Words for the Chisel (collection)/Dissonance Then Silence

by Genevieve Taggard

Dissonance Then Silence

Both being cowards, and pulses ice,
Knowing each the other's paradise;

Wanton with anguish and wry bliss—
Bruised the too great love with a death's kiss;

As eyes closed cruel-blind, and ecstasy
Weeping and ceasing to weep, went free

To come again in circles, lessening.
But widening the span of ancient pain:

There being pain for tasting paradise.
And pain for lack of it; pain twice;

And the last pain: to see the flying moon,
To be immobile and to make no moan.