbrighteyesdescendlikeafieryhood
Uponmymind:hismouthmeetsmine,andaflood
Ofsweetfiresweepsacrossme,soIdrown
Withinhim,die,andfinddeathgood.
40
Discipline
Itisstormy,andraindropsclinglikesilverbeestothepane,
Thethinsycamoresintheplaygroundareswingingwithflattenedleaves;
Theheadsoftheboysmovedimlythroughayellowgloomthatstains
Theclass;overthemallthedarknetofmydisciplineweaves.
Itisnogood,dear,gentlenessandforbearance,Ienduredtoolong:
Ihavepushedmyhandsinthedarksoil,undertheflowerofmysoul
Andthegentleleaves,andhavefeltwheretherootsarestrong
Fixedinthedarkness,grapplingforthedeepsoilslittlecontrol.
Andthereisthedark,mydarling,wheretherootsareentangledandfight
Eachoneforitsholdontheobliviousdarkness,Iknowthatthere
Inthenightwherewefirsthavebeing,beforeweriseonthelight,
Wearenotbrothers,mydarling,wefightandwedonotspare.
Andintheoriginaldarktherootscannotkeep,cannotknow
Anycommunionwhatever,buttheybindthemselvesontothedark,
Anddrawingthedarknesstogether,crushfromitatwilight,aslow
Burningthatbreaksatlastintoleavesandaflowersbrightspark.
Icametotheboyswithlove,mydear,buttheyturnedonme;
Icamewithgentleness,withmyhearttwixtmyhandslikeabowl,
Likealoving-cup,likeagrail,buttheyspiltittriumphantly
Andtriedtobreakthevessel,andtoviolatemysoul.
ButwhathaveItodowiththeboys,deepdowninmysoul,mylove?
Ithrowfromoutofthedarknessmyselflikeaflowerintosight,
Likeaflowerfromoutofthenight-time,Iliftmyface,andthose
Whowillmaywarmtheirhandsatme,comfortthisnight.
Butwhosoeverwouldpluckapartmyfloweringshallburntheirhands,
Soflowersaretenderfolk,androotscanonlyhide,
Yetmyfloweringsofloveareafire,andthescarletbrands
Ofmylovearerosestolookat,butflamestochide.
Butcomfortme,mylove,nowthefiresarelow,
NowIambrokentoearthlikeawinterdestroyed,andall
Myselfbutaknowledgeofroots,ofrootsinthedarkthatthrow
Anetontheundersoil,whichliespassivebeneaththeirthrall.
Butcomfortme,forhenceforthmyloveisyoursalone,
ToyoualonewillIofferthebowl,toyouwillIgive
Myessenceonly,butloveme,andIwillatone
Toyouformygeneralloving,atoneaslongasIlive.
41
Discord in Childhood
Outsidethehouseanash-treehungitsterriblewhips,
Andatnightwhenthewindarose,thelashofthetree
Shriekedandslashedthewind,asaships
Weirdrigginginastormshriekshideously.
Withinthehousetwovoicesaroseinanger,aslenderlash
Whistlingdeliriousrage,andthedreadfulsound
Ofathicklashboomingandbruising,untilitdrowned
Theothervoiceinasilenceofblood,neaththenoiseoftheash.
42
Dissolute
ManyyearshaveIstilltoburn,detained
Likeacandleflameonthisbody;butIenshine
Adarknesswithinme,apresencewhichsleepscontained
Inmyflameofliving,hersoulenfoldedinmine.
Andthroughtheseyears,whileIburnonthefueloflife,
WhatmatterthestuffIlickupinmylivingflame,
SeeingIkeepinthefire-core,inviolate,
Anightwhereshedreamsmydreamsforme,everthesame.
43
Dolor of Autumn
Theacridscentsofautumn,
Reminiscentofslinkingbeasts,makemefear
Everything,tear-tremblingstarsofautumn
Andthesnoreofthenightinmyear.
Forsuddenly,flush-fallen,
Allmylife,inarush
Ofsheddingaway,hasleftme
Naked,exposedonthebush.
I,onthebushoftheglobe,
Likeanewly-nakedberry,shrink
Disclosed:butIalsoamprowling
Aswellinthescentsthatslink
Abroad:Iinthisnakedberry
Offleshthatstandsdismayedonthebush;
AndIinthestealthy,brindledodours
Prowlingaboutthelush
Andacridnightofautumn;
Mysoul,alongwiththerout,
Rankandtreacherous,prowling,
Disseminatedout.
Forthenight,withagreatbreathintaken,
Hastakenmyspiritoutside
Me,tillIreelwithdisseminatedconsciousness,
Likeamanwhohasdied.
AtthesametimeIstandexposed
Hereonthebushoftheglobe,
Anewly-nakedberryofflesh
Forthestarstoprobe.
44
Dreams
Allpeopledream,butnotequally.
Thosewhodreambynightinthedustyrecessesoftheirmind,
Wakeinthemorningtofindthatitwasvanity.
Butthedreamersofthedayaredangerouspeople,
Fortheydreamtheirdreamswithopeneyes,
Andmakethemcometrue.
45
Dreams Nascent
Myworldisapaintedfresco,wherecolouredshapes
Ofold,ineffectualliveslingerblurredandwarm;
Anendlesstapestrythepasthaswomendrapes
Thehallsofmylife,compellingmysoultoconform.
Thesurfaceofdreamsisbroken,
Thepictureofthepastisshakenandscattered.
Fluent,activefiguresofmenpassalongtherailway,andIamwoken
Fromthedreamsthatthedistanceflattered.
Alongtherailway,activefiguresofmen.
Theyhaveasecretthatstirsintheirlimbsastheymove
Outofthedistance,nearer,commandingmydreamyworld.
Hereinthesubtle,roundedflesh
Beatstheactiveecstasy.
Inthesuddenliftingmyeyes,itisclearer,
Thefascinationofthequick,restlessCreatormovingthroughthemesh
Ofmen,vibratinginecstasythroughtheroundedflesh.
Ohmyboys,bendingoveryourbooks,
Inyouistremblingandfusing
Thecreationofanew-patterneddream,dreamofageneration:
AndIwatchtoseetheCreator,thepowerthatpatternsthedream.
Theolddreamsarebeautiful,beloved,soft-toned,andsure,
Butthedream-stuffismoltenandmovingmysteriously,
Alluringmyeyes;forI,amInotalsodream-stuff,
AmInotquickening,diffusingmyselfinthepattern,shapingandshapen?
Hereinmyclassistheanswerforthegreatyearning:
EyeswhereIcanwatchtheswimofolddreamsreflectedonthemoltenmetalof
dreams,
Watchthestirwhichisrhythmicandmovesthemallasaheart-beatmovestheblood,
Hereintheswellingfleshthegreatactivityworking,
Visiblethereinthechangeofeyesandthemobilefeatures.
OhthegreatmysteryandfascinationoftheunseenShaper,
Thepowerofthemelting,fusingForceheat,light,allinone,
Everythinggreatandmysteriousinone,swellingandshapingthedreamintheflesh,
Asitswellsandshapesabudintoblossom.
OhtheterribleecstasyoftheconsciousnessthatIamlife!
Ohthemiracleofthewhole,thewidespread,labouringconcentration
Swellingmankindlikeonebudtobringforththefruitofadream,
OhtheterrorofliftingtheinnermostIoutofthesweepoftheimpulseoflife,
AndwatchingthegreatThinglabouringthroughthewholeroundfleshoftheworld;
Andstrivingtocatchaglimpseoftheshapeofthecomingdream,
Asitquickenswithinthelabouring,white-hotmetal,
Catchthescentandthecolourofthecomingdream,
Thentofallbackexhaustedintotheunconscious,moltenlife!
46
47
Dreams Old
Ihaveopenedthewindowtowarmmyhandsonthesill
Wherethesunlightsoaksinthestone:theafternoon
Isfullofdreams,mylove,theboysareallstill
InawistfuldreamofLornaDoone.
Theclinkoftheshuntingenginesissharpandfine,
Likesavagemusicstrikingfaroff,andthere
Onthegreat,upliftedbluepalace,lightsstirandshine
Wheretheglassisdomedintheblue,softair.
Thereliestheworld,mydarling,fullofwonderandwistfulnessandstrange
Recognitionandgreetingsofhalf-acquaintthings,asIgreetthecloud
Ofbluepalacealoftthere,amongmistyindefinitedreamsthatrange
Atthebackofmylifeshorizon,wherethedreamingsofpastlivescrowd.
OverthenearnessofNorwoodHill,throughthemellowveil
OftheafternoonglowstometheoldromanceofDavidandDora,
Withtheold,sweet,soothingtears,andlaughterthatshakesthesail
Oftheshipofthesouloverseaswheredreameddreamsluretheunoceanedexplorer.
Allthebygone,hushdyears
Streamingbackwherethemistdistils
Intoforgetfulness:soft-sailingwaterswherefears
Nolongershake,wherethesilksailfills
Withanunfeltbreezethatebbsovertheseas,wherethestorm
Oflivinghaspassed,onandon
Throughthecolourediridescencethatswimsinthewarm
Wakeofthetumultnowspentandgone,
Driftsmyboat,wistfullylapsingafter
Themistsofvanishingtearsandtheechooflaughter.
48
Drunk
Toofaraway,ohlove,Iknow,
Tosavemefromthishauntedroad,
Whoseloftyrosesbreakandblow
Onanight-skybentwithaload
Oflights:eachsolitaryrose,
Eacharc-lampgoldendoesexpose
Ghostbeyondghostofablossom,shows
Nightblenchedwithathousandsnows.
Ofhawthornandoflilactrees,
Whitelilac;showsdiscolourednight
Drippingwithallthegoldenlees
Laburnumgivesbacktolight.
Andshowstheredofhawthornset
Onhightothepurpleheavenofnight,
Likeflagsinblenchedbloodnewlywet,
Bloodshedinthenoiselessfight.
Oflifeforloveandloveforlife,
Ofhungerforalittlefood,
Ofkissing,lostforwantofawife
Longago,longagowooed.
......
Toofarawayyouare,mylove,
Tosteadymybraininthisphantomshow
Thatpassesthenightlyroadabove
Andreturnsagainbelow.
Theenormouscliffofhorse-chestnuttrees
Haspoisedoneachofitsledges
Anerectsmallgirllookingdownatme;
White-night-gownedlittlechitsIsee,
Andtheypeepatmeovertheedges
Oftheleavesasthoughtheywouldleap,shouldIcall
Themdowntomyarms;
But,child,youretoosmallforme,toosmall
Yourlittlecharms.
Whitelittlesheavesofnight-gownedmaids,
Someotherwillthreshyouout!
AndIseeleaningfromtheshades
Alilaclikealadythere,whobraids
Herwhitemantillaabout
Herface,andforwardleanstocatchthesight
Ofamansface,
Gracefullysighingthroughthewhite
Flowerymantillaoflace.
49
Andanotherlilacinpurpleveiled
Discreetly,allrecklesslycalls
Inalow,shockingperfume,toknowwhohashailed
Herforthfromthenight:mystrengthhasfailed
Inhervoice,myweakheartfalls:
Oh,andseethelaburnumshimmering
Herdraperiesdown,
Asifshewouldslipthegold,andglimmering
White,standnakedofgown.
......
Thepageantofflowerytreesabove
Thestreetpale-passionategoes,
Andbackagaindownthepavement,Love
Inalesserpageantflows.
Twoandtwoarethefolkthatwalk,
Theypassinahalfembrace
Oflinkdbodies,andtheytalk
Withdarkfaceleaningtoface.
Comethen,mylove,comeasyouwill
Alongthishauntedroad,
Bewhomyouwill,mydarling,Ishall
KeepwithyouthetrothItrowed.
50
Elegy
SinceIlostyou,mydarling,theskyhascomenear,
AndIamofit,thesmallsharpstarsarequitenear,
Thewhitemoongoingamongthemlikeawhitebirdamongsnow-berries,
AndthesoundofhergentlyrustlinginheavenlikeabirdIhear.
AndIamwillingtocometoyounow,mydear,
Asapigeonletsitselfofffromacathedraldome
Tobelostinthehazeofthesky,Iwouldliketocome,
Andbelostoutofsightwithyou,andbegonelikefoam.
ForIamtired,mydear,andifIcouldliftmyfeet,
Mytenaciousfeetfromoffthedomeoftheearth
Tofalllikeabreathwithinthebreathingwind
Whereyouarelost,whatrest,mylove,whatrest!
51
Epilogue
Patience,littleHeart.
Onedayaheavy,June-hotwoman
Willenterandshutthedoortostay.
Andwhenyourstiflingheartwouldsummon
Cool,lonelynight,herrousedbreastswillkeepthenightatbay,
Sittinginyourroomliketwotiger-lilies
Flamingonaftersunset,
Destroyingthecool,lonelynightwiththeglowoftheirhottwilight;
Thereinthemorning,still,whilethefiercestrangescentcomesyet
Stronger,hotandred;tillyouthirstforthedaffodillies
Withananguished,huskythirstthatyoucannotassuage,
Whenthedaffodilliesaredead,andawomanofthedog-daysholdsyouingage.
Patience,littleHeart.
52
Excursion
Iwonder,canthenightgoby;
Canthisshotarrowoftravelfly
Shaft-goldenwithlight,sheerintothesky
Ofadawnedto-morrow,
Withouteversleepdeliveringus
Fromeachother,orloosingthedolorous
Unfruitfulsorrow!
Whatisitthenthatyoucansee
Thatatthewindowendlessly
Youwatchtheredsparkswhirlandflee
Andthenightlookthrough?
Yourpresencepeeringlonelilythere
Oppressesmeso,Icanhardlybear
Tosharethetrainwithyou.
Youhurtmyheart-beatsprivacy;
IwishIcouldputyouawayfromme;
Isuffocateinthisintimacy,
ForallthatIloveyou;
HowIhavelongedforthisnightinthetrain,
Yetnoweveryfibreofmecriesinpain
ToGodtoremoveyou.
Butsurelymysoulsbestdreamisstill
Thatonenightpouringdownshallswill
Usawayinanuttersleep,until
Weareone,smooth-rounded.
Yetcloselybittenintome
Isthisarmourofstiffreluctancy
Thatkeepsmeimpounded.
So,dearlove,whenanothernight
Poursonus,liftyourfingerswhite
Andstripmenaked,touchmelight,
Light,lightallover.
ForIachemostearnestlyforyourtouch,
YetIcannotmove,howevermuch
Iwouldbeyourlover.
Nightafternightwithablemishofday
Unblownandunblossomedhaswitheredaway;
Comeanothernight,comeanewnight,say
Willyoupluckmeapart?
Willyouopentheamorous,achingbud
Ofmybody,andloosetheburningflood
Thatwouldleaptoyoufrommyheart?
53
Firelight and Nightfall

