The iron harp that Adam christened Life ...

The iron harp that Adam christened Life

The iron harp that Adam christened Life

Drips haunting tones into the brazen bowl

That Satan’s wife

Grips close between her heavy naked thighs.

(Her burning eyes

Tell of each god to whom she paid hard toll.)

An endless monotone of single notes

That ne’er began and nevermore shall end

Across the seas in dim metallics floats

The years to blend.

And they that bear the harp revere their lords,

The blind uncertain gods that smite the chords.

Like some Manchurian gong of keenest jade

Into the brazen bowl the brazen tones

Drum out a hard scintillant cannonade

As in a skull were shaken precious stones.

And she who holds the bowl still knows the spur

Of they who smite the harp and ravish her.