To Eva Descending The Stair

Clocks cry: stillness is a lie, my dear;

The wheels revolve, the universe keeps running.

(Proud you halt upon the spiral stair.)

The asteroids turn traitor in the air,

And planets plot with old elliptic cunning;

Clocks cry: stillness is a lie, my dear.

Red the unraveled rose sings in your hair:

Blood springs eternal if the heart be burning.

(Proud you halt upon the spiral stair.)

Cryptic stars wind up the atmosphere,

In solar schemes the titled suns go turning;

Clocks cry: stillness is a lie, my dear.

Loud the immortal nightingales declare:

Love flames forever if the flesh be yearning.

(Proud you halt upon the spiral stair.)

Circling zodiac compels the year.

Intolerant beauty never will be learning.

Clocks cry: stillness is a lie, my dear.

(Proud you halt upon the spiral stair.)