Thedarknessstealstheformsofallthequeens,
Butoh,thepalmsofhistwoblackhandsarered,
Inflamedwithbindingupthesheavesofdead
Hoursthatwereonceallgloryandallqueens.
AndIrememberallthesunnyhours
Ofqueensinhyacinthandskiesofgold,
Andmorningsingingwherethewoodsarescrolled
Anddiaperedabovethechauntingflowers.
Herelampsarewhitelikesnowdropsinthegrass;
Thetownislikeachurchyard,allsostill
Andgreynownightishere;norwill
Anothertornredsunsetcometopass.
54
Giorno dei Morti

Alongtheavenueofcypresses,
Allintheirscarletcloaksandsurplices
Oflinen,gothechantingchoristers,
Thepriestsingoldandblack,thevillagers...
Andallalongthepathtothecemetery
Therounddarkheadsofmencrowdsilently,
Andblack-scarvedfacesofwomenfolk,wistfully
Watchatthebannerofdeath,andthemystery.
Andatthefootofagraveafatherstands
Withsunkenhead,andforgotten,foldedhands;
Andatthefootofagraveamotherkneels
Withpaleshutface,noreitherhearsnorfeels
Thecomingofthechantingchoristers
Betweentheavenueofcypresses,
Thesilenceofthemanyvillagers,
Thecandle-flamesbesidethesurplices.
55
Gloire de Dijon
Whensherisesinthemorning
Ilingertowatchher;
Shespreadsthebath-clothunderneaththewindow
Andthesunbeamscatchher
Glisteningwhiteontheshoulders,
Whiledownhersidesthemellow
Goldenshadowglowsas
Shestoopstothesponge,andherswungbreasts
Swaylikefull-blownyellow
GloiredeDijonroses.
Shedripsherselfwithwater,andhershoulders
Glistenassilver,theycrumpleup
Likewetandfallingroses,andIlisten
Forthesluicingoftheirrain-dishevelledpetals.
Inthewindowfullofsunlight
Concentrateshergoldenshadow
Foldonfold,untilitglowsas
Mellowasthegloryroses.
56
Green
Thedawnwasapple-green,
Theskywasgreenwineheldupinthesun,
Themoonwasagoldenpetalbetween.
Sheopenedhereyes,andgreen
Theyshone,clearlikeflowersundone,
Forthefirsttime,nowforthefirsttimeseen.
57
Grey Evening
Whenyouwent,howwasityoucarriedwithyou
Mymissalbookoffine,flamboyanthours?
Mybookofturretsandofred-thornbowers,
Andskiesofgold,andladiesinbrighttissue?
Nowunderneathablue-greytwilight,heaped
Beyondthewitheringsnowoftheshornfields
Standsrubbleofstuntedhouses;allisreaped
Andgarneredthatthegoldendaylightyields.
Dimlampslikeyellowpoppiesglimmeramong
Theshadowystubbleoftheunder-dusk,
Asfartheroffthescytheofnightisswung,
Andlittlestarscomerollingfromtheirhusk.
Andalltheearthisgoneintoadust
Ofgreynessmingledwithafumeofgold,
Coveredwithagedlichens,pastwithmust,
Andalltheskyhaswitheredandgonecold.
AndsoIsitandscanthebookofgrey,
Feelingtheshadowslikeablindmanreading,
AllfearfullestIfindthelastwordsbleeding
Withwoundsofsunsetandthedyingday.
58
How Beastly the Bourgeois Is

Howbeastlythebourgeoisis
especiallythemaleofthespecies-Presentable,eminentlypresentable-shallImakeyouapresentofhim?
Isn'thehandsome?Isn'thehealthy?Isn'theafinespecimen?
Doesn'thelookthefreshcleanEnglishman,outside?
Isn'titGod'sownimage?trampinghisthirtymilesaday
afterpartridges,oralittlerubberball?
wouldn'tyouliketobelikethat,welloff,andquitethe
thing
Oh,butwait!
Lethimmeetanewemotion,lethimbefacedwithanother
man'sneed,
lethimcomehometoabitofmoraldifficulty,letlife
facehimwithanewdemandonhisunderstanding
andthenwatchhimgosoggy,likeawetmeringue.
Watchhimturnintoamess,eitherafoolorabully.
Justwatchthedisplayofhim,confrontedwithanew
demandonhisintelligence,
anewlife-demand.
Howbeastlythebourgeoisis
especiallythemaleofthespecies-Nicelygroomed,likeamushroom
standingtheresosleekanderectandeyeable-andlikeafungus,livingontheremainsofabygonelife
suckinghislifeoutofthedeadleavesofgreaterlife
thanhisown.
Andevenso,he'sstale,he'sbeentheretoolong.
Touchhim,andyou'llfindhe'sallgoneinside
justlikeanoldmushroom,allwormyinside,andhollow
underasmoothskinandanuprightappearance.
Fullofseething,wormy,hollowfeelings
rathernasty-Howbeastlythebourgeoisis!
Standingintheirthousands,theseappearances,indamp
England
whatapitytheycan'tallbekickedover
likesickeningtoadstools,andlefttomeltback,swiftly
intothesoilofEngland.
59
If You are a Man

Ifyouareaman,andbelieveinthedestinyofmankind
thensaytoyourself:wewillceasetocare
aboutpropertyandmoneyandmechanicaldevices,
andopenourconsciousnesstothedeep,mysteriouslife
thatwearenowcutofffrom.
Themachineshallbeabolishedfromtheearthagain;
itisamistakethatmankindhasmade;
moneyshallceasetobe,andpropertyshallceasetoperplex
andwewillfindthewaytoimmediatecontactwithlife
andwithoneanother.
Toknowthemoonaswehaveneverknown
yetsheisknowable.
Toknowamanaswehaveneverknown
aman,asneveryetamanwasknowable,yetstillshallbe.
60
In a Boat
Seethestars,love,
Inthewatermuchclearerandbrighter
Thanthoseaboveus,andwhiter,
Likenenuphars.
Star-shadowsshine,love,
Howmanystarsinyourbowl?
Howmanyshadowsinyoursoul,
Onlymine,love,mine?
WhenImovetheoars,love,
Seehowthestarsaretossed,
Distorted,thebrightestlost.
Sothatbrightoneofyours,love.
Thepoorwatersspill
Thestars,watersbroken,forsaken.
Theheavensarenotshaken,yousay,love,
Itsstarsstandstill.
There,didyousee
Thatsparkflyupatus;even
Starsarenotsafeinheaven.
Whatofyours,then,love,yours?
Whatthen,love,ifsoon
Yourlightbetossedoverawave?
Willyoucountthedarknessagrave,
Andswoon,love,swoon?
61
In Trouble and Shame

Ilookattheswalingsunset
AndwishIcouldgoalso
Throughthereddoorsbeyondtheblack-purplebar.
IwishthatIcouldgo
ThroughthereddoorswhereIcouldputoff
Myshamelikeshoesintheporch,
Mypainlikegarments,
Andleavemyfleshdiscardedlying
Likeluggageofsomedepartedtraveller
Goneoneknowsnotwhere.
ThenIwouldturnround,
Andseeingmycast-offbodylyinglikelumber,
Iwouldlaughwithjoy.
62
Intimates
Don'tyoucareformylove?shesaidbitterly.
Ihandedherthemirror,andsaid:
Pleaseaddressthesequestionstotheproperperson!
Pleasemakeallrequeststohead-quarters!
Inallmattersofemotionalimportance
pleaseapproachthesupremeauthoritydirect!SoIhandedherthemirror.
Andshewouldhavebrokenitovermyhead,
butshecaughtsightofherownreflection
andthatheldherspellboundfortwoseconds
whileIfled.
63
Irony
Always,sweetheart,
Carryintoyourroomtheblossomingboughsofcherry,
Almondandappleandpeardiffusewithlight,thatvery
Soonstrewsitselfonthefloor;andkeeptheradianceofspring
Freshquivering;keepthesunny-swiftMarch-dayswaiting
Inalittlethrongatyourdoor,andadmittheonewhoisplaiting
Herhairforwomanhood,andplayawhilewithher,thenbidherdepart.
AcomeandgoofMarch-dayloves
Throughtheflower-vine,trailingscreen;
Aflutteringinofdoves.
Thenalaunchabroadofshrinkingdoves
Overthewastewherenohopeisseen
Ofopenhands:
Danceinandout
Small-bosomedgirlsofthespringoflove,
Withabubbleoflaughter,andshrillyshout
Ofmirth;thenthedrippingoftearsonyourglove.
64
Kangaroo
DelicatemotherKangaroo
Sittingupthererabbit-wise,buthuge,plump-weighted,
Andliftingherbeautifulslenderface,oh!somuchmore
gentlyandfinelylinedthanarabbit's,orthanahare's,
Liftingherfacetonibbleataroundwhitepeppermintdrop
whichsheloves,sensitivemotherKangaroo.
Hersensitive,long,pure-bredface.
Herfullantipodaleyes,sodark,
Sobigandquietandremote,havingwatchedsomany
emptydawnsinsilentAustralia.
Herlittleloosehands,anddroopingVictorianshoulders.
Andthenhergreatweightbelowthewaist,hervastpalebelly,
Withathinyoungyellowlittlepawhangingout,and
straggleofalongthinear,likeribbon,
Likeafunnytrimmingtothemiddleofherbelly,thin
littledangleofanimmaturepaw,andonethinear.
Herbelly,herbighaunches
And,inaddition,thegreatmuscularpython-stretchofhertail.
There,sheshan'thaveanymorepeppermintdrops.
Soshewistfully,sensitivelysniffstheair,andthenturns,
goesoffinslowsadleaps
Onthelongflatskisofherlegs,
Steeredandpropelledbythatsteel-strongsnakeofatail.
Stopsagain,halfturns,inquisitivetolookback.
Whilesomethingstirsquicklyinherbelly,andaleanlittle
facecomesout,asfromawindow,
Peakedandabitdismayed,
Onlytodisappearagainquicklyawayfromthesightofthe
world,tosnuggledowninthewarmth,
Leavingthetrailofadifferentpawhangingout.
Stillshewatcheswitheternal,cockedwistfulness!
Howfullhereyesare,likethefull,fathomless,shining
eyesofanAustralianblack-boy
Whohasbeenlostsomanycenturiesonthemarginsof
existence!
Shewatcheswithinsatiablewistfulness.
Untoldcenturiesofwatchingforsomethingtocome,
Foranewsignalfromlife,inthatsilentlostlandofthe
South.
Wherenothingbitesbutinsectsandsnakesandthesun,
smalllife.
Wherenobullroared,nocoweverlowed,nostagcried,
noleopardscreeched,nolioncoughed,nodogbarked,
Butallwassilentsaveforparrotsoccasionally,inthe
hauntedbluebush.
65
Wistfullywatching,withwonderfulliquideyes.
Andallherweight,allherblood,droppingsackwisedown
towardstheearth'scentre,
Andthelivelittle-onetakinginitspawatthedoorofher
belly.
66
Last Words to Miriam

Yoursistheshameandsorrow,
Butthedisgraceismine;
Yourlovewasdarkandthorough,
Minewastheloveofthesunforaflower
Hecreateswithhisshine.
Iwasdiligenttoexploreyou,
Blossomyoustalkbystalk,
Tillmyfireofcreationboreyou
Shrivellingdowninthefinaldour
Anguish--thenIsufferedabalk.
Iknewyourpain,anditbroke
Myfine,craftsman'snerve;
Yourbodyquailedatmystroke,
Andmycouragefailedtogiveyouthelast
Finetortureyoudiddeserve.
Youareshapely,youareadorned,
Butopaqueanddullintheflesh,
Who,hadIbutpiercedwiththethorned
Fire-threshinganguish,werefusedandcast
Inalovelyilluminedmesh.
Likeapaintedwindow:thebest
Sufferingburntthroughyourflesh,
Undrosseditandleftitblest
Withaquiveringsweetwisdomofgrace:butnow
Whoshalltakeyouafresh?
Nowwhowillburnyoufree
Fromyourbody'sterrorsanddross,
Sincethefirehasfailedinme?
Whatmanwillstoopinyourfleshtoplough
Theshriekingcross?
Amute,nearlybeautifulthing
Isyourface,thatfillsmewithshame
AsIseeithardening,
WarpingtheperfectimageofGod,
Anddarkeningmyeternalfame.
67
Liaison
Abigbudofmoonhangsoutofthetwilight,
Star-spidersspinningtheirthread
Hanghighsuspended,withoutenrespite
Watchingusoverhead.
Comethenunderthetrees,wheretheleaf-cloths
Curtainusinsodark
Thathereweresafefromeventheermin-moths
Flittingremark.
Hereinthisswarthy,secrettent,
Whereblackboughsflaptheground,
Youshalldrawthethornfrommydiscontent,
Surgeonmesound.
Thisrare,richnight!Forinhere
Undertheyew-treetent
ThedarknessisloveliestwhereIcouldsear
Youlikefrankincenseintoscent.
Herenoteventhestarscanspyus,
Noteventhewhitemothswrite
Withtheirlittlepalesignsonthewall,totryus
Andsetusaffright.
Kissbutthenthedustfromoffmylips,
Butdrawtheturgidpain
Frommybreasttoyourbosom,eclipse
Mysoulagain.
Wastemenot,Ibegyou,waste
Nottheinnernight:
Taste,ohtasteandletmetaste
Thecoreofdelight.
68
Lies About Love

