If One Allowed

I would, if one allowed, like nothing more

Than to wait upon the poem's descent

Settling in a space above the mind,

To see it formed, as when a veil is rent

And ravishing beauty revealed to the naked eye,

Etched in gold with ruby overlaid

As if a view of some divinity

Too perfect to be looked upon by man,

A radiant god whose voice like music calls

In metred pulse the human heart to love,

Before whose beauty our beauty palls.

This would I write nor pause for errant thought

To add its imperfection to a line

Thinking itself master of the form,

To certainly improve, perhaps refine,

No effort spare in twisting words awry.

I would be calm and in the calmness wait.

If nothing came with the passing of the hours

Joy still would rule and I not hesitate

To live my days communing with the flowers.