Page:Body of This Death.djvu/26

 the old sign. I invoke you, Chastity. Life moves no more A breeze of flame. Alike upon the ground Struck by the same withering Lie the fruitful and the barren branch. Alike over them Closes the mould. I call upon you, Who have not known you; I invoke you, Stranger though I be. Against this blackened heart I hold your offerings— Water, and a stone.

In this ravaged country, In this season not yours, You having no season, I call upon you without echo. Hear me, infertile, Beautiful futility. [ 12 ]