Wearealiars,because
thetruthofyesterdaybecomesalietomorrow,
whereaslettersarefixed,
andwelivebytheletteroftruth.
TheloveIfeelformyfriend,thisyear,
isdifferentfromtheloveIfeltlastyear.
Ifitwerenotso,itwouldbealie.
Yetwereiteratelove!love!love!
asifitwereacoinwithafixedvalue
insteadofaflowerthatdies,andopensadifferentbud.
69
Listening
Ilistentothestillnessofyou,
Mydear,amongitall;
IfeelyoursilencetouchmywordsasItalk,
Andtaketheminthrall.
Mywordsflyoffaforge
Thelengthofaspark;
Iseethenight-skyeasilysipthem
Upinthedark.
Thelarksingsloudandglad,
YetIamnotloth
Thatsilenceshouldtakethesongandthebird
Andlosethemboth.
Atraingoesroaringsouth,
Thesteam-flagflying;
Iseethestealthyshadowofsilence
Alongsidegoing.
Andofftheforgeoftheworld,
Whirlinginthedraughtoflife,
Gosparksofmyriadpeople,filling
Thenightwithstrife.
Yettheyneverchangethedarkness
Orblenchitwithnoise;
Aloneontheperfectsilence
Thestarsarebuoys.
70
Lotus Hurt by the Cold

Howmanytimes,likelotusliliesrisen
Uponthesurfaceofariver,there
Haverisenfloatingonmybloodtherare
Softglimmersofmyhopeescapedfromprison.
SoIamclothedalloverwiththelight
Andsensitivebeautifulblossomingofpassion;
Tillnakedforherinthefinestfashion
Theflowersofallmymudswimintosight.
AndthenIofferallmyselfunto
Thiswomanwholikestoloveme:butsheturns
Alookofhateupontheflowerthatburns
Tobreakandpourheroutitspreciousdew.
Andslowlyalltheblossomshutsinpain,
Andallthelotusbudsoflovesinkover
Todieunopened:whenmymoon-facedlover,
Kindontheweightofsuffering,smilesagain.
71
Lui et Elle
Sheislargeandmatronly
Andratherdirty,
Alittlesardonic-looking,asifdomesticityhaddrivenhertoit.
Thoughwhatshedoes,exceptlayfoureggsatrandominthegardenonceayear
Andputupwithherhusband,
Idon'tknow.
Shelikestoeat.
Shehurriesup,stridingrearedonlonguncannylegs
Whenfoodisgoing.
Ohyes,shecanmakehastewhenshelikes.
Shesnapsthesoftbreadfrommyhandingreatmouthfuls,
Openingherratherprettywedgeofaniron,pristineface
Intoanenormouslywide-beakedmouth
Likesuddencurvedscissors,
Andgulpingatmorethanshecanswallow,andworkingherthick,softtongue,
Andhavingthebreadhangingoverherchin.
OMistress,Mistress,
Reptilemistress,
Youreyeisverydark,verybright,
Anditneversoftens
Althoughyouwatch.
Sheknows,
Sheknowswellenoughtocomeforfood,
Yetsheseesmenot;
Herbrighteyesees,butnotme,notanything,
Sightful,sightless,seeingandvisionless,
Reptilemistress.
Takingbreadinhercurved,gaping,toothlessmouth,
Shehasnoqualmwhenshecatchesmyfingerinhersteeloverlappinggums,
Butshehangson,andmyshoutandmyshrinkingarenothingtoher.
Shedoesnotevenknowsheisnippingmewithhercurvedbeak.
Snake-likeshedrawsatmyfinger,whileIdragitinhorroraway.
Mistress,reptilemistress,
Youarealmosttoolarge,Iamalmostfrightened.
Heismuchsmaller,
Dapperbesideher,
Andridiculouslysmall.
Herlaconiceyehasanearthy,materialisticlook,
His,poordarling,isalmostfiery.
Hiswimple,hisblunt-prowedface,
Hislowforehead,hisskinnyneck,hislong,scaled,strivinglegs,
Sostriving,striving,
Areallmoredelicatethanshe,
Andhehasacruelscaronhisshell.
72
Poordarling,bitingatherfeet,
Runningbesideherlikeadog,bitingherearthy,splayfeet,
Nippingherankles,
Whichshedragsapatheticaway,thoughwithoutretreatingintohershell.
Agelesslysilent,
Andwithagrim,reptiledetermination,
Cold,voicelessage-after-agebehindhim,serpents'longobstinacy
Ofhorizontalpersistence.
Littleoldman
Scufflingbesideher,bendingdown,catchinghisopportunity,
Partinghissteel-trapface,sosuddenly,andseizingherscalyankle,
Andhanginggrimlyon,
Lettinggoatlastasshedragsaway,
Andclosinghissteel-trapface.
Hissteel-trap,stoic,ageless,handsomeface.
Alas,whatafoolhelooksinthisscuffle.
Andhowhefeelsit!
Thelonelyrambler,thestoic,dignifiedstalkerthroughchaos,
Theimmune,theanimate,
Envelopedinisolation,
Fore-runner.
Nowlookathim!
Alas,thespearisthroughthesideofhisisolation.
Hisadolescencesawhimcrucifiedintosex,
Doomed,inthelongcrucifixionofdesire,toseekhisconsummationbeyondhimself.
Dividedintopassionateduality,
He,sofinishedandimmune,nowbrokenintodesirousfragmentariness,
Doomedtomakeanintolerablefoolofhimself
Inhisefforttowardcompletionagain.
Poorlittleearthyhouse-inhabitingOsiris,
Themysteriousbulltorehimatadolescenceintopieces,
Andhemuststruggleafterreconstruction,ignominiously.
Andsobeholdhimfollowingthetail
Ofthatmud-hovelofhisslowlyramblingspouse,
Likesomeunhappybullatthetailofacow,
Butwithmorethanbovine,grim,earth-dankpersistence.
Suddenlyseizingtheuglyankleasshestretchesouttowalk,
Roamingoverthesods,
Or,ifithappentoshow,atherpointed,heavytail
Beneaththelow-droppingback-boardofhershell.
Theirtwoshellslikedomedboatsbumping,
Hershuge,hissmall;
Theirsplayfeetramblingandrowinglikepaddles,
73
Andstumblingmixedupinoneanother,
Intheraceoflove-Twotortoises,
Shehuge,hesmall.
Sheseemsearthilyapathetic,
Andhehasareptile'sawfulpersistence.
Iheardawomanpityingher,pityingtheMreTortue.
WhileI,IpityMonsieur.
'Hepestersherandtormentsher,'saidthewoman.
Howmuchmoreishepesteredandtormented,sayI.
Whatcanhedo?
Heisdumb,heisvisionless,
Conceptionless.
Hisblack,sad-liddedeyeseesbutbeholdsnot
Asherearthenmoundmoveson,
Buthecatchesthefoldsofvulnerable,leatheryskin,
Nail-studded,thatshakebeneathhershell,
Anddragsatthesewithhisbeak,
Dragsanddragsandbites,
Whileshepullsherselffree,androwsherdullmoundalong.
74
Malade
Thesickgrapesonthechairbythebedlieprone;atthewindow
Thetasseloftheblindswingsgently,tappingthepane,
Asalittlewindcomesin.
Theroomisthehollowrindofafruit,agourd
Scoopedoutanddry,whereaspider,
Foldedinitslegsasinabed,
Liesonthedust,watchingwhereisnothingtoseebuttwilightandwalls.
Andifthedayoutsideweremine!Whatistheday
Butagreycave,withgreatgreyspider-clothshanging
Lowfromtheroof,andthewetdustfallingsoftlyfromthem
Overthewetdarkrocks,thehouses,andover
Thespiderswithwhitefaces,thatscuttleonthefloorofthecave!
Iamchokingwithcreeping,greyconfinedness.
Butsomewherebirds,besidealakeoflight,spreadwings
Largerthanthelargestfans,andriseinastreamupwards
Andupwardsonthesunlightthatrainsinvisible,
Sothatthebirdsarelikeonewaftedfeather,
Smallandecstaticsuspendedoveravastspreadcountry.
75
Mating
Roundcloudsrollinthearmsofthewind,
Theroundearthrollsinaclaspofbluesky,
Andsee,wherethebuddinghazelsarethinned,
Thewildanemoneslie
Inundulatingshiversbeneaththewind.
Overtheblueofthewatersply
Whiteducks,alivingflotillaofcloud;
And,lookyou,floatingjustthereby,
Theblue-gleameddrakestemsproud
LikeAbraham,whoseseedshouldmultiply.
Inthelustrousgleamofthewater,there
Scrambleseventoadsacrossthesilk,obscureleaves,
Seventoadsthatmeetinthedusktoshare
Thedarknessthatinterweaves
Theskyandearthandwaterandlivethingseverywhere.
Looknow,throughthewoodswherethebeech-greenspurts
Likeastormofemeraldsnow,look,see
Agreatbaystalliondances,skirts
Thebushessumptuously,
Goingoutwardnowinthespringtohisbriefdeserts.
Ahlove,withyourrich,warmfaceaglow,
Whatsuddenexpectationopensyou
Sowideasyouwatchthecatkinsblow
Theirdustfromthebirchontheblue
Liftofthepulsingwindah,tellmeyouknow!
Ah,surely!Ah,surefromthegoldensun
Aquickening,masculinegleamfloatsintoall
Uscreatures,peopleandflowersundone,
Lyingopenunderhisthrall,
Ashebegetstheyearinus.What,then,wouldyoushun?
Why,Ishouldthinkthatfromtheearththerefly
Finethrillstotheneighbourstars,fineyellowbeams
Thrownlustilyofffromourfull-blown,high
Burstingglobeofdreams,
Toquickenthespheresthatarevirginstillinthesky.
Doyounotheareachmorselthrill
Withjoyattravellingtoplantitselfwithin
Theexpectantone,thereintoinstil
Newrapture,newshapetowin,
Fromthethickoflifewakeupanotherwill?
Surely,andifthatIwouldspill
Thevivid,ah,thefierysurplusoflife,
Fromoffmybrimmingmeasure,tofill
You,andflushyourife
76
Withincrease,doyoucallitevil,andalwaysevil?
77
Meeting Among the Mountains

Thelittlepansiesbytheroadhaveturned
Awaytheirpurplefacesandtheirgold,
Andeveninghastakenallthebeesfromthethyme,
Andallthescentisshedawaybythecold.
Againstthehardandpaleblueeveningsky
Themountain'snew-droppedsummersnowisclear
Glisteninginsteadfaststillness:liketranscendent
Cleanpainsendingonusachilldownhere.
ChirstontheCross!--hisbeautifulyoungman'sbody
Hasfallendeaduponthenails,andhangs
Whiteandlooseatlast,withallthepain
Drawnonhismouth,eyesbrokenatlastbyhispangs.
Andslowlydownthemountainroad,belated,
Abullockwagoncomes;soIamashamed
TogazeanymoreattheChrist,whomthemountainsnows
Whitelyconfront;Iwaitonthegrass,amlamed.
Thebreathofthebullockstainsthehard,chillair,
Thebandisacrossitsbrow,anditscarcelyseems
Todrawtheload,sostillandslowitmoves,
Whilethedriverontheshaftsitscrouchedindreams.
Surelyabouthissunburntfaceissomething
Thatvexesmewithwonder.Hesitssostill
Hereamongallthissilence,crouchingforward,
Dreamingandlettingthebullocktakeitswill.
Istandasideonthegrasstoletthemgo;
--AndChrist,Ihavemethisaccusingeyesagain,
Thebrowneyesblackwithmiseryandhate,thatlook
Fullinmyown,andthetormentstartsagain.
Onemomentthehateleapsatmestandingthere,
OnemomentIseethestillnessofagony,
Somethingfrozeninthesilencethatdarenotbe
Loosed,onemomentthedarknessfrightensme.
Thenamongtheavertedpansies,beneaththehigh
Whitepeaksofsnow,atthefootofthesunkenChrist
Istandinachillofanguish,tryingtosay
ThejoyIboughtwasnottoohighlypriced.
Buthehasgone,motionless,hatingme,
Livingasthemountainsdo,becausetheyarestrong,
Withapale,deadChristonthecrucifixofhisheart,
Andbreathingthefrozenmemoryofhiswrong.
Stillinhisnostrilsthefrozenbreathofdespair,
Andheartlikeacrossthatbearsdeadagony
78
Ofnakedlove,clenchedinhisfiststheshame,
Andinhisbellythesmoulderinghateofme.
AndI,asIstandinthecold,avertedflowers,
Feeltheshame-woundsinhishandspiercethroughmyown,
Andbreathedespairthatturnsmylungstostone
AndknowthedeadChristweighingonmybone.
79
Monologue of a Mother
Thisisthelastofall,thisisthelast!
Imustholdmyhands,andturnmyfacetothefire,
Imustwatchmydeaddaysfusingtogetherindross,
Shapeaftershape,andsceneafterscenefrommypast
Fusingtoonedeadmassinthesinkingfire
Wheretheashonthedyingcoalsgrowsswiftly,likeheavymoss.
Strangeheis,myson,whomIhaveawaitedlikealoyer,
Strangetomelikeacaptiveinaforeigncountry,haunting
Theconfinesandgazingoutonthelandwherethewindisfree;
Whiteandgaunt,withwistfuleyesthathover
Alwaysonthedistance,asifhissoulwerechaunting
Themonotonousweirdofdepartureawayfromme.
Likeastrangewhitebirdblownoutofthefrozenseas,
Likeabirdfromthefarnorthblownwithabrokenwing
Intooursootygarden,hedragsandbeats
Fromplacetoplaceperpetually,seekingrelease
Fromme,fromthehandofmylovewhichcreepsup,needing
Hishappiness,whilstheindispleasureretreats.
Imustlookawayfromhim,formyfadedeyes
Likeacringingdogathisheelsoffendhimnow,
Likeatoothlesshoundpursuinghimwithmywill,
Tillhechafesatmycrouchingpersistence,andasharpsparkflies
Inmysoulfromunderthesuddenfrownofhisbrow,
Asheblenchesandturnsaway,andmyheartstandsstill.
Thisisthelast,itwillnotbeanymore.
AllmylifeIhavebornetheburdenofmyself,
Allthelongyearsofsittinginmyhusbandshouse,
NeverhaveIsaidtomyselfasheclosedthedoor:
NowIamcaught!Youarehopelesslylost,OSelf,
Youarefrightenedwithjoy,myheart,likeafrightenedmouse.
ThreetimeshaveIofferedmyself,threetimesrejected.
Itwillnotbeanymore.Nomore,myson,myson!
Nevertoknowthegladfreedomofobedience,sincelongago
Theangelofchildhoodkissedmeandwent.Iexpected
Anotherwouldtakeme,andnow,myson,Omyson,
Imustsitawhileandwait,andneverknow
Thelossofmyself,tilldeathcomes,whocannotfail.
Death,inwhoseserviceisnothingofgladness,takesme:
ForthelipsandtheeyesofGodarebehindaveil.
AndthethoughtoftheliplessvoiceoftheFathershakesme
Withfear,andfillsmyeyeswiththetearsofdesire,
Andmyheartrebelswithanguishasnightdrawsnigher.
80
Mystery
NowIamall
Onebowlofkisses,
Suchasthetall
Slimvotaresses
OfEgyptfilled
ForaGod'sexcesses.
Ilifttoyou
Mybowlofkisses,
Andthroughthetemple's
Bluerecesses
Cryouttoyou
Inwildcaresses.
Andtomylips'
Brightcrimsonrim
Thepassionslips,
Anddownmyslim
Whitebodydrips
Theshininghymn.
Andstillbefore
ThealtarI
Exultthebowl
Brimful,andcry
Toyoutostoop
Anddrink,MostHigh.
Ohdrinkmeup
ThatImaybe
Withinyourcup
LikeaMystery,
Likewinethatisstill
Inecstasy.
Glimmeringstill
Inecstasy,
Commingledwines
Ofyouandme
InOnefulfill,...
TheMystery.
81
New Year's Eve

