I′ve dropped my Brain –
My Soul is numb –
The Veins that used to run
Stop palsied – ′tis Paralysis
Done perfecter in stone –

Vitality is Carved and
cool –
My nerve in marble lies –
A Breathing Woman
Yesterday – endowed with
Paradise.

Not dumb – I had a
sort that moved –
A Sense that smote
and stirred –
Instincts for Dance –
a caper part –
An Aptitude for Bird –

 ¦

Who wrought Carrara
in me
And chiselled all
my tune
Were it a witchcraft –
were it Death –
I′ve still a chance
to strain

To Being, somewhere –
Motion – Breath –
Though Centuries beyond,
And every limit a
Decade –
I′ll shiver, satisfied.