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.