Thereareonlytwothingsnow,
Thegreatblacknightscoopedout
Andthisfireglow.
Thisfireglow,thecore,
Andwethetworipepips
Thatareheldinstore.
Listen,thedarknessrings
Asitcirculatesroundourfire.
Takeoffyourthings.
Yourshoulders,yourbruisedthroat!
Youbreasts,yournakedness!
Thisfierycoat!
Asthedarknessflickersanddips,
Asthefirelightfallsandleaps
Fromyourfeettoyourlips!
82
Nothing to Save
Thereisnothingtosave,nowallislost,
butatinycoreofstillnessintheheart
liketheeyeofaviolet.
83
Patience
Awindcomesfromthenorth
Blowinglittleflocksofbirds
Likesprayacrossthetown,
Andatrain,roaringforth,
Rushesstampedingdown
Withcriesandflyingcurds
Ofsteam,outofthedarkeningnorth.
WhitherIturnandset
Likeaneedlesteadfastly,
Waitingevertoget
Thenewsthatsheisfree;
Buteverfixed,asyet,
Tothelodeofheragony.
84
Perfidy
HollowrangthehousewhenIknockedonthedoor,
AndIlingeredonthethresholdwithmyhand
Upraisedtoknockandknockoncemore:
Listeningforthesoundofherfeetacrossthefloor,
Hollowre-echoedmyheart.
Thelow-hunglampsstretcheddowntheroad
Withshadowsdriftingunderneath,
Withamusicofsoft,melodiousfeet
QuickeningmyhopeasIhastenedtomeet
Thelow-hunglightofhereyes.
Thegoldenlampsdownthestreetwentout,
Thelastcartrailedthenightbehind;
AndIinthedarknesswanderedabout
Withaflutterofhopeandofdark-shutdoubt
Inthedyinglampofmylove.
Twobrownponiestrottingslowly
Stoppedatadim-littroughtodrink:
Thedarkvandrummeddownthedistanceslowly;
Whilethecitystarssodimandholy
Drewnearertosearchthroughthestreets.
Ahasteningcarsweptshamefulpast,
Isawherhidintheshadow,
Isawhersteptothecurb,andfast
Runtothesilentdoor,wherelast
Ihadstoodwithmyhanduplifted.
Sheclungtothedoorinherhastetoenter,
Entered,andquicklycast
Itshutbehindher,leavingthestreetaghast.
85
Piano
Softly,inthedusk,awomanissingingtome;
Takingmebackdownthevistaofyears,tillIsee
Achildsittingunderthepiano,intheboomofthetinglingstrings
Andpressingthesmall,poisedfeetofamotherwhosmilesasshesings.
Inspiteofmyself,theinsidiousmasteryofsong
Betraysmeback,tilltheheartofmeweepstobelong
TotheoldSundayeveningsathome,withwinteroutside
Andhymnsinthecosyparlour,thetinklingpianoourguide.
Sonowitisvainforthesingertoburstintoclamour
Withthegreatblackpianoappassionato.Theglamour
Ofchildishdaysisuponme,mymanhoodiscast
Downinthefloodofremembrance,Iweeplikeachildforthepast.
86
Reproach
HadIbutknownyesterday,
Helen,youcoulddischargetheache
Outofthecloud;
HadIknownyesterdayyoucouldtake
Theturgidelectricacheaway,
Drinkitupwithyourproud
Whitebody,aslovelywhitelightning
Isdrunkfromanagonisedskybytheearth,
Imighthavehatedyou,Helen.
Butsincemylimbsgushedfulloffire,
Sincefromoutofmybloodandbone
Pouredaheavyflame
Toyou,earthofmyatmosphere,stone
Ofmysteel,lovelywhiteflintofdesire,
Youhavenoname.
Earthofmyswayingatmosphere,
Substanceofmyinconstantbreath,
Icannotbutcleavetoyou.
Sinceyouhavedrunkenupthedrear
Painfulelectricstorm,anddeath
Iswashedfromtheblue
Ofmyeyes,Iseeyoubeautiful.
Youarestrongandpassiveandbeautiful,
Icomelikewindsthatuncertainhover;
Butyou
AretheearthIhoverover.
87
Restlessness
AttheopendooroftheroomIstandandlookatthenight,
Holdmyhandtocatchtheraindrops,thatslantintosight,
Arrivinggreyfromthedarknessabovesuddenlyintothelightoftheroom.
Iwillescapefromthehollowroom,theboxoflight,
Andbeoutinthebewilderingdarkness,whichisalwaysfecund,whichmight
Matemyhungrysoulwithagermofitswomb.
Iwillgoouttothenight,asamangoesdowntotheshore
Todrawhisnetthroughthesurfsthinline,atthedawnbefore
Thesunwarmsthesea,little,lonelyandsad,siftingthesobbingtide.
Iwillsiftthesurfthatedgesthenight,withmynet,thefour
Strandsofmyeyesandmylipsandmyhandsandmyfeet,siftingthestore
Offlotsamuntilmysoulistiredorsatisfied.
Iwillcatchinmyeyesquicknet
Thefacesofallthewomenastheygopast,
Bendoverthemwithmysoul,tocherishthewet
Cheeksandwethairamoment,saying:Isityou?
Lookingearnestlyunderthedarkumbrellas,heldfast
Againstthewind;andif,wherethelamplightblew
Itsrainyswillaboutus,sheansweredme
Withalaughandamerrywildnessthatitwasshe
Whowasseekingme,andhadfoundmeatlasttofree
Menowfromthestuntingbondsofmychastity,
HowgladIshouldbe!
Movingalonginthemysteriousebbofthenight
Passthemenwhoseeyesareshutlikeanemonesinadarkpool;
Whydonttheyopenwithvisionandspeaktome,whathavetheyinsight?
WhydoIwanderaimlessamongthem,desirousfool?
Icanalwayslingeroverthehuddledbooksonthestalls,
Alwaysgladdenmyamorousfingerswiththetouchoftheirleaves,
Alwayskneelincourtshiptotheshelvesinthedoorways,wherefalls
Theshadow,alwaysoffermyselftoonemistress,whoalwaysreceives.
Butoh,itisnotenough,itisallnogood.
ThereissomethingIwanttofeelinmyrunningblood,
SomethingIwanttotouch;Imustholdmyfacetotherain,
Imustholdmyfacetothewind,andletitexplain
Meitslifeasithurriesinsecret.
Iwilltrailmyhandsagainthroughthedrenched,coldleaves
Tillmyhandsarefullofthechillnessandtouchofleaves,
Tillatlengththeyinducemetosleep,andtoforget.
88
Scent of Irises
Afaint,sickeningscentofirises
Persistsallmorning.Hereinajaronthetable
Afineproudspikeofpurpleirises
Risingabovetheclass-roomlitter,makesmeunable
Toseetheclasssliftedandbendedfaces
Saveinabrokenpattern,amidpurpleandgoldandsable.
Icansmellthegorgeousbog-end,initsbreathless
Dazzleofmay-blobs,whenthemarigoldglareovercastyou
Withfireonyourcheeksandyourbrowandyourchinasyoudipped
Yourfaceinthemarigoldbunch,totouchandcontrastyou,
Yourowndarkmouthwiththebridalfaintlady-smocks,
Dissolvedonthegoldensorceryyoushouldnotoutlast.
Youamidthebog-endsyellowincantation,
Yousittinginthecowslipsofthemeadowabove,
Me,yourshadowonthebog-flame,flowerymay-blobs,
Mefulllengthinthecowslips,mutteringyoulove;
You,yoursoullikealady-smock,lost,evanescent,
Youwithyourfaceallrich,likethesheenofadove.
Youarealwaysasking,doIremember,remember
Thebutter-cupbog-endwheretheflowersroseup
Andkindledyouoverdeepwithacastofgold?
Youaskagain,dothehealingdayscloseup
Theopendarknesswhichthendrewusin,
Thedarkwhichthendrankupourbrimmingcup.
Youuponthedry,deadbeech-leaves,inthefireofnight
Burntlikeasacrifice;youinvisible;
Onlythefireofdarkness,andthescentofyou!
Andyes,thankGod,itstillispossible
Thehealingdaysshallclosethedarknessup
Whereinwefaintedlikeasmokeordew.
Likevapour,dew,orpoison.Now,thankGod,
Thefireofnightisgone,andyourfaceisash
Indistinguishableonthegrey,chillday;
Thenighthadburstusout,atlastthegood
Darkfireburnsonuntroubled,withoutclash
OfyouuponthedeadleavessayingmeYea.
89
Search for Truth

Searchfornothinganymore,nothing
excepttruth.
Beverystill,andtryandgetatthetruth.
Andthefirstquestiontoaskyourselfis:
HowgreataliaramI?
90
Self-pity
Ineversawawildthing
sorryforitself.
Asmallbirdwilldropfrozendeadfromabough
withouteverhavingfeltsorryforitself.
91
Service of all the Dead

