Friday, November 29, 2024

Note by Note in the Rings of Coiling Eyes

            And who do you think did Penelope,

                the One Who Envelops with Eyes,

                give birth to Pan of Cloven Hoof?

 

There is beholding that enwraps

like a python’s thorough, seizing

thread—coiling round its knots

that thieve and win one’s breath.

 

There is beholding that wraps about

whom they love like the air turning

bright as it rings its smarting flame

which whip and well in winding waves.

 

That’s how lolling nymphs of old

used to worry and ride and must

have lapped sea beasts’ pliant necks,

 

and kingdoms rose, and kingdoms fell.

Thus, the living caduceus twines and

welds its rings to make a tuning wand.

No comments:

Post a Comment