Hold me in abeyance, O life! Let not
The bitter waters rush on, nor rusted
Thorns obscure the rose, nor gnarled oaks rot;
I am the bearer of hope, entrusted
To give the Earth her due; to sky betrothed
And in sea entangled, in purpose clear,
My frail body bears not in full the cost
Of its duty, yet still does plant, does rear
The seed in beauty’s care; O, if I could
But rest a bit, might I to strength return
And conquer death? No! To life I am lured
Like a drowsy god who with longing burns.
Onward, then, my flayed soul to pain exposed
That poets, waves, and birds their song compose.

Written on Wednesday, January 24, 2018