Betweentheavenuesofcypresses,
Allintheirscarletcloaks,andsurplices
Oflinen,gothechauntingchoristers,
Thepriestsingoldandblack,thevillagers.
Andallalongthepathtothecemetery
Theround,darkheadsofmencrowdsilently
Andblack-scarvedfacesofwomen-folk,wistfully
Watchatthebannerofdeath,andthemystery.
Andatthefootofagraveafatherstands
Withsunkenhead,andforgotten,foldedhands;
Andatthefootofagraveawomankneels
Withpaleshutface,andneitherhearsnotfeels
Thecomingofthechauntingchoristers
Betweentheavenuesofcypresses,
Thesilenceofthemanyvillagers,
Thecandle-flamesbesidethesurplices.
92
Silence
SinceIlostyouIamsilence-haunted,
Soundswavetheirlittlewings
Amoment,theninwearinesssettle
Onthefloodthatsoundlessswings.
Whetherthepeopleinthestreet
Likepatteringripplesgoby,
Orwhetherthetheatresighsandsighs
Withaloud,hoarsesigh:
Orthewindshakesaraveloflight
Overthedead-blackriver,
Ornightslastechoing
Makesthedaybreakshiver:
Ifeelthesilencewaiting
Totakethemallupagain
Initsvastcompleteness,enfolding
Thesoundofmen.
93
Snake
Asnakecametomywater-trough
Onahot,hotday,andIinpyjamasfortheheat,
Todrinkthere.
Inthedeep,strange-scentedshadeofthegreatdarkcarob-tree
Icamedownthestepswithmypitcher
Andmustwait,muststandandwait,fortherehewasatthetroughbefore
me.
Hereacheddownfromafissureintheearth-wallinthegloom
Andtrailedhisyellow-brownslacknesssoft-bellieddown,overtheedgeof
thestonetrough
Andrestedhisthroatuponthestonebottom,
Andwherethewaterhaddrippedfromthetap,inasmallclearness,
Hesippedwithhisstraightmouth,
Softlydrankthroughhisstraightgums,intohisslacklongbody,
Silently.
Someonewasbeforemeatmywater-trough,
AndI,likeasecondcomer,waiting.
Heliftedhisheadfromhisdrinking,ascattledo,
Andlookedatmevaguely,asdrinkingcattledo,
Andflickeredhistwo-forkedtonguefromhislips,andmusedamoment,
Andstoopedanddrankalittlemore,
Beingearth-brown,earth-goldenfromtheburningbowelsoftheearth
OnthedayofSicilianJuly,withEtnasmoking.
Thevoiceofmyeducationsaidtome
Hemustbekilled,
ForinSicilytheblack,blacksnakesareinnocent,thegoldarevenomous.
Andvoicesinmesaid,Ifyouwereaman
Youwouldtakeastickandbreakhimnow,andfinishhimoff.
ButmustIconfesshowIlikedhim,
HowgladIwashehadcomelikeaguestinquiet,todrinkatmywater-trough
Anddepartpeaceful,pacified,andthankless,
Intotheburningbowelsofthisearth?
Wasitcowardice,thatIdarednotkillhim?Wasitperversity,thatIlongedtotalkto
him?Wasithumility,tofeelsohonoured?
Ifeltsohonoured.
Andyetthosevoices:
<i>Ifyouwerenotafraid,youwouldkillhim!</i>
AndtrulyIwasafraid,Iwasmostafraid,Butevenso,honouredstillmore
Thatheshouldseekmyhospitality
Fromoutthedarkdoorofthesecretearth.
Hedrankenough
Andliftedhishead,dreamily,asonewhohasdrunken,
Andflickeredhistonguelikeaforkednightontheair,soblack,
94
Seemingtolickhislips,
Andlookedaroundlikeagod,unseeing,intotheair,
Andslowlyturnedhishead,
Andslowly,veryslowly,asifthriceadream,
Proceededtodrawhisslowlengthcurvinground
Andclimbagainthebrokenbankofmywall-face.
Andasheputhisheadintothatdreadfulhole,
Andasheslowlydrewup,snake-easinghisshoulders,andenteredfarther,
Asortofhorror,asortofprotestagainsthiswithdrawingintothathorridblackhole,
Deliberatelygoingintotheblackness,andslowlydrawinghimselfafter,
Overcamemenowhisbackwasturned.
Ilookedround,Iputdownmypitcher,
Ipickedupaclumsylog
Andthrewitatthewater-troughwithaclatter.
Ithinkitdidnothithim,
Butsuddenlythatpartofhimthatwasleftbehindconvulsedinundignifiedhaste.
Writhedlikelightning,andwasgone
Intotheblackhole,theearth-lippedfissureinthewall-front,
Atwhich,intheintensestillnoon,Istaredwithfascination.
AndimmediatelyIregrettedit.
Ithoughthowpaltry,howvulgar,whatameanact!
Idespisedmyselfandthevoicesofmyaccursedhumaneducation.
AndIthoughtofthealbatross
AndIwishedhewouldcomeback,mysnake.
Forheseemedtomeagainlikeaking,
Likeakinginexile,uncrownedintheunderworld,
Nowduetobecrownedagain.
Andso,Imissedmychancewithoneofthelords
Oflife.
AndIhavesomethingtoexpiate:
Apettiness.
95
Snap-Dragon
Shebademefollowtohergardenwhere
Themellowsunlightstoodasinacup
Betweentheoldgreywalls;Ididnotdare
Toraisemyface,Ididnotdarelookup
Lestherbrighteyeslikesparrowsshouldflyin
Mywindowsofdiscoveryandshrill'Sin!'
Sowithadowncastmienandlaughingvoice
Ifollowed,followedtheswingofherwhitedress
Thatrockedinaliltalong:Iwatchedthepoise
Ofherfeetastheyflewforaspace,thenpausedtopress
Thegrassdeepdownwiththeroyalburdenofher:
AndgladlyI'dofferedmybreasttothetreadofher.
'Iliketosee,'shesaid,andshecrouchedherdown,
Shesunkintomysightlikeasettlingbird;
Andherbosomcrouchedintheconfinesofhergown
Likeheavybirdsatrestthere,softlystirred
Byhermeasuredbreaths:'Iliketosee,'saidshe,
'Thesnap-dragonputouthistongueatme.'
Shelaughed,shereachedherhandouttotheflower
Closingitscrimsonthroat:myownthroatinherpower
Strangled,myheartswelledupsofull
Asifitwouldburstitswineskininmythroat,
Chokemeinmyowncrimson;Iwatchedherpull
Thegorgeofthegapingflower,tilltheblooddidfloat
OvermyeyesandIwasblind-Herlargebrownhandstretchedover
Thewindowsofmymind,
AndinthedarkIdiddiscover
ThingsIwasouttofind:
Mygrail,abrownbowltwined
Withswollenveinsthatmetinthewrist,
Underwhosebrowntheamethyst
Ilongedtotaste:andIlongedtoturn
Myheart'sredmeasureinhercup,
Ilongedtofeelmyhotbloodburn
Withthelambentamethystinhercup.
Thensuddenlyshelookedup
AndIwasblindinatawny-goldday
Tillshetookhereyesaway.Soshecamedownfromabove
Andemptiedmyheartoflove...
SoIhelfmyheartaloft
Tothecuckoothatflutteredabove,
Andshesettledsoft.
ItseemedthatIandthemorningworld
Werepressedcup-shapetotakethisreiver
96
Birdwhowaswearytohavefurled
Herwingsonus,
Aswewerewearytoreceiveher:
Thisbird,thisrich
Sumptuouscentralgrain,
Thismutablewitch,
Thisonerefrain,
Thislaughinthefight,
Thisclotoflight,
Thiscoreofnight.
Shespoke,andIclosedmyeyes
Toshuthallucinationsout.
Iechoedwithsurprise
Hearingmymerelipsshout
Theanswertheydiddevise.
Again,Isawabrownbirdhover
Overtheflowersatmyfeet;
Ifeltabrownbirdhover
Overmyheart,andsweet
Itsshadowlayonmyheart.
IthoughtIsawontheclover
Abrownbeepullingapart
Theclosedfleshoftheclover
Andburrowingintoitsheart.
Shemovedherhand,andagain
Ifeltthebrownbirdhover
Overmyheart...andthen
Thebirdcamedownonmyheart,
Asonanesttherover
Cuckoocomes,andshovesover
Thebrimeachcarefulpart
Oflove,takespossessionandsettlesdown,
Withherwingsandherfeathersdoesdrown
Thenestinaheatoflove.
Sheturnedherflushedfacetomefortheglint
Ofamoment.'See,'shelaughed,'ifyoualso
Canmakethemyawn.'Iputmyhandtothedint
Intheflower'sthroat,andtheflowergapedwidewithwoe.
Shewatched,shewentofasuddenintenselystill,
Shewatchedmyhand,andIletherwatchherfill.
Ipressedthewretched,throttledflowerbetween
Myfingers,tillitsheadlayback,itsfangs
Poisedather:likeaweaponmyhandstoodwhiteandkeen,
AndIheldthechokedflower-serpentinitspangs
Ofmordantanguishtillsheceasedtolaugh,
Untilherpride'sflag,smitten,cleaveddowntothestaff.
97
Shehidherface,shemurmuredbetweenherlips
Thelowword'Don't!'Ilettheflowerfall,
Butheldmyhandafloatstilltowardstheslips
Ofblossomshefingered,andmycrispfingersall
Putforthtoher:shedidnotmove,norI,
Formyhandlikeasnakewatchedhersthatcouldnotfly.
ThenIlaughedinthedarkofmyheart,Ididexult
Likeasuddenchucklingofmusic:Ibadehereyes
Meetmine,Iopenedherhelplesseyestoconsult
Theirfear,theirshame,theirjoythatunderlies
Defeatinsuchabattle:inthedarkofhereyes
Myheartwasfiercetomakeherlaughterrise...
Tillherdarkdeepsshookwithconvulsivethrills,andthedark
Ofherspiritwaveredlikewaterthrilledwithlight,
Andmyheartleapedupinlongingtoplungeitsstark
Fervourwithinthepoolofhertwilight:
Withinherspaciousgloom,inthemystery
Ofherbarbaroussoul,togropewithecstasy.
AndIdonotcarethoughthelargehandsofrevenge
Shallgetmythroatatlast--shallgetitsoon,
Ifthejoythattheyareliftedtoavenge
Haverisenredonmynightasaharvestmoon,
WhichevenDeathcanonlyputoutforme,
AnddeathIknowisbeterthannot-to-be.
98
Sorrow
Whydoesthethingreystrand
Floatingupfromtheforgotten
Cigarettebetweenmyfingers,
Whydoesittroubleme?
Ah,youwillunderstand;
WhenIcarriedmymotherdownstairs,
Afewtimesonly,atthebeginning
Ofhersoft-footmalady,
Ishouldfind,forareprimand
Tomygaiety,afewlonggreyhairs
Onthebreastofmycoat;andonebyone
Iletthemfloatupthedarkchimney.
99
Study
Somewherethelongmellownoteoftheblackbird
Quickenstheunclaspinghandsofhazel,
Somewherethewind-flowersflingtheirheadsback,
Stirredbyanimpetuouswind.Somewaysll
Allbesweetwithwhiteandblueviolet.
(Hushnow,hush.WhereamI?Biuret)
Onthegreenwoodsedgeashygirlhovers
Fromoutofthehazel-screenontothegrass,
Wherewheelingandscreamingthepetulantplovers
Wavefrighted.Whocomes?Alabourer,alas!
Ohthesunsetswimsinhereyesswiftpool.
(Work,work,youfool!)
Somewherethelamphanginglowfromtheceiling
Lightsthesofthairofagirlasshereads,
Andtheredfirelightsteadilywheeling
Weavesthehardhandsofmyfriendinsleep.
Andthewhitedogsnuffsthewarmth,appealing
Forthemantoheedlestthegirlshallweep.
(Tearsanddreamsforthem;forme
Bittersciencetheexamsarenear.
IwishIboreitmorepatiently.
Iwishyoudidnotwait,mydear,
Formetocome:sinceworkImust:
Thoughitsallthesamewhenwearedead.
IwishIwasonlyabust,
Allhead.)
100
Submergence
Whenalongthepavement,
Palpitatingflamesoflife,
Peopleflickerroundme,
Iforgetmybereavement,
Thegapinthegreatconstellation,
Theplacewhereastarusedtobe.
Nay,thoughthepole-star
Isblownoutlikeacandle,
Andalltheheavensarewanderingindisarray,
Yetwhenpleiadsofpeopleare
Deployedaroundme,andIsee
ThestreetslongoutstretchedMilkyWay,
Whenpeopleflickerdownthepavement,
Iforgetmybereavement.
101
Tease
Iwillgiveyouallmykeys,
Youshallbemychtelaine,
Youshallenterasyouplease,
Asyoupleaseshallgoagain.
WhenIhearyoujinglingthrough
Allthechambersofmysoul,
HowIsitandlaughatyou
Inyourvainhousekeepingrle.
Jealousofthesmallestcover,
Angryatthesimplestdoor;
Well,youanxious,inquisitivelover,
Areyoupleasedwithwhat'sinstore?
Youhavefingeredallmytreasures,
Haveyounot,mostcuriously,
Handledallmytoolsandmeasures
Andmasculinemachinery?
Overeverysinglebeauty
Youhavehadyourlittlerapture;
Youhaveslain,aswasyourduty,
Everysin-mouseyoucouldcapture.
Stillyouarenotsatisfied,
Stillyoutremblefaintreproach;
ChallengemeIkeepaside
Secretsthatyoumaynotbroach.
Maybeyes,andmaybeno,
Maybetherearesecretplaces,
Altarsbarbarousbelow,
Elsewherehallsofhighdisgraces.
Maybeyes,andmaybeno,
Youmayhaveitasyouplease,
SinceIchoosetokeepyouso,
Suppliantonyourcuriousknees.
102
The Bride
Mylovelookslikeagirlto-night,
Butsheisold.
Theplaitsthatliealongherpillow
Arenotgold,
Butthreadedwithfiligreesilver,
Anduncannycold.
Shelookslikeayoungmaiden,sinceherbrow
Issmoothandfair,
Hercheeksareverysmooth,hereyesareclosed.
Shesleepsarare
Stillwinsomesleep,sostill,andsocomposed.
Nay,butshesleepslikeabride,anddreamsherdreams
Ofperfectthings.
Sheliesatlast,thedarling,intheshapeofherdream,
Andherdeadmouthsings
Byitsshape,likethethrushesinclearevenings.
103
The Deepest Sensuality

Theprofoundestofallsensualities
isthesenseoftruth
andthenextdeepestsensualexperience
isthesenseofjustice.
104
The Elephant Is Slow to Mate

Theelephant,thehugeoldbeast,
isslowtomate;
hefindsafemale,theyshownohaste
theywait
forthesympathyintheirvastshyhearts
slowly,slowlytorouse
astheyloiteralongtheriver-beds
anddrinkandbrowse
anddashinpanicthroughthebrake
offorestwiththeherd,
andsleepinmassivesilence,andwake
together,withoutaword.
Soslowlythegreathotelephanthearts
growfullofdesire,
andthegreatbeastsmateinsecretatlast,
hidingtheirfire.
Oldesttheyareandthewisestofbeasts
sotheyknowatlast
howtowaitfortheloneliestoffeasts
forthefullrepast.
Theydonotsnatch,theydonottear;
theirmassiveblood
movesasthemoon-tides,near,morenear
tilltheytouchinflood.
105
The End
IfIcouldhaveputyouinmyheart,
IfbutIcouldhavewrappedyouinmyself,
HowgladIshouldhavebeen!
Andnowthechart
Ofmemoryunrollsagaintome
Thecourseofourjourneyhere,beforewehadtopart.
Andoh,thatyouhadnever,neverbeen
Someofyourselves,mylove,thatsome
OfyourseveralfacesIhadneverseen!
Andstilltheycomebeforeme,andtheygo,
AndIcryaloudinthemomentsthatintervene.
Andoh,mylove,asIrockforyouto-night,
Andhavenotanylongeranyhope
Tohealthesuffering,ormakerequite
Forallyourlifeofaskinganddespair,
Iownthatsomeofmeisdeadto-night.
106
The Enkindled Spring

Thisspringasitcomesburstsupinbonfiresgreen,
Wildpuffingofemeraldtrees,andflame-filledbushes,
Thorn-blossomliftinginwreathsofsmokebetween
Wherethewoodfumesupandthewatery,flickeringrushes.
Iamamazedatthisspring,thisconflagration
Ofgreenfireslitonthesoiloftheearth,thisblaze
Ofgrowing,andsparksthatpuffinwildgyration,
Facesofpeoplestreamingacrossmygaze.
AndI,whatfountainoffireamIamong
Thisleapingcombustionofspring?Myspiritistossed
Aboutlikeashadowbuffetedinthethrong
Offlames,ashadowthatsgoneastray,andislost.
107
The Gods! The Gods!

Peoplewerebathingandposturingthemselvesonthebeach,
andallwasdreary,greatrobotlimbs,robotbreasts,
robotvoices,roboteventhegayumbrellas.
Butawoman,shyandalone,waswashingherselfunderatapandtheglimmerofthe
presenceofthegodswaslike
lilies,andlikewater-lilies.
108
The Hands of the Betrothed

Hertawnyeyesareonyxofthoughtlessness,
Hardenedtheyarelikegemsinancientmodesty;
Yea,andhermouthsprudentandcrudecaress
Meansevenlessthanhermanywordstome.
Thoughherkissbetraysmealsothis,thisonly
Consolation,thatinherlipsherbloodatclimaxclips
Twowild,dumbpawsinanguishonthelonely
Fruitofmyheart,eredown,rebuked,itslips.
Iknowfromherhardenedlipsthatstillherheartis
Hungryforme,yetifIputmyhandinherbreast
Sheputsmeaway,likeasaleswomanwhosemartis
Endangeredbythepilfereronhisquest.
Butherhandsarestillthewoman,thelarge,stronghands
Heavierthanmine,yetlikeleveretscaughtinsteel
WhenIholdthem;mystillsoulunderstands
Theirdumbconfessionofwhathersortmustfeel.
Forneverherhandscomenighmebuttheylift
Likeheavybirdsfromthemorningstubble,tosettle
Uponmelikesleepingbirds,likebirdsthatshift
Uneasilyintheirsleep,disturbingmymettle.
Howcaressinglyshelaysherhandonmyknee,
Howstrangelyshetriestodisownit,asitsinks
Inmyfleshandboneandforagesintome,
Howitstirslikeasubtlestoat,whatevershethinks!
AndoftenIseeherclenchherfingerstight
Andthrustherfistssuppressedinthefoldsofherskirt;
Andsometimes,howshegraspsherarmswithherbright
Bighands,asifsurelyherarmsdidhurt.
AndIhaveseenherstandallunaware
Pressingherspreadhandsoverherbreasts,asshe
Wouldcrushtheirmoundsonherheart,tokillinthere
Thepainthatishersimpleacheforme.
Herstronghandstakemypart,thepartofaman
Toher;shecrushesthemintoherbosomdeep
WhereIshouldlie,andwithherownstrongspan
Closesherarms,thatshouldfoldmeinsleep.
Ah,andsheputsherhandsuponthewall,
Pressesthemthere,andkissesherbrighthands,
Thenletsherblackhairloose,thedarknessfall
Aboutherfromhermaiden-foldedbands.
Andsitsinherowndarknightofherbitterhair
DreamingGodknowsofwhat,fortomeshesthesame
109
Betrothedyoungladywholovesme,andtakescare
Ofherwomanlyvirtueandofmygoodname.
110
The Inheritance
Sinceyoudiddepart
Outofmyreach,mydarling,
Intothehidden,
Iseeeachshadowstart
Withrecognition,andI
Amwonder-ridden.
Iamdazedwiththefarewell,
ButIscarcelyfeelyourloss.
Youleftmeagift
Oftongues,sotheshadowstell
Methings,andsilencestoss
Metheirdrift.
Yousentmeaclovenfire
Outofdeath,anditburnsinthedraught
Ofthebreathinghosts,
Kindlesthedarkeningpyre
Forthesorrowful,tillstrangebrandswaft
Likecandidghosts.
Formafterform,inthestreets
Waveslikeaghostalong,
Kindledtome;
Thestarabovethehouse-topgreets
Meeveryevewithalong
Songfierily.
Alldaylong,thetown
Glimmerswithsubtleghosts
Goingupanddown
Inacommon,prison-likedress;
Buttheirdauntedlookingflickers
Tome,andIanswer,Yes!
SoIamnotlonelynorsad
Althoughbereavedofyou,
Mylittlelove.
Imoveamongakinsfolkclad
Withwords,butthedreamshowsthrough
Astheymove.
111
The Mystic Blue

Outofthedarkness,frettedsometimesinitssleeping,
Jetsofsparksinfountainsofbluecomeleaping
Tosight,revealingasecret,numberlesssecretskeeping.
Sometimesthedarknesstrappedwithinawheel
Runsintospeedlikeadream,theblueofthesteel
Showingtherockingdarknessnowa-reel.
Andoutoftheinvisible,streamsofbrightbluedrops
Rainfromtheshoweryheavens,andbrightbluecrops
Surgefromtheunder-darktotheirladder-tops.
Andallthemanifoldblueandjoyouseyes,
Therainbowarchingoverintheskies,
Newsparksofwonderopeninginsurprise.
Allthesepurethingscomefoamandsprayofthesea
OfDarknessabundant,whichshakenmysteriously,
Breaksintodazzleofliving,asdolphinsthatleapfromthesea
Ofmidnightshakeittofire,sothesecretofdeathwesee.
112
The Prophet
Ah,mydarling,whenoverthepurplehorizonshallloom
Theshroudedmotherofanewidea,menhidetheirfaces,
Cryoutandfendheroff,assheseeksherprocreantgroom,
Woundingthemselvesagainsther,denyingherfecundembraces.
113
The Punisher
Ihavefetchedthetearsupoutofthelittlewells,
Scoopedthemupwithsmall,ironwords,
Drippingovertherunnels.
Theharsh,coldwindofmywordsdroveon,andstill
Iwatchedthetearsontheguiltycheekoftheboys
Glitterandspill.
CringingPity,andLove,white-handed,came
HoveringabouttheJudgmentwhichstoodinmyeyes,
Whirlingaflame.
.......
Thetearsaredry,andthecheeksyoungfruitsarefresh
Withlaughter,andcleartheexoneratedeyes,sincepain
Beatthroughtheflesh.
TheAngelofJudgmenthasdepartedagaintotheNearness.
DesolateIamasachurchwhoselightsareputout.
Andnightentersindrearness.
Thefireroseupinthebushandblazedapace,
Thethorn-leavescrackledandtwistedandsweatedinanguish;
ThenGodlefttheplace.
Likeaflowerthatthefrosthashuggedandletgo,myhead
Isheavy,andmyheartbeatsslowly,laboriously,
Mystrengthisshed.
114
The Revolutionary
Lookatthemstandingthereinauthority
Thepale-faces,
Asifitcouldhaveanyeffectanymore.
Pale-faceauthority,
Caryatids,
Pillarsofwhitebronzestandingrigid,lesttheskiesfall.
Whatajobthey'vegottokeepitup.
Theirpoor,idealistforeheadsnakedcapitals
Totheentablatureofcloudedheaven.
Whentheskiesaregoingtofall,falltheywill
Inagreatchuteandrushofdbcledownwards.
OhandIwishthehighandsuper-gothicheavenswouldcomedownnow,
Theheavensabove,thatweyearntoandaspireto.
Idonotyearn,noraspire,forIamablindSamson.
AndwhatisdaylighttomethatIshouldlookskyward?
OnlyIgropeamongyou,pale-faces,caryatids,asamongaforestofpillarsthathold
upthedomeofhighidealheaven
Whichismyprison,
Andallthesehumanpillarsofloftiness,goingstiff,metallic-stunnedwiththeweight
oftheirresponsibility
Istumbleagainstthem.
Stumbling-blocks,painfulones.
Tokeeponholdingupthisidealcivilisation
Mustbeexcruciating:unlessyoustiffenintometal,whenitiseasiertostandstock
rigidthantomove.
ThisiswhyItugatthem,individually,withmyarmroundtheirwaist
Thehumanpillars.
TheyarenotstrongerthanIam,blindSamson.
Thehousesways.
Ishallbesogladwhenitcomesdown.
IamsotiredofthelimitationsoftheirInfinite.
IamsosickofthepretensionsoftheSpirit.
Iamsowearyofpale-faceimportance.
AmInotblind,attheround-turningmill?
ThenwhyshouldIfeartheirpalefaces?
Orlovetheeffulgenceoftheirholylight,
Thesunoftheirrighteousness?
Tome,allfacesaredark,
Alllipsareduskyandvalved.
Saveyourlips,Opale-faces,
Whichareslipsofmetal,
115
Likeslitsinanautomatic-machine,youcolumnsofgive-and-take.
Tome,theearthrollsponderously,superbly
Comingmywaywithoutforethoughtorafterthought.
Tome,men'sfootfallsfallwithadull,softrumble,ominousandlovely,
Comingmyway.
Butnotyourfoot-falls,pale-faces,
Theyareaclicketingofbitsofdisjointedmetal
Workinginmotion.
Tome,menarepalpable,invisiblenearnessesinthedark
Sendingoutmagneticvibrationsofwarning,pitch-darkthrobsofinvitation.
Butyou,pale-faces,
Youarepainful,harsh-surfacedpillarsthatgiveoffnothingexceptrigidity,
AndIjutagainstyouifItrytomove,foryouareeverywhere,andIamblind,
Sightlessamongallyourvisuality,
Youstaringcaryatids.
SeeifIdon'tbringyoudown,andallyourhighopinion
Andallyourponderousroofed-inerectionofrightandwrong
Yourparticularheavens,
Withasmash.
Seeifyourskiesaren'tfalling!
Andmyhead,atleast,isthickenoughtostandit,thesmash.
SeeifIdon'tmoveunderadarkandnude,vastheaven
Whenyourworldisinruins,underyourfallenskies.
Caryatids,pale-faces.
SeeifIamnotLordofthedarkandmovinghosts
BeforeIdie.
116
The Ship of Death

I
Nowitisautumnandthefallingfruit
andthelongjourneytowardsoblivion.
Theapplesfallinglikegreatdropsofdew
tobruisethemselvesanexitfromthemselves.
Anditistimetogo,tobidfarewell
toone'sownself,andfindanexit
fromthefallenself.
II
Haveyoubuiltyourshipofdeath,Ohaveyou?
Obuildyourshipofdeath,foryouwillneedit.
Thegrimfrostisathand,whentheappleswillfall
thick,almostthundrous,onthehardenedearth.
Anddeathisontheairlikeasmellofashes!
Ah!can'tyousmellit?
Andinthebruisedbody,thefrightenedsoul
findsitselfshrinking,wincingfromthecold
thatblowsuponitthroughtheorifices.
III
Andcanamanhisownquietusmake
withabarebodkin?
Withdaggers,bodkins,bullets,mancanmake
abruiseorbreakofexitforhislife;
butisthataquietus,Otellme,isitquietus?
Surelynotso!forhowcouldmurder,evenself-murder
everaquietusmake?
IV
Oletustalkofquietthatweknow,
thatwecanknow,thedeepandlovelyquiet
ofastrongheartatpeace!
Howcanwethis,ourownquietus,make?
V
Buildthentheshipofdeath,foryoumusttake
thelongestjourney,tooblivion.
Anddiethedeath,thelongandpainfuldeath
117
thatliesbetweentheoldselfandthenew.
Alreadyourbodiesarefallen,bruised,badlybruised,
alreadyoursoulsareoozingthroughtheexit
ofthecruelbruise.
Alreadythedarkandendlessoceanoftheend
iswashinginthroughthebreachesofourwounds,
Alreadythefloodisuponus.
Ohbuildyourshipofdeath,yourlittleark
andfurnishitwithfood,withlittlecakes,andwine
forthedarkflightdownoblivion.
VI
Piecemealthebodydies,andthetimidsoul
hasherfootingwashedaway,asthedarkfloodrises.
Wearedying,wearedying,weareallofusdying
andnothingwillstaythedeath-floodrisingwithinus
andsoonitwillriseontheworld,ontheoutsideworld.
Wearedying,wearedying,piecemealourbodiesaredying
andourstrengthleavesus,
andoursoulcowersnakedinthedarkrainovertheflood,
coweringinthelastbranchesofthetreeofourlife.
VII
Wearedying,wearedying,soallwecando
isnowtobewillingtodie,andtobuildtheship
ofdeathtocarrythesoulonthelongestjourney.
Alittleship,withoarsandfood
andlittledishes,andallaccoutrements
fittingandreadyforthedepartingsoul.
Nowlaunchthesmallship,nowasthebodydies
andlifedeparts,launchout,thefragilesoul
inthefragileshipofcourage,thearkoffaith
withitsstoreoffoodandlittlecookingpans
andchangeofclothes,
upontheflood'sblackwaste
uponthewatersoftheend
upontheseaofdeath,wherestillwesail
darkly,forwecannotsteer,andhavenoport.
Thereisnoport,thereisnowheretogo
onlythedeepeningblacknessdarkeningstill
blackeruponthesoundless,ungurglingflood
darknessatonewithdarkness,upanddown
118
andsidewaysutterlydark,sothereisnodirectionanymore
andthelittleshipisthere;yetsheisgone.
Sheisnotseen,forthereisnothingtoseeherby.
Sheisgone!gone!andyet
somewheresheisthere.
Nowhere!
VIII
Andeverythingisgone,thebodyisgone
completelyunder,gone,entirelygone.
Theupperdarknessisheavyasthelower,
betweenthemthelittleship
isgone
Itistheend,itisoblivion.
IX
Andyetoutofeternityathread
separatesitselfontheblackness,
ahorizontalthread
thatfumesalittlewithpalloruponthedark.
Isitillusion?ordoesthepallorfume
Alittlehigher?
Ahwait,wait,forthere'sthedawn
thecrueldawnofcomingbacktolife
outofoblivion
Wait,wait,thelittleship
drifting,beneaththedeathlyashygrey
ofaflood-dawn.
Wait,wait!evenso,aflushofyellow
andstrangely,Ochilledwansoul,aflushofrose.
Aflushofrose,andthewholethingstartsagain.
X
Thefloodsubsides,andthebody,likeawornsea-shell
emergesstrangeandlovely.
Andthelittleshipwingshome,falteringandlapsing
onthepinkflood,
andthefrailsoulstepsout,intothehouseagain
fillingtheheartwithpeace.
Swingstheheartrenewedwithpeace
evenofoblivion.
Ohbuildyourshipofdeath.Ohbuildit!
119
foryouwillneedit.
Forthevoyageofoblivionawaitsyou.
120
The Song of a Man Who has Come Through

NotI,notI,butthewindthatblowsthroughme!
AfinewindisblowingthenewdirectionofTime.
IfonlyIletitbearme,carryme,ifonlyitcarryme!
IfonlyIamsensitive,subtle,oh,delicate,awingedgift!
Ifonly,mostlovelyofall,Iyieldmyselfandamborrowed
Bythefine,finewindthattakesitscoursethoughthechaosoftheworld
Likeafine,andexquisitechisel,awedge-bladeinserted;
IfonlyIamkeenandhardlikethesheertipofawedge
Divenbyinvisiblesplit,weshallcomeatthewonder,weshallfindtheHesperides.
Oh,forthewonderthatbubblesintomysoul,
Iwouldbeagoodfountain,agoodwell-head,
Wouldblurnowhisper,spoilnoexpression.
Whatistheknocking?
Whatistheknockingatthedoorinthenight?
It'ssomebodywantstodousharm.
No,no,itisthethreestrangeangels.
Admitthem,admitthem.
121
The Virgin Mother

Mylittlelove,mydarling,
Youwereadoorwaytome;
Youletmeoutoftheconfines
Intothisstrangecountrie,
Wherepeoplearecrowdedlikethistles,
Yetareshapelyandcomelytosee.
Mylittlelove,mydearest
Twicehaveyouissuedme,
Oncefromyourwomb,sweetmother,
Oncefrommyself,tobe
Freeofallhearts,mydarling,
Ofeachheartshome-lifefree.
Andso,mylove,mymother,
Ishallalwaysbetruetoyou;
TwiceIamborn,mydearest,
Tolife,andtodeath,inyou;
Andthisisthelifehereafter
WhereinIamtrue.
Ikissyougood-bye,mydarling,
Ourwaysaredifferentnow;
Youareaseedinthenight-time,
Iamaman,toplough
Thedifficultglebeofthefuture
ForGodtoendow.
Ikissyougood-bye,mydearest,
Itisfinishedbetweenushere.
Oh,ifIwerecalmasyouare,
Sweetandstillonyourbier!
OGod,ifIhadnottoleaveyou
Alone,mydear!
Letthelastwordbeuttered,
Ohgrantthefarewellissaid!
Sparemethestrengthtoleaveyou
Nowyouaredead.
Imustgo,butmysoullieshelpless
Besideyourbed.
122
The Wild Common

Thequicksparksonthegorsebushesareleaping,
Littlejetsofsunlight-textureimitatingflame;
Abovethem,exultant,thepeewitsaresweeping:
Theyarelordsofthedesolatewastesofsadnesstheirscreamingsproclaim.
Rabbits,handfulsofbrownearth,lie
Low-roundedonthemournfulgrasstheyhavebittendowntothequick.
Aretheyasleep?--Aretheyalive?--Nowsee,whenI
Movemyarmsthehillburstsandheavesundertheirspurtingkick.
Thecommonflauntsbravely;butbelow,fromtherushes
Crowdsofglitteringking-cupssurgetochallengetheblossomingbushes;
Therethelazystreamletpushes
Itscuriouscoursemildly;hereitwakesagain,leaps,laughs,andgushes.
Intoadeeppond,anoldsheep-dip,
Dark,overgrownwithwillows,cool,withthebrookebbingthroughsoslow,
Nakedonthesteep,softlip
OfthebankIstandwatchingmyownwhiteshadowquiveringtoandfro.
Whatifthegorseflowersshrivelledandkissingwerelost?
Withoutthepulsingwaters,wherewerethemarigoldsandthesongsofthebrook!
Ifmyveinsandmybreastswithloveembossed
Withered,myinsolentsoulwouldbegonelikeflowersthatthehotwindtook.
Somysoullikeapassionatewomanturns,
Filledwithremorsefulterrortothemanshescorned,andherlove
Formyselfinmyowneyes'laughterburns,
Runsecstaticoverthepliantfoldsripplingdowntomybellyfromthebreast-lights
above.
Overmysunlitskinthewarm,clingingair,
Richwiththesongsofsevenlarkssingingatonce,goeskissingmeglad.
Andthesoulofthewindandmybloodcompare
Theirwanderinghappiness,andthewind,wastedinliberty,driftsonandissad.
Ohbutthewaterlovesmeandfoldsme,
Playswithme,swaysme,liftsmeandsinksmeasthoughitwerelivingblood,
Bloodofaheavingwomanwhoholdsme,
Owningmysupplebodyararegladthing,supremelygood.
123
Thought
Thought,Ilovethought.
Butnotthejugglingandtwistingofalreadyexistentideas
Idespisethatself-importantgame.
Thoughtisthewellingupofunknownlifeintoconsciousness,
Thoughtisthetestingofstatementsonthetouchstoneofconsciousness,
Thoughtisgazingontothefaceoflife,andreadingwhatcanberead,
Thoughtisponderingoverexperience,andcomingtoconclusion.
Thoughtisnotatrick,oranexercise,orasetofdodges,
Thoughtisamaninhiswholeness,whollyattending.
124
To Women As Far As I'm Concerned

ThefeelingsIdon'thaveIdon'thave.
ThefeelingIdon'thave,Iwon'tsayIhave.
Thefeelingsyousayyouhave,youdon'thave.
Thefeelingsyouwouldlikeusbothtohave,weneitherofushave.
Thefeelingspeopleoughttohave,theyneverhave.
Ifpeoplesaythey'vegotfeelings,youmaybeprettysuretheyhaven'tgotthem.
Soifyouwanteitherofustofeelanythingatall
You'dbetterabandonallideasoffeelingsaltogether.
125
Tortoise Family Connections

Onhegoes,thelittleone,
Budoftheuniverse,
Pedimentoflife.
Settingoffsomewhere,apparently.
Whitheraway,briskegg?
Hismotherdepositedhimonthesoilasifhewerenomorethandroppings,
Andnowhescufflestinilypastherasifshewereanoldrustytin.
Amereobstacle,
Heveersroundtheslowgreatmoundofher-Tortoisesalwaysforeseeobstacles.
Itisnousemysayingtohiminanemotionalvoice:
'ThisisyourMother,shelaidyouwhenyouwereanegg.'
Hedoesnoteventroubletoanswer:'Woman,whathaveItodowiththee?'
Hewearilylookstheotherway,
Andsheevenmorewearilylooksanotherwaystill,
Eachwiththeutmostapathy,
Incognisant,
Unaware,
Nothing.
Asforpapa,
HesnapswhenIofferhimhisoffspring,
JustashesnapswhenIpokeabitofstickathim,
Becauseheisirasciblethismorning,anirascibletortoise
Beingtouchedwithlove,anddevoidoffatherliness.
Fatherandmother,
Andthreelittlebrothers,
Andallramblingaimless,likelittleperambulatingpebblesscatteredinthegarden,
Notknowingeachotherfrombitsofearthoroldtins.
Exceptthatpapaandmamaareoldacquaintances,ofcourse,
Thoughfamilyfeelingthereisnone,noteventhebeginnings.
Fatherless,motherless,brotherless,sisterless
Littletortoise.
Rowonthen,smallpebble,
Overtheclodsoftheautumn,wind-chilledsunshine,
Younggaiety.
Doeshelookforacompanion?
No,no,don'tthinkit.
Hedoesn'tknowheisalone;
Isolationishisbirthright,
Thisatom.
126
Torowforward,andreachhimselftallonspinytoes,
Totravel,toburrowintoalittlelooseearth,afraidofthenight,
Tocropalittlesubstance,
Tomove,andtobequitesurethatheismoving:
Basta!
Tobeatortoise!
Thinkofit,inagardenofinertclods
Abrisk,brindledlittletortoise,alltohimself-Adam!
Inagardenofpebblesandinsects
Toroam,andfeeltheslowheartbeat
Tortoise-wise,thefirstbellsounding
Fromthewarmblood,inthedark-creationmorning.
Moving,andbeinghimself,
Slow,andunquestioned,
Andinordinatelythere,Ostoic!
Wanderingintheslowtriumphofhisownexistence,
Ringingthesoundlessbellofhispresenceinchaos,
Andbitingthefrailgrassarrogantly,
Decidedlyarrogantly.
127
Tortoise Gallantry
Makinghisadvances
Hedoesnotlookather,norsniffather,
No,notevensniffather,hisnoseisblank.
Onlyhesensesthevulnerablefoldsofskin
Thatworkbeneathherwhileshesprawlsalong
Inherungainlypace,
Herfoldsofskinthatworkandrow
Beneaththeearth-soiledhovelinwhichshemoves.
Andsohestrainsbeneathherhouseywall,
Andcatcheshertrouser-legsinhisbeak
Suddenly,orherskinnylimb,
Andstrangeandgrimlydragsather
Likeadog,
Onlyagelesslysilent,withareptile'sawfulpersistency.
Grim,gruesomegallantry,towhichheisdoomed.
Draggedoutofaneternityofsilentisolation
Anddoomedtopartiality,partialbeing,
Ache,andwantofbeing,
Want,
Self-exposure,hardhumiliation,needtoaddhimselfontoher.
Borntowalkalone,
Fore-runner,
Nowsuddenlydistractedintothismazyside-track,
Thisawkward,harrowingpursuit,
Thisgrimnecessityfromwithin.
Doessheknow
Asshemoveseternallyslowlyaway?
Orishedrivenagainstherwithabang,likeabirdflyinginthedarkagainstawindow,
Allknowledgeless?
Theawfulconcussion,
Andthestillmoreawfulneedtopersist,tofollow,follow,continue,
Driven,afteraeonsofpristine,fore-god-likesinglenessandoneness,
Attheendofsomemysterious,red-hotiron,
Drivenawayfromhimselfintohertracks,
Forcedtocrashagainsther.
Stiff,gallant,irascible,crook-leggedreptile,
Littlegentleman,
Sorryplight,
Weoughttolooktheotherway.
Savethat,havingcomewithyousofar,
Wewillgoontotheend.
128
Tortoise Shell
TheCross,theCross
Goesdeeperinthanweknow,
Deeperintolife;
Rightintothemarrow
Andthroughthebone.
Alongthebackofthebabytortoise
Thescalesarelockedinanarchlikeabridge,
Scale-lapping,likealobster'ssections
Orabee's.
Thencrosswaysdownhissides
Tiger-stripesandwasp-bands.
Five,andfiveagain,andfiveagain,
Androundtheedgestwenty-fivelittleones,
Thesectionsofthebabytortoiseshell.
Four,andakeystone;
Four,andakeystone;
Four,andakeystone;
Thentwenty-four,andatinylittlekeystone.
ItneededPythagorastoseelifeplayingwithcountersonthelivingback
Ofthebabytortoise;
Lifeestablishingthefirsteternalmathematicaltablet,
Notinstone,liketheJudeanLord,orbronze,butinlife-clouded,life-rosytortoiseshell.
Thefirstlittlemathematicalgentleman
Stepping,weemite,inhisloosetrousers
Underalltheeternaldomeofmathematicallaw.
Fives,andtens,
Threesandfoursandtwelves,
Allthevoltefaceofdecimals,
Thewhirligigofdozensandthepinnacleofseven.
Turnhimonhisback,
Thekickinglittlebeetle,
Andthereagain,onhisshell-tender,earth-touchingbelly,
Thelongcleavageofdivision,uprightoftheeternalcross
Andoneithersidecountfive,
Oneachside,twoabove,oneachside,twobelow
Thedarkbarhorizontal.
TheCross!
Itgoesrightthroughhim,thesprottlinginsect,
Throughhiscross-wiseclovenpsyche,
Throughhisfive-foldcomplex-nature.
Soturnhimoveronhistoesagain;
Fourpin-pointtoes,andaproblematicalthumb-piece,
Fourrowinglimbs,andonewedge-balancinghead,
129
Fourandonemakesfive,whichisthecluetoallmathematics.
TheLordwroteitalldownonthelittleslate
Ofthebabytortoise.
Outwardandvisibleindicationoftheplanwithin,
Thecomplex,manifoldinvolvednes,sofanindividualcreature
Plottedout
Onthissmallbird,thisrudiment,
Thislittledome,thispediment
Ofallcreation,
Thisslowone.
130
Tortoise Shout
Ithoughthewasdumb,
Isaidhewasdumb,
YetI'veheardhimcry.
Firstfaintscream,
Outoflife'sunfathomabledawn,
Faroff,sofar,likeamadness,underthehorizon'sdawningrim,
Far,faroff,farscream.
Tortoiseinextremis.
Whywerewecrucifiedintosex?
Whywerewenotleftroundedoff,andfinishedinourselves,
Aswebegan,
Ashecertainlybegan,soperfectlyalone?
Afar,was-it-audiblescream,
Ordiditsoundontheplasmdirect?
Worsethanthecryofthenew-born,
Ascream,
Ayell,
Ashout,
Apan,
Adeath-agony,
Abirth-cry,
Asubmission,
Alltiny,tiny,faraway,reptileunderthefirstdawn.
War-cry,triumph,acute-delight,death-screamreptilian,
Whywastheveiltorn?
Thesilkenshriekofthesoul'stornmembrane?
Themalesoul'smembrane
Tornwithashriekhalfmusic,halfhorror.
Crucifixion.
Maletortoise,cleavingbehindthehovel-wallofthatdensefemale,
Mountedandtense,spread-eagle,out-reachingoutoftheshell
Intortoise-nakedness,
Longneck,andlongvulnerablelimbsextruded,spread-eagleoverherhouse-roof,
Andthedeep,secret,all-penetratingtailcurvedbeneathherwalls,
Reachingandgrippingtense,morereachinganguishinuttermosttension
Tillsuddenly,inthespasmofcoition,tuppinglikeajerkingleap,andoh!
Openingitsclenchedfacefromhisoutstretchedneck
Andgivingthatfragileyell,thatscream,
Super-audible,
Fromhispink,cleft,old-man'smouth,
Givinguptheghost,
OrscreaminginPentecost,receivingtheghost.
Hisscream,andhismoment'ssubsidence,
Themomentofeternalsilence,
131
Yetunreleased,andafterthemoment,thesudden,startlingjerkofcoition,andatonce
Theinexpressiblefaintyell-Andsoon,tillthelastplasmofmybodywasmeltedback
Totheprimevalrudimentsoflife,andthesecret.
Sohetups,andscreams
Timeaftertimethatfrail,tornscream
Aftereachjerk,thelongishinterval,
Thetortoiseeternity,
Agelong,reptilianpersistence,
Heart-throb,slowheart-throb,persistentforthenextspasm.
Iremember,whenIwasaboy,
Iheardthescreamofafrog,whichwascaughtwithhisfootinthemouthofan
up-startingsnake;
IrememberwhenIfirstheardbull-frogsbreakintosoundinthespring;
Irememberhearingawildgooseoutofthethroatofnight
Cryloudly,beyondthelakeofwaters;
Irememberthefirsttime,outofabushinthedarkness,anightingale'spiercingcries
andgurglesstartledthedepthsofmysoul;
IrememberthescreamofarabbitasIwentthroughawoodatmidnight;
Iremembertheheiferinherheat,blortingandblortingthroughthehours,persistent
andirrepressible;
Iremembermyfirstterrorhearingthehowlofweird,amorouscats;
Irememberthescreamofaterrified,injuredhorse,thesheet-lightning
Andrunningawayfromthesoundofawomaninlabor,somethinglikeanowlwhooing,
Andlisteninginwardlytothefirstbleatofalamb,
Thefirstwailofaninfant,
Andmymothersingingtoherself,
Andthefirsttenorsingingofthepassionatethroatofayoungcollier,whohaslong
sincedrunkhimselftodeath,
Thefirstelementsofforeignspeech
Onwilddarklips.
Andmorethanallthese,
Andlessthanallthese,
Thislast,
Strange,faintcoitionyell
Ofthemaletortoiseatextremity,
Tinyfromundertheveryedgeofthefarthestfar-offhorizonoflife.
Thecross,
Thewheelonwhichoursilencefirstisbroken,
Sex,whichbreaksupourintegrity,oursingleinviolability,ourdeepsilence
Tearingacryfromus.
Sex,whichbreaksusintovoice,setsuscallingacrossthedeeps,calling,callingforthe
complement,
Singing,andcalling,andsingingagain,beinganswered,havingfound.
Torn,tobecomewholeagain,afterlongseekingforwhatislost,
ThesamecryfromthetortoiseasfromChrist,theOsiris-cryofabandonment,
132
Thatwhichiswhole,tornasunder,
Thatwhichisinpart,findingitswholeagainthroughouttheuniverse.
133
Trees in the Garden

Ahinthethunderair
howstillthetreesare!
Andthelime-tree,lovelyandtall,everyleafsilent
hardlyloosesevenalastbreathofperfume.
Andtheghostly,creamycolouredlittletreeofleaves
white,ivorywhiteamongtheramblinggreens
howevanescent,variegatedelder,shehesitatesonthegreengrass
asif,inanothermoment,shewoulddisappear
withallhergraceoffoam!
Andthelarchthatisonlyacolumn,itgoesuptootalltosee:
andthebalsam-pinesthatarebluewiththegrey-bluebluenessof
thingsfromthesea,
andtheyoungcopperbeech,itsleavesred-rosyattheends
howstilltheyaretogether,theystandsostill
inthethunderair,allstrangerstooneanother
asthegreengrassglowsupwards,strangersinthesilentgarden.
134
Troth with the Dead

Themoonisbrokenintwain,andhalfamoon
Beforemeliesonthestill,palefloorofthesky;
Theotherhalfofthebrokencoinoftroth
Isburiedawayinthedark,wherethestilldeadlie.
Theyburiedherhalfinthegravewhentheylaidheraway;
Ihadpusheditgentlyinamongthethickofherhair
Whereitgatheredtowardstheplait,onthatverylastday;
Andlikeamooninsecretitisshiningthere.
Myhalfshinesinthesky,forageneralsign
OfthetrothwiththedeadIpledgedmyselftokeep;
Turningitsbrokenedgetothedark,itshinesindeed
Likethesignofaloverwhoturnstothedarkofsleep.
Againstmyhearttheinviolatesleepbreaksstill
Indarkenedwaveswhosebreakingechoesoer
Thewonderingworldofmywakefulday,tillImlost
InthemidstoftheplacesIknewsowellbefore.
135
Virgin Youth
Nowandagain
Allmybodyspringsalive,
Andthelifethatispolarisedinmyeyes,
Thatquiversbetweenmyeyesandmouth,
Flieslikeawildthingacrossmybody,
Leavingmyeyeshalf-empty,andclamorous,
Fillingmystillbreastswithaflushandaflame,
Gatheringthesoftripplesbelowmybreast
Intourgent,passionatewaves,
Andmysoft,slumberingbelly
Quiveringawakewithoneimpulseofdesire,
Gathersitselffiercelytogether;
Andmydocile,fluentarms
Knottingthemselveswithwildstrength
Toclaspwhattheyhaveneverclasped.
ThenItremble,andgotrembling
Underthewild,strangetyrannyofmybody,
Tillithasspentitself,
Andtherelentlessnodalityofmyeyesreassertsitself,
Tilltheburstenfloodoflifeebbsbacktomyeyes,
Backfrommybeautiful,lonelybody
Tiredandunsatisfied.
136
We are Transmitters
Aswelive,wearetransmittersoflife.
Andwhenwefailtotransmitlife,lifefailstoflowthroughus.
Thatispartofthemysteryofsex,itisaflowonwards.
Sexlesspeopletransmitnothing.
Andif,aswework,wecantransmitlifeintoourwork,
life,stillmorelife,rushesintoustocompensate,tobeready
andweripplewithlifethroughthedays.
Evenifitisawomanmakinganappledumpling,oramanastool,
iflifegoesintothepudding,goodisthepudding
goodisthestool,
contentisthewoman,withfreshliferipplingintoher,
contentistheman.
Give,anditshallbegivenuntoyou
isstillthetruthaboutlife.
Butgivinglifeisnotsoeasy.
Itdoesn'tmeanhandingitouttosomemeanfool,orlettingthelivingdeadeatyouup.
Itmeanskindlingthelife-qualitywhereitwasnot,
evenifit'sonlyinthewhitenessofawashedpocket-handkerchief.
137
Week-Night Service
Thefiveoldbells
Arehurryingandeagerlycalling,
Imploring,protesting
Theyknow,butclamorouslyfalling
Intogabblingincoherence,neverresting,
Likespatteringshowersfromaburstensky-rocketdropping
Insplashesofsound,endlessly,neverstopping.
Thesilvermoon
Thatsomebodyhasspunsohigh
Tosettlethequestion,yesorno,hascaught
Inthenetofthenightsballoon,
Andsitswithasmoothblandsmileupthereinthesky
Smilingatnaught,
Unlessthewinkingstarthatkeepshercompany
Makeslittlejestsatthebellsinsanity,
Asifheknewaught!
ThepatientNight
Sitsindifferent,huggedinherrags,
Sheneitherknowsnorcares
Whytheoldchurchsobsandbrags;
Thelightdistresseshereyes,andtears
Heroldbluecloak,asshecrouchesandcoversherface,
Smiling,perhaps,ifweknewit,atthebellsloudclatteringdisgrace.
Thewiseoldtrees
Droptheirleaveswithafaint,sharphissofcontempt,
Whileacarattheendofthestreetgoesbywithalaugh;
Asbydegrees
Thepoorbellscease,andtheNightisexempt,
Andthestarscanchaff
Theironicmoonattheirease,whilethedimoldchurch
Ispeopledwithshadowsandsoundsandghoststhatlurch
Initscenotaph.
138
Whales Weep Not!

Theysaytheseaiscold,buttheseacontains
thehottestbloodofall,andthewildest,themosturgent.
Allthewhalesinthewiderdeeps,hotarethey,astheyurge
onandon,anddivebeneaththeicebergs.
Therightwhales,thesperm-whales,thehammer-heads,thekillers
theretheyblow,theretheyblow,hotwildwhitebreathoutofthesea!
Andtheyrock,andtheyrock,throughthesensualagelessages
onthedepthsofthesevenseas,
andthroughthesalttheyreelwithdrunkdelight
andinthetropicstrembletheywithlove
androllwithmassive,strongdesire,likegods.
Thenthegreatbullliesupagainsthisbride
inthebluedeepofthesea
asmountainpressingonmountain,inthezestoflife:
andoutoftheinwardroaringoftheinnerredoceanofwhaleblood
thelongtipreachesstrong,intense,likethemaelstrom-tip,andcomestorest
intheclaspandthesoft,wildclutchofashe-whale'sfathomlessbody.
Andoverthebridgeofthewhale'sstrongphallus,linkingthewonderofwhales
theburningarchangelsundertheseakeeppassing,backandforth,
keeppassingarchangelsofbliss
fromhimtoher,fromhertohim,greatCherubim
thatwaitonwhalesinmid-ocean,suspendedinthewavesofthesea
greatheavenofwhalesinthewaters,oldhierarchies.
Andenormousmotherwhalesliedreamingsucklingtheirwhale-tenderyoung
anddreamingwithstrangewhaleeyeswideopeninthewatersofthebeginningand
theend.
Andbull-whalesgathertheirwomenandwhale-calvesinaring
whendangerthreatens,onthesurfaceoftheceaselessflood
andrangethemselveslikegreatfierceSeraphimfacingthethreat
encirclingtheirhuddledmonstersoflove.
andallthishappinessinthesea,inthesalt
whereGodisalsolove,butwithoutwords:
andAphroditeisthewifeofwhales
mosthappy,happyshe!
andVenusamongthefishesskipsandisashe-dolphin
sheisthegay,delightedporpoisesportingwithloveandthesea
sheisthefemaletunny-fish,roundandhappyamongthemales
anddensewithhappyblood,darkrainbowblissinthesea.
139
Willy Wet-Leg
IcantstandWillyWet-Leg,
Cantstandhimatanyprice.
Hesresigned,andwhenyouhithim
heletsyouhithimtwice.
140
Worm Either Way

Ifyoulivealongwithalltheotherpeople
andarejustlikethem,andconform,andarenice
you'rejustaworm-andifyoulivewithalltheotherpeople
andyoudon'tlikethemandwon'tbelikethemandwon'tconform
thenyou'rejustthewormthathasturned,
ineithercase,aworm.
Theconformingwormstaysjustinsidetheskin
respectablyunseen,andcheerfullygnawsawayattheheartoflife,
makingitallrotteninside.
Theunconformingworm--thatis,thewormthathasturned-gnawsjustthesame,gnawingthesubstanceoutoflife,
butheinsistsongnawingalittleholeinthesocialepidermis
andpokinghisheadoutandwavinghimself
andsaying:Lookatme,Iamnotrespectable,
Idoallthethingsthebourgeoisdaren'tdo,
Iboozeandfornicateandusefoullanguageanddespiseyourhonestman.-Butwhyshouldthewormthathasturnedprotestsomuch?
Thebonniebonniebourgeoisgoesa-whoringupbackstreetsjustthesame.
Thebusybusybourgeoisimbibeshislittleshare
justthesame
ifnotmore.
Theprettyprettybourgeoispinkshislanguagejustaspink
ifnotpinker,
andinprivateboastshisexploitsevenlouder,ifyouaskme,
thantheother.
Whileastohonesty,Ohlookwherethemoneylies!
SoIcan'tseewherethewormthathasturnedputsanythingover
thewormthatistoocunningtoturn.
Onthecontrary,hemerelygiveshimselfaway.
Theturnedwormshouts.Ibravelybooze!
theothersays.Haveonewithme!
Theturnedwormboasts:Icopulate!
theunturnedsays:Youlookit.
You'read-----b-----b-----p-----bb-----,saysthewormthat'sturned.
Quite!saystheother.Cuckoo!
141

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Classic Poetry Series

David Herbert Lawrence

David Herbert Lawrence (11 September 1885 2 March

A Baby Asleep after Pain

A Baby Running Barefoot

After Many Days

Ballad of Another Ophelia

Beautiful Old Age

Brother and Sister

Craving for Spring

Cruelty and Love

Firelight and Nightfall

Giorno dei Morti

How Beastly the Bourgeois Is

If You are a Man

In Trouble and Shame

Last Words to Miriam

Lies About Love

Lotus Hurt by the Cold

Meeting Among the Mountains

New Year's Eve

Search for Truth

Service of all the Dead

The Deepest Sensuality

The Elephant Is Slow to Mate

The Enkindled Spring

The Gods! The Gods!

The Hands of the Betrothed

The Mystic Blue

The Ship of Death

The Song of a Man Who has Come Through

The Virgin Mother

The Wild Common

To Women As Far As I'm Concerned

Tortoise Family Connections

Trees in the Garden

Troth with the Dead

Whales Weep Not!

Worm Either Way

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